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8 September 2021
Former Army Captain Pleads Guilty to Conflict Charge for Assisting His Wife’s Businesses with Army ContractsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A former Army Captain, previously stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, and his wife’s company, White Board Solutions, pled guilty to federal charges today before United States Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers, II.
According to court documents, John Raymond Meier, age 33, was serving as a supply officer in the Third Special Forces Group when his wife, Nicole Anderson Meier, age 34, conducted business with the Army. Under the business name, White Board Solutions, an entity formed in the State of Washington under her maiden name, Nicole Meier agreed to provide three weeks of advanced commercial driver’s training for soldiers who transported supplies to support Third Group’s mission. During 2018, White Board Solutions negotiated six purchase agreements with the Army and received approximately $149,970. Under these agreements, White Board Solutions was required to rent the trucks and provide advanced training. White Board Solutions rented the trucks, but it never provided any advanced training. Since an estimated cost of renting the trucks was only $67,124, the Army overpaid White Board Solutions by $82,845.60. Both defendants have agreed to pay that amount in restitution to the Army.
Nicole Meier, on behalf of White Board Solutions, pled guilty to Theft of Government Property. The entity faces a maximum sentence of five years’ probation and a $500,000 fine.
In addition to the truck training contracts, Captain Meier helped his wife sell other items, like ratchet strips, magazines, firing adapters, targets and ink cartridges to the Army. During the plea hearing, the government told the court about several email communications between the couple. On one occasion, Captain Meier forwarded a request he received in his official capacity for M4 magazines to his wife with instructions for her to find the items and how much she could charge the Army. On another occasion, Captain Meier provided his wife with quotes from other vendors to assure she would submit a lower quote and obtain the Army’s business.
Captain Meier pled guilty to performing official acts affecting a personal financial interest. He faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, stated that “John Meier abused his position of public trust for personal gain, diverted proceeds meant to support the warfighter, and undermined the very principles he swore to defend as a U.S. Army officer.”
Floyd Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the Southeast and Caribbean Regional Investigations Office for the US General Services Administration Office of Inspector General stated that, “GSA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the integrity of the government procurement process and will steadfastly pursue fraud schemes that rob the American taxpayers.”
G. Norman Acker, III Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said, “The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all federal employees who abuse their positions of trust are uncovered and fully prosecuted.”
The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the US General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the US Army Criminal Investigation Command are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan B. Menzer is prosecuting 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. 5:21-cr-00276-D-1.
Felon Who Illegally Possessed Handgun in New Haven is SentencedRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRELL COX-HENDERSON, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to approximately 29 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Cox-Henderson will serve his first three months of supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2019, Cox-Henderson entered a convenience store in New Haven and placed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver behind some merchandise on a shelf. Approximately one hour later, Allen Lusmat entered the store and retrieved the firearm from the shelf. Later that day, after New Haven police officers had reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance video, officers stopped a car in which Lusmat was a passenger. As officers approached the vehicle, Lusmat threw a black plastic bag out of the window. A search of bag revealed the firearm that Lusmat retrieved from the store.
Cox-Henderson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for burglary in the third degree, possession of a weapon or a dangerous instrument in a correctional facility, and conspiracy to commit robbery in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Cox-Henderson has been detained since April 10, 2019. On September 14, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Lusmat, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same offense and, on August 12, 2021, was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
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.
Dubuque Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed crack cocaine with her father was sentenced September 3, 2021, to eight months in federal prison.
Lekeya Shantay Gillenwater, age 29, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 1, 2021 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Information at sentencing showed that, between January 2020 and August 2020, Gillenwater agreed to distribute crack cocaine with her father and others. Law enforcement bought crack cocaine from Gillenwater or her father on four different occasions in the summer of 2020. On August 10, 2020, law enforcement searched Gillenwater’s residence in Dubuque and recovered over 14 grams of crack cocaine, $1,400, and drug packaging.
Gillenwater was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gillenwater was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gillenwater is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-01043.
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Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 300 Months for Child Porn ProductionRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced 300 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of Production of Child Pornography.
Between August 2020 and October 2020, Frederick Martin, 26, of Sedgwick used his cell phone to communicate with a minor female via Snapchat and iMessage. He persuaded the teenage victim to record and send him sexually explicit images of herself. Martin also sent the victim photos of himself engaged in sexual acts. During later interrogations with law enforcement, Martin admitted he became aware of the victim’s age while they were trading nude photos.
At the time of these criminal acts, Martin was on parole for previous convictions in the state of Massachusetts on multiple counts of Rape of A Child and Possession of Child Pornography.
The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Kansas City investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, and later possessed over 1 kilogram of pure methamphetamine and guns, pled guilty on September 7, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Matthew Shawn Victor Bridges, age 30, from Marshalltown, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, one count of possessing three rifles on January 3, 2020, after having been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, and one count of possessing two more firearms on February 16, 2020.
In a plea agreement, Bridges admitted that, on January 3, 2020, he was in possession of more than 1000 grams of pure methamphetamine when Iowa Falls police officers responded to a suspicious car near a warehouse. Officers found a running vehicle that contained a large quantity of methamphetamine and three rifles near the vehicle. On February 16, 2020, Iowa Falls police officers were investigating a home invasion and assault when the saw Bridges driving by the scene. When they searched his vehicle, officers found more methamphetamine and two more firearms.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bridges remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Bridges faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by the Iowa Falls Police Department, Hardin County Sheriff’s Department, the Hardin County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-00108-CJW.
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Commercial Flooring Executive Indicted on Money Laundering Charge as Part of a Long-Running Bid Rigging InvestigationRead the Press Release
Note: The indictment against the Defendant, Michael Zmijewski, was dismissed on Oct. 19, 2022.
A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois returned a one-count indictment charging Michael Zmijewski for his role in a money laundering conspiracy involving kickbacks. Zmijewski is a former President of Mr. David’s Flooring International LLC (Mr. David’s), a Chicago-based commercial flooring contractor. Zmijewski is the sixth individual, along with three companies, that have been charged as result of the ongoing federal antitrust investigation.
According to the indictment, Zmijewski engaged in a money laundering conspiracy to conceal kickback payments he authorized Mr. David’s to pay to Carter Brett, an account executive for a large flooring manufacturer, in exchange for low pricing. According to the charge, Zmijewski authorized checks from Mr. David’s to a shell corporation established by Brett for the sole purpose of receiving the illegal kickback payments. According to the charge, Zmijewski and his co-conspirators carried out the conspiracy from at least as early as 2013 until as late as June 13, 2018.
“The Antitrust Division, together with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously prosecute those who break the law to undermine competition, including those who conspire to launder illicit proceeds of crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.
“Kickbacks have no place in the American marketplace,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “This indictment serves as a warning to anyone looking to profit illegally at the expense of consumers.”
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of $500,000. The fine may be increased to twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, if that amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges are the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging, price fixing, and other anticompetitive conduct in the commercial flooring industry, conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the FBI’s Chicago Field Division.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Colbert Resident Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brittney Nicole Schmidt, 28, entered a guilty plea to Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, in violation of 18 United States Code Sections 1151, 1153, and 1112, punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to 8 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00 and a special assessment fee in the amount of $100.00.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 15, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant did unlawfully kill another human being while in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of one or more intoxicating substances, contrary to 47 Oklahoma Statute Section 11-902, without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, and knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Colbert and Calera City Police Departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Charlotte County Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Leslie Samuel Spencer (49, Port Charlotte) has pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of methamphetamine and MDMA (commonly referred to as “Molly”). He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Spencer worked as a correctional officer in Fort Myers at the Charlotte Correctional Institution’s offsite work camp. In March 2021, Spencer agreed to smuggle three ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of MDMA, a small amount of synthetic marijuana, and two cellphones into the prison and provide it to an inmate in exchange for a payment of $400.
On March 31, 2021, shortly before his shift was to begin, Spencer met with an undercover FBI agent in the parking lot of a retail store located off Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers. There, the undercover agent provided Spencer with sham drugs, two cellphones, and $400 in cash. Upon leaving the store, Spencer was arrested.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Charges Added in Eastern District of California for Madera Man Previously Charged in Washington D.C. District Court Related to Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Benjamin Martin, 43, of Madera, was charged today by criminal complaint for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 2, 2021, Martin was arrested at his residence in Madera on a criminal complaint issued by the District Court for the District of Columbia for charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The FBI also executed federal search warrants at Martin’s residence and found that he possessed several firearms, including a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun and Kimber 1911 pistol. Martin has a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Martin faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations, and Martin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cedar Rapids Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison After Heroin He Distributed Led to an OverdoseRead the Press Release
A man who distributed heroin that resulted in an overdose was sentenced September 3, 2021 to more than three years in federal prison.
Diondray Louis Wilson, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 8, 2021 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Information at sentencing and a prior hearing showed that, on two occasions in 2018 and five occasions in 2019, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of heroin from Wilson. On November 21, 2019, Wilson distributed heroin to an individual who later overdosed but regained consciousness after emergency personnel arrived.
Wilson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Wilson was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Wilson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-00091.
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California Man Agrees to Plead Guilty in Federal Hate Crime Case for Attacking Family-Owned Restaurant and Making Death ThreatsRead the Press Release
A California man has agreed to plead guilty today to federal criminal charges for attacking five victims at a family-owned Turkish restaurant last year while shouting anti-Turkish slurs, hurling chairs at the victims and threatening to kill them, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Wilkison of the Central District of California announced.
William Stepanyan, 23, of Glendale, has agreed to plead to one count of conspiracy and one hate crime charge, according to a plea agreement filed Monday in U.S. District Court. He is expected to enter a guilty plea to the felony charges in the coming weeks.
Turkey and Armenia are two neighboring countries in the Caucasus region of Asia that have historically experienced significant conflict, part of which has stemmed from Turkey’s support of Azerbaijan in its border conflict with Armenia. When a new war broke out between Armenian and Azeri military forces in September 2020, tensions in Turkish and Armenian communities escalated worldwide, including in the United States. Numerous protests and counter-protests, pitting individuals of Armenian and Turkish descent against one another, took place in Los Angeles County.
According to his plea agreement, on Nov. 4, 2020, Stepanyan, who is Armenian-American, sent a text message saying that he planned to go “hunting for [T]urks.” Later that day, Stepanyan met with his co-defendant Harutyun Harry Chalikyan, 24, of Tujunga, and other Armenian-Americans to protest what they considered to be Turkish aggression against Armenians, express their contempt for Turkey and show their support for Armenia.
Stepanyan, Chalikyan and other Armenian-Americans then drove to the family-owned restaurant, where Stepanyan and Chalikyan stormed into the restaurant and attacked the victims inside. Stepanyan and Chalikyan, who were both wearing masks during the attack, flung chairs at the victims while shouting derogatory slurs about Turkish people. Four of the five victims were of Turkish descent. At least one of the defendants threatened to kill the victims, shouting: “We came to kill you! We will kill you!”
During the attack, multiple victims were injured, including one individual who lost feeling in their legs and collapsed multiple times due to the injury. Also during the attack, Stepanyan ripped out the restaurant’s computer terminals and stole a victim’s iPhone.
The restaurant suffered at least $20,000 in damage and had to close temporarily, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
After he enters the guilty pleas to the two felony offenses, Stepanyan will face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
Chalikyan is scheduled to go on trial in this matter on Oct. 26. He has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy and five hate crime charges.
The FBI conducted the investigation in this matter and received substantial assistance from the Beverly Hills Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Bucks County Man Sentenced to over Three Years for Faking Military Hero Status and Stealing from the GovernmentRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Richard Meleski, 58, of Chalfont, PA, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $302,121 in restitution for a particularly disgraceful fraud scheme to steal Veterans Administration (VA) benefits by pretending to be a veteran who had been captured by the enemy during combat.
In July 2020, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud, two counts of mail fraud, one count of stolen valor, two counts of fraudulent military papers, as well as two counts of aiding and abetting straw purchases, and one count of making false statements in connection with receiving Social Security Administration disability benefits.
The charges stemmed from Meleski fraudulently claiming to have served as an elite Navy SEAL and falsely representing that he had been a Prisoner of War in order to secure healthcare benefits from the VA worth over $300,000. Due to his false representation as a Prisoner of War, the defendant received healthcare from the VA in Priority Group 3, effectively receiving healthcare before other deserving military service members. In reality, Meleski never served one day in the United States military.
The defendant also filed for monetary compensation from the VA for PTSD suffered during an armed conflict in Beirut in which he rescued injured teammates. In his application for disability benefits for PTSD, Meleski falsely represented that he had been awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions during his time as a Navy SEAL. Again, Meleski never served a single day in the United States military and was never awarded such commendation. Meleski also submitted another application to the VA for monetary compensation in which he included obituaries of actual Navy SEALs alongside whom he falsely said he had served. He traded on the actions of these true service members in an attempt to bolster his application for monetary benefits.
The defendant also filed for disability benefits from The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) for injuries he claimed to have received during his time in the military. Meleski falsely testified under oath in connection with an SSA Disability proceeding.
“The defendant faked a record as a decorated U.S. Navy SEAL in order to collect numerous forms of taxpayer-funded compensation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “The fact that Meleski chose to put himself ahead of true war heroes in order to take advantage of benefits designed specifically for those serving in the U.S. military is profoundly offensive. Our veterans fought for the freedoms we hold dear, and as we approach the twentieth anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 this Saturday, their sacrifices are even more meaningful. The defendant’s actions dishonor all of their legacies.”
“We are grateful to our federal partners for their work in pursuing and prosecuting those who impersonate our nation’s hero’s and unlawfully obtain benefits meant for those who served,” said RADM Karen Flaherty-Oxler (RET), Medical Center Director for the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz (Philadelphia) VA Medical Center. “It is disheartening to see someone who benefited from the service of our Veterans, dishonor them in this manner. Nonetheless, our day-to-day mission of caring for our Veterans continues uninterrupted and with the same vigor and commitment.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who benefit from falsely claiming to have served in the United States military will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in securing justice for our nation’s true heroes.”
“This defendant defrauded the government in many different ways for several years,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “The outcome of this investigation is the result of several law enforcement agencies working together for a common goal – to keep our communities safe from criminals like Meleski. I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the VA OIG, SSA OIG and the U.S Attorney’s Office for this successful prosecution.”
The case was investigated by Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and it is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.
Boston Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing child pornography.
Paul Fest, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On May 4, 2021, Fest pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
On Dec. 15, 2020, a search of Fest’s Beacon Hill residence resulted in the seizure of a computer and multiple external storage devices. On one thumb drive, there were over 100 videos and more than 50 images of child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno and Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Boston Gang Associate Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston gang associate pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Renardo Williams, 44, of South Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 25, 2022.
Investigators identified Williams as a drug customer and distributor for co-defendant Kenji Drayton, the alleged leader of the drug-trafficking organization. In the hours preceding his arrest, investigators intercepted calls and conducted surveillance of Williams and Drayton, which allegedly indicated that Williams sought to purchase drugs from Drayton. At the time of his arrest, Williams was found in possession of approximately 125 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm. Drayton pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
In June 2020, Williams was charged along with 23 others as part of Operation Snowfall. According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement conducted an investigation into drug trafficking activities by Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the defendants, through their drug trafficking activities, assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs. As a result, their activities caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.
The investigation also targeted large-scale drug suppliers and their associates. It is alleged that the targets continued to distribute cocaine and cocaine base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. Williams is the seventh defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Due to a prior felony drug offense, Williams faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least six years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million on the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon provides for a sentence up to 10 years in person, three years 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin O’Donnell and Timothy Moran of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boonesboro Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher today sentenced James Maynard, Jr., age 53, of Boonesboro, Maryland, to 150 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for a federal charge for coercion and enticement of a minor in order to produce and distribute child pornography. Judge Gallagher also ordered that Maynard pay $5,729.24 in restitution to his victim. Finally, Judge Gallagher ordered that upon his release from prison, Maynard must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Jason Lando of the Frederick Police Department.
According to Maynard’s guilty plea, on November 27, 2019, Maynard used a social media account to meet a 14-year-old female, Victim 1, During his initial conversation with the victim over social media, the victim informed Maynard that she was 14 years old and he identified himself as a 52-year-old man. While they did not begin that way, Maynard’s conversations with the victim became increasingly sexual. On the second day of their online communications, November 28, 2019, Maynard asked Victim 1 to send him nude photographs of herself. Victim 1 subsequently took the photos that Maynard requested, using her tablet computer to take the photo while she was in her bedroom. Victim 1 sent the photos to Maynard via her social media account. Maynard made numerous sexually explicit comments about Victim 1’s genitals, and what he wanted to do to her. Maynard persuaded Victim 1 to take and send him more photos. Maynard also sent images of his penis to Victim 1.
After Victim 1 sent Maynard the photographs, she began to feel upset about the social media communications with Maynard. She tried to delete the images of herself, and she asked a trusted adult for help. Around this same time, City of Frederick Police Department detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation and forensically analyzed the tablet computer and social media records. Investigators discovered additional evidence that Maynard was using the internet to exploit Victim 1.
On December 5, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Maynard’s residence and his cell phone was seized. A forensic analysis of the phone revealed several images relevant to the investigation, including an image of Victim 1. Forensic analysis of another computer located in Maynard’s residence revealed that Maynard used the internet to search topics involving minors and sex.
Investigators interviewed Maynard, who initially claimed that he thought Victim 1 was 19-years-old. However, when investigators showed Maynard the content of his online messages with Victim 1, Maynard admitted that he knew the victim was 14-years-old at the time that he communicated with her on social media.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and the City of Frederick Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Duey and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King, Chief Counsel with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Belleville Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Armed Robbery of Four Local BusinessesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Belleville man will be spending over two decades behind bars for stealing cash from four local businesses at gunpoint. Cameron J. Blake, 23, has been sentenced to 252 months in federal prison on four counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and three counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Blake pled guilty to the charges back in April.
According to court documents, the crimes occurred in December of 2019. On December 2, 2019, Blake entered two different ZX gas stations, one in Swansea and one in Belleville, and a Huck’s Food and Fuel in Belleville, and demanded money. Blake brandished a gun with a flashlight attachment and took cash from employees by force. On December 27, 2019, Blake entered a Domino’s Pizza in Belleville, and again displayed a firearm with a flashlight attachment when he demanded cash.
As part of his sentence, Blake was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by Belleville Police Department, Swansea Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandria Burns.Bath Man Going to Prison for 10 Years on Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Charles Augrom, III, 35 of Bath, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior child pornography conviction, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in July 2020, an undercover law enforcement officer was investigating individuals using peer-to-peer file sharing applications to share child pornography over the internet. During the undercover session, the officer downloaded numerous pictures and videos of child pornography that traced back to an IP address belonging to the defendant. Some of the images and videos included children younger than 12 years old engaged in sexual conduct with adults, as well as depictions of violence. On December 10, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Augrom’s William Street residence and seized electronic items that were later found to contain more than 600 images depicting child pornography. The defendant is a Level III register sex offender on the New York State Sex Offender Registry, following two prior New York State child pornography convictions.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Corning Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Bank Insider Sentenced for Fraudulent Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that HERODE CHANCY, who at the time of the offense was employed as a manager at a Manhattan branch of a national bank (“Bank-1”), was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a commercial loan fraud scheme for loans totaling over $1 million. CHANCY’s sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Bank employee Herode Chancy used fake businesses, doctored bank statements, and stolen identities in an effort to obtain over $1 million in commercial loans. Now Chancy has rightly been sentenced to prison for his crime. Prosecutions like this one should serve as notice to individuals in positions of trust at financial institutions that engaging in corrupt criminal conduct will lead to prosecution and prison.”
According to the Complaint, Indictment, and statements made in court:
From at least in or about March 2019 up to and including at least in or about March 2020, CHANCY and codefendant Adedayo Ilori conspired to fraudulently obtain business loans from a third-party commercial lender with the intent not to repay the loans – i.e., with the intent to “bust out” the loans. CHANCY and Ilori together submitted eight fraudulent business loan applications for a total of $1,025,000 in business loans. The business loan applications submitted by CHANCY and Ilori included doctored bank statements and listed the identities of other persons as the loan applicants, including stolen identities. CHANCY and Ilori also opened bank accounts using the identities of those other persons in order to receive the loan payments from the third-party commercial lender. CHANCY and Ilori subsequently conspired with codefendant Michael Albarella, another bank manager at Bank-1, to open a bank account using a stolen identity to launder approximately $200,000 of the expected proceeds of the loan scheme. Albarella opened the bank account at Bank-1 using the stolen identity provided by CHANCY and Ilori, and Albarella accepted a $10,000 bribe to open the bank account.
CHANCY and Ilori believed that the underwriter for the third-party commercial lender was participating in the scheme and agreed to pay the underwriter a “commission” for the underwriter’s role in the scheme. In reality, however, the underwriter was an undercover law enforcement officer.
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In addition to the prison term, CHANCY, 41, of Bellerose, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $10,000 in fraudulent proceeds.
On August 5, 2021, Albarella was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of supervised release by Judge Liman. Ilori is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2021.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and Homeland Security Investigation’s El Dorado Task Force.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Tara M. La Morte and Cecilia E. Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.
Amsterdam Resident Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Kristen Blair Hiltunen, age 36, of Amsterdam, New York, appeared today in federal court on a charge that she received child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to a criminal complaint, in July 2021, Hiltunen used a social media messaging application to communicate with and receive child pornography from a minor victim. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hiltunen faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
Hiltunen appeared today before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart. She will remain detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for September 13.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, along with investigators from the Schenectady Police Department. The Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the Rotterdam and Colonie Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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
Aiken Man who Operated Drug Conspiracy from State Prison Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart stated today that Eddie Brockington, 31, of Aiken County, was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin.
Evidence presented in court established that the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of co-defendants Eddie Brockington, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, and Kenneth Evans, a South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate.
Through controlled purchases and other investigative techniques, agents learned that members of the conspiracy purchased and distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and/or heroin for Brockington and Evans. Agents learned that Brockington used contraband cellphones, Facebook Messenger and other social media posting to have his co-defendants purchase, transport, and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine and/or heroin. Brockington was responsible for distributing more than 223 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.5 kilograms of heroin throughout South Carolina while incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections. The drugs were primarily sourced from Atlanta and were transported into South Carolina by various members of his organization and then sold to customers.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Brockington to 32 years of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Brockington will begin serving his federal sentence while also serving a state sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections for trafficking methamphetamine.
Brockington is the eleventh defendant in the federal case to be sentenced to federal prison. Two additional defendants’ charges are still pending.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Aiken County Sheriff's Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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7 September 2021
Wilmington Man Receives 84 Months for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On August 27, 2020, Terry Dean Haynie, Jr. pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Haynie, 32, was arrested during a traffic stop on June 24, 2019. Four other passengers, including two minors, were in the vehicle with Haynie at the time. Haynie had a loaded syringe sticking out of his pocket, drug paraphernalia, cash, and a safe key on him at the time of arrest. A search of the vehicle recovered a bookbag belonging to Haynie which contained a safe with a loaded firearm and ammunition, marijuana, THC oil, a digital scale and more than 28 grams of methamphetamine. Haynie later admitted to having sold more than 220 grams of methamphetamine in the months before his arrest.
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), the Wilmington Police Department, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Tright 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. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-cr-00073-M.
Two Grand Jury Indictments UnsealedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced today that two unrelated indictments returned by a federal grand jury on September 1 have been unsealed following the arrest of the defendants.
Noah Eisele, 35, Janesville, Wisconsin is charged with five counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on five occasions between April and November 2020, Eisele used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The indictment also charged Eisele with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on March 16, 2021, he possessed a cellphone containing visual depictions of child pornography, and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Eisele was arrested at his home in Janesville on Thursday, September 2. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison that day. He is being held at the Dane County Jail.
If convicted, Eisele faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each production charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
The second indictment charges Michelle Ales, 50, Monona, Wisconsin with two counts of making a false statement while purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Both counts allege that Ales falsely indicated she was the actual buyer of a firearm on a required Firearms Transaction Record form when she was purchasing a 9mm firearm, when she knew she was not the actual buyer of the firearm. Count 2 includes the additional allegation that the false statement was intended and likely to deceive the dealer.
Ales was arrested in Madison on Friday, September 3. Her initial appearance in U.S. District Court is not scheduled. She is being held at the Dane County Jail.
If convicted, Ales faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against her are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Transporting over 100 undocumented aliens lands Texan in prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old Dallas resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to transport 126 undocumented aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jose Luis Ramos Jr. pleaded guilty March 15.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Ramos to serve a 80-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including his prior involvement with the smuggling organization, details of the dangerous and reckless nature of the transportation and the number of aliens he attempted to transport. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo also noted his extensive criminal history and that he was not a minor participant in the conspiracy.
On Jan. 6, Ramos drove a tractor-trailer from Laredo and stopped at a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint when a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle. Ramos ignored instruction and exited the inspection area, but authorities soon caught and escorted him back to the checkpoint.
A physical inspection revealed a total of 126 individuals inside the trailer, including one unaccompanied minor, from various countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and El Salvador. Ramos admitted he was hired to drive the tractor trailer from Laredo to San Antonio. During the inspection of the trailer, authorities discovered that the aliens were kept in the sealed trailer with the temperature of 50.7 degrees.
Ramos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution SchemesRead the Press Release
The National Center for Disaster Fraud reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Ida, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.
Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals may also file complaints online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
The public should remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the tornadoes. Solicitations can originate from social media, e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods.
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
- Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
- Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- Rather than follow a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence and its nonprofit status.
- Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
- To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.
- Be aware of whom you are dealing with when providing your personal and financial information. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in .org rather than .com.
Tax preparer convicted for tax fraud…againRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A woman has entered a guilty plea to falsely preparing tax returns following a prior order not to engage in that business, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Marcia Angella Johnson admitted that since 2016, she had been preparing income tax returns for clients even though she had been prohibited from doing so. During this time, she prepared numerous false returns which claimed various false items on her clients’ behalf. These included false wages, salaries, tips and tax credits such as earned income credit, child tax credits and American opportunity credits.
As a result of her criminal acts, the United States suffered a loss of at least $54,545 in tax revenue. Johnson herself admitted to pocketing between $13,000 and $15,000 after preparing tax returns each year from 2016 through 2019.
Johnson previously admitted to preparing or assisting to prepare approximately 200 false tax returns. In 2011, the court banned her from conducting a tax preparation business.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 16. At that time, Johnson faces up to three years in prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine. She has also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman is prosecuting the case.
Target of U.S. Attorney’s Office Anti-Violent Crime Initiative Sentenced for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to prison for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei today.
Jarrel Jakeem Joseph, 25, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2021, to receipt of a firearm while under indictment and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale.
“Criminal offenders living in our communities have no business possessing firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. “Mr. Joseph’s disregard for the law—and for the safety of his fellow Port Arthur residents—is vividly illustrated by his brazen carrying of a stolen handgun, despite his criminal status.”
According to court documents, on March 31, 2021, law enforcement observed Joseph and several other individuals fighting along the 1600 block of Vicksburg Avenue in Port Arthur. Joseph left the fight on foot and was observed discarding an object, which was found by law enforcement and determined to be a stolen semiautomatic pistol. Further investigation revealed that Joseph possessed a criminal history that prohibited him from possessing or receiving a firearm.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
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Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in the sex trafficking of a child.
Danna Marie Rodriguez, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor.
By pleading guilty today, Rodriguez admitted that she was involved in prostituting a 15-year-old female, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe 1.” Rodriguez took sexually explicit photos of Jane Doe 1, which were sold to another person. Rodriguez also admitted that she gave ecstasy to the child victim prior to the child victim meeting an unidentified man for sex at a local hotel, for which the child victim was paid $70. Rodriguez and her partner kept the rest of the payment.
Under federal statutes, Rodriguez is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography via SnapchatRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Rochester man pleaded guilty today to producing sexually explicit images and videos of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, between November 8, 2020, and January 8, 2021, Arkady Pavlovich Pichurin, 26, sexually exploited a minor who was between the ages of nine and 10 years old at the time. Pichurin, who contacted the minor using a variety of instant messaging and texting services, including Snapchat, lied about his age and identity to carry out his sexual exploitation of the minor. Pichurin admitted to using similar tactics to sexually exploit and produce pornographic images and videos of more than twenty minors.
Pichurin is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2022.
“This is a particularly egregious case involving an adult using popular social media apps to prey on and exploit dozens of children,” said Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk. “I commend the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office and the investigators with the Rochester Police Department and the FBI for aggressively pursuing this sexual predator and holding him accountable for the harm he caused. We continue to urge parents, teachers, caregivers, and young people alike to be vigilant in reporting these types of crimes to law enforcement.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
If you know of any child who may have been a victim of exploitation, please call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit NCMEC’s web site at www.missingkids.com.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Rochester Police Department, with substantial assistance from the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine is prosecuting the case.
Pittsburgh Man who Produced Images of His Sexual Abuse of Children Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 235 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, on his conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Porch, 34, of Pittsburgh’s Summer Hill neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, over the course of approximately two years, Porch physically, emotionally and sexually abused two children who were under his care. During this period, Porch also produced pornographic photos of the children, which were found on his cell phone. The Court was further informed that Porch has state charges pending for assaulting a third child, as well as domestic violence charges relating to his wife.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Porch.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on August 26, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Robert Dowty, Sr., age 59, was sentenced to life in federal prison, lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dowty was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2018. He was found guilty of the charge following a jury trial in Rapid City on August 2, 2019.
The conviction stems from Dowty forcibly sexually assaulting a child under the age of 16 years between June and September of 2018 at Pine Ridge. Additional victims testified at trial regarding past sexual abuse by Dowty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Dowty was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 24, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Dale Martin, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Martin was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on February 10, 2021.
The conviction stems from Martin, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a Savage, model 111, .270 caliber bold-action rifle. This firearm was found in Martin’s possession after the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was called to the I-Bank in Pine Ridge on June 18, 2020. Martin ran from the I-Bank location to a nearby trailer after law enforcement instructed him to drop the firearm. After being verbally instructed to come out of the house, Martin exited the residence with the rifle slung around his back. Martin threw the firearm off the porch and re-entered the residence. Law enforcement entered the residence and took Martin into custody.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Martin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Philadelphia Man Admits Conspiring to Illegally Export Firearms Parts from United States to Turkey and Republic of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to smuggle more than $200,000 worth of firearms parts out of the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ibrahim Karabatak, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and U.S. anti-smuggling laws.
According to the documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
The Arms Export Control Act prohibits the export of defense articles and defense services without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Department of State. Karabatak admitted that from November 2018 through March 2019, he and other conspirators (including Samet Doyduk) agreed to ship firearms parts from the United States to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. Karabatak, Doyduk and others used credit cards, Pay Pal accounts, and other forms of payment to purchase firearms parts from suppliers in the United States. Karabatak and Doyduk would then repackage the firearms parts, falsely label the contents of the package, and export the firearms parts to their customers in Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. To disguise their role in the conspiracy, the conspirators used aliases when sending the packages containing prohibited items. Upon receiving the firearms parts, the customers in Turkey and in the Republic of Georgia paid Doyduk and the other conspirators by international wire transfers or directly paid Karabatak in cash while he was in Turkey. The firearms parts included upper receivers, barrels, and magazines for several different types of Glock handguns, including Glocks in the following calibers: 9mm, .40 caliber, and .357 caliber.
During the course of the conspiracy, Karabatak, Doyduk and others purchased and directed the unlawful exportation of more than $200,000 worth of defense articles from the United States to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia without the required export license.
The conspiracy charge to which Karabatak pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10. 2022. Doyduk pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 20, 2021 and is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 15, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked HSI agents in Ankara, Turkey and Frankfurt, Germany; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Postal Inspection Services, JFK airport, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Packaging Company Ex-Controller Sentenced to Prison for Stealing FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on her conviction of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Victoria Mazur, 54, of McKim Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Mazur was employed as the Controller for Gateway Packaging Corporation, which was located in Export, PA. From December 2012 until December 2017, she issued herself and her husband a total of approximately 189 fraudulent credit card refunds, totaling $195,063.80, through the company’s point of sale terminal. Her thefts were so extensive, they caused the failure of the company, which is now out of business. In order to conceal her fraud, Mazur supplied the owners with false financial statements that understated the company’s true sales figures.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mazur.
Oklahoma Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sapulpa, Oklahoma, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Charles Nathaniel Graves, age 35, was indicted on July 7, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 7, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Graves, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so September 1, 2019, and July 7, 2021.
The charge is merely an accusation and Graves is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Graves was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
New York Man Sentenced for Sending Child Pornography to Liberty ManRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A New York man was sentenced in federal court today for sending images and videos of child pornography to a Liberty, Missouri, man who in turn used them to harass the child victim.
Joseph J. Balio, 36, of Utica, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 13 years and nine months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Balio to spend the rest of his life on supervised release after incarceration.
On Aug. 5, 2020, Balio pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography over the internet. Balio admitted that he sent a video that contained child pornography to Zachary T. Harbison, 35, of Liberty, Mo., on Dec. 25, 2017. The video file depicted a sleeping minor.
Harbison pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography and was sentenced on Nov. 5, 2020, to nine years and four months in federal prison without parole. Harbison admitted that, on the same day he received the video and images of child pornography from Balio, he texted the minor victim and sent her pornographic images and a video file he had received from Balio.
According to court documents, the image and video files Balio shared with Harbison were used to harass and stalk the minor victim, as well as an adult victim.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Police, and the Utica, N.Y., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
New Bern Methamphetamine Trafficker Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Jock Bowden, 48, of New Bern, North Carolina, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of substances that contains methamphetamine, Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of substances that contains methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
According to court documents, evidence presented in court and other documents, on April 20, 2020, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office made a controlled purchase of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from Bowden at his residence in New Bern. On May 29, 2020, Bowden was arrested. On June 5, 2020, law enforcement received information that Bowden had several firearms at his residence. Law enforcement recovered three handguns and a stolen assault rifle and a large amount of ammunition. Bowden had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Bowden was responsible for distributing approximately one and half kilograms of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was being shipped from California to the Eastern District of North Carolina for distribution.
This is part of operation Fighting Jelly Fish which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo 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. 4:20-cr-00046-FL.
Natchez Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – A Natchez man was sentenced to serve 420 months in federal prison for multiple drug trafficking crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten.
Kevin Singleton, 44, pled guilty on April 29, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics trafficking in the Natchez area that involved the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. During the investigation, on March 2, 2018, federal and state agents executed a search warrant at Singleton’s residence resulting in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Agents also seized approximately $1.1 million in cash from the residence. Three firearms were seized, including a DPMS A-15 .223 semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine holding 44 rounds, and an additional magazine loaded with 30 rounds. Also seized was a Glock .40 caliber handgun and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special. Singleton is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark.
Muskegon Man Sentenced to over A Year in Prison for Embezzling Labor Union FundsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that United States District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney sentenced Hasan Zahdeh, a former resident of Muskegon, Michigan, to 14 months in a federal prison for embezzling Michigan Union of Healthcare Workers’ (MUHW) funds. Hasan Zahdeh was also ordered to pay $140,498.03 restitution to MUHW and, following his release from prison, to serve 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, between approximately May 2017 to about November 2020, while serving as MUHW’s president, Hasan Zahdeh embezzled union funds by using the MUHW’s debit card and using union checks to pay for personal, unauthorized expenses such as international travel, utility bills, home maintenance, and communication bills. The Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards (DOL-OLMS) began investigating Hasan Zahdeh and the accuracy of the MUHW labor organization annual report he filed as the union’s president after DOL-OLMS determined that the total amount of legal services invoiced to MUHW was much less than the amount reported and that invoices submitted in support of the report reflected expenses not related to union business. In January 2021, a Grand Jury for the Western District of Michigan returned an indictment charging Hasan Zahdeh embezzlement and theft of union funds.
In April 2021, Hasan Zahdeh entered into a plea agreement in which he admitted that he (1) falsified union records; (2) wrote four checks to MUHW’s attorney, forged the attorney’s signature on the back of each check, and then deposited each check into his personal bank account; (3) deposited MUHW dues into his personal bank accounts; (4) directed his child to deposit MUHW dues checks into his account and wire him the funds; (5) opened a personal bank account, misrepresented it to MUHW members as a bank account held by MUHW, and then directed MUHW members to direct deposit their dues into this account; and (6) used the MUHW funds he embezzled for personal expenses not authorized by MUHW.
U.S. Attorney Birge commented that “When union officers such as Hasan Zahdeh abuse their authority and line their own pockets, my office will pursue justice, including restitution where appropriate.”
This case was a cooperative effort among Department of Law Office of Labor-Management Standards and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin M. Pinkston represented the United States.
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Michigan man sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darius Dashawn Wade, of Gross Pointe, Michigan, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Wade, 27, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Fentanyl.” Wade admitted to selling fentanyl in August 2019 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Edgar Hurtado-Ramirez (52, Mexico) today pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder monetary instruments and engage in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Hurtado-Ramirez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Hurtado-Ramirez laundered money for a drug trafficking and money laundering organization (DTMLO) that shipped cocaine from California and Nevada to various points in the eastern United States, including Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, Florida. The DTMLO used couriers to conceal and transport the drug proceeds back to California and Nevada. Hurtado-Ramirez repeatedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in cocaine proceeds from money couriers in California and concealed and disguised the nature of the funds and their ownership. Hurtado-Ramirez was arrested in Bogotá, Colombia on September 21, 2019. He was extradited to the United States from Colombia on March 19, 2021
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher F. Murray and Josephine W. Thomas. The U.S. Embassy Bogotá, Colombian authorities, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs assisted with Hurtado-Ramirez’s extradition.
Marion County Man Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment today charging Marion County, KY resident Jerry Lee Bright with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jerry Lee Bright, 62, of Marion County, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“The allegations contained in the Indictment are serious controlled substance offenses,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. “I commend the work and partnership of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and HSI during the investigation of this case.”
If convicted, Bright faces a mandatory sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum of forty years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man Pleads Guilty to the Sexual Abuse of a Two-Year-Old and a Seven-Year-Old Child in Order to Produce Images of the AbuseRead the Press Release
A Maryland man pleaded guilty today to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, in connection with his sexual abuse of two minor children.
According to court documents, Brian Anthony Gilbert, 33, of District Heights, uploaded and advertised at least two video files of child pornography depicting an approximately seven-year-old female victim (Victim 1) on an online bulletin board dedicated to child pornography. The videos were approximately 10 minutes and 15 minutes in length and depicted sexual acts between Gilbert and Victim 1. In Gilbert’s posts on the online bulletin board, Gilbert admits to having produced both videos.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on Sept. 11, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gilbert’s residence. Gilbert was in the residence at the time. Gilbert waived his rights and agreed to speak to law enforcement. Gilbert advised law enforcement that approximately five times between January 2019 and August 2020, Gilbert video recorded sexual acts between himself and Victim 1 in Gilbert’s bedroom and at Victim 1’s residence. He also stated that he had video recorded sexual acts between himself and another victim, who was approximately two-years old (Victim 2) at the time. Gilbert told law enforcement that he distributed the child sex abuse material that he produced on the Tor network, a computer network that is designed specifically to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet.
During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement also seized a number of electronic devices from Gilbert’s bedroom. A subsequent forensic analysis of Gilbert’s electronic devices revealed over 2,000 files depicting child pornography. Among those files were six videos of Gilbert engaging in sexual acts with Victim 1 and Victim 2 in Gilbert’s bedroom or in Victim 1’s residence. Some of the child pornography located on Gilbert’s devices included pre-pubescent children under the age of 12 as well as sadistic or masochistic conduct, including the use of instruments or tools on children, and sexual acts between adults and children.
Gilbert faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each of the two counts of production of child pornography and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner of the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Malik Aziz of Prince George’s County Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Baldwin of the District of Maryland and Trial Attorneys Alicia Bove and Jessica Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
Last defendant convicted in nationwide synthetic narcotics distributionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 47-year-old man will forfeit three real properties and pay a $5 million money judgement for running a multi-million dollar synthetic narcotics distribution network, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Daniel Bowles, Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and analogues. He admitted to overseeing call-takers and the operation’s business finances as well as using multiple business entities to conceal the significant amount of its illegal proceeds.
In 2015, authorities began investigating a smoke shop in Laredo. During that time, they discovered a nationwide mail order business that supplied the shop with illegal synthetic cannabinoid products. Call-takers in several states took orders for the products with names such as “Brain Freeze” and “Death Grip” which was delivered to shop owners from California. Payment was set to Arizona, often into accounts Bowles controlled.
During the investigation, authorities tracked payments from multiple retail smoke shops throughout the United States and identified several bank accounts involved in the scheme. Financial records show that from February 2012 through 2019, the network received over $15.4 million in illicit proceeds.
As part of his plea agreement, Bowles also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $5 million and the forfeiture of three real properties.
U.S. District Judge George Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 16. At that time, Bowles faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Six others have also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the organization. Ratchanee McAuley, 50, also of Phoenix; Thirawat Athikulrat, 42, and Chuanphit Srithongrung, 44, both of Downey, California; Frank Gonzalez, 60, and Ernesto Salazar, 34, both of Mesa, Arizona; and Don Jessop, 52, Salt lake City, Utah.
McAuley, Athikulrat and Srithongrung each admitted to maintaining warehouses to manufacture the synthetic cannabinoid products. As part of their pleas, Gonzalez and Jessop acknowledged being call-takers, while Salazar admitted to assisting with manufacturing the products and travelling across the county to pick up the proceeds.
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These chemical compounds can be applied to carrier mediums such as plant material and ingested using rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and are marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is commonly sold and known on the street as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and by its popular brand names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Klimaxx and many others.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Brain Freeze with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety and sheriff’s offices in Zapata County and Maricopa County, Arizona. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graciela Lindberg and Lance Watt are prosecuting the case.
- Last defendant convicted in nationwide synthetic narcotics distribution
Hobbs man sentenced to six years in prison for federal firearms violationsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ruben Flores, 41, of Hobbs, New Mexico, was sentenced on Sept. 2 to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Flores pleaded guilty on April 23.
According to court records, on July 5, 2019, law enforcement responded to reports of shots fired on Dunham Street in Hobbs. Later that day, officers investigating the incident located Flores in his vehicle with a rifle on his lap. During a search of the vehicle, officers found three more firearms and several rounds of ammunition.
At the time of the incident, Flores had previously been convicted of several felonies, including forgery, trafficking a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, battery on a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm or explosive device by a felon. As a previously convicted felon, Flores cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Flores will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Hobbs Police Department and the Lea County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Richard Williams prosecuted the case.
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Hermosa Woman Sentenced to Eight Years on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, woman convicted on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 30, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Megan Smith, age 39, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Smith was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020, and pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021. Smith, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was found to knowingly be in possession of multiple firearms, some of which were stolen, and a sawed-off shotgun after she came into contact with law enforcement in March 2020 in Rapid City. Smith was also found in possession of methamphetamine and had been distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JABARI WALCOTT, also known as “Jabari Walcott-Greene,” 23, of Hartford was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, Hartford Police learned that Kyle Pitts, also known as “Bark,” and others, were selling fentanyl, and that Pitts was using his apartment on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford to store fentanyl. Between August and October 2020, Hartford Police and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Pitts, Walcott and Curon Johnson, also known as “Buck,” of East Hartford.
Walcott has been detained since his arrest on state charges on October 14, 2020. At the time of his arrest, he possessed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, a digital scale and $1060.
On June 7, 2021, Walcott pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.
Pitts and Johnson pleaded guilty to the same charge. On July 22, 2021, Johnson was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment. Pitts awaits sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Distributing Synthetic Opioids on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SETH WATSON, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing synthetic opioids and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2015, Judge Chatigny sentenced Watson to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. Watson, who had been detained since his arrest in July 2012, was released from prison in April 2016.
In 2017, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department received information that Watson was selling heroin and cocaine from a grocery store on Mather Street in Hartford. In February and March 2017, investigators made four controlled purchases of purported heroin from Watson. Laboratory testing of purported heroin purchased during the first two transactions determined that the substance was fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700. The substance purchased during the third transaction was fentanyl and U-47700, and the substance purchased during the fourth transaction was fentanyl and heroin.
On March 28, 2017, Watson was arrested after investigators conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Watson and found him in possession of approximately 781 bags containing a total of approximately 21 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.
Watson has been detained since his arrest. On April 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700.
Judge Chatigny sentenced Watson to 72 months of imprisonment for the drug distribution offense and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release conditions.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Fresno Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Daniel Santos Galaviz, 27, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony crime, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 24, officers arrested Galaviz after he fled on foot from a vehicle during an attempted traffic stop. Officers recovered a loaded magazine from Galaviz during his arrest. Galaviz is prohibited from possessing ammunition because of his prior criminal record.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Galaviz is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 6, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Galaviz faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Fort Wayne Man ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Lance Lombrana, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been charged by way of a criminal complaint with armed credit union robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
According to documents in this case, it is alleged that, on August 30, 2021, Lombrana entered the Three Rivers Federal Credit Union in Kendallville, approached a teller, and asked to speak with a manager. Once the manager arrived, Lombrana removed what appeared to be explosives with a timing device from a red and black bag. Credit union employees later advised law enforcement that they believed the device to be a bomb. The suspect demanded cash which the manager obtained and provided to him. Lombrana then left the credit union. He was apprehended in Garrett, Indiana, a short time later by an Indiana State Police trooper and was taken into custody without incident.
Noble County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Mowery added the following comments, “After consultation with the Kendallville Police Chief Waters and lead Detective Handshoe, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fort Wayne, the decision has been made that the case against Lance Lombrana will be filed in U.S. federal court.” According to Prosecutor Mowery, “The decision was not easy; when criminals victimize the citizens and communities in Noble County, I want to prosecute those criminals,” but, Mowery went on to say, “We have been provided information that has led me to the conclusion that the federal court is the more appropriate venue for this case.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a complaint is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, and the Kendallville Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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