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12 October 2021
Omaha Man Sentenced to 77 Months on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Troy Murphy, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on October 12, 2021 in federal court for selling firearms to a felon and being a user of methamphetamine in possession of firearms. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Murphy to concurrent terms of 77 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Murphy will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
Murphy sold an individual, who he knew to be a felon, four firearms between July 13 and October 25, 2018. Murphy was arrested by Omaha Police and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force on January 2, 2020. He was in possession of two additional firearms, including a short shotgun with a sawed-off barrel, and a user quantity of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Maurice Lavelle Miller Jr., 31, of Columbus, was sentenced today to seven months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller sold approximately 0.8 grams of heroin to a confidential informant on Davis Street in Huntington on February 25, 2019. The substance was confirmed by the West Virginia State Police Laboratory as containing heroin, fentanyl, and a synthetic cannabinoid.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnson made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe 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. 3:19-cr-00155.
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Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa man pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court records, Allen Eugene McLean, 20, of Nampa, sold another person methamphetamine on two different occasions. On June 23, 2020, McLean sold 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and on August 13, 2020, he sold 26.7 grams of methamphetamine. As part of the plea agreement, McLean also admitted that he sold another person fentanyl pills on three occasions. On January 27, 2021, he sold 10 compressed fentanyl pills; on February 2, 2021, he sold 20 compressed fentanyl pills; and on February 8, 2021, he sold 15 compressed fentanyl pills. During the transaction on January 27, 2021, he told the purchaser to be careful when ingesting the pills because the pills were “hot” and had caused seven or eight overdose deaths.
McLean is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2022 and faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in federal prison, a five million dollar fine, and at least four years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Michigan Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following a Deadly Shootout in MinneapolisRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Michigan man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon after he and two others were involved in a deadly shootout in downtown Minneapolis.
According to court documents, in September 2019, Marvin Lavell-Caine Lomax, 25, of Detroit, Michigan, and his associate engaged in a shootout during the early evening commute hours at the Hawthorne Bus Terminal in downtown Minneapolis. Surveillance video showed bystanders fleeing the area as Lomax and his associate exchanged gunfire with a third person. The third person was shot multiple times and later died as a result of his injuries. Lomax and his associate fled the area, threw their guns into a trash bin, and boarded a commuter bus back to Detroit.
Hours after the shooting, the firearms, a loaded .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol and a loaded .380-caliber semiautomatic pistol, were found in the trash bin by Minneapolis police officers. Both firearms had previously been reported stolen. Ballistics analysis linked the discarded shell casings found at the scene to the two recovered firearms. Additionally, Lomax’s DNA matched the DNA found on one of the .45-caliber shell casings recovered at the scene. Investigators searched Lomax’s social media accounts and found a video of him talking and laughing with his associate about the shooting incident.
In December 2019, Lomax was indicted by a federal grand jury and on June 3, 2021, Lomax pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar.
Miami Man Guilty of Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Miami resident Michael Mendoza, 61, pled guilty last week in South Florida federal district court to receiving and possessing child pornography. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the counts.
According to case documents and statements made in court, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Mendoza’s home, where he lived with his wife and two adult children. Officers found a desktop computer and two external hard drives containing videos and photographs of child pornography and 11 compact discs with labels indicative of child pornography. Some of the over 300 videos and photographs of child pornography that Mendoza had showed toddlers being forced to perform sexual acts on adults. Forensic analysis of the media showed Mendoza has been viewing and storing child pornography for almost two decades. Mendoza admitted that he downloaded child pornography to his computer using a peer-to-peer sharing application and that he stored child pornography for later viewing.
U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez will sentence Mendoza on December 17, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in Miami.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade Police Department, Hialeah Police Department, and City of Miami Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yara Dodin and Quinshawna Landon are prosecuting this case. AUSA Peter Laserna is handling asset forfeiture.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-cr-20113.
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McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to 3 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Tyrell Rankin, age 31, formerly of Washington Street.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 6, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Rankin’s residence, and a firearm was seized. Rankin informed law enforcement officers that the firearm belonged to him. Rankin is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Laplace Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced RICHARD GRAY, age 60, of LaPlace, Louisiana, on October 7, 2021 to 18 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 846, 843(b), and 18 U.S.C. Section 2, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, in Count One, GRAY conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Six, GRAY knowingly and intentionally used a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the violation in Count One. During the investigation, law enforcement learned GRAY transported cocaine hydrochloride from Texas to Louisiana and used a cellular phone to facilitate the transportation of the narcotics.
District Judge Lemmon sentenced GRAY to the 18 months imprisonment to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release as to Counts One and Six of the Indictment. Judge Lemmon also ordered that GRAY pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare prosecuted the matter.
Judge Sentences Milwaukee Man to 45 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 4, 2021, Calvin C. Freeman, Jr. was sentenced to a term of 45 years’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release after being convicted of 14 federal crimes, including sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, interstate transportation for prostitution, interstate transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, as well as obstruction and contempt of court.
In announcing the sentence, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper recounted the decades of violence that Freeman inflicted on his victims. She cited many examples of his tactics, including incidents in which Freeman slammed one of his victims into a bathtub, put a cigarette out on a victim’s face, beat a victim with an iron, and forced a victim to continue walking the street looking for prostitution dates immediately after she had been violently raped and robbed. Judge Pepper also described Freeman’s disturbing pattern of beating his victims with a belt, noting that those beatings often left the imprint of Freeman’s designer belt buckle on their bodies. She noted that while the violence itself was “ugly” and “vicious,” the fact that Freeman used this violence to compel women to engage in commerce sex acts for his profit made it all the more egregious.
Chief Judge Pepper rejected Freeman’s arguments that his conduct was the result of his upbringing or that his victims had voluntarily entered the lifestyle and thus knew what they were signing up for. She described Freeman’s conduct as “the most heinous” example of sex trafficking she had ever seen in her career.
“The 45-year sentence reflects Mr. Freeman’s relentless criminal activity and his willingness to abuse and dehumanize others for his own financial benefit,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “Mr. Freeman’s conviction and sentence were the direct result of the courage and resilience shown by his victims in agreeing to testify to the abuse they suffered at his hands. Today’s sentence stems from their resolve and from the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team in this case.”
“Let this 45 year prison sentence send a strong message to those who prey on victims of sex trafficking using violence and manipulation,” said Special Agent in Charge Hughes. “The FBI will utilize all resources available to bring violent offenders to justice, and provide help for victims through our Victim Assistance Program.”
Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom stated, “The FDIC OIG’s investigation of the financial crimes in this case led to the discovery of the human trafficking ring in the Milwaukee area. Due to the diligence of the investigative team and the courage of the witnesses, Mr. Freeman was brought to justice. We appreciate the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in the investigation and prosecution of this case.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation– Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), and the Milwaukee Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Julie F. Stewart prosecuted the case.
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Judge Sentences Fentanyl-Dealing Pittsburgh Felon with Firearms to 30 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 30 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of federal drug and gun offenses and money laundering charges, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Lynell Guyton, age 32, formerly of Lakewood Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
On January 10, 2020, the defendant was found guilty by jury verdict of all nine counts of a Third Superseding Indictment, which charged Guyton with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a fentanyl analogue, attempted possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and two counts of money laundering.
The evidence presented to the jury established that from May of 2017 through August of 2017, Guyton conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute various analogues of fentanyl, which he obtained through suppliers in China and paid for via wire transfers to China. The evidence also established that Guyton possessed numerous firearms and ammunition, which he knew he was prohibited from possessing because of his prior felony convictions. On August 9, 2017, law enforcement officers executing a search warrant at Guyton’s stash house had to be transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital after a table on which Guyton and his conspirators were processing cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, had been tipped over, causing some officers to experience dizziness and numbness.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Cercone stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE)/ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, including the Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Guyton.
Jessica D. Aber Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jessica D. Aber was officially sworn in today as the 63rd United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by Chief United States District Judge Mark S. Davis and United States District Judge M. Hannah Lauck at the federal courthouse in Norfolk.
“I am grateful to the President for my nomination and to Senators Warner and Kaine for their recommendation and endorsement,” said Aber. “After serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for more than a decade, I am honored to lead this tremendous district with its dedicated public servants and to help preserve public safety with our law enforcement and community partners. I look forward to working in support of the mission of the Department of Justice and toward the realization of fair and equal justice for all.”
U.S. Attorney Aber was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on August 10 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on October 5 for the position of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. President Biden signed Aber’s commission on October 7.
Aber began her service to EDVA in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling a variety of financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation cases. She has served as the EDVA representative to the Richmond Division’s drug court for her entire tenure. From 2015 to 2016, she served on a detail assignment as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. Since 2016, Aber has served as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for EDVA.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Aber was an associate at McGuireWoods LLP from 2007 to 2008. She served as a law clerk for then-Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2006 to 2007.
Aber received her J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2006 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond in 2003.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest. She leads a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel across four Divisions located in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. The district serves over six million residents.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Inmate admits to indecent exposure charge, sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Williams, an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has admitted to an indecent exposure charge and was sentenced today to four additional months of incarceration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Williams, 63, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Indecent Exposure.” Williams admitted to exposing himself to another at USP Hazleton in January 2020 in Preston County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than 250 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Noah Frazier, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of conspiracy to distributed methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
By pleading guilty today, Frazier admitted that he distributed at least five kilograms of methamphetamine to individuals throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area from 2018 until his arrest in February 2019. Frazier and co-conspirators distributed methamphetamine out of his residence in Independence.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Frazier’s residence on Feb. 27, 2019. Officers seized gun parts, body armor, a Savage .22-caliber rifle, a stolen Colt .45-caliber handgun with an extended magazine, an American Bulldog revolver, an unknown revolver, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and drug paraphernalia.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Frazier has a prior felony conviction for distribution of a controlled substance.
Frazier is the third defendant in this case to plead guilty.
Co-defendant Charles E. Wilhelm, 33, of Independence, pleaded guilty on April 6, 2021, to his role in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as well as to possessing Oxycodone with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wilhelm admitted that he took part in the distribution of more than 250 kilograms of methamphetamine throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area from January 2018 until his arrest in June 2019. Wilhelm led a distribution network that involved more than a dozen individuals who distributed substantial amounts of methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Sabrina M. Keller, 24, of Independence, pleaded guilty on Sept. 2, 2021, to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Keller admitted that she distributed methamphetamine in half-pound quantities.
Under federal statutes, Frazier is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Moeder. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington felon who was caught with guns earlier this year pleaded guilty today in federal court. Kevlin Jerrod Jackson, 41, entered a guilty plea to prohibited possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson admitted that on May 12, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at his residence located on 7th Street in Huntington. Jackson, who was present just prior to the search, was arrested after investigators seized a .45 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol from his residence. Jackson later admitted that he possessed the firearms, that he was a convicted felon, and that he used another individual to purchase the firearms on his behalf. Jackson was convicted of distributing cocaine in 2011 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and was prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of his conviction.
Jackson faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 18, 2022.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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. 3:21-cr-00091.
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Havre man admits trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Havre man admitted to drug trafficking and firearms crimes today after law enforcement found methamphetamine, fentanyl, a gun and a large amount of cash in his Havre motel room, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
Brandon Wayne Glover, 38, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to felon in possession of a firearm. Glover faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Glover was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Feb. 3, 2022.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2014, Glover was convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute meth. In November 2020, law enforcement received information that Glover was distributing meth in Havre, and an informant bought about a half-ounce of meth from Glover at a Havre casino. In December 2020, officers coordinated a stop of Glover’s vehicle and arrested Glover on a warrant based on supervised release violations in his prior federal meth trafficking case. Agents then went to the motel where Glover had been staying, secured his room and applied for a search warrant. In the meantime, agents received recorded jail calls Glover had with his mother after his arrest. In the calls, Glover asked his mother for help retrieving items from the room where he had been staying and specifically asked her to look under the bed. Glover’s mother went to the motel room and was turned away. Agents executed a search warrant for the motel room and found 420 grams, or almost a pound, of meth, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl pills. Agents also found about $12,100 in cash under the bed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Havre Police Department and the Tri-Agency Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Four People Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Four people received prison sentences following convictions in relation to a drug trafficking ring that operated for years in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
According to court documents, the Jackson County Drug Task Force began an undercover operation in 2016 surrounding a drug trafficking ring. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later partnered in the investigation which included controlled purchases of confirmed methamphetamine and surveillance. In 2019, law enforcement arrested Juan Ceniceros, 28, of Kansas City, Missouri, and several of co-conspirators including Ryan Goodall, 25, Julio Rodriguez, 57, and Donald Brown, 51.
Juan Ceniceros was sentenced to 144 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ryan Goodall was sentenced to 124 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Goodall also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Julio Rodriguez of Glendale, Arizona, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Donald Brown of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.
“The fact that this investigation spanned several years is a testament to the patience and steadfast dedication of local and federal law enforcement agencies. Their commitment to staying with the investigation as long as necessary ensured appropriate convictions for this illegal behavior which harms our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The United States Marshals Service assisted with identification and apprehension in this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania prosecuted the case.
OCDETF STRIKE FORCE CASES
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The Kansas City Metro Strike Force’s mission also includes disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and transnational drug cartels, with emphasis on groups engaged in illicit activities involving methamphetamine and firearms that present a threat to public safety in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
###Founders of Crypto ICO Plead Guilty to Tax Evasion After Raising $24 Million from InvestorsRead the Press Release
The owners of a cryptocurrency company have pleaded guilty to tax evasion, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Bitqyck founders Bruce Bise, 60, and Samuel Mendez, 65, were charged with tax evasion in August. Mr. Bise pleaded guilty on Sept. 9; Mr. Mendez pleaded guilty this morning.
According to plea papers, Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez admitted that Bitqyck raised approximately $24 million from more than 13,000 investors. Instead of fulfilling their promises to these investors, the defendants used Bitqyck funds on personal expenses, including casino trips, cars, luxury home furnishings, art, and rent.
“Transacting in virtual currencies does not exempt businesspeople from paying income taxes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “These crypto-savvy defendants exploited an emerging technology, lying to their investors, pocketing the proceeds, and concealing the income from the IRS. The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that every taxpayer pays his or her fair share – and to protecting the crypto space from bad actors.”
“As digital currencies continue to emerge as an investment option for taxpayers, we must continue to increase the pressure on anyone who tries to take advantage of their investors and taxpayers through fraud and tax evasion. The great work from both the Dallas and Los Angeles IRS-CI field offices firmly puts that pressure on these two cybercriminals and serves as a warning to others,” saidChristopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI's Dallas Field Office.
“Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez exploited the growing appeal of digital currency and defrauded thousands of victim-investors out of millions of dollars that they used to pay their personal expenses, rent, gambling activities, and purchases of vehicles and art,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge of IRS -CI's Los Angeles Field Office. “These fraudsters required investors to produce cash, and then converted the fraud proceeds to cryptocurrency to purposefully circumvent financial reporting requirements. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to protecting Americans and pursuing financial schemes even into the crypto world. ”
In marketing materials, the pair promoted the company’s cryptocurrency, Bitqy, as a way for “those individuals who missed out on Bitcoin” to get rich. They held their initial coin offering, or ICO, in 2016. (An ICO is a process in which a company attempts to raise capital by selling a new cryptocurrency, which investors may purchase in the hope that the value of the cryptocurrency will increase.) In an attempt to legitimize Bitqy tokens – and to avoid scrutiny over selling unregistered securities – the company characterized the cryptocurrency as an “earned gift” that rewarded consumers for certain internet purchases.
A white paper posted on the Bitqyck website promised investors that each Bitqy token came with 1/10th of a share of Bitqyck common stock. Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez admitted, however, that they never actually distributed shares to token holders nor embedded the shares within the Ethereum Smart Contract. The only shares of common stock Bitqyck issued were to Bise and Mendez, who collectively owned 100% of Bitqyck’s common stock.
About nine months after launching Bitqy, Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez began marketing another token, BitqyM, arbitrarily priced at $1. They claimed buying the token allowed investors to join “Bitcoin mining operations,” by paying to power a Bitqyck Bitcoin mining facility in Washington state. In reality, Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez admitted in plea papers, no such mining facility ever existed. Unbeknownst to investors, the defendants contracted with an overseas third-party company in an attempt to mine the Bitcoin they’d promised to investors.
(Bitcoin mining involves solving complex mathematical problems in order to verify transactions on a public ledger, known as the Blockchain. The problems require computing power, which in turn requires a significant amount of electricity.)
Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez profited from Bitqyck by diverting income from the company for their personal use at their shareholders’ expense. From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez raked in roughly $4.68 million and $4.48 million, respectively.
Taxpayers transacting in virtual currency are required by law to report those transactions on their tax returns. For 2016 and 2017, Mr. Bise underreported his income to the IRS, resulting in a tax loss of $371,278. For that same period, Mr. Mendez also underreported his income to the IRS, resulting in a tax loss of $311,155. In 2018, Bitqyck failed to file any corporate tax returns at all despite netting more than $3.5 million from investors. The total tax loss joint and severally to the United States government between Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez is more than $1.6 million dollars.
Both men now face up to five years in federal prison.
The defendants’ guilty pleas come on the heels of a civil settlement with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), in which Bitqyck agreed to pay an $8.3 million penalty to resolve claims that it defrauded investors and operated an unregistered digital asset exchange. As part of that settlement, Mr. Bise and Mr. Mendez agreed to pay disgorgement and penalties of $890,254 and $850,022, respectively.
The Internal Revenue Services’ Criminal Investigations Divisions in Dallas and Los Angeles conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sid Mody is prosecuting the case.
Former University Volleyball Coach Involved in College Admissions Case Enters into Deferred Prosecution AgreementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Wake Forest University women’s volleyball coach has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) relating to his involvement in the college admission scheme.
William Ferguson, 51, of Winston-Salem, N.C., has entered into a DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which was accepted by the District Court. If, after a period of two years and payment of a $50,000 fine, Ferguson complies with the DPA, the government will move to dismiss the pending charge.
According to the DPA, Ferguson accepted responsibility for his conduct as outlined in the Statement of Facts filed with the court. According to the Statement of Facts, in or about June 2016, Ferguson was hired to be the head coach of women’s volleyball at Wake Forest. In or about February 2017, Ferguson agreed with William “Rick” Singer to secure admission to Wake Forest for a student by designating the student as a recruit to the women’s volleyball team in exchange for future purported donations that would inure to Ferguson’s personal benefit. The student had previously been placed on the wait list for admission to the university.
On or about March 24, 2017, Ferguson designated the student as a volleyball recruit, but did not disclose to the Wake Forest admissions office that he did so in exchange for future purported donations that would inure to Ferguson’s personal benefit.
In March 2019, Ferguson was charged and arrested in connection with this case. In September 2020, Ferguson was charged in a second superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney and Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Member of Connecticut Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Connecticut Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Esther Ortiz, a/k/a “Queen India,” 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Jan. 19, 2022.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Ortiz admitted to her membership in the Latin Kings and the Latin Kings’ Regional Crown Council. As Regional Crown Council member, Ortiz advised leadership, heard evidence concerning violations of the manifesto and determined punishment for members who violated the rules of the Latin Kings. One such trial, which took place in March 2019, was captured on video. This trial involved complaints against Angel Roldan, a/k/a “King Big A,” the former second-in-command, or Cacique, of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts, who had reportedly robbed fellow gang members of drugs and failed to repay drug debts owed to the leader of the New Bedford Chapter.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Ortiz is the 52nd defendant to plead guilty in the case. Roldan pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2021 to seven years in prison.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years 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.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Mendell’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Medical Office Manager Sentenced to 27 Months for Embezzling Money from PracticeRead the Press Release
Sean P. Costello, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, announces that Chief Judge Jeffery Beaverstock has sentenced defendant Betty Fables Harrison to 27 months in prison and ordered her to pay $549,000.00 in restitution.
In April 2021, Harrison pleaded guilty to an Information charging her with wire fraud. As part of her plea agreement with the United States, Harrison admitted that she worked as a business manager and administrator for two related medical practices in Mobile County — Bay Area Community Medicine and Independent Practice Management — from 2005 through October 2017. In this capacity, Harrison handled payroll and had access to multiple business bank accounts.
Starting in 2006, Harrison began using business funds for unauthorized personal expenditures, such as horse saddles, equine vet bills, musical instruments, furniture, and vacations. These unauthorized purchases continued for eleven years until Harrison’s termination in October 2017. Also during this time, Harrison fraudulently paid herself bonuses and consulting fees as well as increased her salary without authorization. This resulted in a substantial financial loss to both medical practices.
During the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Beaverstock noted that Harrison’s crimes went on for years and were a serious breach of trust. Accordingly, Chief Judge Beaverstock agreed with the United States’ sentencing recommendation and sentenced Harrison to 27 months in federal prison. Harrison was also ordered to pay $549,000.00 in restitution to Dr. George Sutton, the owner of both medical practices.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Bodnar. A related state criminal case against Harrison is pending in Mobile County Circuit Court.
Former Internal Revenue Service Agent Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Identity Theft and Making False Statements During Security Background InvestigationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Bryan Cho, a former Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 30 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to create false identification documents and passports using the stolen identity of the former subject of an IRS-CI investigation. Additionally, the defendant forfeited $394,374.63 as part of the plea agreement. Cho pleaded guilty to the charges in June 2021. Cho’s employment was terminated since his arrest.
Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.
“The defendant’s fraud and corruption extended to creating an entirely false identity by stealing information he obtained while conducting an investigation in his official capacity as an IRS Special Agent,” stated Acting United State Attorney Kasulis. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that this Office will vigorously prosecute and hold accountable law enforcement officials who betray the public trust and violate their sworn duty to uphold the law.” Ms. Kasulis thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for their outstanding work on the case.
Cho stole the identity of a former subject in one of his investigations and used it to create fake identification documents in the person’s name. The false documents included purported identification cards and passports from the Republic of Marshall Island, the Philippines and the Republic of Guinea Bissau. Some of the documents, including identification cards from the Philippines and the Republic of Guinea Bissau, featured Cho’s picture. One false identification document was used by Cho to register a corporation overseas in the name of the subject. Cho then lied during an official background investigation when he failed to disclose this conduct and denied having any aliases or foreign interests.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Geddes and Turner Buford are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
BRYAN CHO (also known as “Yong Hee Cho”)
Age: 50
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-40 (AMD)
Former Chief Executive Officer of Petrochemical Company Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Foreign Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A Brazilian man who previously served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Braskem S.A. (Braskem), a publicly-traded Brazilian petrochemical company, was sentenced today in the Eastern District of New York to 20 months in prison for a scheme to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Braskem into a secret slush fund and to pay bribes to government officials, political parties, and others in Brazil.
Jose Carlos Grubisich, 64, of Brazil, pleaded guilty on April 15 to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and one count of conspiracy to violate the books and records provision of the FCPA and to fail to accurately certify Braskem’s financial reports. According to court documents, between approximately 2002 and 2014, Grubisich, who served as the CEO and a member of the board of directors of Braskem — as well as in various capacities for Braskem’s parent company, Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht) — engaged in a scheme to bribe Brazilian government officials. As part of the scheme, Grubisich and his co-conspirators diverted approximately $250 million from Braskem into a secret slush fund, which Grubisich and others generated through fraudulent contracts and offshore shell companies secretly controlled by Braskem. In addition to his prison sentence, Grubisich was ordered to forfeit $2.2 million and pay a $1 million fine.
In December 2016, Braskem and Odebrecht each pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Braskem also resolved related civil proceedings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the same day.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis for the Eastern District of New York, and Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s International Corruption squad in New York investigated the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The department also expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Ministério Público Federal and the Departamento de Polícia Federal in Brazil, the Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland, and the governments of Portugal, Andorra, the United Kingdom, and Panama.
Acting Co-Principal Deputy Chief Lorinda Laryea and Trial Attorney Leila Babaeva of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Nestor and Alixandra Smith of the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Mantell of the Asset Recovery Section of the Office’s Criminal Division is handling related forfeiture matters.
Former CEO of Braskem Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Foreign Bribery and Securities Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jose Carlos Grubisich, a Brazilian national and the former Chief Executive Officer of Braskem S.A. (Braskem), a publicly traded Brazilian petrochemical company, was sentenced by United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie to 20 months in prison for conspiring to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Braskem into a secret slush fund and to pay bribes to government officials, political parties and others in Brazil to obtain and retain business. In addition, the Court imposed a $1 million fine and Grubisich was ordered to pay $2.2 million in forfeiture.
On April 15, 2021, Grubisich pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and one count of conspiracy to violate the books and records provision of the FCPA and to fail to accurately certify Braskem’s financial reports.
Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
As set forth in court filings and at today’s proceedings, between approximately 2002 and 2014, Grubisich, who served as the CEO and a member of the board of directors of Braskem—as well as in various capacities for Braskem’s parent company, Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht)—engaged in a scheme to bribe Brazilian government officials in violation of the FCPA. As part of the scheme, Grubisich and his co-conspirators diverted approximately $250 million from Braskem into a secret slush fund, which Grubisich and others generated through fraudulent contracts and offshore shell companies secretly controlled by Braskem.
In December 2016, Braskem and Odebrecht each pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to separate one-count criminal informations charging them with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Braskem also resolved related civil proceedings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the same day.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Nestor and Alixandra Smith of the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution with Co-Principal Deputy Chief Lorinda Laryea and Trial Attorney Leila Babaeva of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Mantell of the Asset Recovery Section of the Office’s Criminal Division is handling forfeiture matters. The FBI’s International Corruption squad in New York is investigating the case.
The FBI’s International Corruption squad in New York investigated the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The department also expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Ministério Público Federal and the Departamento de Polícia Federal in Brazil, the Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland, and the governments of Portugal, Andorra, the United Kingdom, and Panama.
The Defendant
JOSE CARLOS GRUBISICH
Age: 64
Sao Paulo, BrazilE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-102 (RJD)
Former Buckley, Washington resident convicted of enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 34-year-old former resident of Buckley, Washington, was convicted late Friday, October 8, 2021, of attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Brown. Taylor J. Matson was arrested in February 2019, following an undercover investigation by the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. The jury deliberated about three hours following a three-day trial. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2022.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Matson responded to an advertisement posted on the internet ostensibly from the mother of three young children. The ad used terms to imply the children would be made available for sex with adults. The advertisement was actually posted by an undercover detective. Matson made clear, via his communication both online and via text message, that he wanted to sexually assault the fictitious 12-year-old girl. Matson met with the undercover detective at a bar to further the plan. He fulfilled various requirements posed by the detective, such as obtaining sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and bringing condoms to the scheduled meet. On February 6, 2019, Matson went to a hotel in south Seattle where he believed he would have sex with the child. He was arrested when he entered the hotel room.
Enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. Judge Robart will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.
Former Bookkeeper Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Paula R. Hise, 55, of Shawneetown, Illinois, was sentenced yesterday in United
States District Court in Benton to 63 months in prison for defrauding her former employer of over
$1,500,000.00, announced Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of
Illinois. Hise had previously pled guilty on April 19, 2021 to an Indictment charging her with two counts of wire fraud.Information introduced in support of the guilty plea and sentence showed that between 2007 and
2017, Hise used her trusted position as a bookkeeper for her employer to steal funds from her employer by obtaining an unauthorized credit card, using that credit card for personal purchases, and then paying the balance of the credit card using her employer’s business checking account. Hise concealed her crime by creating false entries in the business’ account ledgers, creating false accounting reports, and providing false information to her employer.“The FBI is committed to investigating those who commit financial fraud in order to protect American citizens and businesses,” said Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “This sentence holds Hise accountable for the damage she caused and sends a message that fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences.”
In addition to the 63-month term of imprisonment, Hise was also ordered to pay the United States
$200 in special assessments, and to pay a total of $1,550,379.14 in restitution to her former employer, less any amounts received from a related civil suit. Hise was also placed on a 3-year term of supervised release to follow her incarceration.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Springfield Division.
Assistant United States Attorney Casey E. A. Bloodworth prosecuted the case.
Former Bath County Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to the Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Morehead, Ky., man, and former Bath County Deputy Sheriff, Joshua Preece, 40, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to the enticing a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.
According to Preece’s plea agreement, on November 5, 2018, he admitted to answering a call about a minor victim who was acting out of control at her residence and transporting the victim to a remote area in Bath County. At the remote location, Preece admitted to sexually assaulting the victim and later asking for photos via Snapchat. When reviewing Preece’s phone, law enforcement found multiple sexually explicit images.
Preece was indicted in April 2021.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police; jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Secret Service and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.
Preece is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2022. He faces a minimum of 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Fayette County Man Sentenced to 262 Months for Armed Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— A Lexington, Ky., man, Jymie S. Salahuddin, 53, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph Hood, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Salahuddin’s plea agreement, on September 19, 2020, while serving a parole violation warrant, law enforcement stopped Salahuddin’s vehicle and found him in possession of 79.42 grams of cocaine and a large amount of currency. A search of his vehicle also revealed a .40 pistol and a .380 pistol, along with additional currency. Salahuddin admitted that he possessed the cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Salahuddin pleaded guilty in July 2021.
Under federal law, Salahuddin 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 six years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Police Chief, Lexington Police Department, announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos
This is another case 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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Father and daughter who sold stolen retail products online sentencedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Robert Whitley, and his daughter Noni Whitley, have been sentenced to federal prison for selling millions of dollars of stolen retail products through their online businesses, Closeout Express and Essentials Daily Discounts.
“These crimes impact not only the retailers, but every consumer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “Organized retail crime and other massive frauds have become more common through online platforms. We and our law enforcement partners will continue to seek out and prosecute these criminal enterprises.”
“The Whitley’s are now paying the price for inflicting financial harm to legitimate small businesses and consumers affected by those businesses losses,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together to protect consumers and businesses from these types of crimes.”
“Postal Inspectors will continue to vigorously pursue individuals that are driven by their own insatiable greed and also demonstrate a blatant disregard for the economic impact that can occur,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “This sentence is the culmination of a successful joint investigative effort to dismantle an ongoing retail crime ring and continue to ensure the integrity of the mail system.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Between approximately January 2011 and November 2019, Robert and Noni Whitley operated an organized retail crime operation (“ORC”) in Atlanta through several entities, including Closeout Express and Essentials Daily Discounts.
An ORC operation refers to a professional shoplifting, cargo theft, or retail crime ring, or other organized crime occurring in a retail environment. Robert Whitley was the owner and operator of Closeout Express. Noni Whitley worked with her father and helped operate and manage their ORC operation.
Closeout Express and Essential Daily Discounts operated from a warehouse and several residences in Atlanta. The defendants relied on “boosters”—who are essentially professional shoplifters—to steal specific retail products or categories of items, including over-the-counter medications (e.g., Prilosec, Nexium, Rogaine, and Claritin), shaving razors, oral care products, and health and beauty aids. The boosters stole these products from various retailers, national drugstore chains, and national supermarket chains throughout metro Atlanta, including CVS, Kroger, Publix, Target, and Walgreens. The boosters would typically bring the stolen product in large trash bags to Closeout Express’s warehouse in southwest Atlanta. Robert and Noni Whitley paid the boosters in cash for the stolen product. The investigation revealed that Robert and Noni Whitley paid dozens of boosters to steal product over the years.
Closeout Express sold the stolen retail products—at below retail or even wholesale cost—mainly online at its own websites and through various online e-commerce platforms, including the Amazon Marketplace, the Walmart Marketplace, and the Sears Marketplace. In exchange for a monthly fee or some percentage of the sales, these platforms permit third-party sellers to establish “online storefronts” to sell new or used products on a fixed-price online marketplace alongside these companies’ regular offerings. Closeout Express established “online storefronts” on each of these marketplaces to sell the stolen retail product. Specifically, Closeout Express operated an online storefront on the Amazon Marketplace from approximately January 2011 until July 2018. During that time, Closeout Express sold more than 140,000 items through this storefront. With respect to the Walmart and Sears Marketplaces, Closeout Express operated online storefronts beginning in September 2017 and December 2014, respectively. Through these two online storefronts, Closeout Express processed more than 30,000 orders.
In November 2019, after an investigation, law enforcement shut down the Whitleys’ operation. That month, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service executed multiple search warrants at Closeout Express’s southwest Atlanta warehouse and multiple residences connected to Robert and Noni Whitley. These locations had been used to sort, store, and process the stolen retail product (e.g., to “clean” the items of identifying information or anti-theft devices). Among other evidence of the ORC operation, agents recovered more than $1 million in stolen retail product.
While in operation, Robert and Noni Whitley sold stolen retail product valued at more than $6.1 million through Closeout Express and Essential Daily Discounts across the various e-commerce platforms. Robert Whitley and Noni Whitley also sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of stolen product through Essential Daily Discounts’ own website.
On October 5, 2021, the defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee, to the following:
- Robert Whitley a/k/a Mr. Bob, 70, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years, ten months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
- Noni Whitley, 47, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. She previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property,
Both defendants were also ordered to pay $4,348,762.90 in restitution to the victim retailers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case.
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.
Fort Washakie Man Charged in Two Indictments Enters Guilty PleasRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that ROYCE NEIL PERRY JR a/k/a “Chucky,” 24, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of involuntary manslaughter at a change of plea hearing held in front of United States District Chief Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 29, 2021.
Perry was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2021, in two indictments. The first indictment alleged that he assaulted an individual in 2019 by hitting them with closed fists and kicking them in the head and face repeatedly with steel toed shoes. By pleading guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, Perry could face up to 10 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, $250,000 fine and $100 special assessment.
In the second indictment, Perry was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child abuse. According to that indictment, on November 2, 2020, Perry drove a motor vehicle, under the influence of controlled substances, in a reckless manner, killing the passenger and injuring two children. By pleading guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, Perry could face up to eight years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, $250,000 fine and $100 special assessment.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl accepted Perry’s plea and scheduled the sentencing hearing on December 20, 2021 in Casper, Wyoming.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Edjay Jaime Sablan Sentenced to 97 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Edjay Jaime Sablan, age 24, from Saipan, was sentenced in the United States District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands to 97 months imprisonment for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). The Court also ordered five years of supervised release following imprisonment, 40 hours of community service, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. Sablan will also be required to register as a sex offender for 15 years following his release from prison.
On January 6, 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Sablan’s apartment on Saipan. At the time, Sablan was a police officer with the CNMI Department of Public Safety. Based on an undercover investigation, agents believed that the apartment contained evidence of child sex abuse material. Sablan arrived at his apartment during the search. Upon learning the subject of the investigation, he gave a recorded statement admitting that he frequently viewed this material, including videos of infants and toddlers, and that such files would be found on his laptop computer. Subsequent forensic analysis of the computer revealed images and videos depicting extreme acts of sadomasochism on children.
U.S. Attorney Anderson stated, “Our public servants are held to high standards of conduct. This is particularly true for members of law enforcement. The possession of child sexual abuse material is an unconscionable crime. Unfortunately, once the images reach the internet, a victim endures a lifetime of continued exploitation. The Department of Justice will pursue justice for these victims at every opportunity. We applaud the work of our federal task force partners in keeping our communities safe.”
“Sexual predators who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society will be identified, investigated and find themselves in prison. The fact that Sablan was an active-duty police officer - sworn to protect the public - makes this case particularly appalling," said FBI Honolulu Steven Merrill. "This verdict case demonstrates the importance of the FBI’s commitment to work closely with our partners on the Marianas Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (MCEHTTF) to investigate cases such as this with a sense of urgency and to the fullest extent allowable by law."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in partnership with the Marianas Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Eric S. O’Malley, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Distribution of child pornography sends Great Falls man to prison for more than 12 yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to sending child pornography videos to an undercover agent in an online chat room was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Joshua Nathan Stillman, 46, pleaded guilty in June to distribution of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in November and December 2020, an undercover FBI agent was in an online chat room on an application available to cell phone users. On Nov. 23, 2020, a user in that chat room distributed two videos depicting child pornography to the undercover agent. An investigation determined that Stillman was the user who distributed the videos to the agent, and Stillman admitted that he distributed the videos in the chat room. A search warrant was executed on Stillman’s residence, and law enforcement seized and analyzed Stillman’s cell phone. Stillman’s cell phone contained more than 300 images and videos depicting child pornography.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI and Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Detroit Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Detroit, Michigan, charged a Detroit tax preparer on Oct. 7 with 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
According to the indictment, Daneilla Allen, who at times resided in Detroit, was one of the owners and operators of a tax preparation business through which she prepared false individual income tax returns. Allen allegedly prepared 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020 tax returns that falsely claimed deductions, business losses and tax credits in an effort to obtain refunds for clients greater than those to which the clients were entitled. The indictment alleges that even after being notified by special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation that she was under criminal investigation for preparing false tax returns, Allen allegedly prepared additional false returns.
If convicted, Daneilla Allen faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false return count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
Trial Attorneys Jeffrey A. McLellan and Sam Bean of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DOJ and University of Washington resolve claims researcher falsified grant applicationRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice and the University of Washington have settled allegations that a professor in the College of Engineering falsified documentation provided to the National Science Foundation associated with a grant that UW received from the Foundation. The University will pay the government $801,756, to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act, which includes restitution and a penalty.
According to settlement documents, between August of 2018 and September 2019, the principal investigator on the grant submitted false documents regarding the grant to the National Science Foundation. The grant was part of the highly competitive “Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future” program.
“Academic integrity demands accurate reports to grant funders,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown. “This is an expensive, but critical, lesson that researchers must accurately report who worked on a project, as well as the results from their research.”
“The National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of our grant recipients by holding accountable those who choose to engage in false claims and misrepresentation schemes. We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice in pursuing this matter and will continue to vigorously pursue oversight of taxpayer funds devoted to scientific research,” said Inspector General Allison Lerner.
The investigation began with a whistleblower complaint regarding work performed under the grant and the grant application.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Burns and Kayla Stahman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Columbia Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Counterfeit Disney Movies on eBayRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, couple pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to smuggle counterfeit Disney DVDs into the United States and sell them on eBay.
Tabitha Nicole Rodgers, 42, and her husband, Clint Travis Rodgers, 48, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. Tabitha Rodgers pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal copyright infringement for profit. Clint Rodgers pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of criminal infringement of a copyright.
In July 2014, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center indicating that Clint Rodgers had received more than 443 shipments of counterfeit DVDs from companies in Hong Kong known to sell and export counterfeit goods. HSI agents identified two shipments that had been seized prior to delivery to the Rodgers’ home in Columbia. One shipment contained 200 counterfeit “Beauty and the Beast” DVDs and another shipment contained 260 counterfeit “Aladdin” DVDs. On Feb. 4, 2015, Customs and Border Protection agents seized a parcel addressed to Clint Rodgers that contained 200 counterfeit Disney DVDs.
According to today’s plea agreement, undercover federal agents purchased several counterfeit Disney DVDs from the Rodgers on eBay in February and March 2015. The Rodgers represented that the DVDs were genuine and authentic Disney products, when in reality, they were aware the products were counterfeit. During the investigation, agents contacted two persons who assisted the Rodgers in selling counterfeit DVDs on eBay. They told agents they were aware of numerous complaints from customers, including complaints that the DVDs didn’t work.
On Aug. 25, 2015, HSI agents executed a search warrant at the Rodgers’ residence. Agents seized an assortment of counterfeit goods, including numerous counterfeit Disney DVDs. Tabitha Rodgers admitted that she conducted the day-to-day operation of the business. She corresponded via email with the counterfeit DVD supplier in Hong Kong and placed orders for the DVDs. She also packaged and sent the DVDs to customers and processed customer complaints when DVDs were inoperable.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Tabitha Rodgers must forfeit to the government a money judgment in an amount to be determined by the court at sentencing that represents her share of the proceeds from the criminal activity.
Under federal statutes, Tabitha Rodgers is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. Clint Rodgers is subject to a sentence of up to one year in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Cincinnati man sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for robbing restaurantRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The lead of four defendants convicted of robbing an area chicken wings restaurant at gunpoint was sentenced in federal court to 126 months in prison.
Jammell Johnson, 28, of Cincinnati, received a sentence at the top of the federal sentencing guidelines for his role in the armed robbery conspiracy.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2019, Johnson and three others – including the restaurant’s manager Michael Jointer – robbed the WingStop on Galbraith Road in Springfield Township.
Johnson’s plea documents detail that he and the co-defendants had planned to place a carryout food order around closing time, which WingStop would honor after the restaurant had closed. According to their plan, Johnson and co-conspirator Martez Brown would rob the restaurant and manager Jointer would lead them to the safe. Jointer chose the date based on when the safe would contain the most cash.
Springfield Township police officers became aware of the plan and initiated surveillance.
A fourth defendant, Dwayne Palmore, purchased clothing items and gloves for use during the robbery and acted as a lookout on scene at WingStop.
Johnson and Brown brandished firearms and stole approximately $2,600 in cash from the restaurant.
Law enforcement officials used physical and aerial surveillance prior to, during, and after the robbery. Co-conspirators were arrested following vehicle and foot pursuits. Officers deployed nearby K-9 units to help apprehend the defendants.
Jointer, Brown and Palmore have each pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Springfield Township Police Chief Rick Bley; and Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.
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Christopher R. Kavanaugh Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – In a ceremony Thursday evening, Christopher Robert Kavanaugh was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. The Honorable Lisa O. Monaco, Deputy Attorney General for the Department of Justice, administered the oath office at a private ceremony at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C.
President Joseph R. Biden nominated Mr. Kavanaugh to be the United States Attorney on August 10, 2021. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on October 5, 2021.
“It is the honor of my life to serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. I know that the federal prosecutors here tirelessly serve the citizens of the Western District of Virginia in their pursuit of justice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated team of public servants,” U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “I look forward to working closely with our law enforcement partners, defense counsel, and the court in serving the District.”
U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh, 41, of Charlottesville, is a career federal prosecutor, having served as an Assistant United States Attorney for both the United States Attorney’s Office in Charlottesville as well as the District of Columbia. During his career, Mr. Kavanaugh directed numerous multi-agency investigations and prosecutions, including the hate crimes prosecution of James Fields for the August 12, 2017 car attack in Charlottesville, Virginia. Mr. Kavanaugh also served as the District’s chief national security prosecutor, and spent time supervising and training fellow prosecutors while serving as the Counsel to the U.S. Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel. Most recently, Mr. Kavanaugh was Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Kavanaugh graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Tech, where received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable James C. Cacheris, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Chestnut Hill Private School Teacher Ordered Detained Before Trial After Arrest on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Andrew Wolf, 41, of Philadelphia, PA, and a teacher at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, was ordered detained pending trial at a hearing in U.S. Magistrate Court earlier today, following his arrest on October 7, 2021. The defendant was charged by Criminal Complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses including receiving child pornography and distribution of child pornography.
According to the Complaint, the charges stem from the defendant’s July 2021 electronic communication with a 13-year-old boy in order to purchase several sexually explicit videos of the child in exchange for a PlayStation card worth $100. He was arrested after the FBI executed a federal search warrant at his residence.
“As alleged in the Criminal Complaint, the defendant communicated with a child for the purpose of sexually exploiting the child’s naiveté – an abhorrent crime made even worse because of the defendant’s position as a teacher,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “The convenience and accessibility of digital communications, coupled with the ease with which child sexual exploitation crimes can be concealed online, make these cases extremely difficult to investigate and prosecute. However, our Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to doing this difficult work in order to hold child sexual predators accountable, especially people like this defendant who have selected careers working with children.”
“Any adult who manipulates a child into providing explicit images of themselves, as alleged here, needs to answer for it,” said Bradley S. Benavides, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “It's especially pressing when the adult in question works with kids every day. Our Crimes Against Children Task Force is driven to keep identifying and investigating online predators. It's critical we protect children from such disgusting sexual exploitation.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Throwing A Burning Basket into Buffalo City Hall During Violent ProtestsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Courtland Renford, 22, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to rioting. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that on May 30, 2020, the defendant participated in the looting and rioting of a 7-11 convenience store located on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Summer Avenue in Buffalo. At approximately 10:10 p.m., a large group shattered the front door of the 7-11 and began looting the store. Renford was one of the first individuals to enter the 7-11 and his conduct was captured on surveillance footage.
Later that same evening, at approximately 11:25 p.m., Renford participated in a public protest near Buffalo City Hall, resulting in significant property damage and looting. During the protest Renford threw a burning laundry basket into a broken window of Buffalo City Hall, resulting in a fire inside the building. Buffalo firefighters extinguished the fire, which damaged and/or destroyed items inside Buffalo City Hall.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2021, before Judge Arcara.
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Brooklyn Felon Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing Arsenal of Weapons Including “Ghost Guns”Read the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Gary Brown was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee, to 48 months’ imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of numerous firearms and ammunition. Brown pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2021.
Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), announced the sentence.
“As a result of the outstanding investigation conducted by agents of the ATF, the defendant has been brought to justice and his extensive collection of dangerous weapons and ammunition – including untraceable ghost guns –- no longer pose a threat to the safety of our community,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis. “This Office is working tirelessly with our federal partners and local law enforcement to stem the epidemic of gun violence in this district.” Ms. Kasulis also thanked the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for their assistance with the case.
In July 2019, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began investigating the manufacture, distribution and possession of privately made firearms (“PMFs”), which are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” Through that investigation, law enforcement agents learned that Brown had purchased hundreds of rounds of ammunition, enough PMF parts to assemble at least fourteen separate firearms and a Ghost Gunner 2, which is a machine that can be used to assemble PMFs. On August 12, 2020, law enforcement executed a search of Brown’s residence in Brooklyn and found an arsenal of weapons, including traditional firearms, PMFs, numerous high-capacity magazines, including one 100 round magazine and multiple magazines with a capacity of thirty rounds or more and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The firearms were strewn about the residence, where the defendant lived with his fiancé and toddler daughter, in unsecured bags and drawers. A later search of a storage locker used by Brown also revealed a 12 Gauge Shotgun, additional PMF parts, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition and a Ghost Gunner 2.
Brown was previously convicted in May 2009 of manslaughter stemming from a 2008 incident in which Brown threw a woman to the ground causing severe head trauma, and ultimately, her death.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel A. Bennek.
The Defendant:
GARY BROWN
Age: 40
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-352 (EK)
Birmingham Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Birmingham man on drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector-in-Charge, Houston Division, Dana Carter.
U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie C. Axon sentenced Louis Dejuan Owens, 44, to 290 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Owens pleaded guilty to the charge in May.
“Methamphetamine continues to devastate communities across Alabama,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Keeping dangerous drugs off the streets helps reduce violence and saves lives. We are grateful for the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on this case.”
“Louis Dejuan Owens’ greed placed the lives of U.S. Postal Service workers and the community at large in grave risk with little regard to their safety,” said acting Inspector-in-Charge Dana Carter, US Postal Inspection Service, Houston Division. “Today’s criminal sentence calling for over two decades in prison is a firm reminder that postal inspectors, partnering with other law enforcement agencies, such as ALEA, persistently work in the background to keep the U.S. Mail safe and secure.”
According to the plea agreement, on four separate occasions between October 4, 2019 and November 1, 2019, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency-State Bureau of Investigations (ALEA-SBI) special agents used a confidential informant to make numerous controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Owens.
On November 1, 2019, ALEA-SBI special agents and the State Trooper Tactical Team established surveillance in the area of the location where the final buy was to take place. As Owens arrived, State Troopers attempted to stop Owens. Owens attempted to flee, and his vehicle struck a utility pole. Owens was taken into custody by the State Troopers, who found large quantities of methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Evidence at sentencing revealed that, on November 1, 2019, Owens was in possession of at least 1810 net grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. In addition, State Troopers seized narcotics packaging materials and over $7,000. The money was forfeited by the United States at today’s sentencing.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett prosecuted the case.
Billings man sentenced to prison for illegal gun possession while charged with feloniesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who was arrested during a disturbance and who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm while having been charged with two felonies was sentenced today to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Joseph Daniel Boggio, 41, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2021, to illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in January 2020 and again in May 2020, Boggio was charged with two separate felonies of driving while under the influence. Boggio signed his conditions of release, which stated that he “may not possess a firearm, destructive device or other dangerous weapon.” In October 2020, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance at a Billings residence and found an individual holding down Boggio. Both Boggio and the individual had blood on them. Boggio was arrested and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Investigators learned from witnesses that Boggio had sent the individual and other occupants threatening messages, had come to the residence, and started fighting with the individual. Boggio was under the influence and threatening to shoot people as he reached behind his back. Another person saw a gun protruding from Boggio’s pants waistband, grabbed it, and secured it in another room. The owner of the firearm advised law enforcement that Boggio had taken the gun without her permission or knowledge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Bellevue Man Who Spent Cattle Loan Funds on Gambling Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who spent federal loan money intended for the purchase of cattle on his personal expenses, including gambling and alcohol, was sentenced on October 4, 2021, to ten months in federal prison.
Briar Robert Detwiler, age 26, from Bellevue, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 23, 2021 guilty plea to one count of conversion of property pledged to a farm credit agency.
Information from a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency approved Detwiler’s loan request for $50,000 to purchase fifty beef calves in December 2017. Detwiler then requested a disbursement of $9,000 of the funds, falsely stating that the money was for the purchase of cattle. Detwiler immediately spent the $9,000 on construction materials for his personal residence. Detwiler then asked for the remaining $41,000 of loan funds. Of these funds, Detwiler spent $32,230.08 on 35 head of cattle. Detwiler spent the remaining funds on gambling, bars, and food. In October and November 2018, Detwiler sold 22 head of the cattle for $33,976.41. As Detwiler later admitted, instead making any repayment towards the loan, Detwiler spent all of the proceeds he received from the cattle sales in a casino and in bars.
Detwiler was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Detwiler was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $52,684.38 in restitution to the Farm Service Agency. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Detwiler was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on October 18, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1021.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Bay Area Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for Soliciting Donations in Bogus Cancer Treatment SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Amanda Christine Riley pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to solicit donations from individuals to help her pay for cancer treatments she never needed nor received, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. The Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, U.S. District Judge, accepted the plea.
According to the written plea agreement, Riley, 36, admitted that in September 2012, when she was living in San Jose, she devised and executed a plan to obtain money from donors by falsely claiming she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Riley acknowledged her intent was to deceive people into believing she had cancer and, in doing so, to convince them to donate money to her. She continued to execute that plan until at least January 3, 2019.
In approximately October 2012, Riley began documenting her purported illness on social media, including on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. She also created a blog located at http://lymphomacansuckitblogspot.com/. On these social media platforms, she posted photos of medications, photos of herself at hospitals, and photos of herself allegedly suffering the side effects of chemotherapy. Riley added captions to the photos with false statements claiming that she was taking cancer drugs and receiving cancer treatment. She even shaved her head to make it appear as if she had lost her hair as a result of chemotherapy.
Riley admitted taking additional steps to raise money for her phony illness. For example, Riley’s blog included a link to a support page, http://www.supportamanda.com, which also included false information about Riley’s purported “battle with cancer.” The support page featured a clickable “donate now” icon for visitors to donate money online, and encouraged visitors to donate money to “support Amanda” and help “Amanda’s battle with cancer.” In addition, Riley organized several fundraisers, including in-person fundraisers at the Family Community Church in San Jose, to solicit donations and raise money for her supposed cancer-related expenses.
In reality, Riley did not have – and has never had – Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or any other type of cancer. When people donated to Riley over the internet or at in-person fundraisers, they believed their donations would be used to pay Riley’s cancer-related expenses. In fact, Riley had no cancer-related expenses, and donors’ funds were simply deposited into Riley’s personal bank account. In total, Riley admitted she received over four-hundred donations worth approximately $106,272 from her fake cancer fundraising scheme.
Today, Riley pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Riley was charged on January 6, 2021, by felony information.
Judge Freeman scheduled Riley’s sentencing for February 22, 2022. Riley faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 (or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the scheme). In addition, the court may order additional terms of supervised release and restitution. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Simeon and Michael G. Pitman are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the San Jose Police Department.
Arapahoe Man Pleads Guilty to Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that RONALD BLAISE JENKINS, 25, of Arapahoe Wyoming, pleaded guilty to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The change of plea hearing was held in front of United States District Chief Judge Scott W. Skavdahl who set sentencing for December 20, 2021.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department, with assistance from the Riverton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
25th Operation High Tide Defendant Sentenced for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man, who was the 25th defendant associated with Operation High Tide, was sentenced today to five years in prison for his role in trafficking firearms and selling heroin.
According to court documents, in 2017, Shon E. Melton, 32, of Portsmouth, was attributed with trafficking 19 firearms, including a concealable short barrel shotgun, assault rifles, and stolen guns, one of which was a Ruger with a scope and laser modification. Firearms trafficked by Melton include stolen guns connected to burglaries in the London Oaks neighborhood of Portsmouth, sold within days or weeks of the home invasions.
Operation High Tide is a large-scale narcotics trafficking and firearms investigation that has resulted in the recovery of over 65 firearms, over 7 kilograms of cocaine, nearly a kilogram of crack cocaine, over 625 grams of heroin, over 100 grams of fentanyl, 75 grams of acetyl fentanyl, 12 pounds of marijuana, 621 grams of hash oil, 24 grams of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), 120 grams of methamphetamine, and over $560,000 in cash. The narcotics seized have a street value of nearly $1 million.
To date, Operation High Tide defendants have been sentenced to a combined total of over 250 years:
Name, Age
Hometown
Charges
Sentence
Brian D. Best, 34
Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
92 months
Antisha Carrington, 25
Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana
33 months
Portia L. Carrington-Green, 46, Chesapeake
Transferring a Firearm to a Prohibited Person
12 months and one day
Kawanta D. Epps, 40
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana; Distribution of Heroin
46 months
Glenn Farris, 36
Norfolk
Using a Communication Facility to Commit, Cause, and Facilitate the Distribution of Controlled Substances
30 months
Armad J. Gatling, 26, Portsmouth
Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Credit Union Fraud
216 months
Corey L. Jones, 50
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Manufacture and Distribute Heroin; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime
240 months
Dominic D. Jones, 26
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Manufacture and Distribute Heroin; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime
60 months
Malcolm D. Jones, Sr., 45
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Manufacture and Distribute Heroin; Distribution of Heroin, Fentanyl; Distribution of Acetyl Fentanyl
246 months
Malcom Jones, Jr., 25
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Manufacture and Distribute Heroin
156 months
Razagin K. Lee, 49, Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
140 months
Shon E. Melton, 30
Portsmouth
Distribution of Heroin; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; Possession of an Unregistered National Firearms Act Firearm
60 months
Hasheed Mills, 25
Portsmouth
Distribution of Heroin; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; Distribution of Cocaine
60 months
Gary Norfleet, 52
Chesapeake
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Felon in Possession of a Firearm
151 months
Jermaine C. Parker, 35
Chesapeake
Distribution of Fentanyl; 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime
240 months
Takieon J. Perkins, 36, Chesapeake
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
180 months
Raewkon A. Pierce, 24
Portsmouth
Distribution of Cocaine
140 months
Corey S. Reed, 38
Norfolk
Distribution of Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
156 months
Tajh Rodgers, 29
Portsmouth
Robbery Affecting Commerce; Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and 3 counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime
336 months
Johnnie Ross, 29
Portsmouth
Distribution of Fentanyl
60 months
Jameel M. Simmons, 37
Portsmouth
Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime
123 months
Jelami M. Smith, 43
Portsmouth
Distribution of Heroin
24 months
Robert B. Spruill, 39
Chesapeake
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess Methamphetamine
60 months
Paul C. Voskanyan, 36
Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine
144 months
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police; Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Renado Prince, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin G. Bird, Andrew C. Bosse, John F. Butler, Megan M. Cowles, Sherrie Capotosto, Kevin M. Comstock, Joseph E. DePadilla, William B. Jackson, Darryl Mitchell, and William D. Muhr prosecuted the cases referenced above.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information on the Melton case are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-145. Other Operation High Tide cases can be found by searching for Case Nos. 2:19-cr-80, 111, 138, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 154, 155, 170, 193, and 2:20-cr-15.
11 October 2021
Department of Justice Redoubles Efforts to Find and Prosecute Those Responsible for the 2001 Murder of Federal Prosecutor Tom WalesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco today announced that the Department of Justice has doubled the $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the October 2001 murder of Seattle Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Wales.
With the inclusion of reward funds raised by the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys, the total reward now stands at approximately $2.5 million. Wales worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Washington for 18 years before he was shot and killed in his home the evening of Oct. 11, 2001.
“The Department of Justice will never forget Tom’s contributions to the department and the cause of justice, nor will we forget the tragedy of his death,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “Although two decades have passed, the Department of Justice remains committed to this investigation. Somebody knows something about this murder, and we want to do everything we can to encourage them to come forward now.”
In addition to doubling the reward, the department announced steps to redouble its efforts to pursue justice in the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington will be joining the Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force. The department will augment the prosecution effort with additional Seattle-based resources, including personnel with expertise in homicide investigations.
“The addition of these resources, including attorneys and investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and FBI, will put the department in the strongest possible position to solve Tom’s murder,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco.
The SEPROM Task Force is now a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The task force is also leveraging emerging and evolving technologies in the effort.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI and can do so confidentially by phone at (206) 622-0460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Tips can also be sent to the FBI at 1110 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101. The complete library of information, including multi-media materials for download and use, the FBI Seeking Information poster, details about the tip lines and more can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/thomas-crane-wales.
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U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown participates in tree planting in memory of AUSA Tom WalesDepartment of Justice Redoubles Efforts to Find and Prosecute Those Responsible for the 2001 Murder of Federal Prosecutor Tom WalesRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco today announced that the Department of Justice has doubled the $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the October 2001 murder of Seattle Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Wales.
With the inclusion of reward funds raised by the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys, the total reward now stands at approximately $2.5 million. Wales worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Washington for 18 years before he was shot and killed in his home the evening of Oct. 11, 2001.
“The Department of Justice will never forget Tom’s contributions to the department and the cause of justice, nor will we forget the tragedy of his death,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “Although two decades have passed, the Department of Justice remains committed to this investigation. Somebody knows something about this murder, and we want to do everything we can to encourage them to come forward now.”
In addition to doubling the reward, the department announced steps to redouble its efforts to pursue justice in the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington will be joining the Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force. The department will augment the prosecution effort with additional Seattle-based resources, including personnel with expertise in homicide investigations.
“The addition of these resources, including attorneys and investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and FBI, will put the department in the strongest possible position to solve Tom’s murder,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco.
The SEPROM Task Force is now a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The task force is also leveraging emerging and evolving technologies in the effort.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI and can do so confidentially by phone at (206) 622-0460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Tips can also be sent to the FBI at 1110 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101. The complete library of information, including multi-media materials for download and use, the FBI Seeking Information poster, details about the tip lines and more can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/thomas-crane-wales.
Bronx Man Who Attempted to Travel to Afghanistan in 2019 to Join Taliban Convicted of Attempting to Provide Material Support for TerrorismRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that a jury returned a guilty verdict last Friday against DELOWAR MOHAMMED HOSSAIN on both counts of the Superseding Indictment, for attempting to provide material support for terrorism and attempting to make a contribution of funds, goods, and services to the Taliban. United States District Judge Sidney H. Stein presided over the one-week trial.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As the jury found, Delowar Hossain made elaborate preparations to travel to Afghanistan to join the Taliban and kill American troops, and he was intercepted at JFK Airport attempting to board a flight while carrying mountain survival gear and thousands in cash for weapons to achieve his murderous plan. I commend the excellent work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force to uncover the plot and stop Hossain, who now awaits sentencing for his crimes.”
According to court documents and the evidence at trial:
Beginning in the fall of 2018, HOSSAIN expressed his desire to travel to Afghanistan, join the Taliban, and kill American servicemembers. Over the next approximately 10 months, HOSSAIN attempted to recruit several other individuals into his plot; attempted to contact at least one individual in Pakistan who was associated with the Taliban; saved at least approximately $10,000, with which he planned to buy weapons to use after he joined the Taliban; and bought survival gear for the mountains of Afghanistan. During recorded conversations with two confidential sources working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), HOSSAIN consistently reiterated his desire to join the Taliban and kill Americans. HOSSAIN also took steps to develop a cover story designed to disguise his extremism and evade detection by the FBI, which included traveling to Thailand on his way to Afghanistan.
On July 26, 2019, the FBI arrested HOSSAIN at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he was walking down the jet bridge to a flight that would have taken him to Thailand, the first leg of his planned journey to Afghanistan to join the Taliban. A subsequent search of HOSSAIN’s person and luggage revealed approximately $10,000 in cash and survival gear, including a machete, an ax, a knife, a tent, sleeping bags rated for freezing temperatures, emergency thermal blankets, personal water filters, and solar power panels.
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HOSSAIN, 36, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of attempting to provide material support for terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and one count of attempting to make a contribution of funds, goods, and services to the Taliban, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by Judge Stein. Sentencing before Judge Stein is scheduled for January 12, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists principally of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, as well as the New York Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys David W. Denton Jr., Jessica K. Fender, and Benjamin Woodside Schrier are in charge of the prosecution, assisted by Paralegal Specialist Daniel Sitko, and with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the Counterterrorism Section.
10 October 2021
Maryland Nuclear Engineer and spouse arrested on espionage-related chargesRead the Press Release
Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were arrested in Jefferson County, West Virginia by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Saturday, October 9, 2021. They will have their initial appearances on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, in federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, 42, aided by his wife, Diana, 45, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power. In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes have been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.
“The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Jonathan Toebbe is an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data. Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters, and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.
The complaint affidavit alleges that on April 1, 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. The affidavit also alleges that, thereafter, Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.
On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, 2021, Jonathan and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia. There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On August 28, 2021, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Jonathan and Diana Toebbe on October 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.
Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher, Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, Western District of Pennsylvania, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS investigated.
A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland Nuclear Engineer and Spouse Arrested on Espionage-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were arrested in Jefferson County, West Virginia, by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Saturday, Oct. 9. They will have their initial appearances on Tuesday, Oct. 12, in federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, 42, aided by his wife, Diana, 45, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear-powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power. In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes have been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.
“The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Jonathan Toebbe is an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data. Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.
The complaint affidavit alleges that on April 1, 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. The affidavit also alleges that, thereafter, Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.
On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, Jonathan and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia. There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On Aug. 28, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Jonathan and Diana Toebbe on Oct. 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.
Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher of the Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS are investigating the case.
A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
9 October 2021
Federal Jury Convicts Russian Man of Visa Fraud and False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine—A Russian man was convicted Thursday of conspiring to commit visa fraud, making false statements to a federal law enforcement agency and visa fraud following a two-day jury trial, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced. This was the first jury trial held in the Portland federal court since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court records, Alexander Gormatov, 33, a Russian national, entered the U.S. on a student/work visa in 2009, and later successfully adjusted his status to that of an academic student visa by attending Southern Maine Community College in 2010. In 2011, he met a 17-year-old female U.S. citizen through a Craigslist employment advertisement. Just a few months later, when she reached age 18, he paid her to marry him in his pursuit of a permanent immigration benefit. He then quit school. By November 2012, when he failed to re-enroll at the college, he became unlawfully present in the U.S.
In January 2013, per their agreement, the sham couple made a series of materially false statements on immigration documents that Gormatov later filed seeking a formal adjustment to his immigration status. In April 2013, the couple was interviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in South Portland, during which, per Gormatov’s instruction, the couple falsely claimed to be living as husband and wife. Following the interviews, based on the fraud, Gormatov obtained conditional lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
In January 2014, Gormatov’s wife gave birth to a child she conceived with her actual live-in boyfriend, but Gormatov’s name was placed on the birth certificate. In March 2015, Gormatov filed a petition in order to remove the conditions of his permanent residence accompanied by a copy of the child’s falsified birth certificate.
In January 2017, after learning he was under investigation, Gormatov departed the U.S. for Russia, and failed to return within one year. In May 2019, to return to the U.S., he falsely represented the paternity of his sham wife’s child on a form filed in Riga, Latvia.
During the trial, the young sham wife testified that Gormatov had told her to “just trust him” because such sham marriages happen all the time and “nobody cares.”
Gormatov faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy and false statement charges, and up to 10 years in prison for the visa fraud charge. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 per count and a supervised release term of up to three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case.