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Thursday 22 July 2021
Former Moss Point Mayor and Wife Sentenced on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – The former Mayor of Moss Point, Mississippi, and his wife were sentenced today for conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to the Mayor’s Gala held in 2019, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Mario King was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $6,937.98 in restitution and an $8,000 fine.
Natasha R. King was sentenced to a three-year term of probation with six months of home confinement. She was also ordered to pay $6,937.98 in restitution and a $5,500 fine.
According to court documents, former Mayor Mario King, 33, and his wife Natasha R. King, 32, began soliciting funds in late 2018 for a Gala to be held on March 23, 2019, in Moss Point. The written solicitation stated that the “gala honors and supports organizations that are making a difference for the mental health community. Proceeds support the efforts of mental health in the City of Moss Point with a focus on the Moss Point School District, converting spaces into a therapeutic and innovative learning environment.”
On March 4, 2019, Mario King and Natasha R. King appeared together on WLOX television and described the event, stating that funds from the Gala were to be used to create safe spaces for mental health counseling in the Moss Point School District.
It was the understanding of those contributing to the Gala, either in the form of tickets purchased or contributions, that the proceeds from the Gala would go to the Moss Point School District. Some of the funds were used to pay for the cost of the Gala, but the remaining proceeds did not go to the Moss Point School District. Instead, the defendants used the proceeds for personal purchases, including the down payment on the purchase of a vehicle, cash withdrawals and the payment of credit card debts involving charges to complete the purchase of a personal pet.
The Kings pled guilty on February 24, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie prosecuted the case.
FirstEnergy charged federally, agrees to terms of deferred prosecution settlementRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – FirstEnergy Corp. has been charged federally with conspiring to commit honest services wire fraud and has agreed to pay a $230 million monetary penalty. The company signed a deferred prosecution agreement that could potentially result in dismissal of the charge.
The charge and agreement stem from the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing public corruption prosecutions. In today’s court filings, FirstEnergy Corp., an Akron, Ohio-based public utility holding company, admits it conspired with public officials and other individuals and entities to pay millions of dollars to public officials in exchange for specific official action for FirstEnergy Corp.’s benefit.
FirstEnergy Corp. acknowledged in the deferred prosecution agreement that it paid millions of dollars to an elected state public official through the official’s alleged 501(c)(4) in return for the official pursuing nuclear legislation for FirstEnergy Corp.’s benefit.
The company also acknowledged that it used 501(c)(4) entities, including one it controlled, to further the scheme because it allowed certain FirstEnergy Corp. executives and co-conspirators to conceal from the public the nature, source and control of payments.
FirstEnergy Corp. further acknowledged that it paid $4.3 million dollars to a second public official. In return, the individual acted in their official capacity to further First Energy Corp.’s interests related to passage of nuclear legislation and other company priorities.
FirstEnergy Corp. has cooperated substantially with the government, and according to the deferred prosecution agreement, the company must continue to cooperate fully with the United States in all matters related to the company’s conduct described in the agreement and other conduct under investigation by the government, among other obligations.
For example, within 60 days of today’s filing, FirstEnergy Corp. must pay $115 million to the United States and $115 million to the Ohio Development Service Agency’s Percentage of Income Payment Plus Plan, a program that provides assistance to Ohioans in paying their regulated utility bills.
Other terms in the agreement include publicly disclosing on its website any FirstEnergy Corp. contributions to 501(c)(4) entities and entities known by FirstEnergy Corp. to be operating for the benefit of a public official, either directly or indirectly, and making various provisions to improve corporate compliance moving forward.
As part of the agreement, FirstEnergy Corp. admitted to the facts alleged in the Information and outlined in the Statement of Facts, which detail actions by FirstEnergy Corp. executives to pay money to public officials in return for official action. As a corporation, FirstEnergy Corp. is responsible for the acts of its current and former officers, directors, employees and agents.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charge and agreement. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer are representing the United States in this case.
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Federal prisoner convicted of possessing a weaponRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 38-year-old Mexican national has entered a guilty plea to possessing a dangerous weapon while in custody, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On June 11, 2020, Sergio Anguiano-Camarillo was awaiting transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility from the Coastal Bend Detention Center. On that date, law enforcement responded to an assault in the recreation yard. At that time, authorities had observed Anguiano-Camarillo go under the fence and enter the recreation yard.
As part of the plea, Anguiano-Camarillo admitted he used a sharp object he possessed to attack another inmate. The victim sustained several puncture and laceration wounds to the head and neck areas as well as to one of his eyes.
Authorities conducted a search of the area near the assault and recovered a homemade weapon or “shank.” It was a jagged plastic object approximately six inches in length with a makeshift fabric handle.
Anguiano-Camarillo also admitted the shank was his.
Sentencing has been set for Oct. 20 before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. At that time, Anguiano-Camarillo faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.
Everton Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Everton, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in the Springfield, Mo., area.
Cheyenne W. Conn, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
By pleading guilty today, Conn admitted that he participated in a drug-trafficking conspiracy from Nov. 22, 2016, to Sept. 26, 2018, and in a money-laundering conspiracy from June 20, 2017, to Dec. 6, 2017.
Conn transported approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine per week by vehicle from California to the Springfield area. He then distributed the methamphetamine to other dealers in the conspiracy. Conn admitted that the drug quantity attributable to him is at least 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.
Conn also directed others to send wire transfers of the drug-trafficking proceeds to members of the drug-trafficking organization.
Conn was arrested on Nov. 22, 2016, when Greene County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies responded to a report that a truck on Farm Road 124 was unable to maintain lanes, and persons were throwing objects believed to be needles out of the truck. Deputies located the truck, which was being driven by Conn. He jumped out of the truck and was detained while a passenger continued driving the truck. Deputies later found the truck in a ditch at the intersection of State Highway F and State Highway T. A deputy searched the truck and found a Lorcin .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a total of 4.27 grams of methamphetamine. Conn had $1,333 in the front pocket of his sweatshirt.
On Dec. 22, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Conn’s residence and seized a total of 15 grams of methamphetamine, a distributive amount.
On Dec. 10, 2017, Conn was arrested during a traffic stop in Oldham County, Texas. A sheriff’s deputy found $900 in Conn’s pocket and a baggie that contained approximately 6.27 grams of methamphetamine, a distributive amount. The deputy also searched Conn’s vehicle and found a black bag that contained a large amount of money with a note that stated, “$27,000,” a hypodermic needle with a usable amount of methamphetamine, and a 9mm pistol magazine hidden in the left-rear-quarter panel behind the carpet.
On Sept. 22, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the shop owned by co-defendant Jeremy A. Ingram, 42, of Springfield. Conn and Ingram were present in the garage, where officers seized a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition, numerous rounds of various caliber ammunition, a lock pick set, and drug paraphernalia. Officers also seized a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol from Conn’s GMC Sierra, which had been reported as stolen.
Conn is one of 12 defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case, including Ingram, Larry E Stapp, 42, Tresha R. Ahart, 31, Megan L McNary, 27, Lonnie J. Tinker, 36, Laurie B. Holmes, 39, and Cassidy R. Clayton, 25, all of Springfield; Ginger L. Huerta, also known as Ginger L. Gray, 41, of Halfway, Mo.; Lloyd R. Bradley, 44, of Fordland, Mo.; Shelby R. Maupin, 32, of Ozark, Mo.; and Summerlee M. Barnett, also known as Summerlee M. Lacount, 35, of Salem, Mo.
Under federal statutes, Conn is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Sarff. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Dade County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Oldham County, Texas, Sheriff’s Department.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
Essex County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Defraud Banks of $250,000 Using Credit Cards and Stolen ChecksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in conspiring to defraud two banks of $250,000 using stolen credit cards and blank checks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Nasheed Jackson, 24, of Newark, and Alexander Varice, 22, and Dashawn Duncan, 27, both of South Orange, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to informations charging each of them with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed Jackson’s sentence today in Newark federal court. Duncan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2021, and Varice is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 7, 2021.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2018 through January 2020, Varice, Jackson, and Duncan engaged in a scheme to use stolen credit cards or checks to fraudulently make purchases and withdraw money from two banks. The credit cards were stolen from facilities used by the U.S. Postal Service in Pine Brook and Warren, New Jersey, and never reached the intended cardholders. After obtaining the stolen cards, Varice, Jackson, and Duncan used them to make unauthorized purchases at various retail stores and to withdraw cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) in New Jersey and elsewhere. The blank checks were also stolen from various New Jersey-based post office facilities, and never reached their intended recipients. Varice and Jackson altered the date, payee, and amount of the stolen checks prior to deposit into a third-party account so that they could manually enter the amounts that they wanted to fraudulently withdraw from a victim bank ATM.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentence Jackson to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Engineer Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export to China Semiconductor Chips with Military UsesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An electrical engineer who schemed to illegally obtain integrated circuits with military applications that were exported to China without the required filing of electronic export information was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison.
Yi-Chi Shih, 66, of Hollywood Hills, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt, who also ordered him to pay $362,698 in restitution to the IRS and fined him $300,000.
After a seven-week jury trial that concluded in July 2019, Shih was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Shih also was convicted of four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, one count of making false statements to an FBI agent, three counts of subscribing to a false tax return, and four counts of making false statements to the IRS about his foreign assets.
Shih defrauded a United States company that manufactured broadband, high-powered semiconductor chips known as monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) out of its confidential and proprietary business information that was part of its MMIC manufacturing services, according to trial evidence. As part of the scheme, Shih accessed the victim company’s web portal after obtaining that access through an associate who posed as a domestic customer seeking to obtain custom-designed MMICs that would be used solely in the United States. In this way, Shih concealed his true intent to export the U.S. company’s MMICs to the People’s Republic of China.
The victim company’s semiconductor chips have several commercial and military applications. MMICs are used in missiles, missile guidance systems, fighter jets, electronic warfare, electronic warfare countermeasures and radar applications. The MMICs Shih exported to China were intended for AVIC 607, a state-owned entity in the PRC.
Shih was the President of Chengdu GaStone Technology Company (CGTC), a Chinese company that was building a MMIC manufacturing facility in Chengdu. In 2014, CGTC was placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, according to court documents, “due to its involvement in activities contrary to the national security and foreign policy interest of the United States – specifically, that it had been involved in the illicit procurement of commodities and items for unauthorized military end use in China.”
Shih used a Hollywood Hills-based company he controlled – Pullman Lane Productions, LLC – to funnel funds provided by Chinese entities to finance the manufacturing of the MMICs by the victim company. Pullman Lane received financing from a Beijing-based company that was placed on the Entity List the same day as CGTC “on the basis of its involvement in activities contrary to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States,” according to court documents.
Shih’s associate, Kiet Mai, pleaded guilty in December 2018 to one felony count of smuggling and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and a $5,000 fine.
The FBI, the United States Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Judith A. Heinz of the National Security Division; Melanie Sartoris, Chief of the General Crimes Section; Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section; William M. Rollins of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section; James C. Hughes of the Major Frauds Section; and Daniel G. Boyle of the Asset Forfeiture Section; with assistance from Elizabeth Cannon, Deputy Chief of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Electrical Engineer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export to China Semiconductor Chips with Military UsesRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to 63 months, or more than five years, in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally export integrated circuits with military applications to China the required filing of electronic export information. As part of his sentence, the Judge ordered Shih to pay $362,698 in restitution to the IRS and fined him $300,000.
Yi-Chi Shih, 66, of Hollywood Hills, was convicted on July 2, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Shih also was convicted of four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, one count of making false statements to an FBI agent, three counts of subscribing to a false tax return, and four counts of making false statements to the IRS about his foreign assets.
According to court documents, Shih defrauded a U.S. company that manufactured broadband, high-powered semiconductor chips known as monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) out of its confidential and proprietary business information that was part of its MMIC manufacturing services, according to trial evidence. As part of the scheme, Shih accessed the victim company’s web portal after obtaining that access through an associate who posed as a domestic customer seeking to obtain custom-designed MMICs that would be used solely in the United States. In this way, Shih concealed his true intent to export the U.S. company’s MMICs to the People’s Republic of China.
The victim company’s semiconductor chips have several commercial and military applications. MMICs are used in missiles, missile guidance systems, fighter jets, electronic warfare, electronic warfare countermeasures and radar applications. The MMICs Shih exported to China were intended for AVIC 607, a state-owned entity in the PRC.
Shih was the President of Chengdu GaStone Technology Company (CGTC), a Chinese company that was building a MMIC manufacturing facility in Chengdu. In 2014, CGTC was placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, according to court documents, “due to its involvement in activities contrary to the national security and foreign policy interest of the United States – specifically, that it had been involved in the illicit procurement of commodities and items for unauthorized military end use in China.”
Shih used a Hollywood Hills-based company he controlled – Pullman Lane Productions, LLC – to funnel funds provided by Chinese entities to finance the manufacturing of the MMICs by the victim company. Pullman Lane received financing from a Beijing-based company that was placed on the Entity List the same day as CGTC “on the basis of its involvement in activities contrary to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States,” according to court documents.
Shih’s associate, Kiet Mai, pleaded guilty in December 2018 to one felony count of smuggling and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and a $5,000 fine.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mark Lesko of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Wilkison for the Central District of California made the announcement.
The FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judith A. Heinz, Melanie Sartoris, Khaldoun Shobaki, William M. Rollins, James C. Hughes and Daniel G. Boyle of the Central District of California prosecuted the case with assistance from Elizabeth Cannon, Deputy Chief of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Assault by Striking, Beating, or WoundingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding was sentenced on July 19, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Leilih Smart, age 33, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, to be followed by 12 months of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Smart was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019. She pled guilty on April 8, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 31, 2018, in Eagle Butte. The Defendant wounded a 22-month-old child by holding the child’s hands under running tap water, which was between 139- and 150-degrees Fahrenheit. The child suffered extensive bilateral burns on his wrists and hands.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Smart was ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by August 18, 2021.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Robbery was sentenced on July 19, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Colton White Feather, age 26, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. The dollar amount of restitution was left open for 60 days.
White Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on April 26, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 24, 2020. White Feather entered a convenience store in Eagle Butte wearing a black baseball cap, a grey hoodie sweatshirt pulled up over his head, a dark blue bandana across his face, jeans, and white tennis shoes. The combination of the hoodie pulled up over his head, the baseball cap, and the bandana covered much of his face. White Feather was brandishing a knife. White Feather went behind the counter, grabbed one of the store clerks, and yelled at him to open the cash register. The clerk complied and backed away. White Feather grabbed money out of the cash register. He also demanded cigarettes, which were put on the counter by a clerk and taken by White Feather. White Feather then ran out of the store.
This case was investigated by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
White Feather was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Appear was sentenced on July 19, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Coren Clown, age 29, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Clown was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021. He pled guilty on April 26, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 2, 2021. Clown failed to appear for his jury trial on a charge of Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Clown was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Tahlon Ducheneaux, age 28, was indicted on July 13, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 19, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 23, 2021, in Eagle Butte, Ducheneaux, knowing he was a convicted felon, did knowingly possess a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Ducheneaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Bute Man Sentenced for Assault by Striking, Beating, or WoundingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding was sentenced on July 19, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Gordon Blue Arm Sr., age 66, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, with no supervised release to follow, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Blue Arm was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. He pled guilty on July 19, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 27, 2020, in Eagle Butte. The Defendant assaulted a man by striking the man multiple times in the face and arm with a walking stick, causing fractures to his face, jaw, and lower arm.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Blue Arm was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dunbar Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison today for a federal gun crime. Corey Allen Tucker, 25, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tucker shot an individual six times in South Charleston on January 7, 2019. Later that day, investigators with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department located Tucker in a South Charleston residence and found a 9mm pistol magazine loaded with unfired cartridges in his jacket pocket. Law enforcement officers searched the residence and found two firearms, including a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm pistol, buried in a cat litter box. Some of the ammunition loaded in that firearm was the same brand and type of shell casing located at the scene of the shooting. The magazine found in Tucker’s jacket pocket also fit the firearm. Tucker admitted to law enforcement that he shot the victim. Tucker was prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of a 2016 conviction in South Carolina for assault and battery in the first degree.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00162.
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Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Rasheed Mickens, age 35, of Catonsville, Maryland to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.
Mickens has prior criminal convictions that include a 2006 carjacking conviction and a 2011 conviction for possession with intent to distribute narcotics.
According to his plea agreement, while conducting undercover surveillance at a Baltimore motel on July 8, 2020, the Baltimore County Police Department Vice Narcotics Special Enforcement Team observed a suspicious interaction between two male suspects. One male suspect was the passenger in a sedan and the other male arrived driving a pickup truck.
After the interaction concluded, law enforcement followed the sedan on I-695 driven by a female with the male passenger. Officers observed the male passenger hand the female driver an item while she was driving. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and recovered a total of 48 capsules containing white powder from the male passenger and female driver. An additional bag containing 50 capsules were discovered within the vehicle. The male passenger informed law enforcement that they purchased a total of 100 capsules of fentanyl for $300. Two of the fentanyl capsules were consumed while driving. The male suspect also informed law enforcement that he purchased the drugs from a man named “Mike” at the Baltimore motel. Lab results confirmed that the powder contained in the remaining 98 capsules was fentanyl.
As stated in the plea agreement, detectives returned to the Baltimore motel to locate the suspect known as “Mike”. The male suspect law enforcement observed in the hand to hand transaction was seen exiting a motel room carrying a backpack and several bags to the pickup truck seen earlier that day. As detectives approached and identified themselves to the male suspect, the suspect fled on foot. He was later captured and identified as Mickens.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Mickens informed law enforcement that there were drugs in his truck. Law enforcement recovered 213 capsules of fentanyl, 96 grams of fentanyl, one pound of marijuana, 44 individual baggies of marijuana, 35 mannite bars, a bag labeled “10,000” capsules containing several unused capsules, a loaded 9mm pistol, and three flip phones from the pickup truck. Additional white powder capsules and other drug paraphernalia was recovered from Mickens’s backpack.
Mickens agrees that the controlled substances recovered included more than 40 grams of fentanyl and that the quantity of controlled substances was a sufficient quantity to indicate an intent to distribute. Mickens also agrees that the firearm located in the vehicle was possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Oldham who prosecuted the case.
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Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Social Security Misuse and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to false representation of a Social Security number and making a false statement relating to health care matters.
Ronald Lara Pena, 35, a Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to health care matters. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the court. Pena was indicted in September 2020.
Lara Pena admitted to using the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses and identification cards. Lara Pena also used the victim’s identity to apply for and fraudulently receive over $12,600 in federally funded MassHealth benefits between September 2015 and September 2020.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of false statement relating to health care matters provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; Jack Jermaine, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a money laundering conspiracy.
Jose Ernesto Pujols, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money and one count of money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2021.
In May 2011, Pujols was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston. Pujols was subsequently located in Spain and arrested by Spanish authorities in September 2019. Pujols was held in Spanish custody and extradited to the United States in March 2021.
In March 2011, investigators identified foreign banks accounts involved in a larger drug and money laundering investigation of targets in the United States and Colombia. Undercover agents communicated with Pujols and arranged a meeting at a restaurant in Woburn to pick up drug proceeds for wiring to these foreign bank accounts. On March 2, 2011, Pujols arrived at the meeting location and provided the undercover agents with approximately $100,000 in drug proceeds.
The charges of conspiracy to launder money and money laundering provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. 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 and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Bedford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher and Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Clifton, N.J., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fentanyl distribution.
Carlos Nunez, 49, pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8, 2021. Nunez was indicted in September 2019 along with co-defendant Yamel Cuevas Gonzalez.
Over the course of approximately six months in 2019, Nunez and Gonzalez conspired to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl to an individual in Massachusetts. Specifically, on two occasions in July and August of 2019, Nunez distributed more than 400 grams of fentanyl to the buyer. Nunez and Gonzalez were arrested after driving from New York to Walpole to distribute fentanyl in August 2019.
On May 3, 2021, Gonzalez was sentenced by Judge Talwani to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Gonzalez will face deportation to the Dominican Republic.
The charges provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Walpole and Dedham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in California originate from outside the state, and many originate from the District of Arizona, among other locations. The new strike forces will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in California with their counterparts in those other locations, including Arizona.
“Combatting violent crime is a national priority that requires a coordinated effort,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Glenn B. McCormick. “Because many crime-involved firearms recovered in California can be traced to purchases in Arizona, our office will work closely with the strike forces launched in the Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay, and Sacramento regions to address the flow of firearms trafficked from our state for illegal purposes.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-043_Strike Force
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. One of the strike forces will be in the Central District of California, where the Los Angeles-based United States Attorney’s Office will coordinate strike force efforts.
Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by local United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), state and local law enforcement partners in their district, and law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These law enforcement partners will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in the Los Angeles region come from other states and are illegally trafficked into Southern California. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in the greater Los Angeles region with their counterparts in locations where many of the firearms originate.
“Reducing the flow of weapons into this region will have an impact in reducing violent crime,” said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. “Because many of the firearms used in crimes come from states that also supply Northern California, our strike force will work closely with the law enforcement officials associated with the strike force based in Northern California, as well as our colleagues in San Diego.”
“The goal of our Los Angeles strike force is to reduce the proliferation of firearms from the legal to illegal market by utilizing crime gun intelligence and working with our local, state and federal partners,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “Through partnerships, ATF will target firearms traffickers to help reduce crime rates that have been steadily rising. ATF is dedicated to this sustained collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s office to make our communities safer.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime – and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in the Eastern District of California originate from other parts of the state and from other states including Nevada and Arizona and are illegally trafficked into the district. The new strike force, which will be co-led by Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, Eastern District of California, and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds, Northern District of California, will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in the region with their counterparts in locations where many of the firearms originate.
“Because many of the firearm source locations in the Eastern District of California overlap with the source locations for firearms recovered in other parts of California, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region Strike Force will work closely with the Los Angeles Strike Force,” Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “With our law enforcement partners, we will work to stem the flow of illegally trafficked guns that end up in the hands of criminals who use them to commit violent crimes.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Efforts to Address Violent Crime
Since April 2021, the Department has taken the following steps to reduce and prevent violent crime, especially the gun crime that is often at the core of the problem:
- April 8, 2021 – Attorney General Garland, alongside President Biden, announced four concrete steps for addressing gun violence: ATF would propose a new rule within 30 days to help curb the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, ATF would propose a new rule within 60 days on stabilizing braces used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles, the Department would publish model state extreme risk protection order legislation within 60 days; and ATF would begin preparing a thorough and detailed new public study of firearms trafficking for the first time in 20 years.
- In April 2021, the Office of Justice Programs also made clear when existing grant funds could be used to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs.
- On May 7, 2021, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update outdated firearms definitions and to help address the proliferation of ghost guns.
- May 26, 2021, the Attorney General announced the Department’s comprehensive strategy to reduce violent crime, including an overall Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, the strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), and a directive to the U.S. Attorneys to work with their local partners in addressing the increase in violence that typically occurs over the summer (with specific support from DOJ law enforcement agencies)
- On June 7, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify that the restrictions imposed by the National Firearms Act apply when stabilizing braces are used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.
- On June 8, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, the Department published model state extreme risk protection order legislation.
- On June 22, 2021, the Attorney General announced that the Department would be forming five Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces within 30 days.
- On, June 23, 2021, the Attorney General, alongside President Biden, announced steps that ATF would take to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for their actions. They include applying a “no tolerance” policy for federal firearms licensers (FFLs) that willfully commit violations that endanger public safety; designating points of contact for state and local government officials to report concerns about rogue FFLs; formalizing the use of public safety factors for inspection prioritization; sharing inspection information with states that regulate firearms dealers themselves; resuming the practice of notifying revoked dealers on how to dispose of their inventory and the potential criminal consequences of continuing to engage in the business; increasing ATF’s resources for inspections (see, FY 2022 Budget request); and publicly posting disaggregated inspection information to ATF’s website.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city of Chicago, and many originate from Indiana, among other locations. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Efforts to Address Violent Crime
Since April 2021, the Department has taken the following steps to reduce and prevent violent crime, especially the gun crime that is often at the core of the problem:
- April 8, 2021 – Attorney General Garland, alongside President Biden, announced four concrete steps for addressing gun violence: ATF would propose a new rule within 30 days to help curb the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, ATF would propose a new rule within 60 days on stabilizing braces used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles, the Department would publish model state extreme risk protection order legislation within 60 days; and ATF would begin preparing a thorough and detailed new public study of firearms trafficking for the first time in 20 years.
- In April 2021, the Office of Justice Programs also made clear when existing grant funds could be used to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs.
- On May 7, 2021, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update outdated firearms definitions and to help address the proliferation of ghost guns.
- May 26, 2021, the Attorney General announced the Department’s comprehensive strategy to reduce violent crime, including an overall Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, the strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), and a directive to the U.S. Attorneys to work with their local partners in addressing the increase in violence that typically occurs over the summer (with specific support from DOJ law enforcement agencies)
- On June 7, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify that the restrictions imposed by the National Firearms Act apply when stabilizing braces are used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.
- On June 8, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, the Department published model state extreme risk protection order legislation.
- On June 22, 2021, the Attorney General announced that the Department would be forming five Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces within 30 days.
- On, June 23, 2021, the Attorney General, alongside President Biden, announced steps that ATF would take to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for their actions. They include applying a “no tolerance” policy for federal firearms licensers (FFLs) that willfully commit violations that endanger public safety; designating points of contact for state and local government officials to report concerns about rogue FFLs; formalizing the use of public safety factors for inspection prioritization; sharing inspection information with states that regulate firearms dealers themselves; resuming the practice of notifying revoked dealers on how to dispose of their inventory and the potential criminal consequences of continuing to engage in the business; increasing ATF’s resources for inspections (see, FY 2022 Budget request); and publicly posting disaggregated inspection information to ATF’s website.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city of Chicago, and many originate from Indiana, among other locations. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.
“Firearms in the hands of criminals puts every law-abiding citizen at risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress. “We will do everything we can to protect the people of the Southern District of Indiana and to prosecute those who threaten their safety.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Efforts to Address Violent Crime
Since April 2021, the Department has taken the following steps to reduce and prevent violent crime, especially the gun crime that is often at the core of the problem:
- April 8, 2021 – Attorney General Garland, alongside President Biden, announced four concrete steps for addressing gun violence: ATF would propose a new rule within 30 days to help curb the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, ATF would propose a new rule within 60 days on stabilizing braces used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles, the Department would publish model state extreme risk protection order legislation within 60 days; and ATF would begin preparing a thorough and detailed new public study of firearms trafficking for the first time in 20 years.
- In April 2021, the Office of Justice Programs also made clear when existing grant funds could be used to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs.
- On May 7, 2021, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update outdated firearms definitions and to help address the proliferation of ghost guns.
- May 26, 2021, the Attorney General announced the Department’s comprehensive strategy to reduce violent crime, including an overall Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, the strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), and a directive to the U.S. Attorneys to work with their local partners in addressing the increase in violence that typically occurs over the summer (with specific support from DOJ law enforcement agencies)
- On June 7, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify that the restrictions imposed by the National Firearms Act apply when stabilizing braces are used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.
- On June 8, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, the Department published model state extreme risk protection order legislation.
- On June 22, 2021, the Attorney General announced that the Department would be forming five Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces within 30 days.
- On, June 23, 2021, the Attorney General, alongside President Biden, announced steps that ATF would take to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for their actions. They include applying a “no tolerance” policy for federal firearms licensers (FFLs) that willfully commit violations that endanger public safety; designating points of contact for state and local government officials to report concerns about rogue FFLs; formalizing the use of public safety factors for inspection prioritization; sharing inspection information with states that regulate firearms dealers themselves; resuming the practice of notifying revoked dealers on how to dispose of their inventory and the potential criminal consequences of continuing to engage in the business; increasing ATF’s resources for inspections (see, FY 2022 Budget request); and publicly posting disaggregated inspection information to ATF’s website.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in the New York/northern New Jersey area originate from outside the area. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in the New York/northern New Jersey area with their counterparts in those other locations.
“Combatting violent crime has always been a top priority of this office,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “Because many of the firearm source locations for the New York City and northern New Jersey areas overlap with the source locations for firearms recovered in Washington, D.C., the New York and Washington area strike forces will work closely together.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY - The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, the vast majority of firearms recovered in New York City originate outside the state and are illegally trafficked into New York. The new strike force, led by Audrey Strauss, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jacquelyn Kasulis, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in New York City with their counterparts in locations where many of the firearms originate.
“Gun violence has taken a terrible, unacceptable toll on our communities, and it must be stopped,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis. “Stemming the flow of illegal guns into New York City is critical to eradicating gun violence in our city. We are committed to working with our federal and state partners to investigate and prosecute gun trafficking to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Disrupting the flow of guns into New York City is an important part of our anti-violence efforts,” stated U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss. We look forward to working with our federal and state partners to investigate and prosecute gun trafficking cases. Because many of the firearm source locations for New York City overlap with the source locations for firearms recovered in the District of Columbia, we will coordinate our efforts with our D.C. counterparts.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces to Crack Down on Sources of Crime GunsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, the vast majority of firearms recovered in New York City originate outside the state and are illegally trafficked into New York. The new strike force, led by Audrey Strauss, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in New York City with their counterparts in locations where many of the firearms originate.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Disrupting the flow of guns into New York City is an important part of our anti-violence efforts. We look forward to working with our federal and state partners to investigate and prosecute gun trafficking cases. Because many of the firearm source locations for New York City overlap with the source locations for firearms recovered in the District of Columbia, we will coordinate our efforts with our D.C. counterparts.”
U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis said: “Gun violence has taken a terrible, unacceptable toll on our communities, and it must be stopped. Stemming the flow of illegal guns into New York City is critical to eradicating gun violence in our city. We are committed to working with our federal and state partners to investigate and prosecute gun trafficking to the fullest extent of the law.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime – and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
Cross Lanes Man Operating Extensive Fencing Scheme Found Guilty by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted a Cross Lanes man, Nedeltcho Vladimirov, 53, a native of Bulgaria, of one count of conspiring to commit money laundering and three counts of money laundering after a three-day trial.
Evidence at trial revealed that Vladimirov operated a fraudulent fencing operation - a scheme in which stolen goods were acquired in order to resell them for profit to an unsuspecting buyer. Vladimirov bought the items he resold at a small fraction of the retail cost from individuals addicted to heroin, known in the fencing scheme as “boosters.” Vladimirov met the “boosters” at a gas station in Cross Lanes where he bought new items such as high end vacuum cleaners, tools and other items that he later resold on his eBay account. The investigation revealed that Vladimirov sold over 7,000 items on his eBay account and had over $550,000 in sales over a three-year period. The “boosters” used the cash provided by Vladimirov for the stolen items to support their drug habits. A federal search warrant executed at Vladimirov’s residence by the United States Secret Service on February 10, 2020, revealed that he had set up cleaning stations used to remove security devices and labels from boxes so that the stolen items could not be traced.
The jury heard testimony from law enforcement agents with the United States Secret Service regarding the execution of the search warrant at Vladimirov’s residence and his Mirandized statement. The jury also heard testimony from experts in organized retail fraud investigations who conducted an extensive independent investigation of Vladimirov’s operation which was later shared with state and federal law enforcement officers. Several “boosters” testified that they had sold the stolen products to Vladimirov. The jury also considered the testimony of the defendant.
Vladimirov faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a forfeiture money judgment against him when he is sentenced on November 18, 2021.
“The successful outcome of this case is the result of the outstanding work of the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the South Charleston Police Department, together with the Organized Retail Crimes (ORC) investigators from Kroger, CVS Pharmacy and Target Corporation,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I congratulate all those who worked on this case, including Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Erik S. Goes and the rest of the dedicated trial team for bringing this defendant to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting these types of cases and we are working to protect the public from these types of schemes that further the ongoing drug crisis.”
“The Secret Service is dedicated to protecting our nation’s financial institutions and corporations that operate within the Southern District of West Virginia,” said United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Robert Pyle. “We would like to thank the South Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, as well as the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) investigators from Kroger, Target and CVS Pharmacy who made this investigation successful with their dedication and professionalism.”
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the jury trial.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00054.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Prison TimeRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Eugene Thurman, 46, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Thurman with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Thurman pleaded guilty on March 10, 2021. According to information presented in court, detectives with the Monroe Police Department received an anonymous tip that Thurman, a convicted felon, was possessing an assault rifle inside his Monroe apartment. Police officers went to Thurman’s residence to investigate and eventually discovered a loaded assault rifle inside his bedroom.
Thurman was previously convicted in the U.S. District Court in Monroe in 2002 for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. In addition, he has a state felony conviction for cocaine possession in 2003.
The ATF and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Cleveland man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Genghis Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Taylor, also known as “G,” 38, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Taylor admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” near Riverview Towers in Ohio County in May 2020.
Taylor faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Clayton Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Kashon Stacy Cunningham, a Clayton, NC resident, was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g).
On May 22, 2020 in Smithfield, the Smithfield Police Department, and detectives with Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) were conducting surveillance near 825 Blunt Street. Kashon Cunningham pulled into a gas station driving a vehicle with a false license plate. Detectives followed Cunningham as he drove away from the gas station and attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating blue lights. The vehicle slowed down; it did not immediately stop. After witnessing someone shuffling between the seats inside the car, Cunningham pulled over and stopped the car.
Upon approach to the vehicle officers smelled marijuana emanating from within. All occupants were removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted. At that time officers discovered a Springfield 9mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds of Hornady 9mm ammunition. One round of ammunition was loaded in the chamber.
At the time of the stop, Cunningham was on state probation for a prior felony, and was wearing an ankle monitor. Cunningham admitted possession of the firearm.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III announced the sentence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the ALE and the Smithfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore served as the prosecutor.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00390-D-1.
Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Participating in Illegal Sports Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison for participating in an illegal gambling business that involved wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events.
NICHOLAS STELLA, 43, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of conspiring to conduct an illegal gambling business. U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall today sentenced Stella to 15 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Donald "Trey" Eakins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terry Kinney and Ankur Srivastava.
The FBI’s Integrity in Sport and Gaming Initiative (ISG) is designed to tackle illegal sports gambling and combat threats of influence from criminal enterprises.
Stella stated in a plea agreement that from 2016 to 2019 he conspired with bookmaker VINCENT DELGIUDICE, also known as “Uncle Mick,” and others to accept wagers on the outcome of professional and collegiate sporting events. Stella admitted in the plea agreement that he recruited gamblers for Delgiudice’s operation and regularly met with them to pay out winnings or collect on losses. During the conspiracy, Stella communicated with Delgiudice via text messaging and phone calls, the plea agreement states. In a text exchange in December 2018, Stella stated to Delgiudice, “Between my two big losers in Minnesota, they’ve dumped 73k,” according to the plea agreement. In another text exchange cited in the plea agreement, Stella asked DelGiudice shortly before the 2019 Super Bowl to contact the gamblers directly in order to “settle up” after the game.
Delgiudice pleaded guilty earlier this year to a money laundering charge and is awaiting sentencing.
Chicago Man Arraigned on Federal Carjacking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man who allegedly carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint on the city’s West Side and fired a handgun while attempting to carjack another vehicle has been arraigned in federal court.
KIAR EVANS, 22, was indicted earlier this month by a federal grand jury on one count of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Evans was arraigned in federal court on July 16, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold ordered the parties to file a joint status report on Sept. 7, 2021.
The indictment and arraignment were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Walgamuth.
According to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, the carjacking and attempted carjacking occurred within minutes of each other on the afternoon of May 20, 2021. In the attempted carjacking, Evans approached a Chevrolet Impala near the intersection of Independence Boulevard and Congress Parkway in Chicago and fired two shots into the passenger-side window while attempting to get inside, the charges allege. The driver of the Impala was able to drive away from the scene.
Evans then approached the driver-side window of a Nissan Altima, pointed a firearm at the driver and demanded that the driver exit the vehicle, the charges allege. The victim complied and Evans drove off in the Nissan, the charges allege. A short time later, Evans was allegedly driving the stolen vehicle when he was involved in a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Harrison Street and Ogden Avenue in Chicago. Chicago Police officers arrested Evans and discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the Nissan, the charges allege.
As a previously convicted felon, Evans was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The firearm discharge count is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison and a maximum of life, and the firearm brandishing count is punishable by a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life. The carjacking and attempted carjacking counts are each punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the illegal firearm possession charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Bellows Falls Woman Sentenced for Buying a Firearm for a FelonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 22, 2021, Bridgette Lawlor, 34, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve two years on federal probation after her guilty plea to one count of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered the criminal forfeiture of two firearms that were seized during the investigation.
According to court records and proceedings, on March 23, 2020, in connection with the purchase of a Ruger LCP .380 pistol, Lawlor completed an ATF Form 4473 at J&H Guns, a Federal Firearm Licensee located in Bellows Falls, Vermont. On the Form 4473, Lawlor indicated that she was the actual buyer of the firearm. In fact, Lawlor was buying the gun at the request of her then-boyfriend, Ferdinand Cruz. At the time of the purchase, Cruz was a felon, having been previously convicted in Connecticut of robbery, unlawful restraint, and felony sale of cocaine. On April 1, 2020, Lawlor picked up the firearm at J&H Guns and provided it to Cruz.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the efforts of the Dover, Vermont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives in the investigation and prosecution of Lawlor. “The straw-purchasing of firearms creates significant dangers to our communities, as it can facilitate the possession of firearms by violent felons. Those who are willing to lie and circumvent federal background-check requirements will be held accountable.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Lawlor. Ian P. Carleton of Sheehey Furlong & Behm, P.C., represented Lawlor.
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. https://www.justice.gov/psn
Atlanta man sentenced for submitting fraudulent COVID-19 test to employer and for a separate bank fraud chargeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Santwon Antonio Davis has been sentenced for wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud his employer, and on a bank fraud charge related to a scheme to defraud a mortgage company.
“Davis defrauded his employer twice by requesting and receiving paid time off from work for the alleged death of his child, and then claiming that he had tested positive for COVID-19,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “Both of those claims were false. After he was arrested for defrauding his employer, and while he was under court supervision, he committed yet another crime, by filing a fraudulent mortgage application. Davis’ actions show he had little regard for the law.”
“Davis’ history of lies caught up to him when he took advantage of a pandemic and caused undue harm to the company he worked for and their employees,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “While receiving numerous complaints of wrongdoing during this pandemic, the FBI and our federal partners remain determined to detect, investigate and prosecute any fraud related to this crisis.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Davis, who was employed by a Fortune 500 company with a facility located in the Atlanta, Georgia area, falsely claimed to have contracted COVID-19 and submitted a fake medical record to his employer. In concern for its employees, the corporation closed its facility for cleaning and paid its employees during the shutdown. This caused a significant financial loss to the corporation and the unnecessary quarantine of the defendant’s coworkers.
During the COVID-19 fraud investigation, agents uncovered a previous incident in which Davis had submitted fraudulent documentation to obtain benefits from his employer. Specifically, in late 2019, Davis created and submitted false documentation to support a claim for bereavement leave for the alleged death of his child. That child never existed., Davis fabricated the claim so that he could obtain benefits to which he was not entitled.
Finally, while on pretrial release in this case, Davis submitted a mortgage application with numerous fraudulent statements, including a falsified earnings and employment history. The mortgage company discovered the fraud, in part, after seeing news stories related to his original COVID-19 charge.
Santwon Antonio Davis, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II to serve three years in prison and ordered to pay $187.550 in restitution to his former employer. When he is released from prison, Davis will be required to serve five years on supervised release.
This case is part of Georgia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force, aimed at better protecting the citizens of Georgia from criminal fraud arising from the pandemic. Formed by Georgia’s leading state and federal prosecutors, the task force serves to open channels of communication between partner agencies and more rapidly share information about COVID-19 fraud, while ensuring each fraud complaint is reported to the appropriate prosecuting agency. The task force member agencies include the Office of the Governor of Georgia, the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Georgia’s three U.S. Attorneys, the Attorney General of Georgia, and the Executive Counsel for the Governor’s Office serve on the task force. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Klapman and Russell Phillips prosecuted 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.
Army National Guard recruiter indicted for molesting child while living on Joint Base Lewis-McChordRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A former Air Force Special Agent was arrested today on a grand jury indictment charging him with five counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Joshua Carl Harrod, 42, of Spanaway, Washington, will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:30 today.
According to the indictment, between October 2017 and April 2018, Harrod sexually molested a young child left in his care. The conduct occurred in the location where he resided on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction. Harrod separated from the Air Force in 2018 and currently serves as a recruiter for the Army National Guard in Lakewood, Washington.
Sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 is punishable by a mandatory minimum 30 years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Police Investigations, the Lakewood Police Department and the Washington State Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Interstate Transportation of A MinorRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Harrison man was sentenced yesterday to 200 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in July 2020, Edgar Benjamin Davidson, 32, transported a minor, across state lines from Harrison, Arkansas to multiple states. During this time Davidson sexually assaulted the minor on multiple occasions. Davidson was arrested in November 2020 and pled guilty in March 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case for the United States.
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 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.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Arizona Man Convicted of Controlled Substance OffenseRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Tallahassee has convicted Daniel Gutierrez, 37, of San Luis, Arizona of possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday, at the conclusion of a three-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence introduced at trial revealed that on September 19, 2020, Gutierrez was driving a tractor trailer loaded with vehicles on I-10 in Madison County, Florida. A Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol noted the license plate on the trailer was obscured and initiated a traffic stop. While conducting the traffic stop, a canine was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
During a search of the vehicle, Troopers recovered a clear bag with approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine, and a separate bag containing approximately 10 grams of what appeared to be oxycodone pills. Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and revealed that the pills thought to be oxycodone contained fentanyl.
“The Florida Highway Patrol works tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to remove addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Along with our partners at the DEA, they are to be commended for their efforts.”
Gutierrez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2021, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States District Judge Allen Winsor. Gutierrez faces a sentence of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and five years of supervised release.
“The Florida Highway Patrol works tirelessly to ensure the safety and security for those travelling on Florida’s roadways,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I am extremely proud of our troopers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Our commitment to partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are unwavering.”
“The guilty verdict demonstrates the outstanding work that is done through the successful partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol,” said DEA Miami Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge La Verne Hibbert. “DEA remains committed to our relationships with our law enforcement partners for the safety of our communities.”
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin Weiss and Lazaro Fields prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Amsterdam Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Cameron Hennelly, age 30, of Amsterdam, New York, pled guilty today to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Jodi Cohen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Hennelly admitted that, while using a social media application on his phone, he sent a graphic image file of child pornography to another individual over the internet. A subsequent search of Hennelly’s phone revealed that he was also in possession of images and video files depicting child pornography.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby will sentence Hennelly on December 9, 2021. Hennelly faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Hennelly will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Williams as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
4 Men Charged with Trafficking Nearly 5 Tons of Cocaine Hidden in FurnitureRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced today the unsealing of a superseding indictment in Manhattan federal court charging PEDRO GUZMAN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Peter,” ABEL MONTILLA, a/k/a “Coche Bomba,” JORGE MIRANDA-SANG, a/k/a “Chinito,” and LUIS GOMEZ ORTIZ, a/k/a “Kiké,” with participating in a drug trafficking organization that shipped approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to the continental United States, including to New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut, for sale and distribution over a period of approximately 10 months. GUZMAN MARTINEZ and MIRANDA-SANG were arrested this morning in Puerto Rico and are expected to be presented before a magistrate judge in the District of Puerto Rico later today. GOMEZ ORTIZ was arrested this morning in Florida and is expected to be presented before a magistrate judge in the Middle District of Florida later today. MONTILLA was arrested this morning in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the Southern District of New York later today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “These defendants allegedly hid nearly five tons of cocaine in furniture so they could ship it from Puerto Rico to New York City and elsewhere. As alleged, for a time, the defendants were able to hide their cocaine, but they were unable to hide the scheme from our law enforcement partners. We will continue to focus on prosecuting large-scale traffickers of illegal drugs.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan said: “Traffickers have always found new and innovative methods of smuggling drugs into the United States. In this case, they allegedly concealed cocaine into hollowed out furniture. This nearly three-year investigation has dismantled an international drug trafficking organization that allegedly has been shipping thousands of kilograms of cocaine, ultimately destined for our communities. I applaud our law enforcement partners from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, the ATF and the USPIS for their efforts in bringing this organization to justice.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said: “The defendants are alleged to run a drug trafficking organization which conspired to flood our streets with unprecedented levels of illegal narcotics. Thankfully, through the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, their alleged operation has been disrupted and dismantled successfully. ATF is committed to the fight against the illegal drug trade and will stand shoulder to shoulder with all of our local, state and federal partners to see that these organizations are eradicated from our communities. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their leadership during this investigation.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett: said: “Winning the battle against illicit drugs is a top priority for the Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners. Our objectives are to rid society of illicit drug trafficking and the associated violence, and most importantly, provide a safe environment for the American public.”
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today’s charges demonstrate that the investigative efforts of New York City law enforcement are far-reaching, precisely-focused, and patient. As long as individuals – wherever they are based – are involved in illegal narcotics trafficking, the NYPD and our partners will relentlessly work to stop the spread of illegal narcotics on our streets. I commend our colleagues at the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, and our law enforcement partners at the DEA, ATF and USPIS for their dedication and hard work to bring these individuals to justice.”
State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said: “These arrests are the result of a sustained investigation into a narcotics trafficking organization that was allegedly shipping large quantities of cocaine into the United States, including New York. I want to thank our members and our law enforcement partners for their work on this case and their commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”
According to the allegations contained in a Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other filings in the case[1]:
Between at least September 2018 and June 2019, GUZMAN MARTINEZ, MONTILLA, MIRANDA-SANG, and GOMEZ ORTIZ were members of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) who conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine.
The defendants operated the drug trafficking scheme by arranging for the shipment of approximately 70 large parcels from Puerto Rico to the continental United States. The cocaine was concealed in custom tables and other furniture, and the packages containing the cocaine were represented to be furniture on shipping documentation, but the hollowed-out furniture in fact concealed hundred-kilogram quantities of cocaine. In total, the trafficking organization shipped approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $144 million on the street.
GUZMAN MARTINEZ was responsible for delivering the packaged cargo (containing hollowed-out furniture filled with cocaine) to co-conspirators whom GUZMAN MARTINEZ hired to facilitate the shipping logistics using a false company name.
MIRANDA-SANG and GOMEZ ORTIZ identified and hired individuals in the continental United States to receive and sign for DTO shipments, to unpack and distribute the cocaine to other DTO members as directed, and to dispose of the packaging materials to evade detection by law enforcement.
MONTILLA was a Massachusetts-based coordinator of cocaine deliveries who traveled to many delivery locations and coordinated the delivery of cocaine shipments with package recipients. At least a dozen packages were sent to addresses affiliated with MONTILLA.
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MONTILLA, 48, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and GUZMAN MARTINEZ, 47, MIRANDA-SANG, 42, and GOMEZ ORTIZ, 29, all of Puerto Rico, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, ATF, USPIS, NYPD, and NYSP in this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Juliana N. Murray, Ryan B. Finkel, and Peter J. Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Wednesday 21 July 2021
Virginia Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Fraud Scheme and Possessing Fraudulent Austrian PassportRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyrone Grandberry, 61, of Woodbridge, Va., has been sentenced to 24 months in prison on charges of wire fraud stemming from a scheme to defraud people who trusted him to invest money on their behalf, and possessing a fraudulent immigration document.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Carlos F. Matus, Acting Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.
Grandberry pleaded guilty in July 2019 to one count each of wire fraud and possessing a fraudulent immigration document. He was sentenced on July 20, 2021, by the Honorable Paul L. Friedman in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Upon completion of the prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay restitution to victims totaling $3,622,185.
According to the government’s evidence, Grandberry and others solicited investments totaling approximately $4 million and diverted money for their personal use. In some cases, Grandberry “repaid” or “refunded” prior victims with money that he obtained from new investors. He also obtained and possessed a fraudulent Austrian passport in another name.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Acting Special Agent in Charge Bornstein, and Acting Director Matus commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. They also commended the efforts of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Jessica McCormick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Demian Ahn, who prosecuted the matter.
Turkish National Indicted for Wire Fraud and Illegally Exporting Defense Articles to TurkeyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Turkish national was indicted today in Boston in connection with his scheme to illegally export defense technical data to foreign nationals in Turkey for the fraudulent manufacturing of various United States military parts, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) later determined that some of the parts were substandard and unsuitable for use by the military.
Arif Ugur, 52, formerly of Cambridge, Mass., was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act. Ugur will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston tomorrow before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
The indictment alleges that in 2015, Ugur founded and was the sole managing partner of the Anatolia Group Limited Partnership (Anatolia), a domestic limited partnership registered in Massachusetts. Beginning in approximately July 2015, Ugur bid on and acquired numerous contracts to supply the DOD with a variety of machine parts and hardware items intended for use by the United States military. Many of these contracts required that the parts be manufactured in the United States. In his initial bids and in subsequent email communications with DOD representatives, it is alleged that Ugur falsely claimed that Anatolia was manufacturing the parts in the United States. In fact, Anatolia and Ugur had no manufacturing facilities in the United States or elsewhere. Instead, Ugur contracted with a Turkish manufacturer to make the parts and then passed them off to DOD as if they had been manufactured by Anatolia in the United States.
It is further alleged that Ugur shared technical specifications and drawings of various DOD parts and components with employees of the Turkish manufacturer so that they could produce the parts for Anatolia. Ugur also allegedly provided employees of the Turkish manufacturer and other Turkish nationals with access to DOD’s online library of technical specifications and drawings. Many of the parts that Ugur contracted to provide, and did provide to DOD, were designated as defense articles under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the United States Munitions List (USML). Thus, an export license was required to export the parts and related technical data (drawings, specifications, etc.) from the United States to Turkey. The charging documents allege that Ugur knew of these restrictions, but nonetheless exported technical data controlled under the ITAR and USML to employees of the Turkish manufacturer without an export license.
The charge of violating the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to five 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; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Matthew B. Millholin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and William Higgins, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of Mendell’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
Details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Truck driver charged with smuggling 115 in refrigerated trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43-year-old resident of Rosharon is set to make an appearance in Laredo federal court on allegations he attempted to smuggle dozens of undocumented non-citizens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Michael Warren Mccoy is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Dos Santos at 1:30 p.m. today.
According to the charges, authorities encountered a tractor hauling a white refrigerated trailer on U.S. Highway 59 approximately eight miles east of Laredo. Law enforcement allegedly conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle bearing Texas license plates due to a failure to drive in a single lane.
At that time, they cut the seal on the trailer doors and discovered a total of 115 undocumented individuals, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges Mccoy expected to be paid $250 for the transport. He also had allegedly made three previous, similar trips.
If convicted, Mccoy faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Garrie Brown is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Three Charged in Prison-Based COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Thursday, July 15, a grand jury returned an indictment against three defendants for a scheme to submit over $1.4 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in other inmates’ identities to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The indictment charges Daryol Richmond, 30; Telvin Breaux, 29; and Holly White, 30, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Richmond and Breaux are inmates at the Kern Valley State Prison and California Correctional Institute, respectively. White resides in Los Angeles. The indictment was unsealed today following White’s arrest.
According to court documents, the underlying applications for the claims falsely stated that the inmates worked within the prescribed period as clothing merchants, handymen, and other jobs, and were available to work. To avoid detection, the defendants created fictitious email accounts and used different physical addresses throughout Southern California for the fraudulent claims. In some cases, they paid family members and associates up to $1,000 to use their physical addresses. The actual loss to the EDD and United States is over $270,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and EDD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Melanie Alsworth are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the conspiracy to commit mail fraud, the defendants each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft, they each face a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account several variables. The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Glen Zinszer, age 51, of Liverpool, New York, pled guilty today to committing wire fraud and willfully filing false tax returns, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas Fattorusso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Jodi Cohen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Zinszer admitted that he began operating the Brazzlebox company in 2012, which he represented to investors would be like a Facebook for business. Beginning in April 2013 and continuing until approximately the summer of 2016, Zinszer made false representations to investors about how Brazzlebox was doing to cause them to invest more money and remain invested. In pleading guilty, Zinszer admitted that he inflated Brazzlebox’s user numbers and told employees to create fictitious user accounts to inflate those figures, misrepresented purportedly revenue-generating strategic partnerships, forged documents to support those falsehoods, and forged a letter of intent to purchase Brazzlebox for millions of dollars.
From 2012 through 2016, Zinszer used a substantial portion of the money invested in Brazzlebox to finance his lifestyle rather than to operate the business, including paying mortgages on his homes and purchasing concert tickets and jewelry. Although Zinszer used money from Brazzlebox to finance his lifestyle, he willfully filed false tax returns underreporting his income in tax years 2013-2016.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 29, 2021, in Syracuse before Senior United States District Court Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Zinszer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for his wire fraud conviction, and 3 years for his conviction for willfully filing false tax returns, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI and the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Geoffrey J.L. Brown.
Stratford Man Admits Role in Heroin Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NADYAR MALAKA, 34, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Eddy Antonio Torres Morel was trafficking narcotics from Big Daddy’s Deli and Jamal’s Market, two stores he operated on East Main Street in Bridgeport. During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of a half-kilogram of heroin from Torres, first at Jamal’s Market on October 29, 2019, and then at Big Daddy’s Deli on January 24, 2020.
Malaka assisted Torres’ drug trafficking operation by storing and packaging narcotics at his residence, storing drug proceeds at his residence, and transporting narcotics and drug proceeds to Torres and others.
The investigation also revealed that Malaka engaged in the interstate trafficking of untaxed cigarettes.
Malaka was arrested on February 27, 2020. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 14, 2021, in Hartford federal court.
Torres, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 28, 2021. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Lamondra Beckley, 43, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty
today to
possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a
drug trafficking offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beckley has
been under federal indictment since April 6.As part of his guilty plea, Beckley admitted that on March 11, 2021, he possessed approximately 114
grams of methamphetamine, which he intended to sell to a customer at a gas station
in Fairview Heights, Illinois, before being arrested by DEA agents. At the time of his arrest,
Beckley also possessed a Taurus Model 709 Slim handgun. Beckley has a prior felony conviction that
prohibits him from lawfully possessing a firearm.Sentencing is scheduled for November 10 at 10:00 a.m. in East St. Louis. Under federal law, Beckley
faces at least 5 years imprisonment. United States District Judge David W. Dugan will determine any
sentence after considering the federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.Beckley is one of two co-defendants named in the indictment. The other man – Deandre Young, 42, of
St. Louis – is charged with aiding and abetting Beckley in the possession of methamphetamine with
intent to distribute and with possessing a Beretta Model .25 Panther handgun in furtherance of the
offense. Young’s trial is scheduled for October 4. Members of the public are reminded
that an indictment is merely a formal charge, and all criminal defendants are presumed innocent
until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.The case against Beckley and Young is being investigated by the DEA in Fairview Heights.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak is prosecuting the case.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to Prison for Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Firearm by a Defendant Under IndictmentRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that a St. Croix man, A’keem Stanley, age 27, appeared before Judge Wilma A. Lewis in District Court and was sentenced on the charge of Aiding and Abetting Possession of Firearm by Person Under Indictment. Judge Lewis sentenced Stanley to 14 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on November 4, 2016, Ameade Williams was charged by information with felony offenses in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. On May 23, 2018, the Superior Court entered an order releasing Williams into the custody of A’keem Stanley and required that they reside at Frederiksted, St. Croix residence. On May 25, 2018, Stanley signed a document acknowledging his consent and obligation to monitor Williams’ compliance with his terms of release as a third-party custodian.
During a search of the Frederiksted residence on September 11, 2018, while the charges were still pending against Williams, police seized a Kel-Tech pistol from the living room and a Taurus 9mm pistol in the bedroom where Stanley was located. The Kel-Tech firearm contained a magazine with 29 live rounds of ammunition. According to court documents, Williams, who was present, stated that the firearms belonged to him and that other persons had nothing to with the firearms.
During a post arrest interview, Stanley told police that he had made the arrangements to acquire possession of the Frederiksted residence where he and Williams resided and that he observed the firearms being brought into the residence two weeks earlier. However, Stanley did not report Williams’ possession of the firearm to appropriate officials, thus permitting Williams’ possession to remain undetected by law enforcement. Both firearms were manufactured outside of the United States Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Springfield Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man who was identified when his photo was broadcast by local TV stations was charged in federal court today with bank robbery.
Charles Edgar King Jr., 56, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, July 20. His initial court appearance was held today and King remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Monday, July 26.
The federal criminal complaint alleges that King used a note to steal $8,815 from Guaranty Bank, 2109 N. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield, on July 10, 2021.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, King entered the bank at about 10:30 a.m. and went straight to a teller counter, where he handed the teller a handwritten note that read, “I have a gun this is a robbery.” The teller handed over cash, the affidavit says, and King left the bank and walked away through a parking lot.
Surveillance cameras in the bank captured good quality video, which allegedly show King, who was not wearing a mask, and images of his bare hands that show a tattoo of a cross on the back of his right middle finger. On the same day as the robbery, July 10, 2021, the FBI released one of the surveillance images to the media and requested assistance from the public in identifying the bank robber. King’s former probation officer saw the media coverage and contacted the FBI the same day and identified King, the affidavit says.
On July 19, 2021, an anonymous source contacted law enforcement with a tip that King was staying at the Springfield Inn near Kearney and North Glenstone in Springfield. Springfield police detectives and FBI agents conducted surveillance on the hotel and saw King leave the hotel driving a purple Scion Cube with no license plate. Springfield police officers conducted a car stop and detained King on an investigative arrest for robbery.
According to the affidavit, King told an FBI agent that he used the stolen money to buy the used Scion Cube for $2,400, and that he gave some of the money away and spent the rest.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
South Carolina Investment Fund Manager Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for $20 Million Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A South Carolina investment fund manager was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $20 million from investors through misrepresentations about trading strategy and fund performance, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
George Heckler, 65, of Charleston, South Carolina, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with one count of securities fraud. Judge Arleo imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Heckler managed, controlled or was involved with multiple investment funds, including Conestoga Partner Holdings (Conestoga), Cassatt Short Term Trading Fund LP (Cassatt), CV Special Opportunity Fund LP (CVSO), and TA1 LLC (TA1).
From 2014 to 2018, Heckler misrepresented to investors that he would invest their funds in particular trading strategies. Instead, he diverted their funds out of Cassatt and TA1 for purposes inconsistent with the trading strategies, including to pay out millions of dollars to other investors. Heckler also used investors’ funds to cover investment losses suffered by other funds under his management and/or control.
Heckler solicited investments from Victim-1, claiming the investments would be invested in Cassatt, which employed a “first loss” trading strategy intended to protect investors from losses. However, as of December 2013, Cassatt no longer had a brokerage account that was necessary to employ the represented trading strategy. Despite Cassatt no longer having a brokerage account, in 2014, Heckler represented to Victim-1 that Cassatt was still engaged in a first loss trading strategy and solicited Victim-1’s investment in Cassatt. In September 2014, Victim-1 invested approximately $9.1 million in Cassatt, relying on Heckler’s representation that Victim-1’s money would be invested consistent with Cassatt’s first loss trading strategy. Heckler used $4.6 million of Victim-1’s investment to repay existing investors and the remainder to satisfy other obligations Heckler owed that were unrelated to Cassatt.
Heckler also approached Victim-2 about the possibility of creating a hedge fund that would deploy capital to first-loss traders, who would serve as the “first loss” protection for investors’ capital. In late 2015, Victim-2 formed a hedge fund, utilizing the concept proposed by Heckler (Entity-1). In 2015 and 2016, Entity-1 invested $10.1 million in TA1 via a participation agreement that provided that Entity-1’s investment would be used for an “options arbitrage dividend recapture trade,” otherwise known as the “skate trade.” In fact, none of Entity-1’s investment was used for the “skate trade.” Entity-1’s investment was used for other purposes, including repaying others who had previously invested with Heckler.
Over the course of the scheme, Heckler sent out statements to investors that misled them into believing the value of their investments was increasing, when, in fact, the value was declining. Heckler took approximately $1 million in fees and distributions from the fraudulently obtained investments for his personal use.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Heckler to three years of supervised release and ordered forfeiture of $19.25 million.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil complaint against Heckler based on the allegations underlying the securities fraud charge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll, Philadelphia Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine R. Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
Shooting in Edenton Gets Man 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – An Edenton man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for felon in possession of ammunition. On April 19, 2021, Daniel Lee Herrar, age 38, pled guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Edenton Police Department responded to the ABC Store on North Broad Street for a report of shots fired. Video surveillance from the store captured Herrar and another man in a truck engaging in a verbal altercation. Herrar then pulled a handgun and fired at the man in the truck before it sped away. Officers recovered several spent shell casings from the scene. Herrar was found at a residence a short distance from the store and arrested. Herrar is a convicted felon, having prior felony convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and assault inflicting serious injury. He also has at least 35 misdemeanor convictions.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Edenton Police Department, and Elizabeth City Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-CR-26-M.
Second Canadian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Canadian man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2021, Muzamil Aden Addow, 30, and his co-defendant Dayne Adrian Sitladeen, 29, were stopped by a Minnesota State Patrol Trooper near Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The defendants were traveling between 95-100 miles per hour in a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with Texas license plates. When the Trooper approached the vehicle, Addow provided an Ontario, Canada, driver’s license with a false name.
According to court documents, after detecting the odor of marijuana in the vehicle and receiving suspicious and inconsistent statements from Addow and Sitladeen, the Trooper searched the vehicle. As a result of the search, law enforcement officers recovered a total of 67 firearms and numerous pistol magazines, including 15 high-capacity pistol magazines, from four bags in the truck—one pistol magazine was partially loaded with live ammunition rounds.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minnesota State Patrol.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Bates.