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Friday 1 October 2021
Justice Department Awards Nearly $4.2 Million in Grants to State of LouisianaRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and Bureau of Statistics have awarded $4,192,789 collectively to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement is a foundation located in Baton Rouge dedicated to improving the operations of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and to promoting public safety by providing progressive leadership and coordination within the criminal justice community.
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is a Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, administering the state's scholarship and grant programs, and the state's Internal Revenue Code Section 529 college savings program.
Grantees will use funds to:
- support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions;
- assist state and local governments in developing and implementing substance abuse treatment programs in state and local correctional and detention facilities and to create and maintain community-based residential, jail-based, and aftercare services for offenders;
- continue working on coming into compliance with PREA Standards in order to better protect individuals from sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement facilities; and
- provide student loan repayment assistance for local, state, and federal public defenders and local and state prosecutors who commit to extended service in those roles and who have the least ability to repay their loans.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Meth Trafficking at Camdenton HotelRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of possessing methamphetamine to distribute.
Anthony Martinez Harris, 48, was found guilty on Wednesday, Sept. 29, of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
On Sept. 26, 2019, employees at the Sleep Inn on Highway 54 called Camdenton, Mo., police officers to remove Harris from the property. When officers arrived and contacted Harris, hotel staff used a key card to open the hotel room door because Harris’s key card had been deactivated. When they opened the door, officers saw a large amount of cash on the room’s bed and a line of cocaine on the coffee table.
Harris was questioned by a Camden County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy who arrived to assist the officers. When officers searched the room they found an oblong object wrapped in camouflage fabric, which Harris identified as C-4 explosive. Officers immediately contacted the Missouri State Highway patrol bomb squad and began evacuating the hotel. The substance was later determined not to be an explosive.
After the area was deemed safe, officers searched Harris’s hotel room and found a bag in a dresser drawer that contained approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, a bag on one of the beds that contained approximately seven grams of cocaine, a Ziploc bag on another bed that contained 18 bags of approximately 37 grams of heroin/opiates, a Dollar General bag on the same bed that contained approximately 224 grams of methamphetamine, a Ziploc bag on the bed that contained small bags of marijuana, and a brown leather bag that contained 10 tablets of Oxycodone Hydrochloride, nine Ziploc bags that each contained approximately one gram of heroin/opiates, and a Ziploc bag that contained approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Officers also found a Springfield Armory sub-compact 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine, a Glock 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine, a Glock .40-caliber handgun and a loaded magazine, additional ammunition, $11,259, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Officers also searched Harris’s vehicle and found a Black Dawn Armory custom-made AR-15-style .223-caliber rifle loaded with a 30-round magazine in the trunk. Officers also found a plastic bag that contained an assortment of approximately 500 ecstasy tablets and additional ammunition in the vehicle.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Wednesday, Sept. 29, ending a trial that started on Monday, Sept. 28.
Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Richenberger. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Camden County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Camdenton, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group,
Jefferson Parish Man Charged with 3 Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ZACHARY VERDIN, age 29, of Marrero, Louisiana, was charged with three counts of Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to Count One of the bill of information, on or about July 19, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Capital One Bank located at 1867 Barataria Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $521 in the robbery. According to Count Two of the bill of information, on or about July 26, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Chase Bank located at 1425 North Broad Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $1,000 in that robbery. According to Count Three of the bill of information, on or about August 2, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Regions Bank located at 313 Westbank Expressway in Gretna, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $12,540 in that robbery.
If convicted on any of the charged offenses, VERDIN faces a maximum of twenty years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison. VERDIN also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as to each count.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and officers with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.
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Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin, Fentanyl, and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brendan Farver, 26, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, the defendant bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, in addition he brokered deals for other drug dealers in and around the Jamestown area. Farver utilized Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking activities, frequently communicating with others to procure and to sell the illegal substances. In May 2020, the Conewango Township Police Department conducted undercover purchases of heroin from the defendant on two different occasions.
On July 31, 2020, Farver brought heroin/fentanyl to an associate identified as K.T. at the individual’s residence on Victoria Avenue in Jamestown. The two then injected the heroin/fentanyl. The following morning, August 1, 2020, at approximately 11:27 a.m., the Jamestown Police Department responded to K.T.’s residence for a reported overdose investigation, where officers discovered K.T., deceased. An autopsy concluded that K.T. would not have died, but for the use of heroin containing fentanyl and that K.T.'s death was the result of an accidental fatal overdose of fentanyl.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., before Judge Skretny.
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Instagram Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 19+ YearsRead the Press Release
A drug trafficker who advertised narcotics on Instagram and Telegram was sentenced yesterday to more than 19 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Ricardo Rosas Garcia, the 24-year-old leader of an Irving drug trafficking ring, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced Thursday to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle.
According to plea papers, Mr. Rosas admitted his organization used the social media handles “Ricky Rosas,” “rickyrosastv3,” and “rickyrosastc6” to hawk controlled substances and firearms.
After receiving numerous complaints from Irving-area high schools, the Irving Police Department identified Mr. Rosas and conducted 14 undercover buys of cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, TCH and other drugs advertised on his account, including one from Mr. Rosas himself. They also negotiated with Mr. Rosas to purchase a black .40 caliber Beretta handgun, which an associate delivered to an undercover agent.
Mr. Rosas was arrested on Aug. 1, 2020, with a two-tone green and black Glock in his pocket. After his arrest, he made numerous phone calls to coconspirators, providing them with his account passwords to continue the advertisement and sale of illegal narcotics.
Three of Mr. Rosas’ coconspirators also pleaded guilty:
- Anthony Isaac Ventura, 20, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to possess with intent to contribute controlled substances and was sentenced in August to 57 months in federal prison.
- Addiel Isaias Portillo, 25, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to contribute controlled substances and was sentenced in yesterday to 36 months in federal prison.
- Uziel Hernandez, 26, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to contribute controlled substances. His sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 7.
At sentencing, prosecutors presented evidence that this group had been tied to violent crime in Irving and was involved in illegal firearm sales. They also knowingly employed several juveniles as young as 15 years old to sell drugs for them around the metroplex, and put the lives in danger by publishing on social media the names of individuals they believed to be cooperating with the government.
Irving Police Detectives testified at sentencing about the negative impact Mr. Rosas and his coconspirators had on the community and the importance of these arrests to the citizens of Irving.
The Irving Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myria Boehm prosecuted the case.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Sept. 30 was:
Michael Wayne Divis, 58, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious charges, Divis faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Divis was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-60.
Aspen Renee Newbreast, 24, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newbreast faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug counts and a mandatory minimum five years to life consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm count. Newbreast was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-35.
Appearing on Sept. 28 was:
Dawan Deonte Jones, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jones faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jones was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-55.
Joshua Paul Jordan, 28, of Billings, on charges of accessing with intent to view child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jordan faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Jordan was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-72.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston on a criminal complaint on Sept. 28 was:
Moises Zamora, 37, of Box Elder, on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zamora faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zamora was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Hill County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-64.
Appearing on an indictment was:
Hiram Wayne Evans, 38, of Great Falls, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Evans faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release. Evans was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-67.
Grant James Lockhart, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lockhart faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lockhart was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-46.
Appearing on an indictment on Sept. 30 was:
Maynard Wayne Bigleggins, 24, of Wolf Point, on charges of sexual assault of a minor and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bigleggins faces a mandatory minimum one year to 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine and at least six years of supervised release. Bigleggins was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-44.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on September 30, 2021, WILSON ROMERO, age 55, of Katy, Texas, pled to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
According to court documents, during a traffic stop on May 6, 2019, ROMERO was found with 994 grams of heroin hidden in a vacuum cleaner in the trunk of his vehicle. ROMERO subsequently admitted that he had paid $32,000 for the heroin and was trafficking it from Houston to New Orleans.
ROMERO faces a sentence of between 5 years and 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe set sentencing for January 6, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Louisiana State Police in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO age 46, was charged on September 30, 2021 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO (“CABRERA”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on May 15, 2009. If convicted, CABRERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Grand Jury - September 2021Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 18 unsealed Indictments charging 22 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Wendy J. Bailey, age 66, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I – IV charge Bailey with mail fraud beginning on or about June 9, 2020 and continuing to on or about August 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nolan B. Balfour, age 32, and Maegan L. Balfour, age 30, both of Nehawka, Nebraska, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Nolan Balfour with bank fraud beginning on or about January 1, 2016 and continuing to on or about January 31, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Nolan Balfour with bank fraud beginning on or about September 1, 2014 and continuing to on or about February 28, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges both defendants with a false bankruptcy declaration beginning on or about August 16, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Wesley S. Cassidy, age 26, of Wallace, Nebraska, is charged with armed bank robbery of the Flatwater Bank in Gothenburg, Nebraska on or about August 19, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 25 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Dallas Faamausili, age 35, of Renton, Washington, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment
* Cody Lee Fischer, age 49, and Lukas Allen Vogt, age 28, both of Guttenberg, Iowa, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Fischer and Vogt with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about August 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $20,000,000 fine, a ten-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges Fischer with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about August 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive to Count I, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment
* Joseph W. Higgins, age 63, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Higgins with cyberstalking between on or about December 1, 2018 and continuing to on or about June 4, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with interstate transmission of threat to kidnap or injure person between on or about May 1, 2019 and continuing to on or about May 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Anthony Dwayne Jackson, age 38, is charged in a seven-count Indictment. Counts I through III charge Jackson with distribution of methamphetamine after a prior serious drug felony on or about January 21, 2021 and continuing through February 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a six-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine after prior serious drug felony on or about March 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, an $8,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts V and VI charge the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine after prior serious drug felony on two dates in March, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a ten-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VII charges the defendant with distribution of methamphetamine after prior serious drug felony on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a six-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jessica A. Lovering, age 29, of Omaha, and Courtney Laparele Clark, age 35, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Lovering and Clark with conspiracy to pass and utter forged treasury checks from on or about March 21, 2021 continuing to on or about May 20, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with passing and uttering forged treasury checks on or about March 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendants with passing and uttering forged treasury checks on or about April 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brandon Terrell Davis, age 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Davis with distribution of cocaine and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on or about August 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of cocaine and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on or about August 16, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Oliver J. Glass, age 46, of Fremont, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Glass with cyberstalking between on or about March 6, 2020 and continuing to on or about December 22, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Gregg N. Grant, age 37, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Grant with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about August 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with being a felon in possession of a firearm following a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence on or about August 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Richard Allen Knight, age 51, is charged with possession of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct beginning from on or about May 2, 2021 and continuing to on or about June 29, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, and $22,000 in additional special assessments.
* Marco Antonio Mejia, age 46, is charged with reentry of a removed alien after having been convicted of a felony on or about August 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Mendes Hernandez a/k/a Jose F. Mejia-Guiterrez, age 25, is charged with reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated felony on or about September 16, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Amos J. Mosel, age 35, of Blue Hill, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Mosel with felon in possession of a firearm beginning on or about August 20, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession (or sale) of a stolen firearm or ammunition on or about August 20, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ross Nelson, age 47, of Grove, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Nelson with false statement in connection with Federal Crop Insurance beginning on or about December 16, 2015 and continuing to on or about January 15, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment
* Porfirio Rodriguez Reyes, age 40, is charged with reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated felony on or about September 14, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Deantra Lamar Watson, age 41, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Watson with transportation of fictitious obligations of the United States on or about September 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted 25 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of counterfeit currency on or about September 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession of a document-making implement or authorization feature on or about September 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christopher D. Weaver, age 47, is charged in a thirty-two-count Indictment. Counts I through XXXII charge Weaver with willful failure to pay over tax beginning on or about 2015 and continuing until 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Gang Member Admits Drug Trafficking, Role in Bridgeport Courthouse ShootingRead the Press Release
DESTINE CALDERON, 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in a Bridgeport gang, and his presence during a gang-related shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam occurred via videoconference.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Calderon has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. Since approximately 2017, GHB/Hotz members have been aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.
In pleading guilty, Calderon admitted that he participated in gang-related drug trafficking. He also was aware of the planning and present in a vehicle when GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse on January 27, 2020. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
Calderon also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts promoting the gang.
Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Calderon has been detained since August 6, 2020.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
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.
Founder of Russian Bank Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
The founder of a Russian bank pleaded guilty today to filing a materially false tax return.
“In 2013, when the value of Oleg Tinkov’s investment in his bank’s stock rose to over a billion dollars, Tinkov quickly renounced his U.S. citizenship and then lied to the IRS in a ploy to evade ‘exit taxes’ he knew were due,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “Today, Tinkov has entered a plea to a felony and agreed to pay more than $500 million in taxes, interest and penalties, more than double the amount of money he sought to escape paying to the U.S. Treasury through his fraudulent scheme.”
“Oleg Tinkov brazenly violated United States tax law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California. “No one who enjoys the immense benefits of United States citizenship, as Tinkov did, may avoid the corresponding obligation to support the country he chose. Tax evaders should take notice of the long reach of U.S. law enforcement.”
“Tinkov renounced his U.S. Citizenship shortly after receiving millions of dollars,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the IRS-CI Washington D.C. Field Office. “Despite his knowledge of U.S. tax reporting requirements, he substantially understated his wealth on filings with the IRS. International tax cheats remain a priority for my office and our agency; and as such, the International Tax and Financial Crimes D.C.-based group will continue to aggressively pursue those committing international tax crimes.”
According to the plea agreement, Oleg Tinkov, also known as Oleg Tinkoff, was born in Russia and became a naturalized United States citizen in 1996. From that time through 2013, he filed U.S. tax returns. In late 2005 or 2006, Tinkov founded Tinkoff Credit Services (TCS), a Russia-based branchless bank that provides its customers with online financial and banking services. Through a foreign entity, Tinkov indirectly held the majority of TCS shares.
In October 2013, TCS held an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange and became a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded company. As part of going public, Tinkov sold a small portion of his majority shareholder stake for more than $192 million, and his assets following the IPO had a fair market value of more than $1.1 billion. Three days after the successful IPO, Tinkov went to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, to relinquish his U.S. citizenship.
As part of his expatriation, Tinkov was required to file a U.S. Initial and Annual Expatriation Statement. This form requires expatriates with a net worth of $2 million or more to report the constructive sale of their assets worldwide to the IRS as if those assets were sold on the day before expatriation. The taxpayer is then required to report and pay tax on the gain from any such constructive sale.
Tinkov was told of his filing and tax obligations by both the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and his U.S.-based accountant. When asked by his accountant if his net worth was more than $2 million for purposes of filling out the expatriation form, Tinkov lied and told him he did not have assets above $2 million. When his accountant later inquired whether his net worth was under $2 million, rather than answer the question, Tinkov filled out the expatriation form himself falsely, reporting that his net worth was only $300,000. On Feb. 26, 2014, Tinkov filed a false 2013 individual tax return that falsely reported his income as only $205,317. In addition, Tinkov did not report any of the gain from the constructive sale of his property worth more than $1.1 billion, nor did he pay the applicable taxes as required by law. In total, Tinkov caused a tax loss of $248,525,339.
Tinkov was arrested on Feb. 26, 2020, in London, United Kingdom (UK), on these charge. Since that time, he has been contesting extradition on medical grounds. Tinkov has provided to the government and a court in the UK expert medical reports supporting his claim that he is undergoing a UK-based intensive treatment plan for acute myeloid leukemia and graft versus host disease, which has rendered him immunocompromised and unable to safely travel. As part of the plea, Tinkov has agreed to make the expert reports available to the court.
Tinkov’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29 before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tinkov agrees to pay no less than $506,828,377, which includes the 2013 taxes, the civil fraud penalty, and statutory interest on that tax, totaling $448,957,108 as well as tax liabilities for other years that Tinkov acknowledged he owes. Per the terms of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a custodial sentence of time served, followed by one year of supervised release, and an additional fine of $250,000. This recommendation binds the court once it accepts the plea agreement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement partners in the United Kingdom secured Tinkov’s arrest overseas.
Assistant Chief Yael T. Epstein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle J. Kane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
Founder of Russian Bank Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – The founder of a Russian bank pleaded guilty today to filing a materially false tax return.
“Oleg Tinkov brazenly violated United States tax law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California. “No one who enjoys the immense benefits of United States citizenship, as Tinkov did, may avoid the corresponding obligation to support the country he chose. Tax evaders should take notice of the long reach of U.S. law enforcement.”
“In 2013, when the value of Oleg Tinkov’s investment in his bank’s stock rose to over a billion dollars, Tinkov quickly renounced his U.S. citizenship and then lied to the IRS in a ploy to evade ‘exit taxes’ he knew were due,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “Today, Tinkov has entered a plea to a felony and agreed to pay more than $500 million in taxes, interest and penalties, more than double the amount of money he sought to escape paying to the U.S. Treasury through his fraudulent scheme.”
“Tinkov renounced his U.S. Citizenship shortly after receiving millions of dollars,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the IRS-CI Washington D.C. Field Office. “Despite his knowledge of U.S. tax reporting requirements, he substantially understated his wealth on filings with the IRS. International tax cheats remain a priority for my office and our agency; and as such, the International Tax and Financial Crimes D.C.-based group will continue to aggressively pursue those committing international tax crimes.”
According to the plea agreement, Oleg Tinkov, also known as Oleg Tinkoff, was born in Russia and became a naturalized United States citizen in 1996. From that time through 2013, he filed U.S. tax returns. In late 2005 or 2006, Tinkov founded Tinkoff Credit Services (TCS), a Russia-based branchless bank that provides its customers with online financial and banking services. Through a foreign entity, Tinkov indirectly held the majority of TCS shares.
In October 2013, TCS held an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange and became a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded company. As part of going public, Tinkov sold a small portion of his majority shareholder stake for more than $192 million, and his assets following the IPO had a fair market value of more than $1.1 billion. Three days after the successful IPO, Tinkov went to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, to relinquish his U.S. citizenship.
As part of his expatriation, Tinkov was required to file a U.S. Initial and Annual Expatriation Statement. This form requires expatriates with a net worth of $2 million or more to report the constructive sale of their assets worldwide to the IRS as if those assets were sold on the day before expatriation. The taxpayer is then required to report and pay tax on the gain from any such constructive sale.
Tinkov was told of his filing and tax obligations by both the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and his U.S.-based accountant. When asked by his accountant if his net worth was more than $2 million for purposes of filling out the expatriation form, Tinkov lied and told him he did not have assets above $2 million. When his accountant later inquired whether his net worth was under $2 million, rather than answer the question, Tinkov filled out the expatriation form himself falsely, reporting that his net worth was only $300,000. On Feb. 26, 2014, Tinkov filed a false 2013 individual tax return that falsely reported his income as only $205,317. In addition, Tinkov did not report any of the gain from the constructive sale of his property worth more than $1.1 billion, nor did he pay the applicable taxes as required by law. In total, Tinkov caused a tax loss of $248,525,339.
Tinkov was arrested on February 26, 2020, in London, United Kingdom (UK), on the charges. Since that time, he has been contesting extradition on medical grounds. Tinkov has provided to the government and a court in the UK expert medical reports supporting his claim that he is undergoing a UK-based intensive treatment plan for acute myeloid leukemia and graft versus host disease, which has rendered him immunocompromised and unable to safely travel. As part of the plea, Tinkov has agreed to make the expert reports available to the court.
Tinkov’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 29 before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tinkov agrees to pay no less than $506,828,377, which includes the 2013 taxes, the civil fraud penalty, and statutory interest on that tax, totaling $448,957,108 as well as tax liabilities for other years that Tinkov acknowledged he owes. Per the terms of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a custodial sentence of time served, followed by one year of supervised release, and an additional fine of $250,000. This recommendation binds the court once it accepts the plea agreement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement partners in the United Kingdom secured Tinkov’s arrest overseas.
Assistant Chief Yael T. Epstein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle J. Kane, with the assistance of Katie Turner and Kay Konopaske, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 156 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Eric W. Johnson, age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina Nommay.
Johnson was sentenced to 156 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in February 2019, Mr. Johnson distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Further, according to documents in the case, at the time of his arrest in August 2020, Johnson, a felon, also unlawfully possessed a firearm on his person.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.
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Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 27, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Gavin Drapeau, age 29, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Drapeau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on July 20, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 11, 2021, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Drapeau unlawfully assaulted an individual with shod feet, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Drapeau was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty Mid-Trial in Series of Armed Robberies Occurring in Late 2014Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – After the government spent three days presenting witnesses and evidence to a jury, George Wilson, III entered a plea of guilty in federal court to firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. Wilson’s trial had commenced on Monday, September 27, 2021.
Wilson, age 39, and a former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to four firearms counts before United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton on September 30, 2021. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wilson committed a series of armed robberies of retail businesses and gas station convenience stores throughout the Pittsburgh area from November 2014 through December 2014. Wilson committed each of the robberies at gunpoint and shot a store employee who was unable to open the cash register during the attempted robbery of the Ross Township The Exchange store.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than seven years imprisonment, nor more than life imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, the Ross Township Police Department, and the Wilkins Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Former Office Manager Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Defrauding Medicaid Through a Dental PracticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mahsa Azimirad, the former office manager for Universal Smiles, a Washington, D.C.-based dental practice, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison on a federal charge of health care fraud stemming from a scheme in which she was paid over $813,000 by defrauding the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal Division; Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for the region that includes Washington, D.C., and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Azimirad, 41, of Rockville, Md., was indicted in January 2019, along with Bilal Ahmed, the dentist who ran the dental practice. She pleaded guilty in May 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by the Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. Following completion of her prison term, Azimirad will be placed on three years of supervised release. The Court entered a $813,184 forfeiture money judgment and also ordered her to pay $813,184 in restitution.
According to the statement of offense submitted to the Court and admitted by Azimirad, she was the marketing and operations manager for Universal Smiles, a dental practice in Northwest Washington. Through Universal Smiles, she and Ahmed engaged in a scheme to enrich themselves by defrauding D.C. Medicaid, a health care benefits program jointly funded by the federal government and the District of Columbia to provide health care services to residents who meet the income qualifying requirements. As part of the scheme, Ahmed applied to be a Medicaid provider. Once approved to bill Medicaid, Azimirad and Ahmed then billed D.C. Medicaid for thousands of provisional crowns, a significant number of which were not provided to the Medicaid patients. From Aug. 9, 2012, through Feb. 26, 2014, D.C. Medicaid paid Universal Smiles approximately $5.4 million for provisional crowns. Of the $5.4 million that D.C. Medicaid paid for provisional crowns, Azimirad received approximately $813,184.
In a related case, Ahmed, 49, pleaded guilty in 2017 to sexually assaulting five former dental patients and one former employee and improperly touching another former employee. The victims were attacked in separate incidents between 2010 and 2014. He was sentenced to 16 ½ years in prison for those offenses and is serving a concurrent sentence after pleading guilty in 2019 to a federal health care fraud charge in this case.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge Dixon, and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the District of Columbia Office of Inspector General. They also expressed appreciation for the work of Paralegal Specialist Chad Byron and Forensic Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar. Finally, they commended the work of Criminal Division Trial Attorney Gary Winters, Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Jackson, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Miller, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise A. Simmonds, Michelle Bradford, and Lionel André, who prosecuted the case.
The FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who defraud the D.C. Medicaid program. The government relies on the public for tips and assistance in helping stop health care fraud. If you have information about individuals committing health care fraud, please call the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General hotline at (800) HHS‑TIPS [(800) 447-8477.
Former Mexican Soldier Sentenced for Transporting Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
ALPINE – A Mexican national was sentenced this week to 115 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the U.S. and to 60 months for transporting illegal aliens in the U.S.
According to court documents, Juan Luis Mendoza-Iturralde, 39, a former Mexican soldier pleaded guilty to one count of transporting illegal aliens and one count of illegal re-entry into the U.S. On March 30, 2021, a Presidio County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Mendoza’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle were 13 non-citizens. Mendoza admitted he agreed to drive the group into the U.S. in exchange for $500 once he arrived at the group’s destination.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy prosecuted the case.
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Former Bruning Man Convicted for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Shane Robert Smith, 51, formerly of Bruning, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for receipt of child pornography. Smith was sentenced to 28 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release with special conditions. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith was additionally ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.
This case began with a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cyber tip indicating that Facebook user “Shane Smith” had attempted to share a video of child pornography to another Facebook user in August of 2019. On February 13, 2020, a residential search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence. A forensic examination was completed of Smith’s seized devices. A laptop contained more than 200 image files of child pornography. On July 13, 2020, Smith was arrested and his new cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant. The examination of the phone revealed around 15 additional child pornography files. Some of the child pornography images located on Smith’s devices were of a relative child.
The examination of Smith’s devices and evidence later obtained through a search warrant to Facebook additionally revealed many chat messages in which Smith talked about the sexual abuse of children. In several messages Smith bragged about sexually abusing his own children in the early 2000s. Within other messages Smith fantasized about sexually abusing other minors, including the relative who appeared in some of the child pornography photos that were located on Smith’s devices. Due to custody arrangements, Smith did not have direct access to this child.
Smith has previously been convicted for possessing child pornography in violation of the law of the state of Nebraska twice. On February 21, 2014, he was convicted for possessing child pornography in the District Court for Howard County, Nebraska. On March 6, 2014, he was convicted for possessing child pornography in the District Court for Hall County, Nebraska.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.
Former Army Contractor Receives 151-Month Sentence for Fraud Scheme Targeting Thousands of U.S. Servicemembers and VeteransRead the Press Release
A Nevada man was sentenced Thursday to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty in connection with his role in a transnational fraud and money laundering conspiracy that targeted over 3,300 members of the U.S. military community resulting in $1.5 million in losses.
Fredrick Brown, 40, of Las Vegas, was sentenced for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering following Brown’s guilty plea on Oct. 29, 2019. According to court documents, Brown conspired with four other individuals to steal money belonging to military members (as well as military dependents and civilians employed by the U.S. Department of Defense). Brown, a former civilian medical records technician and administrator with the U.S. Army at the 65th Medical Brigade, Yongsan Garrison, South Korea, admitted that between July 2014 and September 2015, he stole the personal identifying information (PII) of thousands of military members, including names, Social Security numbers, military ID numbers, dates of birth and contact information. Brown also admitted to capturing the PII by taking digital photographs of his computer screen while he was logged into a military electronic health records database and, subsequently, providing the stolen data to Philippines-based co-defendant Robert Wayne Boling Jr. Boling and others, who used the information to access DOD and Veterans Affairs benefits sites and steal millions of dollars.
“The Department of Justice has long been committed to protecting America’s servicemembers and veterans from fraud and abuse,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Rather than honoring those servicemembers and veterans who sacrifice for them, the defendant and his co-conspirators targeted and stole from these brave men and women in a years-long fraud scheme. Such conduct is an affront to the United States and will not be tolerated. Thursday’s announcement shows that the department is making good on its commitment to protect military members and demonstrates that it will bring to justice those who would seek to harm such individuals.”
“The defendant brazenly preyed on and victimized U.S. servicemembers and veterans, many of whom were disabled and elderly,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “As part of our mission, we strive to protect these honorable men and women from fraud and abuse. If fraudsters target our servicemembers and veterans, we will seek to identify them and hold them accountable. This office will continue to zealously investigate and prosecute perpetrators of these schemes.”
“The theft of personally identifiable information can significantly harm our military service members, veterans and their families,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth A. DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. “This sentencing resulted from the coordinated actions of the DCIS, Cyber Field Office, and our partner agencies, which included the full support of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Benefits Protection and Remediation Division. This collaboration demonstrated this U.S. Government’s commitment to swift action against those who attempt to enrich themselves at the expense of our current and prior military personnel.”
Brown’s actions resulted in an established financial loss to victims of more than $1.5 million, with the scheme targeting more than 3,300 military-affiliated individuals. Victims included at least eight general officers, as well as numerous disabled veterans, who were targeted because of their receipt of greater service-related benefits.
In addition to a prison term, Chief Judge Orlando L. Garcia of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ordered Brown to pay $2,331,639.85 in restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
In July 2020, Chief Judge Garcia sentenced co-defendant Trorice Crawford, 34, of San Diego, to 46 months in federal prison. In addition to the prison term, Crawford was ordered to pay $103,700 in restitution and, after completing his prison term, to be placed on supervised release for a period of three years.
Trial Attorneys Ehren Reynolds and Yolanda McCray Jones of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Blackwell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas prosecuted the case.
The matter was investigated by agents of the DOD Office of Inspector General DCIS, along with substantial investigative support from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Benefits Protection and Remediation Division. The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Philippine law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Nevada, the Southern District of California and the Eastern District of Virginia also provided assistance. Resources from the Department of Justice’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative and the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force aided in the matter’s investigation and prosecution.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice; information on the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon and known gang member previously convicted of multiple drug and larceny crimes pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court for illegally possessing firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Ricky Laron Shannon, 34, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a blind plea Shannon admitted that on June 11, 2021, he possessed a Glock 30 .45 caliber pistol and 28 rounds of associated ammunition. He further admitted that on Aug.13, 2021, he possessed a different Glock 30 and 28 rounds of ammunition.
The first count stems from a traffic stop on June 11, 2021. According to an initial criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the case, Tulsa Police officers observed Shannon commit several traffic violations. Officers then pulled behind his vehicle and activated lights and sirens. The defendant continued forward slowly but did not initially yield to law enforcement. An officer observed Shannon make distinct reaching movements with his right hand toward the passenger’s side of the vehicle. He also noted that an object appeared to be in the defendant’s hand as he continued to drive forward slowly but erratically. Based on training and experience, the officer suspected the defendant might be trying to hide something before coming to a stop. Officers also noted Shannon was a felon and certified 107 Hoover gang member. During the stop, officers recovered a Glock 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with a high capacity magazine.
Later on Aug. 13, 2021, Shannon was contacted by authorities and arrested based on a federal warrant stemming from his June 11, 2021 traffic stop. Officers found a different Glock 30 underneath the driver’s seat of the car along with a high capacity magazine and 28 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was both magazine and chamber loaded.
The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark R. Morgan and John E. Brasher are prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the 2150 Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Tulsa Police Department, ATF, and all other local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime by focusing efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms as well as those responsible as the “source” of the firearms to prohibited persons. The initiative was named in memory of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson. Sgt. Johnson’s badge number, 2150, was selected for the initiative as a way to honor his life and his commitment to the Tulsa community.
Felon Found Sleeping in Car on Interstate Shoulder Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who was found sleeping on the side of Interstate 380 with over three ounces of marijuana and a loaded handgun was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Shawndell Phillip Smith, age 25, from Jackson, Mississippi, received the prison term after an April 16, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Information presented at the sentencing showed that in November 2020, law enforcement found Smith sleeping inside a vehicle parked on the side of Interstate 380 in Black Hawk County. While speaking with the officer, Smith stated that he was “high” and “lit.” Smith was arrested and during a search of his vehicle, the officers found a loaded pistol, with a round chambered, and three baggies containing a total of over 87 grams of marijuana. Evidence at sentencing also showed that, while he was being held in custody pending sentencing, Smith punched two other Linn County Jail inmates in the head repeatedly.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Smith was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Smith is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Gillespie and Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑02011‑CJW‑MAR.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Men for Federal Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Thursday, September 30, 2021, that TRON HUGHES, age 40, and DEAMONTE BROWN, age 21, residents of New Orleans, LA, were both charged in a one-count indictment with being felons in possession of several firearms.
In Count 1 of the indictment, both HUGHES and BROWN are charged with possessing several firearms on June 2, 2020, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 2. If convicted, HUGHES and BROWN face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Fayetteville Woman Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Contract Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville woman pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to charges of wire fraud and money laundering arising out of schemes to defraud the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and businesses in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, from 2011 to 2020, Stephanie Dianna Elliott, aka “Stephanie Wilson,” aka “Stephanie Moore,” aka “Stephanie Russell,” aka “Stephanie Hanchett,” aka “Vicki Marsh,” aka “Monica Allen,” aka “Melissa Standford,” aka “Jennifer Taylor,” aka “Heidi Litchford,” aka “Sandy Morehead,” aka “Randy Morehead” aka “Katie Jones,” aka “Sharon Mitchell,” aka “Sharon Miller,” aka “Sarah James,” and aka “Janet Harrington,” 45, used aliases and more than a dozen business entities to obtain more than 1,000 federal defense contracts valued at more than $2.2 million. According to the allegations in the indictment, Elliott defrauded the Department of Defense by obtaining contract payments after falsely certifying that she had shipped supplies to the U.S. military, when, in fact, the goods were not shipped. It is alleged that Elliott and/or businesses under her control were debarred from federal contracting on four occasions. Elliott allegedly circumvented the terms of her debarments by using aliases and various business names to continue bidding on federal contracts.
Elliott also executed fraud schemes in connection with contracts with the State of North Carolina and other state governments. Elliott bid on contracts to supply food products and other goods. After winning the contracts, Elliott defrauded third party vendors by inducing them to deliver the goods to the state in satisfaction of Elliott’s contractual obligations. In so doing, Elliott obtained payment from state governments for these contracts but failed to pay the victim vendors.
Elliott pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on a date to be determined.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.
Father and Son Facing Expanded Charges for Robbing and Murdering a 23-Year- Old Marijuana Dealer; Father Further Charged with Conspiracy to Destroy Evidence Related to These CrimesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned a second superseding indictment charging Scott Anthony Williams, age 45, of Laurel, Maryland and Taeyan Raymond Williams, age 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia with various federal charges arising out of the robbery, extortion, and kidnapping resulting in death of Victim 1, as well as related drug trafficking and firearms charges. Scott Williams is further charged with conspiracy to destroy and conceal evidence related to these crimes.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to the nine-count indictment, from approximately October 2017 until Victim 1’s murder on April 6, 2018, Scott Williams, and his son, Taeyan Williams, allegedly participated in the exchange and sale of marijuana and cocaine. Victim 1 allegedly sold and distributed marijuana and marijuana products to the defendants, which the defendants then allegedly sold to other distributors and drug customers. Victim 1 also allegedly purchased and received cocaine from the defendants and sold that cocaine to other distributors.
As alleged in the indictment, in April 2018, Victim 1 planned to meet the defendants to discuss a debt that the defendants owed to Victim 1, and to provide the defendants with marijuana and marijuana products.
On April 5, 2018, and April 6, 2018, Victim 1 retrieved controlled substances from his storage unit in Jessup, Maryland and stayed at a short-term rental property in Baltimore, Maryland.
On the afternoon of April 6, Victim 1 traveled from Baltimore to Laurel, Maryland, where Scott Williams had a home. Location data reflects that at 1:32 p.m., Victim 1 was approximately 1.5 miles from the defendants’ residence.
On April 6, 2018, at approximately 1:52 p.m., Victim 1 saved a note to his email account in which it is alleged Victim-1 maintained a ledger and accounting of controlled substances that Victim 1 sold to Taeyan Williams and monies paid or owed from him.
As alleged in the indictment, Scott and Taeyan Williams thereafter kidnapped, robbed, extorted and murdered Victim 1 and disposed of Victim 1’s body. In particular, the indictment alleges that the defendants took by force and the threat of force Victim-1’s marijuana and marijuana products, Victim-1’s PIN number for the Jessup storage unit, Victim-1’s rental vehicle, and the marijuana, marijuana products, cash and other property stored in Victim-1’s storage unit.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that on April 7, 2018, Scott Williams and other conspirators drove Victim 1’s vehicle to a Baltimore parking lot where they parked the vehicle, wiped it down with a rag, and then entered Scott Williams’s car before driving away. As stated in the indictment, Victim 1’s DNA and blood were later recovered from the rear bumper, lift gate, passenger side door frame, and trunk carpeting of Victim 1’s abandoned vehicle.
The indictment further alleges that between April 6, 2018 and June 6, 2018, the defendants hid Victim-1’s narcotics throughout their home. When searched on June 6, 2018, the home contained large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine as well as four firearms: a 9mm handgun, 7.62 caliber-rifle, .38 caliber handgun, and .25 caliber handgun.
The last count of the indictment alleges that between June 6, 2018 and his initial appearance on federal charges in January 2019, Scott Williams sought to conceal and destroy evidence related to the ongoing investigation including by asking a conspirator to “wipe” his electronic storage account and phone.
If convicted, Scott and Tayean Williams face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison or death for kidnapping resulting in death; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery and extortion and interference with interstate commerce by robbery and extortion; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and, a mandatory minimum of 7 years in federal prison for the possession, use, and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime. In addition, Scott Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; a mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 years imprisonment for possession and use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for conspiracy to conceal and destroy evidence. 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. Both defendants have been detained pending trial, which is set to begin March 7, 2022.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DEA, HSI, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau, Dana J. Brusca, and Dwight J. Draughon who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Resisting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Kenton Romero, age 26, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Romero was indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021. He pled guilty on June 29, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on August 3, 2020, when law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop on Romero in Eagle Butte. When they approached the vehicle, Romero drove off and a pursuit ensued. Romero drove at a high rate of speed through a residential area. The vehicle Romero was driving made physical contact with one of the patrol vehicles involved in the pursuit. Romero also drove in an oncoming traffic lane towards another officer that was responding to the pursuit. Romero then left the community of Eagle Butte and headed westbound out of town on Highway 212. Finally, Romero maneuvered his vehicle to force an officer involved off the road and into the ditch. Romero did not stop voluntarily and was apprehended when his vehicle either ran out of gas or broke down.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Romero was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dominican National Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Identity FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester on identity fraud charges and illegal reentry after deportation.
Pedro Wilson Hernandez-Castillo, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to seven years in prison. Hernandez-Castillo will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On June 9, 2021, Hernandez-Castillo pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
On June 15, 2020, Hernandez-Castillo was stopped by a state trooper while driving and asked to provide his identification. The defendant provided the driver’s license and Social Security card of another individual. After determining that the defendant provided false information, the trooper arrested Hernandez-Castillo.
Hernandez-Castillo illegally re-entered the United States after being deported in August 2018 following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. Hernandez-Castillo was removed from the United States on four previous occasions: December 1998, June 2000, August 2011 and August 2018. Hernandez-Castillo was previously convicted of unlawful reentry of a deported alien in 2013.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Todd Lyons, Field Office Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston; and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Misusing Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for fraudulently using another person’s Social Security number.
Manuel Maria German Familia, 30, who previously resided in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 14 months in prison. German Familia will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. On June 24, 2021, German Familia pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number.
In 2016, German Familia fraudulently used a Social Security number that was assigned to someone else in an application at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security’s Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized field investigative group comprised of personnel from various local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Billerica Police Department and Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak III of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Decatur Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. –Deangelo Foster, 24, of the 1300 block of Condit Street in Decatur, Illinois, was sentenced today to 84 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
At the sentencing hearing, the government stated that in February 2021, Peoria police officers in a fully marked police vehicle saw a Jeep Cherokee doing donuts on MacArthur Highway in front of a gas station. When officers tried to stop the Jeep, the driver refused, eventually losing control and almost striking a second vehicle before getting stuck on the median. Foster was the lone occupant of the car. Officers found a loaded handgun in Foster’s coat pocket. It was later discovered that the gun had been stolen from a Leroy, Illinois, gun store, and the Jeep was stolen in Chicago.
At Foster’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid stated that none of the penalties imposed for Foster’s previous convictions had been successful in deterring his conduct and that all of the factors show that he is not a good candidate for rehabilitation. The judge noted that Foster’s conduct involved driving recklessly in a stolen vehicle, fleeing from the police, crashing the vehicle, and fleeing on foot while in possession of a loaded, stolen handgun. The judge further noted that the gun Foster possessed had been stolen from a gun store in 2020 and had been used in a shooting in Peoria that same year. In imposing the sentence, the judge commented, “These stolen guns are making their way into the community and being used in shootings.”
“This seven-year sentence demonstrates that people who possess firearms who are legally prohibited from doing so will pay a steep price,” said Acting United States Attorney Douglas J. Quivey. “Incarcerated federal defendants must serve at least 85% of their sentence. As noted by Judge Shadid, Mr. Foster endangered the public. As a result, he was held accountable for his actions.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
Danville Man Convicted of Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on September 30, 2021, against Deandre Smith, 34, of Danville, Illinois, for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sentencing for Smith has been set for January 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that in February 2020 law enforcement officers encountered Smith carrying a loaded handgun in his pocket and that Smith carried the handgun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime he admitted committing on the same day. Evidence presented at trial showed that Smith had 23 foil packets of heroin on his person that he intended to distribute to others, as well as a digital scale and cash. The handgun was located in the same pocket as the digital scale.
Smith had earlier pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Smith remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. At sentencing, Smith faces statutory penalties of five years to life imprisonment on the charge of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The sentence for this charge must run consecutively to any sentence he receives for the drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon offenses. Smith faces a maximum sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment on the felon in possession charge and a maximum of 240 months’ imprisonment on the drug trafficking charges.
The case investigation was conducted by the Danville Police Department, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Special assistance for trial was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Freres and William Lynch represented the government at trial, with assistance from the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office.
DEA, IRS Dismantle Eastern Arkansas Methamphetamine and Money Laundering OrganizationRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—The final defendant in a multi-person indictment was sentenced to federal prison on Thursday, effectively bringing to a close the significant criminal activities of an eastern Arkansas drug trafficking and money laundering organization.
On Thursday, United States District Judge James M. Moody sentenced Termaine Ontario Slaughter, 36, of Parkin, to 90 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. On November 18, 2020, Slaughter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Slaughter is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in an Indictment that was filed on June 6, 2018. Three of the defendants received federal prison sentences.
“Our office and our federal partners will use every resource available to dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking organizations in Arkansas,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “In this case, we tracked the money, and it led us to straight to criminals who were trying to poison our communities. As these drug traffickers learned, if you choose this line of work, enjoy the money while you can, because it won’t last nearly as long as your prison sentence.”
Beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2018, Slaughter, Demario Smith, 40, of Southaven, Miss., Elliott Davis, 41, of Colt, Montana Smith, 45, of Parkin, and others were involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Forrest City area. Slaughter and Demario Smith used drug proceeds to fund a trucking business called Prudent Transport and a rental property business called Upscale Properties. Evidence showed that Slaughter and his associates imported methamphetamine from the Dallas area using couriers who rode the Megabus from Memphis to Dallas and back. The organization also imported methamphetamine from California using the United States mail and other mailing services.
An extensive analysis of records from the trucking business and rental properties showed that from 2013-2017 Slaughter’s personal and business accounts had $733,811 in deposits coming from unidentified sources. Analysis showed that there were $877,359.60 in cash expenditures on vehicles and other items that did not come from the accounts, including the purchase of tractor trailers for the trucking business. Bank records revealed that cash deposits in amounts under $10,000 were systematically made at bank branches in Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas, with corresponding amounts of cash being withdrawn from other bank locations on the same date or close in time.
“This investigation is an extraordinary example of thorough and methodical financial exploitation in order to disrupt and dismantle the financial infrastructure of these methamphetamine drug trafficking organizations,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper said. “The DEA will relentlessly pursue, exploit, and seize these illicit assets drug traffickers intentionally and nefariously conceal to circumvent reporting requirements. Working with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to combine our resources in order to identify these ill-gotten funds used to facilitate drug trafficking and violent crime in our region. By depleting these drug traffickers of their proceeds and eliminating their ability to continue distributing this poison in Arkansas and beyond, we are saving lives.”
“The defendants in this case created a drug distribution and money laundering enterprise that spread methamphetamine throughout eastern Arkansas, and beyond,” stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office. “The IRS special agents used their financial expertise to trace the profits of this criminal activity through numerous bank accounts across multiple states. I commend my agents for effectively shutting down this devastating pipeline of poison into eastern Arkansas and the surrounding communities.”
On November 19, 2020, Demario Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and on May 26, 2021, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. On November 19, 2020, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and on June 8, 2021, he was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. On November 19, 2020, Montana Smith pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, and on June 9, 2021, he was sentenced to five years’ probation.
During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, in addition to receiving his prison sentence, Slaughter agreed to forfeit numerous firearms and five vehicles, including four over-the-road trucks used by Prudent Transport and a Dodge Challenger.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was primarily investigated by the DEA-Little Rock Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, along with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner prosecuted the case.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Co-owner of Mukilteo, Washington, commercial flooring business sentenced to prison for wire fraudRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 47-year-old Everett, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 2 years in prison for his embezzlement scheme that stole more than $1 million from a commercial flooring business he co-founded with a friend, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. David M. Gluth, founded Gluth Commercial Flooring with a friend who put up $500,000 to start the company. Between 2011 and 2016, Gluth and a co-conspirator raided the company accounts to pay for everything from a home mortgage, to luxury vacations, to Nordstrom bills, and liquor purchases. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones told Gluth “You treated the victim like your personal ATM…. Your return on (your friend’s) investment was to orchestrate a significant and devastating fraud” upon the victim.
According to records filed in the case, Gluth conspired with company bookkeeper, Jodi Hamrick, to not only raid company funds, but to defraud financial institutions by taking out loans and obtaining credit lines without the knowledge or permission of the company’s co-owner. The two used the company funds for a variety of personal expenses. The lies and deceit in this scheme involved forged signatures, forged documents, altered records, secret bank accounts, secret credit cards, false bookkeeping entries, and false statements in declarations and court filings. The evidence in the case includes years of Skype instant messages between Gluth and Hamrick, showing the planning and execution of the fraud in minute detail.
Ultimately, the company co-owner had to go to court to try to get the truth about the embezzlement from the company. And even as that litigation was underway, Gluth continued to hurt his one-time business partner by scheming to start a new flooring business and taking pending jobs and income with him. Even after a King County Superior Court Judge barred the two from having anything to do with the company, they violated the order by attempting to modify a personal loan by placing it in the company name.
The flooring company went bankrupt in 2016, and the victimized business partner was left with nothing but debt.
Judge Jones noted that the damage to the victim was more than financial saying the victim “lost his ability to trust other people . . . that can never be restored . . . a breach of trust like that can’t be recovered. That’s a permanent loss”
Gluth was charged in November 2020, and pleaded guilty in January 2021. Gluth has agreed to a restitution figure of $325,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Ly.
Chief Engineer and Greek Ship Owner and Operator Charged with Concealing Deliberate Pollution and Failing to Report a Hazardous ConditionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Empire Bulkers Ltd., Joanna Maritime Limited and Chief Engineer Warlito Tan were indicted yesterday in New Orleans for violations of environmental and safety laws related to the Motor Vessel Joanna, a Marshall Islands registered Bulk Carrier.
The four-count grand jury indictment alleges that the companies and Tan tampered with required oil pollution prevention equipment and falsified the ship’s Oil Record Book, an official ship log regularly inspected by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard found that the ship’s Oily Water Separator had been bypassed by inserting a piece of metal into the Oil Content Meter so that it would only detect clean water instead of what was actually being discharged overboard. According to the indictment, Tan and the shipping companies falsified the log and sought to obstruct the Coast Guard’s inspection.
The defendants also were charged with violating the Ports and Waterways Safety Act by failing to immediately report a hazardous situation that affected the safety of the ship and threatened U.S. ports and waters. During the inspection on March 11, 2021, the Coast Guard discovered an active fuel oil leak in the ship’s purifier room that resulted from disabling the fuel oil heater pressure relief valves, an essential safety feature designed to prevent catastrophic fires and explosions.
The criminal prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Senior Litigation Counsel Richard A. Udell of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section, with valuable assistance provided by District 8 of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Criminal Investigations Division.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Duane Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
An indictment contains probable cause allegations made by a grand jury and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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Chief Engineer and Greek Ship Owner and Operator Charged with Concealing Deliberate Pollution and Failing to Report a Hazardous ConditionRead the Press Release
Empire Bulkers Ltd., Joanna Maritime Limited and Chief Engineer Warlito Tan were indicted yesterday in New Orleans for violations of environmental and safety laws related to the Motor Vessel Joanna, a Marshall Islands registered Bulk Carrier.
The four-count grand jury indictment alleges that the companies and Tan tampered with required oil pollution prevention equipment and falsified the ship’s Oil Record Book, an official ship log regularly inspected by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard found that the ship’s Oily Water Separator had been bypassed by inserting a piece of metal into the Oil Content Meter so that it would only detect clean water instead of what was actually being discharged overboard. According to the indictment, Tan and the shipping companies falsified the log and sought to obstruct the Coast Guard’s inspection.
The defendants also were charged with violating the Ports and Waterways Safety Act by failing to immediately report a hazardous situation that affected the safety of the ship and threatened U.S. ports and waters. During the inspection on March 11, 2021, the Coast Guard discovered an active fuel oil leak in the ship’s purifier room that resulted from disabling the fuel oil heater pressure relief valves, an essential safety feature designed to prevent catastrophic fires and explosions.
The criminal prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Senior Litigation Counsel Richard A. Udell of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section, with valuable assistance provided by District 8 of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Criminal Investigations Division.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Duane Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
An indictment contains probable cause allegations made by a grand jury and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Chadbourn Man Sentenced in Drug and Gun CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Chadbourn man was sentenced today by Judge James C. Dever to a total of 81 months for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. On June 23, 2021, Lukim Lamont Pittman pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office engaged in a narcotics investigation over three months involving Pittman. In May and July 2019, officers purchased narcotics from Pittman. Then in August 2019, the Sheriff’s Office purchased a quantity of cocaine and a Glock, model 17, 9mm firearm from Pittman. Pittman had previously been convicted of felony offenses that involved firearms.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Columbus County Sheriff’s office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson 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. 7:20-cr-00140-D-1.
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner to Pay $21,000 to Resolve Civil Liability for Alleged Violations of the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) Kate Cordisco, has agreed to pay the United States $21,000 to resolve civil liability for alleged violations of the False Claims Act.
According to Acting United States Attorney, Bruce D. Brandler, between August 2018 and April 2019, Ms. Cordisco accepted consultation fees for ordering Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for patients with whom she did not have an established provider-patient relationship. She attested to the medical necessity of the orders for pre-selected products without any physical examination of the patients. In many instances, Ms. Cordisco had no interaction at all with the patients, and in some instances she had only a brief phone call. By approving and signing orders for medically unnecessary DME such as knee braces in exchange for a small fee per patient from a third-party marketing company, Ms. Cordisco played a key role in a larger telemedicine scheme that resulted in Medicare paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to DME companies for unnecessary medical equipment.
“While telemedicine can result in efficient and accurate patient care when practiced correctly, if providers are willing to jettison their professional responsibilities and accept small consultation fees from marketing companies to sign off on medically unnecessary orders for expensive DME, the healthcare system as a whole becomes compromised,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler, “When providers in MDPA choose to engage in this conduct and facilitate these fraudulent schemes in this manner, they will be held accountable.”
This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Ms. Cordisco nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Tamara J. Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Bucks County Man Convicted at Trial of Attempting to Meet an 11-Year-Old for Sex and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kyle Paine, 27, of Langhorne, PA, was convicted by a federal jury at trial of multiple child exploitation offenses which arose from an undercover investigation into the defendant’s online communications.
In January 2020, the defendant was charged by Indictment with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and possession of child pornography. The charges stem from Paine’s online communication in March 2019 with an undercover FBI agent, whom the defendant believed to be an 11-year-old child who would meet him for sex. The defendant also requested that the girl self-produce child pornography and send it to him, and sent her a sexually explicit image in an attempt to entice her to do so.
“Paine’s child victimization is over,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Child sexual exploitation is so pervasive and harmful, made even more so by the easy availability of digital media and communications. Further, the ability to hide this type of activity online can make these cases even more difficult to investigate. As always, we stand ready with our federal partners to identify and prosecute these criminals and protect children everywhere from predators like Paine.”
“Not only did Kyle Paine amass images of child sexual abuse, he sought out sex with a child,” said Bradley S. Benavides, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “It’s imperative for the FBI and our law enforcement partners to intercept such predators when we find them, and we’re gratified to see Mr. Paine brought to justice in this case. Protecting children is the priority here.”
“This kind of teamwork between the U.S Attorney’s office and the Bensalem Township Police Department allows us the opportunity to investigate these horrific crimes especially against our most vulnerable victims,” said Frederick A. Harran, Director of Public Safety for Bensalem Township. “Taking the worse kind of criminals off of our streets remains our priority. The internet continues to remain a threat to our community and must educate our children on the dangers it poses”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bensalem Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.
Brother and Sister Admit to Forced Labor SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 30, 2021
SAN DIEGO – Cindy Mydung Luu and Jason Luu of Tierrasanta, siblings and naturalized United States citizens, pleaded guilty in federal court today to document servitude, admitting to a forced labor scheme where the victim was their Vietnamese cousin.
In a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford, the defendants admitted to facilitating the travel of their cousin (identified in the plea agreements as “LX”) from Vietnam to the United States on a student visa in September 2014. Following her arrival, the defendants forced LX to work up to seven days per week for up to 12 hours per day, and she was required to forfeit all of her income. From December 2014 to March 2016, she worked for one of the defendants’ relatives at a San Diego business, and after obtaining her nail technician’s license, the defendants directed LX to quit college and work full time at their two nail salons, Eden Nails Lounge & Spa and Majestic Nail Salon, both located in Rancho Bernardo. The defendants also arranged a sham marriage to defendant Jason Luu in 2015 so that LX could obtain status as a legal permanent resident in the United States. Once she was granted legal permanent resident status, the defendants withheld LX’s “green card” from her as part of their forced labor scheme. Throughout this period of time, the defendants forced LX to work at their businesses by threatening LX with the loss of her immigration status. According to the plea agreements, the Department of Labor currently estimated that the defendants owe LX back wages, overtime, and liquidated damages in the amount of $279,467.52.
“Forced work is a form of modern-day slavery that exacts a significant financial and emotional toll. In addition to robbing victims of fair wages and freedom, this systematic coercion instills a sense of helplessness, humiliation, disorientation and confusion, often causing lasting trauma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The federal government will vigorously pursue those who exploit the vulnerable and force them to work to line their own pockets.” Grossman commended the excellent work of AUSA Seth Askins and former AUSA Chris Tenorio and the federal Homeland Security Investigations agents who pursued this case, which also received support from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Grossman encouraged those who come into contact with a worker who appears to be controlled or coerced to report their suspicions. Although there is no single way to identify victims of labor trafficking, some common patterns include:
- Isolating victims to prevent them from getting help. Their activities are restricted and they are typically watched, escorted or guarded by associates of traffickers. Traffickers may even “coach” them to answer questions with a cover story about being a student or tourist.
- Victims may be blackmailed by traffickers using the victims’ status as an undocumented alien or their participation in an “illegal” industry. By threatening to report them to law enforcement or immigration officials, traffickers keep victims compliant.
- People who are trafficked often come from unstable and economically devastated places as traffickers frequently identify vulnerable populations characterized by oppression, high rates of illiteracy, little social mobility and few economic opportunities.
- Women and children are often the most common victims of labor trafficking.
Individuals who suspect human trafficking are urged to call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1.888.373.7888. This hotline helps members of the public determine if they have encountered victims of human trafficking, will identify local resources available to help victims, and will help coordinate with local social service organizations to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of restoring their lives.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 19CR4970-JM
Cindy Mydung Luu Age: 54 San Diego, CA
Jason Luu Age: 46 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Document Servitude – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1592
Maximum penalty: 5 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
Boston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Bianca Blanchard, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya Zobel scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2022. Blanchard was charged in August 2019.
Blanchard was arrested in May 2019 after law enforcement determined that she had fired a bullet in the direction of a moving vehicle on a residential street in Dorchester, which led to a retaliatory shooting. A search of Blanchard’s residence resulted in the recovery of a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and an extended magazine containing 12 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. Due to a prior conviction, Blanchard is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge. James David Morris, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Morris was contacted at his residence in Beckley by deputies with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office on or about June 10, 2021. While deputies were inside Morris’ home speaking to him about an unrelated incident, they discovered a 12 gauge shotgun in the living room. Morris admitted to possessing the shotgun, and also admitted to knowing that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of having prior felony convictions. Morris was convicted of federal firearm crimes in the Southern District of West Virginia in 2013 and 2018. Morris was still serving a term of supervised release due to his 2018 federal conviction when he committed the current offense.
Morris faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2022.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.
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 Nos. 5:21-cr-00158 and 5:18-cr-00071.
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Bayside State Prison Corrections Officer Arrested for Conspiracy to Violate Civil RightsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A corrections officer at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg, New Jersey, was arrested today for allegedly assaulting and physically punishing inmates, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
John Makos, 41, of Millville, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with participating in a conspiracy to deprive inmates of civil rights. Makos is scheduled appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark 3rd.
“Prisoners are entitled to be treated with basic dignity, not pummeled and humiliated at the whim of correctional officers,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “We once again affirm our commitment to uphold the civil rights of all persons, including those living in a correctional setting.”
“Our investigation alleges that the actions in this case included beatings of people without provocation or justification in violation of their civil rights,” FBI Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “A badge is not a license to abuse the power it conveys or to deny the civil rights of the people in one’s custody. It matters not whether the wearer belongs to a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, or a correctional facility, we all bear the same responsibility to respect and defend the rights of those in our care. Let me be clear, the FBI protects and upholds the rights of all of our citizens. We will go wherever we are needed to weed out illegal activity and arrest the perpetrators.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least April 2019 through December 2019, while working as a corrections officer, Makos conspired with others at Bayside State Prison to assault and punish certain inmates in a cruel and arbitrary manner by using excessive force that caused physical injury and pain to the victims. Makos and at least one other corrections officer established an ad hoc regime of physical punishments for actual and perceived violations of the prison’s rules and customs and meted out such punishments in a cruel and degrading manner, at times with the assistance of other inmates.
Makos and at least one other corrections officer assaulted a victim inmate using what was known to inmates as “the fence treatment:” one of the victim’s arms would be handcuffed to a fence in the back area of the prison’s kitchen and the other arm would be handcuffed to a swinging door, so that the inmate would appear to be crucified. Another inmate, working with Makos and at least one other corrections officer, moved the swinging door so that the victim inmate’s body expanded and collapsed while Makos and at least one other corrections officer delivered closed fist strikes to the victim’s body.
Makos and at least one other corrections officer also attempted to ensure that their victims would not report the abuse to prison authorities by leading the inmates to believe that if they reported the abuse, they would lose their kitchen jobs, the income associated with those jobs, and the attendant access to better and more plentiful food items, all of which were highly valued within the prison.
The conspiracy to violate civil rights charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation. She also thanked the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Victoria Kuhn, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara F. Merin of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Shan Patel of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore Serial Armed Robber Pleads Guilty to Robbing 35 Businesses and Brandishing a Firearm in Relation to a Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Darnell Gerald Gaither, Jr., age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to affecting commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in relation to a violent crime, specifically in relation to 35 armed robberies committed throughout Baltimore County, Maryland.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department, and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore City Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, from December 2018 to November 24, 2019, Gaither committed at least 35 robberies throughout Maryland. In at least one robbery, Gaither brandished a firearm and in least five occasions, he robbed the stores while partially revealing a handgun. In all other robberies, Gaither passed notes to an employee that stated he possessed a gun.
Specifically, on October 25, 2019, Gaither robbed a Baltimore, Maryland smoothie franchise by entering the store and handing the cashier a note that read “I have a gun give me all the cash”. When the cashier refused to open the register, Gaither produced a handgun. The victim reported that Gaither stated that he would kill the victim if she did not open the register. The cashier opened the register and Gaither then ordered the cashier and two other employees to the floor while he removed the cash from the register. Gaither then proceeded to order three employees to open the safe in a back area and hand him additional cash. Gaither took funds from the franchise and fled the store.
Five days later on October 30, 2019, Gaither robbed a Baltimore, Maryland general store by posing as a customer. After approaching the register with a bag of candy, Gaither handed the cashier a note that stated, “You know what it is”, while displaying what appeared to be a handgun inside his waistband. The cashier believed that Gaither possessed a real firearm and feared for her safety. The cashier handed $197 in U.S. currency to Gaither, who then fled the store.
The stores Gaither robbed included fast-food restaurants, general stores, cell phone stores, gaming stores, a gym, and chain pharmacies. Gaither robbed a number of the stores on more than one occasion.
The tellers, fearing for their personal safety, often provided Gaither with cash from their registers, ranging from a couple hundred dollars to $1,900.
Gaither faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for affecting commerce by robbery and a minimum seven years in federal prison for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department and the Baltimore City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.
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Baltimore Police Officer Facing Federal Indictment for Stealing $1,000 in Informant Funds from the Baltimore Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment today charging Ethan Glover, age 49, of Baltimore, Maryland, for the federal charges of false statements to law enforcement. Glover joined the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) on February 19, 2003. He became a federal task force officer (TFO) with the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2013.
The superseding indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
The superseding indictment alleges that Glover stole $1,000 in informant funds from the Baltimore Police Department.
Allegedly, in August 2018, Glover offered to pay a witness for information regarding a Baltimore City, Maryland vehicular homicide. Glover allegedly contacted the witness to arrange a date, time, and location to meet and exchange the information for a $1,000 payment. Once the witness signed paperwork provided by Glover and another individual, Glover paid the witness $1,000 sourced from the Baltimore Police Department Fiscal Section.
After the meeting with Glover, the witness ultimately decided not to serve as a BPD informant and wanted to return the $1,000 payment to Glover. The witness then returned the payment to Glover. Allegedly, Glover subsequently kept the $1,000 for himself and did not return it to BPD.
The original two-count indictment alleges, on April 8, 2016 Glover participated in the execution of a search warrant on John Avenue as a member of DEA Group 51. Law enforcement recovered three duffel bags containing large amounts of cash and a handwritten document with currency totals stating there was $2,428,900 in the house. Glover transported the cash from the residence to another location where a search warrant had been executed, and then to the DEA Baltimore Office, alone in his vehicle the entire time. The indictment alleges that during the drive from John Avenue to the DEA Baltimore Office, Glover stole a portion of the cash seized at the John Avenue residence. Ultimately, Glover took the seized cash to a professional counting service due to the large amount. The counting service found that the amount of cash seized, inclusive of any suspected counterfeit bills, totaled $2,419,125, which is $9,775 less than what was actually seized at the John Avenue residence, according to the handwritten document recovered within the home.
The indictment further alleges that Glover went to his then-girlfriend’s apartment with what he described to her as $10,000 in cash. Glover allegedly hid the funds in her bathroom. During conversations about the money, Glover told his girlfriend that he was followed by another law enforcement while driving the cash from the search warrant site and that the money came from a “big case” that had been recently featured on the news. Approximately one week later, Glover allegedly moved the money from his girlfriend’s apartment to his home.
On April 23, 2016, Glover allegedly used some of the cash stolen from the John Avenue search to buy his then-girlfriend a pair of shoes valued at $295 from a mall in Pennsylvania. According to the indictment, in June 2016, his then-girlfriend moved into his home and saw a large sum of money hidden behind Glover’s refrigerator.
As detailed in the indictment and superseding indictment, on February 28, 2020, Glover participated in a voluntary interview with the FBI about a seizure that had occurred with the officer-in-charge of BPD’s Gun Trace Task Force. Before being questioned, Glover confirmed that he understood that it was a crime to lie to the FBI agents interviewing him. When questioned, Glover asked the interviewing agent how much the arrestee “is saying is missing? Is it money or drugs? How much did he say he had? A million?” or words to that effect. Glover told investigators that he did not witness any officer steal money during this seizure. Glover also stated that he did not steal money from this particular seizure or any other case, saying, “I’ve never stolen anything in my life. Never money or drugs.”
If convicted, Glover faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and five years in federal prison for making false statements to federal law enforcement. 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. No court appearance is currently scheduled for Glover.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Christine Goo, who are prosecuting this case.
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Atlanta Man Sentenced to Jail for Bribing U.S. Marine Corps Official in Exchange for $2,000,000 in Transportation ContractsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Honorable Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced DARREL FITZPATRICK, aged 31, to 60 months in the Bureau of Prisons in what the Judge called a “massive bribery and fraud scheme” involving the United States Marine Corps.
The defendant had previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2021 to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 201(b)(1). The Court also set a restitution hearing on December 16, 2021, to determine how much money the defendant owes the government as a result of the scheme. The defendant must also serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the Factual Basis, in 2019 FITZPATRICK was a senior account manager at Company A, a bus brokerage company that provided transportation to the United States Marine Corps Reserves. That same year, FITZPATRICK started a competing transportation brokerage company called National Charter Express.
In 2019, FITZPATRICK agreed to pay kickbacks to Erik Martin, a civilian employee of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, in exchange for Martin directing business to Company A, and then later, National Charter Express. The conspiracy resulted in at least $2,000,000 in transportation contracts being corruptly awarded to companies associated with FITZPATRICK. In exchange, FITZPATRICK wired and attempted to wire Martin over $250,000 in bribes.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the United States Secret Service for their investigation in this case.
“Mr. Fitzpatrick deserves to be held fully accountable for his criminal actions to bribe a Marine Corps employee to direct contracts to his transportation company,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas Cannizzo of the NCIS Southeast Field Office. “This sentencing should serve as a warning that those who seek to defraud the Department of the Navy will always be exposed and investigated to the fullest extent. NCIS and our partners remain committed to rooting out bribery and corruption that damages the integrity of the Department of the Navy’s procurement process, wastes American taxpayer money, and ultimately jeopardizes the safety of our nation’s warfighters.”
“I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for partnering on this important investigation,” stated Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the investigative arm of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General. “I am pleased that we were able to secure a significant forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains from the defendants and send a clear message that ultimately crime does not pay."
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Andre Lagarde and Myles Ranier.
Akron Man Charged with Escape from Northeast Ohio Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Joe L. Fletcher III, 33, of Akron, with one count of escape.
According to the indictment, on or about August 18, 2021, the Defendant allegedly escaped from custody in the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center. The Defendant was detained pending trial for charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The Defendant was apprehended by law enforcement officers with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force on August 20, 2021.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, USMS Violent Fugitive Task Force and Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.
Akron Man Charged with Armed Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Aaron J. Gaines, age 39, whose last known address was in Akron, Ohio, with interference with commerce by robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, attempted carjacking, carjacking and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, on or about January 25, 2021, the Defendant is accused of brandishing a firearm, threatening store employees and robbing a convenience store on Arlington Street in Akron. Additionally, the Defendant is accused of discharging a firearm in an attempt to carjack a vehicle and brandishing a firearm in a second, successful attempt to carjack another vehicle.
The Defendant is also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Defendant is accused of knowingly possessing a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition, while prohibited due to previous convictions of aggravated burglary and kidnapping in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
33-Year-Old Pedophile from Montana Civilly Committed as a Sexually Dangerous PersonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Acting United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III, announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III civilly committed Oliver Lee White, 33, to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
White was alleged to have sexually molested at least 13 young girls on the Crow Indian Reservation, Montana. The evidence at trial showed that beginning in 2007, when White was around 20 years old, until 2013, White repeatedly molested young girls, ranging from the ages of 2 to 13, at the home of his adoptive mother, Peggy White (a/k/a Well-Known Buffalo). Peggy White’s home, which is the location of The Center Pole, a non-profit organization in Garryowen, Montana, always had children around, including children being fostered by Peggy White. The layout of the facility made it easy for White to avoid supervision and detection of his predatory conduct. The evidence showed White had a persistent and common pattern of sexually offending the young girls by isolating them and then molesting them for his own sexual gratification.
As a result of his serious criminal offenses, White was criminally charged in United States District Court for the District of Montana with numerous sex crimes. Peggy White and her partner, Susan Kelly, were also criminally charged with misprision of felony for their part in enabling him and covering up White’s molestations. However, due to his mental illnesses, White was deemed incompetent to stand trial, and as a result, Peggy White and Susan Kelly were unable to be prosecuted for their alleged crimes. Ultimately though, the United States certified White as a sexually dangerous person under the Adam Walsh Act. Congress passed this Act to provide another powerful legal mechanism for protecting the public from some of the nation’s most dangerous sexual offenders. The Act allows the United States to seek civil commitment of sexually dangerous persons who, because of a serious mental illness, abnormality, or disorder, would have serious difficulty refraining from sexually violent conduct or child molestation.
The United States believed that White met every element of that definition and the Court agreed. On September 30, 2021, Judge Dever announced his ruling and civilly committed White to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person. In doing so, Judge Dever credited the “credible, consistent, and extremely persuasive” testimony of five of White’s victims, finding that White molested them. Judge Dever also found that White suffers from Pedophilic Disorder and Intellectual Disability, and as a result of these serious mental illnesses, abnormalities, or disorders White would have serious difficulty refraining from child molestation if released. In particular, Judge Dever observed that members of White’s family, including his mother, “concealed the allegations and degraded the victims.” The Court concluded that if White returned to an environment like The Center Pole with young girls around, he would molest again.
“This was a tragic and unique case,” said Acting United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III. “Because Mr. White could not be criminally prosecuted due to his incompetency, the Government was required to prove in this civil proceeding he had committed acts of child molestation. The Government did so through the courageous, gut-wrenching testimony of his victims, who traveled across the country to face their abuser and his family members who concealed his conduct. Presenting such fragile testimony is no easy feat, and as such, I express my deep appreciation to the FBI agents, victim specialists, and forensic interview specialists in Montana for their tireless efforts in working with the victims. In particular, FBI Victim Specialist Michele Stewart was invaluable. Without her exceptional rapport with the victims and personal involvement, including traveling with the victims to North Carolina to testify, they may not have found the courage to testify. The victims’ courageous testimony will help keep others safe from Mr. White.” Mr. Acker continued, “This case is a great example of how a true team effort can help make the communities within this District and across the country safer.”
“The Judge’s decision provides some measure of justice as Oliver White will never have the opportunity to hurt another child,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. “We commend the survivors of White’s abuse who demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and acted to protect other children in a selfless display of their courage. The FBI wishes to thank the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services for their invaluable partnership investigating this years-long case."
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina litigates all Adam Walsh Act cases for the entire country. All sexually dangerous persons who are committed to federal custody are housed in a federal facility in that district, where intensive, residential treatment is offered to them. White is the eighty-sixth sexually dangerous person committed under the Adam Walsh Act.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Bredenberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney Genna Petre represented the government in this case with assistance from Paralegal Amy Dale and Victim Specialists Michelle Scott, Kory Williford, and Michele Stewart.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No.5:17-hc-02162-D.
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Thursday 30 September 2021
Yarmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and SBA Loan Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine—A Yarmouth man pleaded guilty today in federal court to aggravated identity theft, and in a separate case waived indictment and pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the Small Business Administration in a loan application, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
According to court records, in November 2016, John J. Cavanaugh, Jr., 52, applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability insurance benefits on behalf of his minor son. During the application process, Cavanaugh falsely claimed that his son had resided with him since birth, and that he and his son lived together. In fact, neither his son nor his son’s mother had ever lived with Cavanaugh.
In December 2016, Cavanaugh submitted a typewritten letter to the SSA that was purportedly authored and signed by his son’s mother. The letter falsely stated that she and her son were living with Cavanaugh. The letter was provided in support of Cavanaugh’s application for disability insurance benefits on his son’s behalf. His son’s mother did not write the letter, and the signature on the letter was not hers. Cavanaugh did not have her permission to write the letter on her behalf. The SSA approved his application for benefits and he received them until June 2018, when his son’s mother learned that he was receiving them and notified the SSA.
Also according to court records, in April 2020, Cavanaugh applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans were designed to support business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The online application that Cavanaugh completed asked if he was currently subject to an indictment or other formal criminal charge. Cavanaugh falsely answered “No” to this question. In fact, he was under indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, and was subject to an order setting conditions of release that informed him that if he committed a new federal felony while on release, he was subject to additional penalties.
Cavanaugh faces a mandatory two years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the aggravated identity theft charge. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the false statement charge. He faces an additional sentence of up to 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, because he committed the false statement offense while on pretrial release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the SSA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Washougal, Washington resident pleads guilty to producing and uploading video of rape of infantRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 27-year-old Washougal, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to two federal felonies for making videos of his rape of two infant children, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Steven Rian Price faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on January 3, 2022. Under the terms of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense will recommend a 20-year prison term and lifetime supervised release to follow prison.
According to the plea agreement, Price was residing with his spouse and an infant child in a motel in Washougal. In summer 2019, Price used his smartphone to videotape the rape of the infant child. Later that year, Price used the online communication platforms Discord and Skype to share videos depicting his rape of the infant. Also in the summer of 2019, Price filmed himself sexually assaulting a second infant – the child of an acquaintance who had also resided at the motel. In October 2019, the day after one of the videos was uploaded, Discord alerted law enforcement and Vancouver Police moved quickly to arrest Price. Prior to this criminal conduct, Child Protective Services (CPS) had terminated the parental rights of Price and his spouse and had four children removed from their care. CPS was unaware of the birth of the victim in this case.
Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison. Judge Settle will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Vancouver Police Department Digital Evidence Cybercrimes Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.
Two South Louisiana Men Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two men from South Louisiana have been sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays.
Deondrick W. Brown, 26, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for drug trafficking. On June 12, 2020, Louisiana State Police Troopers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Brown. Law enforcement officers detected a smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a K-9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle produced several bags of multi-colored pills/tablets suspected to be MDMA (ecstasy), with a total weight of 6.5 kilograms. The seized narcotics were sent to the DEA lab for testing and analysis. The analysis confirmed that the 6.5 kilograms of seized narcotics amounted to 46,089 individual pills/tablets containing methamphetamine. Brown was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and pleaded guilty to the charge on June 30, 2021.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
In an unrelated case, Jordan Leon Huntsberry, 30, of Abbeville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Huntsberry was charged with making counterfeit United States money and pled guilty to the charge in June 2021. According to information presented to the court at the guilty plea hearing, while investigating a possible firearm-related crime on South College Road in Lafayette on July 25, 2020, officers with the Lafayette Police Department knocked on the door of Huntsberry’s residence. Officers were permitted to enter the apartment and observed in plain view several wet Federal Reserve Notes that appeared to be counterfeit, as well as a printer in the living area of the residence. A search warrant was obtained, and officers conducted a full search of the residence and found 467 suspected counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes of various denominations. Some of the notes were already cut and some were on printed sheets. Officers also located a printer, laptop computer, and other equipment used in counterfeiting. The seized Federal Reserve Notes were analyzed by a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service and determined to be counterfeited notes.
The U.S. Secret Service and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon prosecuted the case.
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Two More Mexican Nationals Are Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to International Timeshare Telemarketing ScamRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – CLAUDUA ANTILLON ZAHUITA, age 38, and SERGIO LEON KURI, age 40, both residents and citizens of Mexico, were sentenced to prison on September 29, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana after they each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ANTILLON ZAHUITA received 48 months, while LEON KURI received 60 months.
As detailed in the original indictment and superseding bill of information, the defendants, from at least January 1, 2016, to the present, conspired together and with others to commit wire fraud in connection with a telemarketing scheme that targeted and victimized persons in the United States, Canada and South America. As part of the elaborate scheme, the conspirators made unsolicited phone calls to owners of resort timeshare properties to induce them into paying fees associated with the bogus sale of their property. The defendants misrepresented the existence of a buyer for their timeshare and solicited money from the victims to facilitate the sale. They solicited the timeshare owners to enter into agreements to sell their timeshares and pay for alleged “closing costs” with electronic wire transfers from banking institutions within the United States to Mexican banks. There were no interested buyers, the closings did not occur, and the timeshares were not resold. Instead, the conspirators simply pocketed the advanced fees. Of the U.S. victims, 40 were age 60 and older and the total estimated loss is at least $20,000,000.
The defendants, who are all based in Mexico, operated under the business names Planet Travel and Newport International Investments, and at other times used the following business names: Advance Travel INC, All American Real Estate, American International Investment Group, Bear Claw Travel, Best Investment Services, Champion Properties, Closing Source LLC, Equity Closing Services Group, Global Offshore Services, NSC Holding, Peach Title, Sandia Title, Travel and Acquisitions, Travel Innovations, Travel Plus Acquisitions, Travel Right, and World Travelers, Inc. All these domain websites have been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.
In addition to imprisonment, ANTILLON ZAHUITA and LEON KURI were given three (3) years of supervised release, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, and a restitution hearing is to be set at a later date. Each defendant was also ordered to be immediately deported upon the expiration of their terms of imprisonment.
This case is the product of an extensive and ongoing investigation by special agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Paige O’Hale are prosecuting the case.
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