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9 November 2021
Defendant Sentenced to 45 Months for Smuggling Event that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Amanda T. Muskat (619) 546-6495
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 9, 2021
SAN DIEGO – Leobardo Soto-Toledo, a foot guide who led a group of 14 undocumented migrants into the United States through an underground drainage pipe during heavy rains, resulting in a death and a near-drowning, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 45 months in prison.
As reflected in the court records, on January 29, 2021, the group of migrants entered the United States near Chula Vista, California, by either climbing over the international boundary fence or traversing through a drainage pipe that runs underground approximately one-quarter mile from Mexico into the United States. The storm drain is capped on the United States side by a mechanical grate, located approximately one-and-a-half miles east of the San Ysidro, California Port of Entry.
The defendant acted as a foot guide, leading the undocumented migrants into the United States by crossing the boundary fence close to the grate. Thereafter, the defendant entered the drainage pipe and guided the undocumented migrants behind him through the approximately 5-foot diameter pipe, eventually reaching the mechanical grate at the end, which can only be opened on the United States side. Stormy conditions caused water to rush through the drainpipe at a high speed. A digital intrusion device captured an image of individuals at the mouth of the grate.
According to court records, the defendant’s role was to travel to the grate and attempt to convince U.S. Border Patrol personnel to open the grate by yelling for help amidst the flowing water, allowing the migrants behind him to exit the open grate and further their entry into the United States.
When Border Patrol agents responded to the scene, they opened the grate, and the migrants flowed out on the rushing water. Border Patrol agents located one individual floating in the water who was deceased, and was later identified as the defendant’s brother and fellow foot guide. Border Patrol agents located another individual floating unconscious after traveling through the grate and managed to resuscitate her and transport her to a hospital.
“Human smuggling efforts that result in a death and endanger lives are tragic and deeply disturbing,” explained Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “We will continue to use all means at our disposal to hold accountable those placing human beings at substantial risk of injury and death.” Grossman thanked prosecutor Amanda Muskat and the U.S. Border Patrol for their excellent work on this case.
“We are grateful for the resolve and perseverance that our law enforcement community demonstrated during the past several months, including that of the United States Attorney’s office,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Collaboratively, the efforts of our men and women resulted in Leobardo Soto-Toledo’s arrest, conviction, and just sentencing.”
When handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia Bashant noted that this event was “a tragedy for all involved.” Judge Bashant held that the migrants were placed at substantial risk of death or great bodily injury and applied a sentencing enhancement due to the fatality caused by the defendant’s conduct.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr607-BAS
Leobardo Soto-Toledo Age: 54 Residence: Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(i) and (v)(II) – Bringing in Illegal Aliens and Aiding and Abetting (Counts 1, 12, and 17)
Maximum Penalties: Ten years in prison; $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
United States Border Patrol
Dallas Real Estate Developer Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for BriberyRead the Press Release
UPDATE: In an opinion handed down on Aug. 23, 2022, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the below conviction and remanded it for further proceedings.
A Dallas real estate developer was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for bribing two former Dallas City Council members, Carolyn Davis and Dwaine Caraway, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham announced.
In June, a federal jury convicted Ruel Hamilton, the president of AmeriSouth Realty Group, of one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery of an agent of a local government receiving federal funds. Mr. Hamilton was sentenced Tuesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn, who also ordered him to pay a $150,000 fine.
“Even as he extoled his own generosity, Mr. Hamilton bought and paid for his influence at City Hall. He used money to ingratiate himself to lawmakers, subverting the democratic processes we hold dear,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “As my predecessors have said, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not allow a kickback culture to fester at City Hall. Our prosecutors will not hesitate to pursue anyone involved in public corruption.”
“Today’s sentencing reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to holding those who pay bribes, accept bribes, and facilitate bribe payments fully accountable. Mr. Hamilton learned that there are consequences to circumventing a system that is in place to protect taxpayers,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “Public corruption remains one of the FBI’s top criminal priorities and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue anyone involved in this type of scheme.”
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2013 to 2015, Mr. Hamilton shelled out tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to Carolyn Davis, who was then serving as chair of the city’s Housing Committee.
In return, Ms. Davis – who pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme prior to her death in 2019 – supported Mr. Hamilton’s Royal Crest housing project, voting to authorize a real estate development loan and resolutions supporting an award of a 9 percent tax credit for Royal Crest. Ms. Davis supported the Royal Crest housing project, despite the fact that it failed to meet the city’s enumerated multifamily housing priorities.
In an attempt to disguise the bribe payments, Mr. Hamilton funneled payments to Ms. Davis through a not-for-profit intermediary run by Jeremy “Jay” Scroggins. Mr. Scroggins – who also previously pleaded guilty – testified at trial that he cashed thousands of dollars’ worth of checks, solicited by Ms. Davis and made out to him personally or to his not-for-profit, “Hip Hop Government. Mr. Scroggins testified that he used $15,000 for a Freedom Ride Tour in November 2014, and cashed the remainder of the checks, turning most of the money over to Ms. Davis. The councilwoman told Mr. Scroggins payments would not pose a problem, because people “don’t go to prison for $2,000,” according to a recorded phone call played in court.
Evidence showed that Mr. Hamilton also paid Ms. Davis directly. Over the course of the conspiracy, Mr. Hamilton forked over cash, and on at least one occasion he invited her to accompany him to the bank to make a cash withdrawal. At Ms. Davis’ urging, Mr. Hamilton also directed campaign contributions to a political protégé. Further, Mr. Hamilton promised Ms. Davis a job once she was off the counsel. Evidence showed that Mr. Hamilton paid Ms. Davis in excess of $145,000, once she left the council.
At one point, Mr. Hamilton became concerned that a former city council member was going through their financial dealings with a “fine tooth comb,” telling Ms. Davis, “she scares me.” Even so, he continued to bribe Ms. Davis.
Three years later, in 2018, Mr. Hamilton paid a $7,000 bribe to councilman Dwaine Caraway, who Mr. Hamilton believed could persuade the mayor to put a paid sick leave referendum on the city council’s agenda. Mr. Hamilton hoped the referendum would increase turnout in the polls, advantaging his preferred political candidates.
Video admitted into evidence at trial shows the pair meeting at Mr. Caraway’s office on August 3, 2018:
“I want to do that, so… what can I do for you, right now, today?” Mr. Hamilton asks.
“You can answer that bill I just threw out there for about 62 [$6,200] today,” Mr. Caraway responds.
“Okay,” Mr. Hamilton says. “Can you follow through with the mayor?”
The pair then discuss what Mr. Hamilton should put in the memo line “for posterity” so that “if somebody ever asks, I can come up with a reference.”
The defendant was instructed to report to the Bureau of Prisons in February.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany H. Eggers, Joe A. Magliolo, Andrew Wirmani (fmr.), and Marcus Busch prosecuted the case with support from their appellate liaison, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen S. Gilstrap.
DC Solar Owner Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Billion Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An owner of DC Solar, a Benicia-based company, was sentenced today for a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme— the biggest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez sentenced Jeff Carpoff, 50, of Martinez, to 30 years in prison. On Jan. 24, 2020, Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His wife, Paulette Carpoff, 47, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering. The government’s investigation has resulted in approximately $120 million in assets forfeited that the government intends to seek authorization to use towards restitution to victims of the fraud.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, DC Solar manufactured mobile solar generator units (MSG), which were solar generators that were mounted on trailers and were promoted as able to provide emergency power to cellphone towers and lighting at sporting events. A significant incentive for investors were generous federal tax credits due to the solar nature of the MSGs.
The conspirators carried out an accounting and lease revenue fraud using Ponzi-like circular payments. Carpoff and others lied to investors about the market demand for DC Solar’s MSGs and its revenue from leasing to third parties, then covered up these lies with techniques including false financial statements and fake lease contracts. Their fraud concealed a circular payment structure where Carpoff and others were simply using new investor money to pay older investors the supposed lease revenue that investors were expecting. As DC Solar lost vast sums of money with this fraudulent model, Carpoff and other conspirators stopped building the MSGs altogether, selling thousands of MSGs that did not even exist to investors. To carry out this part of the fraud, Carpoff and others made it appear that MSGs existed in locations that they did not, swapped vehicle identification number (VIN) stickers on MSGs that had been built earlier, and attempted to deceive certain investors during equipment inspections. In reality, at least half of the approximately 17,000 mobile solar generators claimed to have been manufactured by DC Solar did not exist.
“Jeff Carpoff orchestrated the largest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert. “He claimed to be an innovator in alternative energy, but he was really just stealing money from investors and costing the American taxpayer hundreds of millions in tax credits. Today’s substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and provides just punishment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public and promoting respect for the law.”
“Carpoff’s egregious scheme fueled his rapacious desire for luxury and prominence with showy, public expenditures including the purchase of a sports team, high-end collector’s vehicles, international real estate and a NASCAR team,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “I thank the team of determined FBI special agents, forensic accountants and professional staff who worked tirelessly with IRS Criminal Investigation and FDIC Office of Inspector General to thoroughly investigate this complex case. Our office is committed to identifying and investigating financial fraud and encourage the public to report suspected fraud to tips.fbi.gov.”
“Mr. Carpoff lived a luxurious life as a successful businessman,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. “In reality, he manipulated the system to his advantage by lying to investors, promising significant federal tax credits, and laundering his ill-gotten gains. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure that anyone involved in these types of schemes, no matter how big or small, will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing recognizes the importance of holding Mr. Carpoff accountable for his role in conspiring with others to defraud investors of approximately $1 billion through the creation of a fraudulent business venture, and using the proceeds for his and his wife’s own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG). “The FDIC OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in bringing to justice those who undermine the integrity of the financial system.”
The forfeiture included seizing and auctioning 148 of the Carpoffs’ luxury and collector vehicles, including the 1978 Firebird previously owned by actor Burt Reynolds. This historical auction resulted in recouping approximately $8.233 million. In addition to their collection of luxury and collector vehicles, Jeff and Paulette Carpoff used money from the scheme to pay for a minor-league professional baseball team and a NASCAR racecar sponsorship; to purchase luxury real estate in California, Nevada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and elsewhere; a subscription private jet service; a suite at a professional football stadium; and jewelry.
In addition to the Carpoffs, five other defendants have been charged with criminal offenses related to the fraud scheme: Joseph W. Bayliss, 46, of Martinez, and Ronald J. Roach, 54, of Walnut Creek, each pleaded guilty to related charges on Oct. 22, 2019. Bayliss is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 16, 2021, and Roach is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 15, 2022. Robert A. Karmann, 54, of Clayton, pleaded guilty to related charges on Dec. 17, 2019; and Ryan Guidry, 44, of Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty to related charges on Jan. 14, 2020. Alan Hansen, 50, of Vacaville, a former employee of a telecom company with which DC Solar purported to do business, pleaded guilty on July 28, 2020, to participating in the fraud scheme and accepting a $1 million bribe to sign a false contract. Karmann, Guidry, and Hansen are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2021. Paulette Carpoff is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 16, 2021.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher S. Hales and Kevin C. Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
Paulette Carpoff, Hansen, Karmann, and Guidry face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. Roach and Bayliss face maximum statutory penalties of 10 years and five years in prison, respectively. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that Darryl Ryan Bostick, 39, of Columbia, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on December 1, 2016, Columbia Police Department received a tip indicating Vernon Wendell Griffin was selling drugs at a location in Columbia. Officers with Columbia Police Department reported to the location, and observed Griffin drive a Ford Expedition to a nearby business. Shortly thereafter, Bostick arrived as the passenger in a Chevrolet Cavalier. Bostick exited the Cavalier and entered the passenger seat of Griffin’s Expedition. As law enforcement approached, Bostick fled on foot. Both vehicles were subsequently searched. Law enforcement found approximately 26 grams of cocaine in the Expedition. On the passenger floorboard of the Cavalier where Bostick had been sitting when he arrived at the scene, law enforcement found a hat containing approximately 104 grams of cocaine, 11 grams of cocaine base, and methadone pills. A 9 mm handgun was located near the hat.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Bostick to 168 months in federal prison, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Griffin, 54, also of Columbia, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and was sentenced to six months in federal prison with three years of court-ordered supervision to follow imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Columbia Police Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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Cincinnati woman sentenced to prison for misusing SSN, lying to court about military service & address before failing to appearRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati woman who applied for and was denied bankruptcy seven times was sentenced in federal court to 17 months in prison for misusing another person’s Social Security number. After pleading guilty to using another person’s SSN to apply an eighth time for bankruptcy, the defendant lied to the probation office about being a veteran and provided a false address before failing to appear at her originally scheduled sentencing hearing.
Nicole Ball, 49, was arrested in October 2021 by United States Marshals after failing to appear in court.
According to court documents, from 2013 to 2016, Ball filed for bankruptcy in the Southern District of Ohio using her true SSN. Each case was dismissed, and in February 2017, the bankruptcy court ordered the defendant not to file again for at least three years.
In March 2019, Ball illegally used another person’s SSN to file again for bankruptcy.
She pleaded guilty in March 2021 to misusing the SSN.
After her guilty plea, Ball provided false information to the federal probation office, including claiming that she had served in the United States military when she had not, and providing the office with an address on a street that does not exist.
Ball also used the names Nicole Whitaker, Nicole Woodell, Nicole Spivey and Nicole Whitaker-Spivey.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, commended the investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.
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Charlotte Woman Is Sentenced to More Than Nine Years for Assaulting A U.S. Probation OfficerRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tamara Devonna McClellan, 32, of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 115 months in prison late yesterday for assaulting a federal Probation Officer, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. also ordered McClellan to serve three years under court supervision upon completion of her prison term.
According to filed documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2019, law enforcement attempted to detain McClellan at her residence in Charlotte. Upon seeing the law enforcement officers, McClellan got into the driver’s seat of an SUV vehicle parked on the driveway. As a U.S. Probation Officer handcuffed one of McClellan’s wrists, McClellan put the vehicle in reverse, knocking down the Probation Officer. As a result, the Probation Officer sustained serious physical injuries from the vehicle as McClellan fled the scene. The abandoned vehicle was located a few blocks from the scene. On December 24, 2019, Deputy U.S. Marshals apprehended McClellan in Rustburg, VA.
On March 3, 2021, McClellan pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon on a federal officer in the performance of her duties, inflicting bodily injury. McClellan is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Gleason, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Bộ Tư Pháp Thông Báo Điều Tra Công Lý Môi Trường Đối Với Sở Y Tế Công Cộng Alabama Và Sở Y Tế Hạt LowndesRead the Press Release
Bộ Tư Pháp Hoa Kỳ hôm nay ra thông báo mở cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường đối với chương trình xử lý nước thải, chương trình về bệnh truyền nhiễm và bùng phát của Sở Y Tế Công Cộng Alabama và Sở Y Tế Hạt Lowndes. Cuộc điều tra hôm nay đánh dấu cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường đầu tiên của Bộ Tư Pháp theo Khoản VI.
Bộ Phận Dân Quyền sẽ tiến hành cuộc điều tra để kiểm tra xem Bộ Y Tế Công Cộng Alabama và Sở Y Tế Hạt Lowndes có vận hành chương trình xử lý nước thải tại chỗ cũng như chương trình về bệnh truyền nhiễm và bùng phát theo cách phân biệt đối xử với cư dân người Da Đen của Hạt Lowndes và vi phạm Khoản VI của Đạo Luật Quyền Công Dân năm 1964 (sau đây gọi tắt là Khoản VI) hay không. Cuộc điều tra này cũng sẽ xem xét liệu chính sách và cách làm của sở y tế có khiến người dân Da Đen ở Hạt Lowndes giảm khả năng tiếp cận với hệ thống vệ sinh đầy đủ và gánh chịu một cách không tương xứng và bất công nguy cơ bị ảnh hưởng xấu tới sức khỏe liên quan đến việc xử lý nước thải không đầy đủ, chẳng hạn như nhiễm bệnh giun móc, hay không.
“Vệ sinh là nhu cầu cơ bản của con người và không ai ở Hoa Kỳ đáng phải chịu rủi ro bệnh tật và các tổn hại nghiêm trọng khác vì không được tiếp cận đầy đủ với việc quản lý nước thải an toàn và hiệu quả", Kristen Clarke — Trợ Lý Bộ Trưởng Tư Pháp thuộc Bộ Phận Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư pháp cho biết. “Theo luật dân quyền liên bang, các quan chức y tế của tiểu bang và địa phương có nghĩa vụ bảo vệ sức khỏe và sự an toàn của tất cả cư dân của mình. Chúng tôi sẽ tiến hành một cuộc điều tra công bằng và kỹ lưỡng về những mối lo ngại về công lý môi trường này và tác động của chúng đối với sức khỏe, cuộc sống và sự an toàn của người dân trên khắp Hạt Lowndes, Alabama.”
Bộ chưa đưa ra kết luận nào liên quan đến các cáo buộc trong vấn đề này. Bộ sẽ tiến hành cuộc điều tra này theo Khoản VI của Đạo Luật Quyền Công Dân năm 1964. Khoản VI cấm những người nhận hỗ trợ tài chính liên bang phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da hoặc nguồn gốc quốc gia. Theo Khoản VI, bộ được ủy quyền điều tra xem những người nhận tài trợ của bộ có thực hiện hành vi phân biệt đối xử bất hợp pháp hay không.
Bộ Phận Tuân Thủ và Điều Phối Liên Bang của Bộ Phận Dân Quyền đang tiến hành cuộc điều tra này với sự hỗ trợ của văn phòng Luật Sư Hoa Kỳ tại Hạt Tọa Lạc Ở Giữa Alabama. Các cá nhân có thông tin liên quan được khuyến khích liên hệ với Bộ Phận Tuân Thủ và Điều Phối Liên Bang qua email theo địa chỉ [email protected].
Giải quyết các tác động phân biệt đối xử về môi trường và sức khỏe thông qua việc thực thi luật dân quyền của quốc gia là ưu tiên hàng đầu của Ban Dân quyền. Thông tin bổ sung về Bộ Phận Dân Quyền có sẵn trên trang web tại www.justice.gov/crt.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James T. Cogle, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Cogle, 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Cogle admitted to working with others to distribute drugs from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
Cogle faces up to 20 years of incarceration and fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police, the DEA Task Force Montgomery County, Maryland; and the Frederick, Maryland, HIDTA group investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pleaded guilty to a federal gun crime.
According to court documents, Kaine William Durham, 25, was stopped by law enforcement in Beckley on November 7, 2020. Law enforcement officers recovered a Ruger P90 .45 caliber handgun from inside Durham’s vehicle. Durham had been previously convicted in Raleigh County Circuit Court of felony wanton endangerment in 2017.
Durham pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Durham faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 25, 2022.
United States Attorney William S. Thompson made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Jeffrey is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00123.
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Ashland Man Sentenced to 152 Months for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky.— An Ashland man Steven Halley, 28, was sentenced to 152 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Halley’s plea agreement, he admitted that, on September 30, 2020, he was stopped by law enforcement for carless driving, in Boyd County. He was not a licensed driver and had methamphetamine and a handgun in the car. Law enforcement found him in possession of a .38 gun and 23.98 grams of methamphetamine. Halley was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.
Halley pleaded guilty in July 2021.
Under federal law, Halley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Bobby Jack Woods, Sheriff, Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Anesthesia providers and outpatient surgery centers pay more than $28 million to resolve kickback and False Claims Act allegationsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Three anesthesia providers and several Georgia outpatient surgery centers, as well as their physician-owners and an administrator, agreed to pay more than $28 million to resolve allegations that they entered into kickback arrangements by paying and receiving payments for medications, supplies, equipment and labor as well as free staffing in exchange for the referral of patients.
“A physician’s health care decisions should be based solely on what is in the patient’s best interest, not what increases the physician’s bottom line,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “There are significant consequences for healthcare providers who put their own financial well-being ahead of the well-being of their patients.”
“Paying or receiving kickbacks to secure taxpayer-funded healthcare payments – as alleged in this case – is illegal and corrupts the federal health care system,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to work diligently with our State and Federal law enforcement partners to protect government health programs and those they serve.”
“Medical providers who pay out or take kickback payments for referrals are taking advantage of patients and taxpayer funded healthcare programs,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud of the role it played in this settlement and will continue to provide investigative assets and resources to ensure no one takes advantage of a fair system and undermines the public’s trust.”
Anesthesia providers typically depend on hospitals and outpatient surgery centers for their income. If an anesthesia provider can secure an exclusive contract for anesthesia services with a center, it is guaranteed a steady stream of patient referrals during the term of the contract. As a result, anesthesia providers compete aggressively for these contracts.
The Government alleges that between 2005 and 2015, Ambulatory Anesthesia of Atlanta, LLC (f/k/a Ambulatory Anesthesia of Atlanta, PC) (“AAA”) and Northside Anesthesiology Consultants, LLC (“NAC”) made payments for drugs, supplies, equipment and labor, and provided free staffing to a number of Georgia outpatient surgery centers in order to induce the centers to select AAA and NAC to be their exclusive anesthesia providers. The Government alleges that these arrangements were negotiated by Stanford Plavin, M.D. on behalf of AAA and NAC. The Government alleges that these arrangements violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b), and caused the submission of false claims in violation of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq.
The following individuals and entities have entered into settlement agreements with the Government (listed in alphabetical order):
• Ambulatory Anesthesia of Atlanta, LLC (“AAA”)
• Arif A. Aziz, M.D.
• Jean Calhoun
• Jay A. Cherner, M.D.
• David Finkelman, M.D.
• Alan M. Fixelle, M.D.
• DCA Diagnostics, L.L.C.
• The Endoscopy Center, LLC (Savannah)
• Endoscopy Consultants, LLC
• Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, P.C.
• Georgia Endoscopy Center, LLC
• G.I. Diagnostics Endoscopy Center, L.L.C.
• Eugene H. Hirsh, M.D.
• A. Steven McIntosh, M.D.
• North Fulton Medical Center, Inc.
• Northside Anesthesiology Consultants, LLC (“NAC”)
• Northwest Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery Center, LLC
• Stanford Plavin, M.D.
• M. Thomas Riddick, M.D.
• Bruce A. Salzberg, M.D.
• Gary S. Simon, M.D.
• David N. Socoloff, D.O.
• United Surgical Partners International, Inc.
• Wellbrook Endoscopy Center, P.C.
This settlement resolves a lawsuit originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia by Kathleen Hartney-Velazco, M.D., Jan Kersey and Capitol Anesthesiology, P.C. (the Relators) under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. United States ex rel. Capitol Anesthesiology, P.C., et al. v. Stanford Plavin, M.D., et al., No. 1:11-cv-2513-SCJ. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens may bring suit for false claims on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery obtained by the government. The Relators have received over $4,700,000.00 from the settlement.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeli Ben-David and Georgia Assistant Attorney-General Sara Vann.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Albuquerque man sentenced to 30 years in prison for travel to engage in sexual conduct with minor, child exploitation and child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Bentley Streett, 46, of Albuquerque, was sentenced in federal court today to 30 years in prison for child exploitation charges.
On Dec. 7, 2018, Streett pleaded guilty to interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of production of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, three counts of attempted production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
In his plea agreement, Streett admitted that between July 31, 2013, and Aug. 4, 2013, he traveled from Albuquerque to Sycamore, Illinois, for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a 14-year-old victim. Streett also admitted that from May 2013 through at least January 2014, he attempted to persuade several minors to produce pornography and send the images to him, and that on Jan. 20, 2014, he sent images of child pornography to one of the minors. Streett admitted that he knew the victims with whom he was communicating were minors, and also admitted to saving child pornography on his laptop.
Upon his release from prison, Streett will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (RCFL). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Chase Announces the Indictment of Five People in a Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Directed at the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain ReservationsRead the Press Release
Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Nick Chase announced that a federal grand jury has indicted five individuals for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).
The indictment alleged that the following individuals conspired to sell methamphetamine:
• Uzziel Lucero Garcia, a/k/a O Girl, a/k/a Uzzi, age 25, Arizona
• Allan Gordon Widmayer, a/k/a Woody, age 57, Minot, North Dakota
• Corey James Baker, age 50, Sheyenne, North Dakota
• Nathan James Smith, age 40, Fort Totten, North Dakota
• Charlsie Marie Walking Elk, age 36, Tokio, North Dakota
The last of the charged defendants, Smith, appeared in federal court November 8, 2021.
In January of 2021, Nathan Smith was arrested on Spirit Lake tribal charges following a high-speed chase. A later search of his vehicle yielded 73 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation indicated that the methamphetamine came from Baker through Charlsie Walking Elk.
As a result of a traffic stop in Grand Forks in June of 2021, law enforcement seized eight ounces of methamphetamine and more than $27,000 in cash from Baker.
Baker’s sources were identified as "Woody" from Minot and "O Girl" from Arizona, later identified as defendants Allan Widmayer and Uzziel Garcia. A controlled buy and a search warrant on Widmayer’s house yielded more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine and more than $32,000 in cash.
Garcia was arrested after she had been in contact with Widmayer and had traveled to North Dakota to collect money.
The investigation indicated that Baker had been receiving 2-3 pounds of methamphetamine per month from Widmayer and Garcia since 2018, resulting in more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was primarily distributed on the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain Reservations.
"This investigation is an incredible federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement endeavor, working together to dismantle a major narcotics trafficking ring from our North Dakota tribal communities," said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase. "This conspiracy is alleged to have been targeting North Dakota communities in multiple pound quantities and that translates to thousands of doses of drugs that have been intercepted and taken off the street before they could further fuel addition."
"This indictment paints a tragic picture of a coordinated distribution effort to push this poison across tribal lands," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul. "We have seen a recent surge in both methamphetamine and opioid cases, and the FBI remains committed to working with our partners to arrest those responsible for threatening and exploiting tribal communities."
Grand jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Ward County Narcotics Task Force, Grand Forks County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Region Narcotics Task Force, and Eddy County Sheriff’s Department, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorneys Alex J. Stock and Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case.
Media Notification: Assistant US Attorneys Stock and Conroy are available for comments at 11:00 a.m., November 9, 2021 at 701-297-7400.
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ADA Settlement with Stamford YMCA Ensures Access to Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum DisorderRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Stamford YMCA (“Stamford YMCA”) of Stamford, Connecticut, has entered into a settlement agreement with the government to resolve allegations that Stamford YMCA’s childcare programs and other services were not accessible to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut by Connecticut’s Center for Children’s Advocacy (CCA) alleging violations of Title III of the ADA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Stamford YMCA failed to adequately assist a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who requires reasonable modifications for effective communication in order to fully participate in the program.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation. Stamford YMCA is a private entity that operates childcare facilities that are places of “public accommodation” within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.
The settlement agreement resolves complaints that Stamford YMCA was discriminating against the child on the basis of disability by refusing to conduct an individualized assessment of the child’s specific needs and by failing to make certain reasonable modifications to effectively communicate with the child. Under the agreement, Stamford YMCA is obligated to take critical steps toward improving access for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including revising its policies and procedures, revising its training, updating their parent handbook, and performing initial and ongoing assessments of the need for reasonable accommodations. Stamford YMCA will evaluate each request on an individualized basis, relying on objective evidence and current medical standards.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and aggressively enforce violations of the Americas with Disabilities Act, especially violations that affect children and other vulnerable residents of Connecticut,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle. “Parents rely on dependable childcare in order to work or go to school, and every child should have equal access to childcare and educational facilities. I thank Stamford YMCA’s management for their full cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation. Their actions will ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can enjoy the same benefits that other children enjoy, while giving their parents the confidence that staff will be trained to ensure that their children are well cared for.”
The agreement is effective for three years, during which time the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor Stamford YMCA’s compliance.
A copy of the settlement agreement will be found on www.ada.gov.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M Brown, Jr.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced SEAN D. THOMAS, 49, of Farson, Wyoming on October 20, 2021 for tax evasion. He received five years of supervised probation and was ordered to pay $103,696 in restitution and a $100.00 special assessment. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric J. Heimann.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced BRITTANY ANN WEAVER 32, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on October 29, 2021 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime. She received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.
United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced MARCELINO CORTES-CRUS, 34, of Honduras on November 4, 2021 for illegal re-entry of previously deported alien into the United States. He received four months imprisonment and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric J. Heimann.
United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced VICTOR MANUEL CRUZ-MORENO, of Mexico on November 4, 2021 for illegal re-entry of previously deported alien into the United States. He received time served plus up to 10 days to allow for deportation and a $100.00 special assessment. The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore.
8 November 2021
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 82 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE DENNIS, 40, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 82 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution gun possession offenses.
According to the evidence presented during his trial, in November 2018, Dennis was on special parole following his most recent conviction for possession of narcotics. On November 29, 2018, Connecticut parole officers and the Waterbury Police Department conducted a compliance check at Dennis’ residence and found a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol and approximately 45 grams of fentanyl, 12 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of powder cocaine. The search also revealed items used to process and package narcotics for sale, and more than $9,000 in cash.
Dennis’ criminal history includes several state felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On May 28, 2021, a jury found Dennis guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Dennis was found not guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Dennis has been detained since his arrest on November 29, 2018.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Hal Chen.
Virginia woman sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaleah Scott, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced today to one year of probation for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Scott, 40, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Scott admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl from June to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Ukrainian Arrested and Charged with Ransomware Attack on KaseyaRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today recent actions taken against two foreign nationals charged with deploying Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware to attack businesses and government entities in the United States, amnounced Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham.
An indictment unsealed today charges Yaroslav Vasinskyi, 22, a Ukrainian national, with conducting ransomware attacks against multiple victims, including the July 2021 attack against Kaseya, a multi-national information technology software company.
The department also announced today the seizure of $6.1 million in funds traceable to alleged ransom payments received by Yevgeniy Polyanin, 28, a Russian national, who is also charged with conducting Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware attacks against multiple victims, including businesses and government entities in Texas on or about Aug. 16, 2019.
According to the indictments, Vasinskyi and Polyanin accessed the internal computer networks of several victim companies and deployed Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware to encrypt the data on the computers of victim companies.
“Cybercrime is a serious threat to our country: to our personal safety, to the health of our economy, and to our national security,” said Attorney General Garland. “Our message today is clear. The United States, together with our allies, will do everything in our power to identify the perpetrators of ransomware attacks, to bring them to justice, and to recover the funds they have stolen from their victims.”
“Our message to ransomware criminals is clear: If you target victims here, we will target you,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “The Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware group attacks companies and critical infrastructures around the world, and today’s announcements showed how we will fight back. In another success for the department’s recently launched Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, criminals now know we will take away your profits, your ability to travel, and – ultimately – your freedom. Together with our partners at home and abroad, the Department will continue to dismantle ransomware groups and disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem that allows ransomware to exist and to threaten all of us.”
“Ransomware can cripple a business in a matter of minutes. These two defendants deployed some of the internet’s most virulent code, authored by REvil, to hijack victim computers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas. “In a matter of months, the Justice Department identified the perpetrators, effected an arrest, and seized a significant sum of money. The Department will delve into the darkest corners of the internet and the furthest reaches of the globe to track down cyber criminals.”
“The arrest of Yaroslav Vasinskyi, the charges against Yevgeniy Polyanin and seizure of $6.1 million of his assets, and the arrests of two other Sodinokibi/REvil actors in Romania are the culmination of close collaboration with our international, U.S. government and especially our private sector partners,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI has worked creatively and relentlessly to counter the criminal hackers behind Sodinokibi/REvil. Ransomware groups like them pose a serious, unacceptable threat to our safety and our economic well-being. We will continue to broadly target their actors and facilitators, their infrastructure, and their money, wherever in the world those might be.”
According to court documents, Vasinskyi was allegedly responsible for the July 2 ransomware attack against Kaseya. In the alleged attack against Kaseya, Vasinskyi caused the deployment of malicious Sodinokibi/REvil code throughout a Kaseya product that caused the Kaseya production functionality to deploy REvil ransomware to “endpoints” on Kaseya customer networks. After the remote access to Kaseya endpoints was established, the ransomware was executed on those computers, which resulted in the encryption of data on computers of organizations around the world that used Kaseya software.
Through the deployment of Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware, the defendants allegedly left electronic notes in the form of a text file on the victims’ computers. The notes included a web address leading to an open-source privacy network known as Tor, as well as the link to a publicly accessible website address the victims could visit to recover their files. Upon visiting either website, victims were given a ransom demand and provided a virtual currency address to use to pay the ransom. If a victim paid the ransom amount, the defendants provided the decryption key, and the victims then were able to access their files. If a victim did not pay the ransom, the defendants typically posted the victims’ stolen data or claimed they sold the stolen data to third parties, and victims were unable to access their files.
Vasinskyi and Polyanin are charged in separate indictments with conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers, substantive counts of damage to protected computers, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of 115 and 145 years in prison, respectively.
The $6.1 million seized from Polyanin is alleged to be traceable to ransomware attacks and money laundering committed by Polyanin through his use of Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware. The seizure warrant was issued out of the Northern District of Texas. Polyanin is believed to be abroad.
On Oct. 8, Vasinskyi was taken into custody in Poland where he remains held by authorities pending proceedings in connection with his requested extradition to the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Poland. In parallel with the arrest, interviews and searches were carried out in multiple countries, and would not have been possible without the rapid response of the National Police of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices are leading the investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and Senior Counsel Byron M. Jones from the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section conducted the operation in close cooperation with Europol and Eurojust, who were an integral part of coordination. Investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions, including: Romania's National Police and the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; France’s Court of Paris and BL2C (anti-cybercrime unit police); Dutch National Police; Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office, Border Guard, Internal Security Agency, and Ministry of Justice; and the governments of Norway and Australia provided valuable assistance.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Germany’s Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart and State Office of Criminal Investigation of Baden-Wuerttemberg; Switzerland’s Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zürich and Cantonal Police Zürich; United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency; U.S. Secret Service; Texas Department of Information Resources; BitDefender; McAfee; and Microsoft also provided significant assistance.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, which was created to combat the growing number of ransomware and digital extortion attacks. As part of the task force, the Criminal Division, working with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, prioritizes the disruption, investigation, and prosecution of ransomware and digital extortion activity by tracking and dismantling the development and deployment of malware, identifying the cybercriminals responsible, and holding those individuals accountable for their crimes. The department, through the task force, also strategically targets the ransomware criminal ecosystem as a whole and collaborates with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as private sector partners to combat this significant criminal threat.
For more information about the Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, read the Deputy Attorney General’s recent guidance memo on related investigations and cases. For more resources on ransomware prevention and response, visit StopRansomware.gov.
Ukrainian Arrested and Charged with Ransomware Attack on KaseyaRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today recent actions taken against two foreign nationals charged with deploying Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware to attack businesses and government entities in the United States.
An indictment unsealed today charges Yaroslav Vasinskyi, 22, a Ukrainian national, with conducting ransomware attacks against multiple victims, including the July 2021 attack against Kaseya, a multi-national information technology software company.
The department also announced today the seizure of $6.1 million in funds traceable to alleged ransom payments received by Yevgeniy Polyanin, 28, a Russian national, who is also charged with conducting Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware attacks against multiple victims, including businesses and government entities in Texas on or about Aug. 16, 2019.
According to the indictments, Vasinskyi and Polyanin accessed the internal computer networks of several victim companies and deployed Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware to encrypt the data on the computers of victim companies.
“Cybercrime is a serious threat to our country: to our personal safety, to the health of our economy, and to our national security,” said Attorney General Garland. “Our message today is clear. The United States, together with our allies, will do everything in our power to identify the perpetrators of ransomware attacks, to bring them to justice, and to recover the funds they have stolen from their victims.”
“Our message to ransomware criminals is clear: If you target victims here, we will target you,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “The Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware group attacks companies and critical infrastructures around the world, and today’s announcements showed how we will fight back. In another success for the department’s recently launched Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, criminals now know we will take away your profits, your ability to travel, and – ultimately – your freedom. Together with our partners at home and abroad, the Department will continue to dismantle ransomware groups and disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem that allows ransomware to exist and to threaten all of us.”
“The arrest of Yaroslav Vasinskyi, the charges against Yevgeniy Polyanin and seizure of $6.1 million of his assets, and the arrests of two other Sodinokibi/REvil actors in Romania are the culmination of close collaboration with our international, U.S. government and especially our private sector partners,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI has worked creatively and relentlessly to counter the criminal hackers behind Sodinokibi/REvil. Ransomware groups like them pose a serious, unacceptable threat to our safety and our economic well-being. We will continue to broadly target their actors and facilitators, their infrastructure, and their money, wherever in the world those might be.”
“Ransomware can cripple a business in a matter of minutes. These two defendants deployed some of the internet’s most virulent code, authored by REvil, to hijack victim computers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas. “In a matter of months, the Justice Department identified the perpetrators, effected an arrest, and seized a significant sum of money. The Department will delve into the darkest corners of the internet and the furthest reaches of the globe to track down cyber criminals.”
According to court documents, Vasinskyi was allegedly responsible for the July 2 ransomware attack against Kaseya. In the alleged attack against Kaseya, Vasinskyi caused the deployment of malicious Sodinokibi/REvil code throughout a Kaseya product that caused the Kaseya production functionality to deploy REvil ransomware to “endpoints” on Kaseya customer networks. After the remote access to Kaseya endpoints was established, the ransomware was executed on those computers, which resulted in the encryption of data on computers of organizations around the world that used Kaseya software.
Through the deployment of Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware, the defendants allegedly left electronic notes in the form of a text file on the victims’ computers. The notes included a web address leading to an open-source privacy network known as Tor, as well as the link to a publicly accessible website address the victims could visit to recover their files. Upon visiting either website, victims were given a ransom demand and provided a virtual currency address to use to pay the ransom. If a victim paid the ransom amount, the defendants provided the decryption key, and the victims then were able to access their files. If a victim did not pay the ransom, the defendants typically posted the victims’ stolen data or claimed they sold the stolen data to third parties, and victims were unable to access their files.
Vasinskyi and Polyanin are charged in separate indictments with conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers, substantive counts of damage to protected computers, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of 115 and 145 years in prison, respectively.
The $6.1 million seized from Polyanin is alleged to be traceable to ransomware attacks and money laundering committed by Polyanin through his use of Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware. The seizure warrant was issued out of the Northern District of Texas. Polyanin is believed to be abroad.
On Oct. 8, Vasinskyi was taken into custody in Poland where he remains held by authorities pending proceedings in connection with his requested extradition to the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Poland. In parallel with the arrest, interviews and searches were carried out in multiple countries, and would not have been possible without the rapid response of the National Police of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.
The FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices are leading the investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and Senior Counsel Byron M. Jones from the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the FBI’s Dallas and Jackson Field Offices, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section conducted the operation in close cooperation with Europol and Eurojust, who were an integral part of coordination. Investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions, including: Romania's National Police and the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; France’s Court of Paris and BL2C (anti-cybercrime unit police); Dutch National Police; Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office, Border Guard, Internal Security Agency, and Ministry of Justice; and the governments of Norway and Australia provided valuable assistance.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Germany’s Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart and State Office of Criminal Investigation of Baden-Wuerttemberg; Switzerland’s Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zürich and Cantonal Police Zürich; United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency; U.S. Secret Service; Texas Department of Information Resources; BitDefender; McAfee; and Microsoft also provided significant assistance.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, which was created to combat the growing number of ransomware and digital extortion attacks. As part of the task force, the Criminal Division, working with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, prioritizes the disruption, investigation, and prosecution of ransomware and digital extortion activity by tracking and dismantling the development and deployment of malware, identifying the cybercriminals responsible, and holding those individuals accountable for their crimes. The department, through the task force, also strategically targets the ransomware criminal ecosystem as a whole and collaborates with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as private sector partners to combat this significant criminal threat.
For more information about the Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, read the Deputy Attorney General’s recent guidance memo on related investigations and cases. For more resources on ransomware prevention and response, visit StopRansomware.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Men Plead Guilty in Multimillion-Dollar COVID-19 Relief SchemeRead the Press Release
Two individuals pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Texas for their participation in a scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder millions of dollars in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
According to court documents, Siddiq Azeemuddin, 42, of Naperville, Illinois, and Raheel Malik, 41, of Sugar Land, Texas, engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA and certain SBA-approved PPP lenders by submitting false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. Azeemuddin and Malik also conspired to and did launder over $3 million in PPP loan funds through Azeemuddin’s business, Fascare International Inc., dba Almeda Discount Store (Almeda). As part of the scheme, Azeemuddin instructed Malik to fill out blank checks from companies that received PPP loans by putting the names of fake employees in the payee line. At Azeemuddin’s direction, Malik then cashed the checks at a financial institution and then transported the cash to other members of the conspiracy. In exchange for laundering the funds, Azeemuddin received 1% to 2% of each check cashed.
Azeemuddin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2022, and faces a maximum total penalty of 40 years in prison. Malik pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery for the Southern District of Texas; Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the SBA–Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Catherine Huber of the Federal Housing Finance Agency–Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Mark B. Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston; Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation–Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); and Inspector General J. Russell George of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) made the announcement.
The SBA-OIG, FHFA-OIG, HSI, FDIC-OIG, and TIGTA are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Louis Manzo and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Kristine Rollinson of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Two Foreign Nationals Arrested for Trafficking Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn as Part of International Operation with the Democratic Republic of the CongoRead the Press Release
Herdade Lokua, 23, and Jospin Mujangi, 31, of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were arrested on Nov. 3 outside of Seattle, Washington, and were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy, money laundering, smuggling and Lacey Act violations for trafficking elephant ivory and white rhinoceros horn from DRC to Seattle.
The 11-count indictment alleges that Lokua and Mujangi worked with a middleman to smuggle four packages into the United States. In August and September, 2020, the defendants sent three shipments containing a total of about 49 pounds of ivory by air freight to Seattle. In May 2021, they sent another package with approximately five pounds of rhinoceros horn. At the same time, the defendants conspired to conduct large transactions via ocean freight, offering the buyer more than two tons of elephant ivory, one ton of pangolin scales, and multiple intact rhinoceros horns. On Nov. 2, they arrived in Washington State to negotiate the details of such a deal and were arrested in Edmonds.
The arrests and indictment are part of “Operation Kuluna,” an international operation conducted between the Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Seattle, the Government of the DRC, and the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, DRC. The investigation is ongoing – immediately after the arrests, the task force in DRC acted on information provided by HSI-Seattle to seize 2,067 pounds of ivory and 75 pounds of pangolin scales in Kinshasa worth approximately $3.5 million, all contraband related to wildlife trafficking.
In order to conceal the tusks and horn, the indictment states that Lokua and Mujangi had them cut into smaller pieces which were painted black. They were then mixed with ebony wood to avoid detection by customs authorities. The packages were all declared as “wood” with values between $50-$60. The buyer paid the defendants $14,500 for the ivory and $18,000 for the horn. Lokua and Mujangi also sold 55 pounds of pangolin scales to a U.S. buyer but ultimately did not ship them.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants paid bribes to authorities in Kinshasa in order to ship the merchandise, and discussed how larger shipments would be packed in 20-foot shipping containers and concealed in timber or corn in order to avoid detection.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division announced the arrests and indictment. The investigation in DRC is ongoing.
The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking statute and prohibits, among other things, falsely labeling shipments containing wildlife. The United States, DRC, and approximately 181 other countries are signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (“CITES”). CITES is an international treaty that restricts trade in species that may be threatened with extinction. CITES has permit requirements for protected wildlife, and the indictment alleges that the defendants did not obtain any of the necessary papers or declarations from DRC or the United States.
The CITES treaty has listed the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) as a protected species since 1975 and the African elephant (Loxodanta africana) since 1977. All species of pangolin were added to the CITES appendix with the greatest level of protection in 2017. All three mammals are threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for the smuggling and money laundering charges and five years for the conspiracy and Lacey Act violations.
HSI-Seattle conducted the investigation, and Customs and Border Protection and the Seattle Police Department assisted in arresting the defendants.
The government is represented by Trial Attorneys Patrick M. Duggan and Ryan C. Connors of the Environmental Crimes Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
Tulsa Man Whose Children Died in a Hot Vehicle Sentenced for Child NeglectRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced Monday in federal court for leaving his two children unsupervised for more than four hours, at which time the children gained access to his parked vehicle and died due to extreme heat exposure, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Dustin Lee Dennis, 33, to 48 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Dennis fell asleep on June 13, 2020, only to wake up and discover his two children deceased in the back seat of his pick-up truck. He pleaded guilty on July 13, 2021, to two counts of child neglect in Indian Country. Three-year-old Ryan and four-year-old Tegan were citizens of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.
Dennis fell asleep the afternoon of June 13, 2020, leaving his two children unsupervised. The children entered Dennis’s vehicle in the driveway, were unable to get out of the truck, and died from exposure to extremely high temperatures while being trapped in the truck.
In his plea agreement, Dennis admitted that while caring for his children on June 12 and 13, 2020, he got high on cocaine and stayed up playing video games.
In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Gilmore outlined the evidence against the defendant. Dennis and his brother discussed purchasing and using cocaine days before the death of the children. On June 12, 2020, his brother indicated that he had the “stuff,” referencing cocaine, and the two could play video games at his home. Dustin later texted his brother that he would have to bring his children since his mother could not take care of them. Dennis then wrote that he was headed to his brother’s house.
Surveillance video showed Dennis and the children returning home just before 1 am on June 13. At 1:03 am, Dennis indicated in a text to his brother that he was turning his game on and later texted that he did a couple of lines and that he hated chopping up cocaine when it’s moist. He indicated he was about to do some more.
Surveillance video later showed Dennis leaving his residence alone at approximately noon on June 13 for 11 minutes during which time Dennis stated he drove to a QuikTrip. When Dennis returned home from the convenience store, he fell asleep. Surveillance footage showed the two children trying to get into Dennis’ truck at 1:22 pm when the vehicle’s alarm went off. They attempted a second time at 1:29 pm and successfully gained access to the truck. The video later captured Dennis exiting his apartment and searching for his children approximately four hours later, at 5:32 pm. Within minutes he discovered the children deceased in the truck.
Dustin Dennis was initially indicted on Aug. 7, 2020. On March 4, 2021, Dennis was charged in a superseding indictment with four counts of child neglect in Indian Country. He and his brother, Michael Dennis, were also charged with 12 counts of use of a communication facility in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony.
Michael Dennis pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance on July 29, 2021, and was sentenced Monday to 18 months of probation.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore prosecuted the case.
Three Charged with Hartford-Area Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a five-count indictment charging DENIS MURTIC, 36, of Farmington; ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ, 45, of East Windsor; and EFRAIN ROSARIO, 41, of Hartford, with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents, since September 2020, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force has been investigating Murtic for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. On September 3, 2020, a court-authorized search of a Hartford apartment connected to Murtic revealed thousands of wax folds of fentanyl, more than 700 grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for distribution. On October 18, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from Murtic and Rodriguez at a parking lot in East Hartford. After the transaction, investigators observed Murtic and Rodriguez travel to an apartment on Wakefield Circle in East Hartford. On October 26, 2021, Murtic, Rodriguez and Rosario were arrested at the apartment, which was being used as a narcotics processing and packing mill. A search of the apartment revealed tens of thousands of glassine bags and wax folds of fentanyl, a compressed brick of cocaine weighing approximately one kilogram, a half-kilogram of cocaine, and numerous narcotics processing and packaging items, including a kilogram press.
The indictment, which was returned on November 3, charges Murtic, Rodriguez and Rosario with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. The defendants are also charged in multiple counts of possessing and/or distributing fentanyl and cocaine. If convicted of the most serious charges, each faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Murtic and Rosario are currently detained and Rodriguez is released on a $100,000 bond.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Third admitted child pornographer sentenced to three decades in federal prisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: An Effingham County man who admitted to producing child pornography has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Carl Scott Ruger, 42, of Guyton, Ga., was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Ruger to pay restitution of $1.5 million, and after completion of his prison term to register as a sex offender and serve a life term of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Carl Ruger is a loathsome, dangerous predator, and our streets are safer now that he is behind bars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly work to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Two related defendants are serving federal prison terms after also pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography. Richard Hunt Moore, 50, of Hephzibah, Ga., is serving 264 months in prison, and Charles Casey Gardner, 41, of Brooklet, Ga., is serving 180 months. A fourth target in the investigation killed himself in Illinois before questioning.
The men came to the attention of law enforcement agencies in January 2019 when Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a hotel in Martinez, Ga., by a hotel employee who had been alerted by a 14-year-old boy accompanying Moore. After questioning Moore, sheriff’s office investigators and the FBI found images of child pornography of Moore’s phone. Those images led to the discovery of the other defendants.
As referenced during his sentencing hearing, prior to his 2019 arrest, Ruger worked in custodial positions in multiple Georgia counties including as a substitute teacher, bus driver, deputy jailer, and as a corrections officer in state and federal prisons.
“This case is a great example of the relationship between the community and law enforcement working together to keep our communities safe,” said Maj. Sharif Chochol, with the Field Operations Bureau of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. “’If you see something, say something’ is more than just a catch phrase; it works. A child predator has been taken down thanks to an observant citizen and a team of dedicated law enforcement professionals.”
“Predators like Ruger are despicable and have no place in civilized society,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is thankful for our law enforcement partnerships that make it possible to put sexual predators, like Ruger, behind bars for significant periods of time where they cannot victimize any more children.”
“Thankfully, Ruger will now face the consequences of his despicable actions and will no longer be able to hurt innocent children,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “This investigation was started because someone saw something wrong and reported it. We ask that if you see something out of place, you report it, you could be saving someone’s life”
The cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, along with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Robichaux in the Asset Recovery Unit.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.
Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas woman pleaded guilty today to her involvement in a scheme to fraudulently claim COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Donna Wasson, 37, of San Antonio, Texas, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2022. Wasson was indicted on May 27, 2021.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors, or gig economy workers).
Wasson applied for Massachusetts unemployment benefits despite residing in Texas and receiving unemployment benefits via the Texas Workplace Commission. In addition, Wasson carried out instructions concerning other fraudulent unemployment claims from a former Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) employee, and accessed unemployment claims under multiple stolen identities to fraudulently obtain benefits to which she was not entitled.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation is being 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 Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, Program Integrity Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Criminal Division, and Dustin Chao, Chief of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Teach Them Diligently Resolves ADA Complaint by Providing Interpreting Services for the Deaf at Its ConventionsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – In response to a civil rights complaint received by this Office, Teach Them Diligently (TTD), a Christian-based home school resource community of Greenville, South Carolina, addressed the interpreting needs of deaf attendees at its Christian homeschool convention in Nashville, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee. TTD also agreed to address requests for interpreting services and other accommodations at future conferences in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“We appreciate the willingness of Teach Them Diligently to resolve these issues swiftly and address the greater needs of all individuals with disabilities who may utilize TTD’s resources in the future,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Wildasin. “We welcome partnering with national and local civil rights organizations to ensure that both the citizens of, and visitors to, the Middle District of Tennessee have equal access to all events being offered.”
On March 11, 2021, the United States notified TTD that it was investigating a complaint from the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC) that TTD had refused to confirm that it would be providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services to three individuals attending a future TTD conference at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, which may be in violation of Title III of the ADA. TTD responded to the United States’ request and agreed to provide the interpreting services at the convention. Thereafter, the complainants confirmed that interpreters were provided.
Following the Nashville TTD convention, TTD also agreed to make certain changes to its website so that attendees of future conferences, not just in Tennessee but throughout the United States, could submit requests for a reasonable accommodation needed in accordance with the ADA, which was not limited to interpreting needs. After the United States confirmed that TTD implemented changes to its website, the United States and TTD entered into a Letter of Resolution on October 4, 2021, which confirmed that TTD will address the needs of individuals covered by the ADA at its future conventions.
General information about the ADA is available through the ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (voice), 800-514-0383 (TTY), or on the ADA homepage at www.ada.gov. If you believe your civil rights have been violated, including ADA rights, you may submit a report to the Department of Justice at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ .
The Letter of Resolution does not constitute a finding by the United States that TTD is in full compliance with the ADA, nor does it constitute an admission by TTD of fault or noncompliance with the ADA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara F. Sweet represented the United States in the matter.
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St. Thomas Resident Sentenced for Possessing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Tashawn T.A. Warner, 24, resident of St. Thomas, V.I., was sentenced to time served in prison for possession of marijuana. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of his vehicle.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2020, Tashawn T.A. Warner was arrested on St. Thomas pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. Immediately prior to his arrest, Warner was observed loading bags into the trunk of a 2020 Gray Toyota Corolla registered to Warner in Florida with Florida license plates. After Warner closed the trunk and got into the Corolla, a Black Infinity G37x, drove up the hill towards Warner at a high rate of speed and stopped next to Warner’s vehicle. Warner exited the Corolla, removed the bags from the trunk of the Corolla, and placed something into the trunk of the G37x. Warner then briefly opened and closed one of the passenger side doors of the G37x, which then drove off. As Warner got back into the Corolla, he was arrested. At the time of his arrest Warner had $5,520 in the pocket of his pants.Later, on December 11, 2020, federal agents obtained federal search warrants for both the Corolla and Infinity G37x. The Corolla contained the backpack that agents had previously seen Warner place into the vehicle, prior to his arrest. The backpack contained a glass jar containing two sandwich bags of approximately 90 grams of marijuana. The center console of the Corolla contained approximately $500 cash, a small scale, small baggies, and rolling papers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan Albino.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Brian Kadinger, age 48, was sentenced to 63 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.
Kadinger was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on August 20, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 9, 2020, in Sioux Falls, when Kadinger knowingly possessed a handgun in his vehicle. A Sioux Falls police officer observed Kadinger sleeping in his vehicle at a storage facility. Kadinger had ingested methamphetamine and the officer found the 9mm Glock after Kadinger was arrested. Kadinger knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony and also knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms.
The firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce before Kadinger possessed it.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Kadinger was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sevier County Resident Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses and the Distribution of Drugs Resulting in an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On November 5, 2021, following a four-day trial in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee, a jury convicted Stacey Edward Williams, Jr., 42, currently of Sevierville, Tennessee, and formerly of Detroit, Michigan, of eight counts, including a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, multiple counts of possession and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, the distribution of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl resulting in death, and the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentencing will be set in 2022 in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee before the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer. Williams faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 20 years and up to life in prison and other penalties.
At trial, the United States presented evidence that investigators with the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit used confidential informants on January 30, February 9, and November 9, 2018, to purchase heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl from Williams. The evidence further showed that officers and detectives with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the overdose death of a Kodak, Tennessee resident on Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 2018. Through the overdose investigation, it was determined that Williams distributed the drugs that resulted in that death. Finally, the prosecution also presented evidence that on March 27, 2019, agents seized quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, a firearm and ammunition, and over $10,000 in cash from Williams.
Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet Jr. made the announcement.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Williams include the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office (“SCSO”) and HSI with the participation and assistance of the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brent N. Jones and Anne-Marie Svolto represented the United States at trial.
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Seven Individuals Charged with Firearm and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that a federal grand jury returned a 14-count Superseding Indictment on October 28, 2021 against AL VERNON BROWN, (BROWN), age 48, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 37, KEVIN JOHNSON, age 30, DONALD MYLES (MYLES), age 43, ERNEST GREEN (GREEN), age 53, JOHN CRAWFORD (CRAWFORD), age 38, and SUSAN BREAUX (BREAUX), age 46. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the Superseding Indictment remained sealed until now.
The Superseding Indictment charged the defendants with the following Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts:
Count 1: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl), 1 kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee; mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON, BREAUX, MYLES, GREEN, and CRAWFORD
Count 2: Possession with intent to distribute four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of (ten) 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and heroin); mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 3: Convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 4: Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life to run consecutively, not more than $250,000 fine, up to three (5) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 5: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, MYLES
Count 6: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: KEVIN JOHNSON, MYLES
Count 7: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, BROWN
Count 8: Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BREAUX, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON, and BROWN
Count 9: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: BREAUX
Count 10: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON
Count 11: Possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms of marijuana or less, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).
Statutory Penalties: up to five (5) years, up to a $250,000 fine and at least two (2) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: KEVIN JOHNSON
Count 12: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
Count 13: Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
Statutory Penalties: a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life to run consecutively, not more than $250,000 fine, up to five (5) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
Count 14: Convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2)
Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
In September 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (“the Task Force”) initiated an investigation after receiving information about an increase in violent crimes around the 2600 block of Felicity Street and the 1600 block of Magnolia Street in New Orleans, Louisiana where a local car wash and an adjoining barbershop are located. During the investigation, the Task Force learned MYLES and CRAWFORD sold heroin and fentanyl while GREEN sold cocaine at the aforementioned locations. They also learned BROWN, a California resident, supplied heroin and fentanyl to CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON and KEVIN JOHNSON. KEVIN and CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON supplied heroin and fentanyl to MYLES. BREAUX bought heroin from KEVIN and CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON. So far, the Task Force has confiscated over 1.6 kilograms of heroin, 935.9 grams of fentanyl, multiple firearms, and $112,000 cash.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that a Superseding Indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is in charge of the prosecution.
Rock Island Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Rock Island, Illinois, man, Michael Eugene Dickerson, 34, was sentenced on November 4, 2021, to 84 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon.
At Dickerson’s sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Sara Darrow found that Dickerson posed a great risk to the public and a sentence above the guideline range was warranted based on Dickerson’s “very high likelihood to recidivate.”
Also at the hearing, the government presented evidence that on October 3, 2019, Dickerson and an accomplice drove around in a car with firearms intending to hold up another individual at gunpoint. Dickerson and his accomplice then held up an innocent pedestrian at gunpoint before realizing the victim was not the person for whom they were looking.
Dickerson pleaded guilty in February 2021.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a felon include up to ten years in prison.
The Rock Island Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya represented the government in the prosecution.
Rock Island Man Sentenced to 166 Months in Prison for Armed Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Rock Island, Illinois, man, Terrance Jermaine “T.J.” Clay, 44, was sentenced on November 4, 2021, to 166 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of robbery.
At Clay’s sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Court Judge Sara Darrow found that Clay was the leader of a conspiracy to rob drug dealers in the Quad Cities. She noted that Clay and his coconspirators placed GPS monitoring devices on their victims’ vehicles to monitor their habits and routes to determine when and where the victims were likely to have valuable contraband.
Chief Judge Darrow also found that on November 11, 2017, Clay and his coconspirators robbed and carjacked two people in Moline, Illinois, at gunpoint. During the robbery, one of the guns discharged and one of the victims was pistol whipped. Clay and his coconspirator later lit the victim’s car on fire in Moline, Illinois.
Clay pleaded guilty in July 2021. His co-defendant Kelsey Dwayne Bragg was sentenced to 190 months’ imprisonment on February 16, 2021, following a plea of guilty.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery include up to twenty years’ imprisonment. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of robbery carries a mandatory minimum term of ten years and up to life imprisonment.
“This case is a good example of how drug dealers plague our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Douglas J. Quivey. “The threat and danger is real and sophisticated. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement to prosecute and abate the continuing problem.”
The Rock Island Police Department; the Scott County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya represented the government in the prosecution.
Rock Island Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Robert Barnes, 29, of the 900 block of 21st Street in Rock Island, Illinois, pleaded guilty on November 3, 2021, to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. Sentencing for Barnes has been scheduled for March 2, 2022, in federal court in Davenport, Iowa.
At the change-of-plea hearing before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sara Darrow, Barnes admitted to possessing a firearm despite knowing that it was unlawful to do so because of his prior felony conviction. In presenting a factual basis for the conviction, the government described how, in November of 2019, a Rock Island police officer stopped a car in which Barnes was a passenger. During the stop, the officer discovered an uncased and loaded handgun under Barnes’s seat.
Barnes remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals while awaiting sentencing.
At sentencing, Barnes faces statutory penalties of up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Rock Island Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya is representing the United States in the prosecution.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Mason Means, age 23, was indicted on October 21, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Cobra, model CA-280, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Pine Ridge in March 2021. The charge is merely an accusation and Means is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Means was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Elias LaPointe, age 28, was indicted on October 21, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from LaPointe, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, knowingly being in possession of multiple rounds of .45 AUTO caliber ammunition in Rapid City in July 2021. The charge is merely an accusation and LaPointe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
LaPointe was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting Two Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer.
Brianna Brave Heart, age 37, was indicted on October 21, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Brave Heart assaulting two federal officers who were employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on December 25, 2020.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety. U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Brave Heart was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022.
Philadelphia Felon Sentenced to Eight Years for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that earlier today Robert Holloway, 23, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to eight years in prison, and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In June 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty to the Indictment which charged him with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The charge stems from an incident in July 2018, during which Philadelphia Police Department officers on patrol in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia encountered Holloway and observed what appeared to be the handle of a gun sticking out of his pants waistband. One officer ordered the defendant to stop, but he fled instead and discarded the gun on the street. Holloway was apprehended and a Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol was recovered from the area where the defendant was observed throwing it away.
“As we near the end of a year with a record number of homicides in Philadelphia mostly involving guns,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams, “we and our law enforcement partners are working harder than ever on our ‘All Hands On Deck’ initiative, putting repeat criminal offenders like Holloway behind bars when they illegally possess guns on the street.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne.
Parkersburg Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Justin Andrew Beardsley, 33, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, the Parkesburg Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Beardsley on June 1, 2019. After a drug dog alerted on the vehicle, police searched it and located approximately 9.5 grams of methamphetamine, three loaded firearms, body armor, and miscellaneous ammunition. In his plea agreement, Beardsley admitted that in the weeks leading up to June 1, 2019, he had distributed between 200 grams and 350 grams of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney William S. Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00060.
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Ohio man sentenced for methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Palmer, of Lore City, Ohio, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Palmer, 57, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as a Felon.” Palmer, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having methamphetamine and two pistols in February 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-and-west-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-and-firearms-charges
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 4, 2021, JERMAINE COOPER, age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses.
Specifically, COOPER previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court records, COOPER and others conspired to distribute heroin in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere. Additionally, COOPER possessed four firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, including a Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter pistol, a Glock Model 27 nine-millimeter pistol, an HK nine-millimeter pistol, and a Glock Model 19X nine-millimeter firearm.
Judge Lemmon sentenced COOPER to a term of imprisonment of 126 months, 5 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Mexico Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a New Mexico man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Cody Newitt, age 34, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Newitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020, and pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021. The conviction stems from Newitt, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a CZUB, model CZ 75 Compact, 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Newitt came into contact with law enforcement in January 2020 at Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Newitt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
New Jersey man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Aquilino Javier Lorenzo-Rivera, of Blackwood, New Jersey, has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lorenzo-Rivera, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl.” Lorenzo-Rivera admitted to distributing nearly 34 grams of acetyl fentanyl (synthetic fentanyl) and more than 241 grams of a fentanyl mixture. A lethal dose of fentanyl is two milligrams.
Lorenzo-Rivera faces at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Eric White, 37, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced White to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 25, 2019, law enforcement with the North Platte Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black motorcycle with no plates driven by White. White did not stop, and a pursuit commenced. White eventually wrecked the motorcycle and was taken into custody. White had approximately ten grams of methamphetamine on him.
Law enforcement relied on a cooperating witness, who told law enforcement she received large quantities of methamphetamine from White and would then distribute it to other individuals. They also took trips to Colorado to obtain pound quantities of methamphetamine for distribution. White was held responsible for 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.
Mineral County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Michael, of Burlington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 102 months of incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Michael, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” in July 2020. Michael admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from October 2018 to February 2019 in Mineral County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, West Virginia State Police, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Methamphetamine Dealer Who Possessed Two Firearms Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed two firearms and admitted to buying over a pound of methamphetamine was sentenced on November 5, 2021, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Todd Fritz Groom, age 33, from Boscobel, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a May 3, 2021 guilty plea to possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
Information from Groom’s guilty plea and sentencing hearings showed that on September 24, 2020, deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for stolen property at a residence in Clermont, Iowa. After discovering that there were drugs in the house, the deputies obtained and executed a second search warrant for drugs and drug-related items. They found two firearms in a backpack with other items belonging to Groom. Groom was previously convicted of four felony offenses and was a methamphetamine user. Groom later admitted to a deputy that, a couple weeks before the search, he had bought 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine for redistribution and that one of the subjects he dealt with was involved with a drug cartel.
Groom was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Groom was sentenced to 86 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.
Groom is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
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.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Geocaris and Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-2015.
Medical Device Company Arthrex to Pay $16 Million to Resolve Kickback AllegationsRead the Press Release
Arthrex Inc., a Florida-based medical device company, has agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks that caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program.
According to the settlement, Arthrex Inc., which specializes in orthopedic products, has agreed to pay $16 million for allegedly paying kickbacks to a Colorado-based orthopedic surgeon. The settlement resolves allegations that Arthrex agreed to provide remuneration to the surgeon in the form of royalty payments purportedly for the surgeon’s contributions to Arthrex’s SutureBridge and SpeedBridge products when the remuneration was in fact intended to induce the surgeon’s use and recommendation of Arthrex’s products. The United States contended that Arthrex’s participation in this arrangement violated the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and, in turn, the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false or fraudulent Medicare claims.
“The Department of Justice will continue to pursue medical device manufacturers that pay kickbacks to boost their profits,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Such arrangements can improperly influence physicians’ decision-making and result in the misuse of critical federal health care program funds.”
“Paying bribes to physicians to distort their medical decision-making corrupts the health care system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell for the District of Massachusetts. “This settlement demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that taxpayers and patients get a health care system that is on the level. Kickbacks have no place anywhere in our health care system, and we will continue to identify and punish this illegal conduct.”
“Medical device manufacturers who engage in such kickback schemes undermine the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, our agency will continue to protect patients and taxpayers by holding accountable companies that engage in unlawful activities.”
In connection with the settlement, Arthrex entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with HHS-OIG, setting forth requirements for future compliance.
The settlement resolves claims brought in a lawsuit under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Joseph Shea. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and is captioned United States ex rel. Shea v. Arthrex Inc. et al., No. 20-cv-10210-ADB (D. Mass.). Under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Shea will receive $2.5 million of the False Claims Act settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section); the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; HHS-OIG; and the FBI.
Trial Attorney Andrew Jaco of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Derusha and Charles Weinograd of the District of Massachusetts are handling this case.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Maryland Woman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicaid Out of Hundreds of Thousands of DollarsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sikirat Adunni Brown, 60, of Upper Marlboro, Md., was sentenced today to 13 months in prison for defrauding the D.C. Medicaid program out of more than $340,000.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the 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.
Brown pleaded guilty in July, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to health care fraud. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Brown to pay $343,539 in restitution and $201,645 in a forfeiture money judgment.
According to the government’s evidence, at various times between January 2014 and June 2020, Brown worked as a personal care aide for at least eight different home health agencies in the District of Columbia. The home health agencies employed her to assist D.C. Medicaid beneficiaries in performing activities of daily living, such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating.
Brown was supposed to document the care that she provided to the Medicaid beneficiaries on timesheets and then submit the timesheets to the home health agencies, which would in turn bill Medicaid for the services that she rendered. In her guilty plea, Brown acknowledged that between 2014 and 2020, she caused the D.C. Medicaid Program to issue payments totaling $343,539 for services that she did not provide. As part of her scheme, she submitted false timesheets to different home health agencies claiming that she provided 20 hours or more of personal care aide services in a given day. She also claimed to provide services when she was traveling outside the D.C. metropolitan area. She paid kickbacks during the scheme to at least one beneficiary. She also acknowledged that she claimed to provide services to one beneficiary during the COVID-19 pandemic even though that beneficiary said she did not.
The FBI, the U.S. 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.
Brown is the tenth former personal care aide in the last three years to plead guilty to defrauding Medicaid in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Five of those aides were sentenced to 13 months in prison; a sixth was sentenced to serve 15 months.
The government urges the public to provide tips and assistance to 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] or the D.C. Office of the Inspector General at (800) 724-TIPS [(800) 274-8477].
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman of the Fraud Section, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Mariela Andrade.
Martinsburg woman sentenced for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica Sue Nicholson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to one year of probation for her role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Nicholson, 25, pleaded guilty in September 2019 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Cocaine Base.” Nicholson admitted to working with others to distribute the drugs from May 2018 to January 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Marana Man Sentenced to Five Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, Roy Dominic Robles, 35, of Marana, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to a total of 60 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release. A jury previously convicted Robles on five counts, including two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, one count of abusive sexual contact with a minor, and two counts of abusive sexual contact without permission.
On September 14, 2019, during a trip to Lake Mead, Arizona with family and friends, Robles sexually abused the minor victim. On that same date, Robles engaged in an abusive sexual contact without permission with the adult victim.
The National Park Service conducted the investigation in this case. Christina J. Reid-Moore and Wayne Venhuizen, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix and Flagstaff, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-2019-08235-PCT-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021- 080_Robles# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Manderson Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting a Federal Officer.
Unpowin White Plume, age 34, was indicted on October 21, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to White Plume assaulting a federal officer who was employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on March 8, 2020. The charge is merely an accusation and Means is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety. U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
White Plume was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022.