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Thursday 1 July 2021
City of Chicago Alderman and Her Chief of Staff Indicted on Federal Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury today indicted City of Chicago Alderman CARRIE M. AUSTIN and her Chief of Staff on bribery offenses for allegedly conspiring to receive home improvements from construction contractors seeking city assistance for a development project in Austin’s Far South Side ward.
Austin, 72, of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiring to use interstate facilities to promote bribery, two counts of using interstate facilities to promote bribery, and one count of willfully making materially false statements to the FBI. Austin’s Chief of Staff, CHESTER WILSON JR., 55, of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiring to use interstate facilities to promote bribery, two counts of using interstate facilities to promote bribery, and one count of theft of government funds.
The indictment was returned today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Anthony Mohatt, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; and Joseph M. Ferguson, Inspector General for the City of Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrianna Kastanek and Katie M. Durick.
According to the indictment, starting in 2014 a construction company planned to construct a residential development in Austin’s ward at a cost of approximately $49.6 million. Under an agreement with the city, the company was responsible for making infrastructure improvements within the project, including construction of new interior streets, street lighting, landscaping, and sidewalk improvements, and was eligible to receive more than $10 million in tax increment financing and other payments from the city.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2016, Austin and Wilson were provided with personal benefits by the owner of the construction company and other contractors in an effort to influence them in their official capacities. The benefits included home improvements, furniture, and appliances for Austin’s residence, and home improvement materials and services for rental properties owned by Wilson, the indictment states.
According to the charges, in June 2017 a contractor on the development project paid an invoice for $5,250 to cover a portion of the purchase price of kitchen cabinets at Austin’s residence by falsely representing that the cabinets were for an address within the development. In addition, in July 2017 Austin accepted from a contractor on the project an offer to pay for two “brand new” and “expensive” sump pumps, and to have the contractor’s family member buy and install a new dehumidifier, the indictment states. Wilson also solicited benefits from a contractor on the project for his rental property, including services for “heating and air,” the charges allege. In October 2017 the contractor told Wilson that he would pay for a portion of a new HVAC system at Wilson’s property because, “you help me a lot, and I’ll help you,” the indictment states.
The indictment alleges that Austin and Wilson authorized the expenditure of aldermanic menu funds to benefit the construction company for infrastructure within the development, and that on multiple occasions in 2017 and 2018 Austin coordinated with the construction company owner to seek the city’s release of TIF and other payments.
The theft charge against Wilson accuses him of engaging in a separate scheme to purchase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at a discount. Wilson, who was not eligible for SNAP benefits due to his city of Chicago salary, allegedly obtained a card containing SNAP benefits by paying cash to the recipient in an amount below the face value of the card, the indictment states.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The conspiracy, bribery, and false statement counts are each punishable by up to five years in federal prison, while the theft charge is punishable by up to one year. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
California Parent Agrees to Plead Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California parent has agreed to plead guilty to a tax offense in connection with his involvement in the college admissions case.
Homayoun Zadeh, 59, an associate professor of dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC), has agreed to plead guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of filing a false tax return. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. Under the terms of Zadeh’s plea agreement, the parties have agreed to a sentence, subject to the Court’s approval, of six weeks in prison, one year of supervised release with 250 hours of community service and a fine of $20,000.
As set forth in the charging document, Zadeh agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $100,000 to facilitate the admission of Zadeh’s daughter to USC. Zadeh made installment payments toward that total to Singer’s purported charitable foundation, the Key Worldwide Foundation, and deducted the payments from his taxes as a purported gift to charity, despite knowing that they were not legitimate charitable contributions, but were made in exchange for facilitating his daughter’s admission to USC.
Singer has previously pleaded guilty for his role in the college admissions scheme.
Zadeh will be the 31st parent to plead guilty in the case.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents, and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns, Karin M. Bell and Stephen E. Frank of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bridgeport Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERT LOPEZ, 51, last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2017, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located Lopez at a residence in Bridgeport and arrested him on a state warrant in connection with the alleged shooting of a victim in Bridgeport on September 9, 2017, and on a federal warrant related to his alleged violation of supervised release conditions. A search of Lopez’s bedroom on the date of his arrest revealed a stolen .40 caliber pistol.
Lopez has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and in federal courts in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Specifically, Lopez has been convicted of assault with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of contraband by an inmate, and possession of a firearm by a felon (twice). In March 2008, Lopez was sentenced to 47 months of federal imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon and, in January 2013, he was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon and for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
Lopez has been detained since his arrest. As sentencing, which is not scheduled, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
State charges against Lopez related to the September 9, 2017, shooting are pending.
This matter has been investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, the U.S Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Anastasia E. King.
Bozeman man sentenced to prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Bozeman man who admitted to drug trafficking after an officer found methamphetamine and heroin in his vehicle during a traffic stop was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Rick Ray Garcia, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Garcia was detained.
The government alleged in court records that on Dec. 18, 2019, a Bozeman law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop with Garcia in Gallatin County and arrested Garcia on an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search of Garcia and his vehicle, law enforcement found about 9 grams of heroin, about 29 grams of meth and a loaded 9mm handgun. Garcia was known to law enforcement for distributing drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bozeman Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography crime.
According to court documents, Gregory Weymes, 58, of Ridgeview, admitted that on February 23, 2021 he possessed child pornography on his cell phone. After receiving a cybertip through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement investigators obtained a search warrant for Weymes’ residence. While executing the search warrant, investigators seized the cell phone from Weymes. In an interview, Weymes admitted that he used various social media platforms, including MeWe, to view and trade child pornography and that investigators would find child pornography on his phone. A forensic review of Weymes’ cell phone uncovered numerous videos depicting child pornography on the device.
Weymes pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 14, 2021. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00080.
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Berkeley County man arraigned on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Detrick Lee Foston, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was arrested today after being indicted by a federal grand jury on firearms charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Foston, 24, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy,” two counts of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms,” one count of “Transfer of Firearm to Out-of-State Resident,” one count of and one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.”
Foston is accused of working with another defendant charged in the indictment, Marquise Hicks, to illegally purchase and transfer firearms from March 2020 to June 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Hicks, age 26, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy” and one count of “Illegal Transportation or Receipt in State of Residency of Firearm Purchased or Acquired Outside of State of Residency.”
Fotson and Hicks each face up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge. Fotson faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the false statement charges and faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the transfer charge. Hicks faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the illegal transportation charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Belizean National Sentenced for Using Counterfeit Immigration and Social Security Cards at Nevada DMVRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Belize citizen, who was unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for using a fraudulent United States Permanent Resident Card and a fake Social Security card while applying for a "Real ID" identification card at a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office.
According to court documents, on October 1, 2020, Rickon Amyon Wade, aka “Ricky Wade,” 35, attempted to obtain a Nevada Real ID identification card at a DMV office in Henderson. Wade presented a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card and counterfeit Social Security card — bearing Wade’s name and a Social Security number not assigned to him — as identification. Wade had obtained the fraudulent immigration and Social Security cards from a counterfeit document vendor in Los Angeles, California.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Wade to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.
The case was investigated by HSI and the SSA OIG after referral by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Compliance Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Frayn and Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Imposes a Moratorium on Federal Executions; Orders Review of Policies and ProceduresRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued a memorandum imposing a moratorium on federal executions while a review of the Justice Department’s policies and procedures is pending.
“The Department of Justice must ensure that everyone in the federal criminal justice system is not only afforded the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States, but is also treated fairly and humanely,” said Attorney General Garland. “That obligation has special force in capital cases.”
In the last two years, the department made a series of changes to capital case policies and procedures and carried out the first federal executions in nearly two decades between July 2020 and January 2021. That included adopting a new protocol for administering lethal injections at the federal Bureau of Prisons, using the drug pentobarbital. Attorney General Garland’s memorandum directs the Deputy Attorney General to lead a multi-pronged review of these recent policy changes, including:
- A review coordinated by the Office of Legal Policy of the Addendum to the Federal Execution Protocol, adopted in 2019, which will assess, among other things, the risk of pain and suffering associated with the use of pentobarbital.
- A review coordinated by the Office of Legal Policy to consider changes to Justice Department regulations made in November 2020 that expanded the permissible methods of execution beyond lethal injection, and authorized the use of state facilities and personnel in federal executions.
- A review of the Justice Manual’s capital case provisions, including the December 2020 and January 2021 changes to expedite execution of capital sentences.
The Attorney General’s memorandum requires the reviews to include consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including the relevant department components, other federal and state agencies, medical experts and experienced capital counsel, among others.
No federal executions will be scheduled while the reviews are pending.
The Attorney General’s memorandum can be found here: /media/1149381/dl?inline.
Artesia man charged with illegal possession of firearms and child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Trevor Wright, 50, of Artesia, New Mexico, made an initial appearance in federal court today facing charges of possession of child pornography and being a drug addict in possession of firearms. Wright will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 7.
According to a criminal complaint, on June 25, the FBI executed a search warrant on Wright’s residence in Artesia. Investigators allegedly found child pornography on one of Wright’s cellular telephones. They also located 15 firearms allegedly in Wright’s possession within the residence. As a drug addict, Wright cannot legally possess a firearm.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wright faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Artesia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Sarah Mease are prosecuting this case.
Altoona Man Sentenced for $1.2 Million Fraud Scheme and Failing to Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Blair County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on charges of tax evasion and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Patrick S. LaMarsh, 42, of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
The government represented to the court that between 2011 and 2013, LaMarsh defrauded TracFone and Walmart by selling fraudulently obtained Straight Talk airtime cards on Amazon.com. LaMarsh fraudulently re-encoded Straight Talk prepaid wireless cards and sold them for a discount, netting approximately $1.2 million in proceeds. LaMarsh used the proceeds to buy precious metals and a recreational vehicle. In addition, LaMarsh deposited proceeds into nominee bank accounts to conceal income.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of LaMarsh.
Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh Announces Enhanced Commitment to Civil Rights Enforcement in EDVARead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced today the formation of a Civil Rights Team in the Office’s Criminal Division, which will be responsible for enforcing the Nation’s federal criminal civil rights laws in EDVA, including additional resources to investigate and prosecute hate crimes, bias-related incidents, and alleged law enforcement misconduct, and to enhance outreach and awareness among impacted communities. The development of the Civil Rights Team in EDVA’s Criminal Division builds upon the prior establishment of the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit in EDVA’s Civil Division, which has engaged in trailblazing efforts to protect the civil rights of military servicemembers and individuals with disabilities, among others.
“Every individual has the right to enjoy their lives free from violence or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected basis,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh. “Far too often, victims of hate crimes and discrimination suffer in silence. Through the creation and expansion of the Civil Rights Teams in both our Criminal and Civil Divisions, we aim to bring awareness, improve reporting of hate crimes and discrimination, increase enforcement of civil rights protections, and ensure the prosecution of those who infringe on the civil rights of others.”
These initiatives implement President Biden’s and Attorney General Garland’s directives to confront violence, hatred, and discrimination through modern, comprehensive methods that address the complexity of these issues. In a May 2021 memorandum, Attorney General Garland directed U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide to bolster the Department’s effectiveness in this area, stating that these actions “will enhance our current efforts to combat unlawful acts of hate by improving incident reporting, increasing law enforcement training and coordination at all levels of government, prioritizing community outreach, and making better use of civil enforcement mechanisms.”
The civil rights enforcement efforts in EDVA’s Criminal and Civil Divisions are designed to meet these goals through close coordination with our federal, state, and local partners, and through sustained collaboration with impacted communities in the Eastern District of Virginia.
EDVA’s Criminal Civil Rights Team will focus on violations of federal civil rights laws, including hate crimes and bias-related incidents, alleged law enforcement misconduct, and other federal civil rights offenses. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Nicholas U. Murphy II will continue to serve as the district-wide Civil Rights and Hate Crimes Coordinator for EDVA’s Criminal Division. Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh also announced today that he is appointing the following AUSAs to serve as additional Civil Rights Coordinators in all four of EDVA’s geographic divisions: Jamar K. Walker (Alexandria); Stephen E. Anthony (Richmond), E. Rebecca Gantt (Norfolk), and D. Mack Coleman (Newport News). These Civil Rights Coordinators will serve as internal subject matter experts and provide legal advice and training to other AUSAs and EDVA personnel on best practices for investigating and prosecuting federal hate crimes and other civil rights violations, in coordination with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. In addition, the Civil Rights Coordinators will engage with federal, state, and local partners to expand EDVA’s existing outreach programs by improving awareness and proactively engaging with communities to increase hate crimes reporting and strengthen law enforcement’s collective response on these critical issues.
The creation of the Criminal Civil Rights Team follows last year’s announcement of the establishment of the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit in EDVA’s Civil Division, in connection with the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). EDVA’s Civil Rights Enforcement Unit has engaged in groundbreaking work to enforce the ADA and ensure equal access to public accommodations, such as health care providers, and state and local government services, such as polling locations, in addition to protecting the rights of military servicemembers and veterans under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The Civil Rights Enforcement Unit has also interacted extensively with the vulnerable communities that these laws seek to protect, providing essential education so that impacted individuals can understand and exercise the rights that the law affords.
Although the work of the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit has focused primarily on the enforcement of federal laws protecting the civil rights of veterans and individuals with disabilities, Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh announced today that the Unit’s work would expand to include the enforcement of federal civil rights laws for all protected individuals in connection with housing discrimination and harassment, actions that unduly burden religious expression, and law enforcement and correctional entities that engage in a pattern or practice of unlawful conduct.
The Civil Rights Enforcement Unit in EDVA’s Civil Division includes AUSA Steve Gordon, who serves as the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator, and AUSAs Lauren F. Oberheim, Deirdre G. Brou, and Clare P. Wuerker. AUSA Wuerker will focus her civil rights work on pattern or practice allegations in the law enforcement and correctional context.
“These enhanced efforts within EDVA’s Criminal and Civil Divisions will strengthen our Office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the civil rights of all who call the Eastern District of Virginia home—especially those in vulnerable communities—are vigorously protected,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
6-Time Convicted Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Danny Turner, 40, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 20 years in federal prison for 5 counts of distributing crack cocaine and heroin, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Turner was convicted of these charges on July 15, 2020, after a three-day trial.
In January and February of 2020, Turner sold crack cocaine and heroin to an undercover police officer on five separate occasions. At the time of his arrest, he fought with the arresting officer while possessing a loaded firearm and more crack cocaine. Turner committed the first two drug distribution offenses while still on supervised release for his 2008 federal conviction for distribution of crack cocaine. Because Turner has three or more felony drug trafficking convictions and possessed a firearm, he was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act. In addition, he faced another 5-year mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment because of his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges against Turner were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.
$1.3 Million Fraud Ringleader Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The leader of a multi-state conspiracy that executed multiple schemes to defraud banks, finance companies, car dealerships, and retailers of more than $1.3 million was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
According to court documents, soon after arriving in the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2016, Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 30, of Brooklyn, NY, began purchasing blocks of stolen identifying information of unsuspecting victims from the dark web. The identities were used to create high-quality drivers’ licenses and other documents he provided to individuals who worked at his direction to execute schemes that defrauded financial institutions and retailers.
Difo-Castro’s schemes included using the stolen identities and fraudulent documents to open bank accounts that were used to deposit and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds; to pose as both the seller and the buyer of vehicles in order to fraudulently secure bank and/or credit union financing from financial institutions in several states; and to obtain retail store credit and to make purchases at clothing and cellphone retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
According to court documents, banks and credit unions were defrauded of $899,866; cellphone retailers of $117,341; and clothing retailers of $14,067.
Difo-Castro pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to access device fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and nineteen counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 87 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $649,180.
Difo-Castro’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
Also charged and convicted in these matters are:
- Reynaldo Martinez, 25, of Providence. Martinez pleaded guilty in November 2017 to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. He was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $38,126.62.
- Jason McDonald, 38, of Attleboro, MA. McDonald pleaded guilty in March 2018 to conspiracy, attempted bank fraud, fraudulent use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced to 39 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $29,825.
- Donald A. Wicklund, 34, of Pawtucket, pleaded guilty in April 2018 to two counts of wire fraud, five counts of fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, five counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of bank fraud. He was sentenced by to 24 months and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $80,799.
- Yenesia Pujols, 48, of Providence, R.I., pleaded guilty in October 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and three counts of wire fraud. She was sentenced to two years and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $86,144.
- Angel L. Morales, 54, of New York, NY, pleaded guilty in September 2019 to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $116,000.
- Patricia Peralta, 30, of Patterson, N.J., pleaded guilty on August 21, 2019, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit access fraud, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number. She is awaiting sentencing.
Also charged for his alleged participation in the conspiracy is Israel Arana Ruiz Velasco, 27, whose whereabouts are unknown. Velasco is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and sixteen counts of wire fraud. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The investigations were conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Acting United States Richard B. Myrus acknowledges the United States Postal Inspection Service; the East Providence, Warwick, Seekonk and Mansfield Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in the investigation of these matters.
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Wednesday 30 June 2021
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Role in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCIS AYBAR-PEGUERO, also known as “Grena,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring. Judge Bryant also ordered Aybar-Peguero to pay a fine of $30,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.
On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge. On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin. Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
The investigation revealed that Aybar-Peguero received fentanyl and heroin from members of the Sosa-Ortiz organization and sold the drugs out of his business, the Corner Mini market located on East Farm Road in Waterbury.
Aybar-Peguero and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019. On that date, investigators executed search warrants at five locations, including the Corner Mini Market, and seized a total of approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.
Further investigation revealed that the Corner Mini Market was primarily being used by Aybar-Peguero to distribute narcotics and to launder drug proceeds.
Law enforcement seized approximately $98,000 from Aybar-Peguero’s business bank account.
On September 30, 2020, Aybar-Peguero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of concealment money laundering.
Aybar-Peguero, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Sosa-Ortiz has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, and Lauren Clark through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waseca Travel Agency Owners Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud Travel Agents Nationwide of Commission MoneyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Waseca travel agency owner pleaded guilty today to a scheme to defraud travel agents out of more than $400,000 in commission payments, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, Matthew Harold Schumacher, 45, was owner and operator of Travel Troops, LLC, and Vacation Agent Nation, LLP, which were host travel agencies based in Waseca, Minnesota. Through his businesses, Schumacher purported to provide host travel services to independent travel agents throughout the United States in exchange for a monthly fee. Schumacher represented that his host travel business was a reliable and profitable means for his fee-paying travel agents to receive higher commission rates from travel industry suppliers, such as airlines, resorts, and cruise companies, than if the individual travel agents booked their customers’ travel arrangements. Pursuant to service agreements that Schumacher entered into with travel agents, Schumacher claimed to receive and collect on behalf of travel agents commission payments from travel industry suppliers and to distribute those commission payments to the various travel agents who booked the travel and earned the commissions.
According to court documents, Schumacher defrauded at least 36 travel agents by misappropriating for his own personal use and benefit at least approximately $484,000 in commission payments owed to them from travel suppliers.
According to court documents, Schumacher tried to retain his travel agents’ money and to lull them into a false sense of security by, among other things, providing the travel agents with partial payments and by giving them materially false and fraudulent information. Schumacher misappropriated travel agents’ commission payments for his own personal use and benefit by, among other things, depositing at least approximately $160,000 to a personal account, funding of at least approximately $150,000 for his own travel expenses, including travel to Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and multiple European countries, withdrawing of at least approximately $33,000 in cash, purchasing approximately $3,117 of electronics at Best Buy, as well as making payments for personal expenses, such as retail purchases, restaurant bills, car payments, credit card bills, StubHub ticket purchases, and loan payments.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
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United States Obtains Consent Decree Against Chinatown Retail Seller for Repeated Violations of Federal Meat Inspection ActRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) Food Safety and Inspection Service (“FSIS”), announced today the entry of a consent decree against defendants YIN GONG CORP. and YONG XING WANG (“Defendants”) for violations of the Federal Meat Inspection Act at Defendants’ places of business in New York, New York’s Chinatown.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Consumers should be able to have confidence in the safety of the food they buy. Here, Defendants repeatedly sold uninspected pork products to retailers in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, designed to ensure that the food supply is wholesome and unadulterated. Today’s consent decree protects the public health by requiring Defendants to adopt practices that comply with the law – and imposing significant sanctions if they fail to do so in the future.”
USDA FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker said: “Our inspection personnel are on the job daily, verifying that establishments are providing consumers with safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat products. We will not tolerate a disregard for consumer health and this consent decree ensures Yin Gong Corp. follows food safety laws.”
The Federal Meat Inspection Act protects the public health by imposing strict requirements on food suppliers regarding the inspection, preparation, transportation, and sale of meat products. These requirements enable American consumers to have confidence that the meat they purchase and consume is wholesome and unadulterated.
According to the complaint filed earlier this week in Manhattan federal court, for years, Defendants repeatedly violated federal law by selling hundreds of pounds of non-federally inspected pork products to retailers located in New York and other states. For example, in November 2019, Defendants sold approximately 274 pounds of non-federally inspected pork dumplings and pork buns to a grocery store located in Rochester, New York. That grocery store then sold approximately 167 pounds of those pork products to its customers. In all, USDA has uncovered over 650 pounds of meat products sold by Defendants in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Although USDA compliance investigators repeatedly warned Defendants, they did not conform their conduct to the law.
In the consent decree entered today, Defendants admit, acknowledge, and accept responsibility for the following:
- Defendants have repeatedly sold non-federally inspected meat and meat food products to retailers for resale, in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act. For example, on or about August 6, 2015, March 3, 2016, July 12, 2018, September 22, 2018, November 24, 2019, and November 19, 2020, Defendants prepared, offered for sale, and sold non-federally inspected pork dumplings to other retailers for resale.
- Defendants have also repeatedly sold misbranded meat and meat food products, in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and an accompanying federal regulation.
- Defendants have also repeatedly failed to maintain records that fully and correctly disclosed their business transactions, in violation of applicable federal regulations.
Pursuant to the consent decree, Defendants are enjoined from selling or transporting any uninspected or misbranded meat products required to be inspected and passed by USDA, or engaging in any other conduct that would violate the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Defendants are subject to additional actions, including civil monetary penalties, termination of exempt status, contempt sanctions, and other relief, if they violate the provisions of the consent decree.
Ms. Strauss thanked the USDA for its investigative efforts in connection with this matter.
This case is being handled by this Office’s Environmental Protection Unit of the Civil Division. Assistant United States Attorney Charles S. Jacob is in charge of the case.
Yin Gong Corp. and Yong Xing Wang complaint.pdf Yin Gong Corp. and Yong Xing Wang consent decree.pdf- Defendants have repeatedly sold non-federally inspected meat and meat food products to retailers for resale, in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act. For example, on or about August 6, 2015, March 3, 2016, July 12, 2018, September 22, 2018, November 24, 2019, and November 19, 2020, Defendants prepared, offered for sale, and sold non-federally inspected pork dumplings to other retailers for resale.
Two Men Charged with Conspiring to Steal Guns from Suburban Chicago Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two men have been charged in federal court with conspiring to steal a dozen handguns from a suburban Chicago firearms dealer.
RONEAL NIGHTENGALE and ERIC ROWE conspired to steal the guns from Shoot Point Blank, a firearms dealer and shooting range in Naperville, Ill., on June 1, 2020, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment alleges that Nightengale drove Rowe and an unindicted co-conspirator to Shoot Point Blank around 9:00 p.m., and that Rowe and the co-conspirator burglarized the facility and stole the guns.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, the indictment charges Nightengale and Rowe with stealing the firearms, possessing the stolen firearms, and illegally possessing the firearms as previously convicted felons.
Nightengale, 34, of Glendale Heights, Ill., was arrested earlier this month in Arizona. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday during his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sunil R. Harjani in Chicago. A detention hearing is set for Thursday at 9:15 a.m.
Rowe, 36, of Bellwood, Ill., is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Robert Marshall, Chief of the Naperville Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Jodrey.
Each count of stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, illegally possessing stolen firearms, and illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison, while the conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Twelve people charged in two indictments following investigation of drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
Seattle – Twelve people are in custody today following a second round of arrests in an investigation involving armed drug trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The indictments and arrests today are a follow-up to the April 7, 2021 takedown involving 24 defendants. Most of those arrested today will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle and Tacoma this afternoon.
“Even after the arrest of 24 defendants in April, law enforcement pursued the higher-level sources of the drugs that were distributed in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “I am pleased that prosecutors in our office and law enforcement officers continued to work up the chain of this trafficking organization making large drug seizures and taking guns off the street.”
“Over the course of two years, more than 250 FBI employees have contributed to this investigation to fight back against this widespread drug-dealing conspiracy,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work of my office and our partners to remove dozens of firearms and toxic drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine from our communities.”
“The recent rise of violent crime – specifically crimes involving the trafficking of firearms and illegal drugs – is of great concern to the Seattle Police Department, which is why the SPD values its partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies. By working together, we increase our ability to arrest dangerous offenders, get them off our streets, and weapons out of their hands,” said Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. “Our joint efforts lead to the detention of 24 defendants in April. Today, we’re announcing the arrests of 12 more. Not only are these dozens of suspects off the streets, but so are dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl tablets and the tools to manufacture them. Our communities have been devastated by a recent rise in fentanyl deaths and continue to be devastated by on-going gun violence. The SPD is certain these joint efforts saved lives, and we’re gratified the many months of hard work by our officers and partners paid off.”
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized 84 firearms, including stolen firearms and ghost guns, 16 kilos of cocaine and about 50-thousand fentanyl tainted pills. In one traffic stop in January 2021 on I-5 they seized 6 kilos of cocaine that defendant Arambula was bringing back from southern California.
In all, law enforcement has seized more than $1 million in cash. They also seized a pill press used for manufacturing fentanyl tainted pills, three pounds of methamphetamine and some heroin.
Today alone officers seized 48 guns, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, several thousand fentanyl pills and two illegal marijuana grows. An additional $120,000 cash was also seized.
Those indicted in this round include:
Cresencio Moreno Aguirre, 41 of Kent, Washington
David William Armer, 41, Spanaway, Washington
Samuel Duarte Avila, 47, of Renton, Washington
Elyas Mohamed Kerow, 27, of Seattle
Brett David Radcliff, 21, of Puyallup, Washington
Sergio Reyes-Pina, 39, of Seattle
Herbert Dean Scott Jr., 49, of Burien, Washington
Rafael Ramirez, 49, Pacific, Washington
Cesar Arambula, 39, of Kent, Washington
Raul Barreto Bejines, 50, of Redmond, Washington
Jorge Aguilar Duran, 42, Issaquah, Washington
Viet Phi Nguyen, 34, of Seattle
Two people were arrested this morning who are being charged separately by criminal complaint. Two of the indicted defendants are still being sought by law enforcement.
Earlier this month, a 13th defendant was arrested and indicted. Kendle Hawkins, 31, of Goodyear, Arizona was arrested June 14, 2021 with 50,000 fentanyl tainted pills, five firearms and two silencers.
“This investigation has removed a large number of firearms and narcotics from the hands of violent drug traffickers operating throughout the Seattle Metropolitan area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarantino. “The violence spike in our communities is a clear and present danger to public safety and is a top priority for DEA and our law enforcement partners. For those wreaking havoc in our streets and perpetuating violence, you will be held accountable.”
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF
The investigation was led by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force with key participation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Gang and Narcotics Units, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Today’s arrests and searches involved teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, HSI, Pierce County Sheriff's Office, King County Sheriff's Office, Valley SWAT, Kent Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Narcotics/Currency/Firearms K9 support from Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Centralia Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Renton Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, and Tacoma Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Lyndsie Schmalz.
aguirre_et_al_indictment_0.pdf arambula_indictment_0.pdf hawkins_complaint_0.pdfThree Sedalia Residents Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three Sedalia, Missouri, residents were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after law enforcement officers seized 28 firearms from a residence during the investigation.
James Jacob Johnson, 23, Amber Marie Lawson, 36, and Eric Ryan Janes, 36, were charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Johnson, Lawson, and Janes participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Pettis County, Mo., from April 1 to June 15, 2021.
In addition to the conspiracy, Johnson is charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Law enforcement officers seized 28 firearms from Johnson’s residence while executing a search warrant on June 15, 2021.
Johnson is also charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to the indictment, those firearms included two AK 47s, a Glock 9mm pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, a Ruger 57, a Tauron PR 24/7 Pro, a Glock 20, a Smith & Wesson MIP 20, a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380, a Ruger EC9S, a Ruger 89, a Rossi 357, a 44 magnum Ruger, a Springfield Armory Saint .223-caliber rifle, a Chrome Palmetto AR .223, a Keltec Sun 2000 9mm, a Savage 300, a Gold 9mm AR, a Marlin 17, an MCK Roni with Glock 17, a Digmonn 200 blackout, a Smith & Wesson, a Black Dawn 300 blackout, a Typhoon F-12 Gold 12 gauge, a Zastava Arms, an M&P Bodyguard 38 special, and a Smith &Wesson M&P 9C.
Lawson and Janes also are each charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather D. Richenberger. It was investigated by the Pettis County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Sedalia, Mo., Police Department, the Morgan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the DEA’s Mid Missouri Drug Task Force.
Texas Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Looting Native American LandRead the Press Release
A San Marcos man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegally excavating a Native American homestead in Amarillo, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Jeffrey Alan Vance, 37, pleaded guilty in February to violating the Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA), a federal law that prohibits the unauthorized removal of artifacts from tribal land. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk.
According to plea papers, Mr. Vance admits he and a coconspirator, 33-year-old Dax Wheatley, excavated Native American artifacts from a site known as 41PT109 – a former homestead of the Antelope Creek Culture, Native Americans who lived in the Texas panhandle between approximately 1200-1500 A.D.
In March 2019, a tipster alerted the Bureau of Land Management that an individual calling himself "Jerry Montopolis" had posted photographs of an illegal excavation on facebook. When a commenter warned “Jerry” that he was “digging in federal land and rangers enforce there,” he responded, “I’m not scared of the feds.”
The Bureau of Land Management sent the photographs – posted in December 2017 – to Homeland Security Investigations, which was able to identify the men in the photos as Mr. Vance and Mr. Wheatly. The facebook account, they determined, actually belonged to Mr. Vance, who bragged that he planned to display skeletons he’d excavated in his “secret artifact lair.”
In a text messages reviewed by law enforcement, Mr. Vance called himself an “infamous illegal excavator of Native American artifacts in Texas” and warned his contacts, “don’t be telling people we are digging on government property!”
Following a search of his home in November 2019, Mr. Vance admitted that he had human remains and burial beads inside his residence.
Mr. Wheatley also admitted to violating ARPA. He entered his guilty plea in February and is slated to be sentenced in July.
Taney County Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Children, Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Merriam Village, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually assaulting two children to produce child pornography, and to receiving and distributing child pornography.
Tara Sau Millman, 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of minors and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Millman has been in federal custody since her arrest and remains detained without bail.
By pleading guilty today, Millman admitted that a co-defendant used her iPhone to record video of her performing a sexual act on a 2-year-old child, identified in court documents as John Doe. Investigators also found images and videos of child pornography on Millman’s iPhone, including files that depicted Millman and her co-defendant sexually assaulting John Doe and a 4-year-old child victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe.
Millman also admitted that she used a social media application to share child pornography over the internet, and that she and her co-defendant viewed child pornography together.
The investigation began when agents with Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, began investigating users of a cloud storage platform (identified in court documents as “Cloud Platform A”). The cloud platform provides encrypted, cloud-based services that enable private, secure online storage, communication, and collaboration for business and individuals. During the investigation, the agents accessed a weblink to an encrypted chat room with approximately 145 registered users. Files containing child pornography were uploaded/posted by participants in the chat room. A search warrant was executed at Millman’s residence in Taney County, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2021.
Under federal statutes, Millman is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled upon 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 and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
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."
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Enticing Minor to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – This afternoon a federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Michael Jarcord, 52, of Tallahassee, on the sole count of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution. The conviction, which followed a two-day trial that began on Monday, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Today’s verdict affirms our commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence, we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”
“Operation Stolen Innocence was part of the Tallahassee Police Department’s collective commitment to dismantle sexual exploitation in our community,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “We are pleased to see another offender found guilty of their crimes against those most vulnerable in our community. The continuous arrests resulting from this operation are a true testament to the diligent work of our investigators and every agency we have worked with in this mission.”
“This guilty verdict is another success of the strong law enforcement partnership between HSI and the Tallahassee Police Department with Operation Stolen Innocence,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs.
Jarcord’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable Mark Walker. Jarcord faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years imprisonment to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a maximum term of Life on supervised release.
This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven prosecuted this case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
State Contractor Pleads Guilty in $3 million Unemployment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Detroit woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at defrauding the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID19 pandemic, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Douglas J. Zloto, US Secret Service, Juan Vargas, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division, Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly Lewis, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Brandi Hawkins, 40, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Paul D. Borman. A sentencing date was set for October 28, 2021 where she faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to court records, Brandi Hawkins was a contract employee for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. Her duties included reviewing, processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims. Between April and June of 2020, HAWKINS worked with outside actors, known and unknown to law enforcement. Daily, those actors entered numerous false claims into the State of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency system, many of which were filed using stolen identities. These actors communicated with HAWKINS by cellular telephone calls and texts. HAWKINS accepted bribes in return for releasing many of these claims. HAWKINS used her insider access to fraudulently release payment on over seven-hundred claims, more than ten of which involved claims filed using stolen identities. HAWKINS’s actions resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of approximately $3.8 million of federal and state funds intended for unemployment assistance during the pandemic. Had every fraudulent claim released by HAWKINS been disbursed in full, the resulting loss of federal and state funds would have been over $12 million.
During the execution of a search warrant at Hawkins’ residence, over $200,000 in cash was seized. Hawkins used proceeds from her crimes to purchase high-end handbags and other luxury goods.
“Hawkins exploited the pandemic to defraud the State of Michigan and United States for her own personal gain,” said Acting US Attorney Mohsin. “Our office continues to focus on identifying and prosecuting those individuals who seek to divert funds intended for those in need during what has been a very difficult period of unemployment.
“Facilitating a fraudulent scheme to enrich yourself and others by stealing unemployment compensation earmarked for pandemic assistance is a vicious crime,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly Lewis. “IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to seek justice on behalf of Michiganders across the state against those who defraud the UIA and Michigan workforce."
“Brandi Hawkins while employed as a contractor used her position to take advantage of the public and defraud the State of Michigan. She was able to manipulated the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency system for her and others’ personal gain. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners throughout Michigan to bring criminals like Hawkins to justice,” said Douglas J. Zloto, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Detroit Field Office.
“Brandi Hawkins abused her position as an Unemployment Insurance Examiner for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency to release payment on $3.8 million in fraudulently filed unemployment insurance claims in exchange for bribes. Hawkins approved claims that, if disbursed in full, would have resulted in the fraudulent payout of over $12 million earmarked for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of unemployment insurance benefit programs," stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
"Brandi Hawkins used her position to approve fraudulent unemployment claims and divert money desperately needed by those who lost jobs as a result of the pandemic," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Division. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of these vital federal assistance programs."
“U.S. Postal Inspectors are federal law enforcement agents who conduct investigations of postal-related crime, including any fraud in which the postal system is used, in an effort to ensure America’s confidence in the U.S. Mail. Investigating violations of more than 200 federal laws, the Postal Inspection Service seeks to leverage relationships with our law enforcement partners and enforce these statutes to the maximum extent possible against those aiming to utilize the U.S. Mail in furtherance of illicit activities and criminal schemes. I commend the partnership, hard work, and countless hours put forth by all agencies involved in bringing this investigation to a successful resolution,” said Juan Vargas, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division
“People who willfully commit unemployment insurance fraud should know that the State of Michigan and the Unemployment Insurance Agency are serious about identifying and holding them accountable for their actions,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. "Through the great work of our federal and state partners along with UIA investigators, we’re are working to root out fraudulent schemes like this one and protect unemployment benefits for those who are legitimately entitled to them.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Wyse. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
St. John the Baptist Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a St. John the Baptist man was sentenced on June 16, 2021 to 14 years in prison for violating federal drug and firearms laws.
According to court documents, JONATHAN WEBRE, age 35, a resident of Reserve, Louisiana, was indicted on August 29, 2019 by a Federal Grand Jury in a three-count indictment. In Count 1, WEBRE was charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(b), In Count 2, WEBRE was charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Lastly, in Count 3, WEBRE was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922 (g)(1) and 924(a)(2). WEBRE pled guilty to all three charges on October 23, 2019. WEBRE’S sentencing has been postponed numerous times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These charges stemmed from an investigation by both the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration into the illegal activities of WEBRE over the last two years.
At his sentencing on June 16, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Lance Africk sentenced WEBRE to serve 168 months (14 years) for the two drug charges, Counts 1 and 2, and to serve 120 months (10 years) for Count 3, the federal firearms violation. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), the St. John The Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu prosecuted the case.
St. John the Baptist Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a St. John the Baptist man was sentenced on June 16, 2021 to 14 years in prison for violating federal drug and firearms laws.
According to court documents, JONATHAN WEBRE, age 35, a resident of Reserve, Louisiana, was indicted on August 29, 2019 by a Federal Grand Jury in a three-count indictment. In Count 1, WEBRE was charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(b), In Count 2, WEBRE was charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Lastly, in Count 3, WEBRE was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922 (g)(1) and 924(a)(2). WEBRE pled guilty to all three charges on October 23, 2019. WEBRE’S sentencing has been postponed numerous times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These charges stemmed from an investigation by both the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration into the illegal activities of WEBRE over the last two years.
At his sentencing on June 16, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Lance Africk sentenced WEBRE to serve 168 months (14 years) for the two drug charges, Counts 1 and 2, and to serve 120 months (10 years) for Count 3, the federal firearms violation. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), the St. John The Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu prosecuted the case.
Southwest Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine from Georgia to Lee and Wise CountiesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Wise County, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others to traffic methamphetamine from Georgia into Lee and Wise counties for further distribution.
According to court documents, Cory Austin Hamond, 23, purchased significant quantities of methamphetamine from co-defendant Daniel Rowland and other sources in Georgia. Hammond then transported the drugs into Lee and Wise County for redistribution. Hammond admitted today to purchasing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between July 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020.
Hammond pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2021 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.
Somerset County Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Traveling to Foreign Country to Engage in Criminal Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man has been sentenced to 108 months in prison for traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
James A. Diggs, 45, of Somerville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with foreign travel to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In October 2018, Diggs traveled to the Philippines to meet and engage in sexual activity with Minor Victim-1 in exchange for money and gifts, knowing the victim was a minor.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced Diggs to five years of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, John F. Kennedy International Airport, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Six Indicted in Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Six individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, from 2016 through June 2021, Douglas Robert Finch, Danny William Gehl, Jr., David William Gehl, Frank Joseph Kittleson, Patrick Thomas Maykoski, and Daniel Richard Thomas, conspired to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. The defendants and others were part of a drug trafficking operation (DTO) that shipped marijuana from California to Minnesota. Members of the DTO routinely sent shipping crates from a warehouse in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a warehouse in North Highlands, California. The DTO members would fly from Minnesota to California to purchase the marijuana, fill the crates with marijuana, and then load them on a delivery truck for shipment back to Minnesota. Once the shipment arrived in Minnesota, the DTO members unpacked the crates, repackaged the marijuana, and placed the marijuana in large garbage bags and boxes for distribution. Members of the DTO then transported the marijuana from the Minnesota warehouse to various locations for storage and packaging pending distribution to customers.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-CID.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Salem Area Methamphetamine Supplier Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for providing local drug dealers in Salem and Albany, Oregon with methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Frank Defelice, 63, was sentenced to 8 years and four months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2016, following a months’ long investigation into local drug trafficking and firearms violations, Defelice was identified by local and federal law enforcement as a major supplier of methamphetamine to drug dealers in Salem and Albany. On January 27, 2017, officers stopped Defelice’s vehicle and arrested him pursuant to a state warrant. Officers found approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat of Defelice’s vehicle. Police then searched his home and recovered an additional 324 grams of methamphetamine as well as scales, drug packaging material, a drug ledger, and a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Officers also found and seized more than $37,000 in cash on Defelice’s person and in his residence.
On November 2, 2016, Defelice was charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Later, on June 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a five-count indictment charging Defelice with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
On January 4, 2021, Defelice pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Salem Police Department, Albany Police Department, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso prosecuted the case.
Reading, PA Woman and New York Man Plead Guilty for Their Role in Nationwide “Grandparents Scheme” Worth $300k+Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Daniel Duran, 33, of Jamaica, NY, and Jacqueline Velazquez, 37, of Reading, PA, entered guilty pleas before United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney on multiple counts of mail fraud in connection with a phone and mail-based scheme to defraud elderly victims across the country out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The defendants were charged by criminal Information with seven counts of mail fraud in June 2021. According to the Information, from December 2018 through March 2020, the defendants played an integral role in what is commonly known as a “Grandparents Scheme,” which worked as follows: co-schemers based in the Dominican Republic telephoned elderly victims throughout the United States and, while posing as a grandchild or grandchild’s lawyer, falsely told each victim that their grandchild had been involved in a vehicular accident and needed money to pay for medical, legal, or court expenses. These co-schemers would also instruct the elderly victims to send large amounts of cash to certain addresses allegedly identified by the defendants, including addresses in Reading, PA. The defendants are charged with picking up the packages and sharing the money with their co-schemers. All told, this scheme defrauded at least fifty elderly victims across the United States of more than $300,000.
“Schemes like this ‘Grandparents Scheme’ are particularly heinous because they prey on a senior’s love for their family,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams.“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our seniors from fraud, and our Office will continue to prioritize prosecuting criminals who prey on our elderly residents.”
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, in connection with the Reading Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Newcomer.
Previous Drug Offender and Cocaine Supplier Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Mark Williams, a/k/a Swanny, age 52, of Elkton, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Williams has prior criminal convictions including a 2001 drug felony offense for the distribution of cocaine. Two other defendants, Kevin Johnson and Troy Neal, were indicted with Williams in 2020 and are pending trial September 27, 2021. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Superintendent Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III of the Maryland State Police; and Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams.
According to his guilty plea, the Maryland State Police, Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security identified Williams and two co-conspirators as suppliers of cocaine after an extended investigation dating back to 2019. The conspiracy members distributed crack cocaine to multiple customers in Elkton, Maryland.
During the investigation, the Cecil County Circuit Court issued an order to authorize the interception of wire and electronic communications of Williams and his co-conspirators. Intercepted text and telephone communications revealed Williams as a member of the drug distribution conspiracy.
Law enforcement intercepted at least eight instances in which Williams, or his co-conspirators, conversed in coded conversations about drug activity. For example, on May 27, 2020, after a series of calls between a co-conspirator and a customer, police observed Williams and a co-conspirator visit a customer’s residence. Shortly after their arrival, two male customers entered the co-conspirator’s residence. After one of the two male customers left the residence, police conducted a traffic stop and seized 3.6 grams of crack cocaine.
As stated in his plea agreement, after a series of coded calls among Williams and two co-conspirators law enforcement covertly surveilled the three men depart Neal’s residence and travel to the Bronx in New York, a known source area for cocaine. The next day, on June 14, 2020, law enforcement observed the three men travel back to a Maryland residence. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence and recovered 497 grams of compressed suspected cocaine, several bags of suspected marijuana, a digital scale, and several cell phones.
Police arrested Williams, Neal and Johnson. Each were charged in Cecil County with various drug-related crimes.
Other evidence corroborates Williams’s involvement in drug trafficking including a lack of legitimate employment to support his life expenses. According to the IRS, Williams had reportable wages of approximately $6,000 in 2019 and less than $5,000 in 2020. Additionally, two witnesses would advise that they regularly purchased crack cocaine from Williams and a co-conspirator from February 2020 to May 2020.
Williams and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Williams will be sentenced to seven years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the HSI, the Maryland State Police Department, and the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Kim Y. Oldham, who are prosecuting the case.
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Pottawatomie County Man Sentenced to Serve a Decade in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, OSCAR DE JESUS LOPEZ, 31, of Pottawatomie County, was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On November 2, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm. On February 18, 2021, Lopez pleaded guilty to Count 1 of a Superseding Information that charged him with being a convicted felon in illegal possession of ammunition.
Public records reflect that, on September 10, 2020, Lopez was involved in a confrontation with his girlfriend’s husband. This confrontation escalated to a shootout during which Lopez discharged a firearm multiple times towards his girlfriend’s husband. On September 11, 2020, Lopez was arrested for the shooting. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered a phone call made by Lopez from the jail, asking his girlfriend to dispose of ammunition located at his residence. Before September 2020, Lopez had felony convictions for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, robbery in the second degree, and pointing a firearm at two people, including a five-year-old child. Federal law prohibits prior convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Today, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Lopez to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, including Lopez’s conduct during the shooting, and Lopez’s serious criminal history.
This case is the result of investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Norman Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Plaquemines Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERIC METZ, age 38, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was charged June 24, 2021 in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
The defendant had his initial court appearance on June 25, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, METZ faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, METZ faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, METZ faces a minimum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Myers.
Philadelphia Man Admits Years-Long Sexual Abuse of Eight-Year-Old Victim, Including Manufacturing PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Herbert Smith, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to seven counts of manufacturing child pornography. Smith was indicted as a result of his extended sexual abuse for more than two years of a child who was just eight years old when Smith began molesting her.
The defendant’s sexual abuse of this child victim came to light when Philadelphia Police served an arrest warrant for Smith for his sexual assault of a different nine-year-old victim. When Police arrested the defendant, officers discovered him lying in bed with that victim. Police seized Smith’s electronic equipment, and the subsequent forensic analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed hundreds of images of Smith’s horrific sexual assaults against an eight-year-old child, including rape and other sexual abuse of the child after she was given medication to make her sleep. Smith recorded his abuse of the child victim, saved the images and videos on his electronic equipment, and in some cases, uploaded the images to his online storage account.
Smith was taken into custody by Philadelphia Police in August 2019. He has been detained in federal custody since he was indicted federally in September 2019. As a result of his conviction on seven counts of manufacturing child pornography, he faces up to 210 years in prison, which includes a mandatory minimum 15 years, five years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,750,000, and special assessments of up to $35,700. Smith must also register as a convicted child sex offender under state law.
“Smith is a predator of young children and has been for years,” said Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “With this conviction, and Smith now facing up to 210 years in prison, his victimization of our most vulnerable citizens has finally come to an end. Thank you to all of our agency partners who remain determined to identify, prosecute and convict child predators like this defendant.”
“Herbert Smith admits inflicting repeated horrific sexual assaults on a little girl, and recording the abuse so he could savor it whenever he wanted,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “His actions are unconscionable and the harm he’s done, immeasurable. It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect our community’s children from depraved predators like Smith.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Ottumwa Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On June 30, 2021, an Ottumwa man was sentenced to 19 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in violation of federal law. In February 2021, following a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant guilty of the two firearm charges. Defendant had previously pleaded guilty to the drug charges.
According to court documents and proceedings, Hector Ramon Iglesias Tovar of Ottumwa, age 35, was involved in trafficking over 1.5 kilograms of “ice” methamphetamine, in Ottumwa and elsewhere. He possessed an Anderson AR 15 rifle and a Springfield XD .45 handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Because defendant was unlawfully in the United States his possession of these firearms was also a violation of federal law.
Iglesias’ co-defendant, David Lemley, also of Ottumwa, was sentenced in May 2021 to 84 months in prison for his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, the Ottumwa Police Department, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Onondaga Reservation Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Printup, age 36, a resident of the Onondaga Reservation in Onondaga County, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute marijuana and launder drug proceeds, and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Gregory S. Oakes, Oswego County District Attorney.
As part of his guilty plea, Printup admitted that between February 2017 and July 2017, he received bulk quantities of marijuana from a source of supply who illegally imported marijuana from Canada to northern New York. Printup distributed the marijuana he received to customers in the Syracuse area and sent some of the proceeds back to his source of supply. In pleading guilty, Printup admitted he distributed at least 241 kilograms (approximately 530 pounds) of marijuana.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2021, before Senior District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Printup faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, with a maximum of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division, and the Oswego County Drug Task Force, comprised of Special Agents of HSI, members of the City of Oswego Police Department, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators from the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, the SUNY Oswego Police Department, and Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting Murder of Lincoln MotherRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dante Williams, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 55 years in federal prison on June 29, 2021 for his role in a home invasion that resulted in the death of Jessica Brandon of Lincoln on July 31, 2018. His co-defendants, who discharged firearms during the home invasion, each received a life sentence, plus 240 months in federal prison for their roles in the felony murder. Dante Williams was sentenced to 45 years for aiding and abetting the murder and 10 additional years, to be served consecutively, for participating in two attempted robberies in connection with the same crime. Williams took a baseball with him to Brandon’s home on the first attempted robbery on July 30, 2018, and he helped his brother, Damon Williams, zip tie children and one elderly women in their beds during the home invasion. Williams also received 5 years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lincoln Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MARCEL STEWART, 27, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On November 2, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm. On March 8, 2021, Stewart plead guilty to the Indictment.
Public records reflect that, on April 24, 2020, law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call involving Stewart and his girlfriend. When officers arrived, Stewart was found in possession of a 9mm pistol. Stewart was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. During the investigation, it was discovered that a toddler was present during the domestic altercation. Before April 2020, Stewart served an Oklahoma state prison sentence for shooting a former girlfriend and repeat offenses for illegal possession of a firearm.
On June 29, 2021, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Stewart to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In support of this sentence, Judge Wyrick cited the nature of the crime and Stewart’s previous criminal history.
This case is the result of investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. The local implementation of these initiatives in the Western District of Oklahoma is through "Operation 922" which prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Ohio Woman Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Conneaut, Ohio has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on June 8 and unsealed today, named Jennifer Glasscock, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about November 30, 2020, Glasscock possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, a quantity and mixture of a substance containing LSD, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing oxycodone. The Indictment further charged Glasscock with possessing a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. The Indictment finally alleged that Glasscock, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Norfolk Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal KidnappingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced Ramon Simpson, 51, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Simpson to life imprisonment on each count. Simpson was convicted by a jury in March following a 7-day jury trial.
Phyllis Hunhoff regularly traveled from her home in Yankton, South Dakota to her mother’s home in Utica, South Dakota. Her regular practice was to call her mother upon returning to Yankton. On November 4, 2018, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Phyllis Hunhoff left her mother’s residence, alone, to drive home to Yankton. She did not call her mother as she did not make it home. Having not heard from Phyllis, her mother began repeatedly calling her phone to determine her whereabouts. All calls were unanswered.
Simpson, Joseph James, and other men were near Phyllis Hunhoff’s mother’s residence as she was leaving. James and Simpson encountered Phyllis Hunhoff outside of the residence and got into her car with her inside. Simpson and James kidnapped Phyllis Hunhoff and took Hunhoff and her vehicle to Norfolk, Nebraska, arriving at about 11:00 p.m. When they arrived in Norfolk, James remained in the vehicle and Simpson exited the vehicle with James’s cellular phone. James drove Phyllis Hunhoff’s vehicle, with her inside, to the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation in Knox County, Nebraska. Simpson proceeded to delete communications and location data from James’s phone detailing their travels and activities on November 4, 2018.
Video from a gas station on the Santee Reservation showed James driving Hunhoff’s vehicle and putting gasoline into her vehicle. Later, James returned in the same vehicle to the gas station and pumped gasoline into a soda bottle. James then drove to an isolated location on the Santee Reservation where he set fire to Hunhoff’s body and her vehicle to conceal evidence of the murder and kidnapping. James abandoned the body and vehicle and left the area.
On November 8, 2018, Phyllis Hunhoff’s body was located inside of her vehicle on the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation. Hunhoff had been killed by strangulation and stab wounds. Hunhoff’s body and vehicle were set on fire.
Law enforcement officers investigated the murder and obtained evidence, including surveillance footage of James at the gas station during the early morning hours of November 5, 2018. Santee Police recovered the shirt James was wearing when he killed Phyllis Hunhoff. Her DNA was on James’ shirt. James’s DNA was on clothing Phyllis Hunhoff was wearing when he killed her.
When contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Simpson repeatedly lied about his and James’s whereabout on November 4 and 5, 2018.
James pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country on February 5, 2020, and on July 15, 2020, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Judge Buescher noted during the sentencing that the evidence and testimony in this case “will remain with us for the rest of our lives and will remain with the 12 jurors.” Judge Buescher also noted that on the day of sentencing he wanted to remember the victim, Phyllis Hunhoff, stating “she didn’t deserve what happened to her… the end that she came to is tragic.”
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp stated, “Phyllis Hunhoff was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She was active in her faith and volunteered in her community. Her death was a tremendous loss to her family and her community. We hope today’s sentence brings some small bit of closure to the Hunhoff family knowing that Joseph James and Ramon Simpson will spend the rest of their lives in prison and not be in a position to harm anyone again.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel added, “Ramon Simpson’s participation in the kidnapping of Phyllis Hunhoff led to her brutal death. Today’s life sentence demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to bring justice to the families who have lost loved ones to senseless, violent crime.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jody Mullis and Sean Lynch.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nebraska State Patrol, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Police, Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, Yankton Police Department (South Dakota), Norfolk Police Department, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and the Lincoln Police Department.
New York Man Admits Role in Scheme to Traffic in Millions of Dollars’ Worth of Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme to traffic in contraband cigarettes, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Obadah Saleh, 39, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Most states, including New Jersey, require a stamp to be placed on packs of cigarettes indicating the appropriate state tax has been paid. From October 2014 to October 2019, Saleh worked with conspirators to buy and sell millions of dollars’ worth of untaxed, contraband cigarettes, which they believed were stolen from large cigarette shipments from cigarette manufacturers. Saleh and his conspirators often made these purchases with large sums of cash. Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
The charge to which Saleh pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly and Joshua L. Haber of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced to Theft of More Than $280,000 in Federal Student AidRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that ASHLY HOWARD (“HOWARD”), age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 24, 2021 to five (5) years probation in federal court before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7).
According to court documents, beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2019, HOWARD fraudulently submitted Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or Master Promissory Notes (MPN) in individual’s names in an effort to obtain federal financial aid. HOWARD facilitated the submission of thirty (30) applications for admission to Nunez Community College in Chalmette, Louisiana in these individuals’ names. HOWARD facilitated the creation of debit cards in these individuals’ names so that the student loan proceeds could be disbursed. HOWARD accepted the grants and student loans and used the federal financial aid funds under the names of these individuals. Some of the financial aid were used with the knowledge and consent of these individuals and some were used without. Accordingly, HOWARD fraudulently received approximately $280,000 in Department of Education funds to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
New Haven Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD WALKER, 48, of New Haven, with two counts of production of child pornography.
According to indictment, in June and July 2019, Walker knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing two videos of that conduct.
Walker is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in the Southern District of Florida.
If convicted of the new charges in the District of Connecticut, Walker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, on each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
New FBI Undercover Operation Snares SixRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Six more men from Missouri and Illinois are facing federal charges for
attempting to engage in sexual activity with minors.Eric E. Hamilton, II, 22, of Maryland Heights, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a
minor and traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.Godfrey C. Hubbard, 52, of Sorento, Illinois, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
Justin Schneider, 33, of Edwardsville, Illinois, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
Christopher M. Simmons, 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, is charged with attempted
commercial sex trafficking of a child, attempted enticement of a minor, and traveling across state
lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.Michael James Smith, 39, of Barnhart, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
James Tiroch, 37, of Florissant, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
The cases are the result of an FBI-led operation involving multiple federal and state law
enforcement agencies aimed at rooting out internet users attempting to meet children for sex. All
six men have been charged by federal complaint. The crimes allegedly occurred in the Southern
District of Illinois.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI-Springfield Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox made the
announcement.“Children are vulnerable to sexual exploitation across the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft.
“That’s why we are continually updating our investigative techniques and casting a wide net over a
variety of online applications and other internet platforms where children are at risk. To anyone
who would prey on our kids, know this: law enforcement is watching, and you will be caught.”“The FBI works tirelessly in collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement
partners to shut down child predators in hopes of preventing what could be a lifetime of trauma for
victims,” said SAC Cox. “Children tend to be trusting online and will befriend strangers of any age
or gender. Offenders take advantage of this naivety and target children who openly engage others
online or who have a strong social networking presence. Parents and guardians are the
first line of defense in preventing access to their children. Talk to your children, know what
they’re doing online, and if you
suspect suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to report it to the FBI.”All six defendants are accused of using the internet to entice someone under 17 years old to engage
in unlawful sexual activity and traveling to a specific location to engage in sexual acts with a
minor. Some of the defendants allegedly traveled across state lines and/or offered to pay for sex,
leading to additional charges. Several of them allegedly had items with them when they were
arrested, including alcohol, sex toys, condoms, and candy. No actual minors were harmed during the
two-day operation.If convicted, the defendants each face at least 10 years in prison and could receive as much as
life behind bars. Traveling across state lines to have sex with a minor is punishable by up to 30
years in prison. All of the offenses also carry a possible lifetime term of supervised release and
fines of up to
$250,000.Pending trial, all six defendants will be held without bond or released on electronic monitoring
and other strict conditions, as required by federal law for these offenses.A complaint is merely a charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be
innocent of the charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.These cases fall under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in
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.”The investigation was led by FBI-Springfield, with assistance from FBI-St. Louis, U.S. Air Force
Office of Special Investigations, the Collinsville Police Department, the Edwardsville
Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois
University-Edwardsville Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison
County States Attorney’s Office, the Alton Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s
Office, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the
Carlyle Police Department.The cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karelia Rajagopal and Ali Burns.
[An earlier version of this press release inadvertently omitted the Macoupin County Sheriff’s
Office.]
Navajo man sentenced to 30 years in prison for 2017 murder of tribal police officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kirby Cleveland, 37, of Prewitt New Mexico, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, was sentenced on June 28 in federal court to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder for killing Houston James Largo, a tribal police officer for the Navajo Nation. Cleveland pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2019.
In his plea, Cleveland admitted to killing Largo with callous and wanton disregard for human life on March 11, 2017, in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. According to court records, Cleveland became drunk and angry while at home with his children and his common law wife, who called the police. When Officer Largo responded to the home, Cleveland shot Officer Largo in the head, killing him. Cleveland then fled the scene. State, local, and tribal law enforcement conducted a large-scale search for Cleveland and located him the next morning hiding under a rock about a mile and a half away.
“Kirby Cleveland’s murder of Officer Houston Largo was a cowardly, hateful act,” said Fred J. Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “But the response of law enforcement upon learning that Officer Largo had been senselessly killed while he was bravely serving the people of the Navajo Nation and New Mexico, exemplifies the concern that all law enforcement officers in our state have for those who risk their lives while protecting the public. Within minutes of learning of the shooting, dozens of officers from different departments converged on the tragic scene to look for the killer. Officer Largo’s service and sacrifice in the line of duty were exemplary, and the public should know that law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will spare no resource in the investigation and prosecution of anyone who takes the life of an officer in New Mexico.”
“All too often, law enforcement officers are called upon to sacrifice their lives to protect their communities,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “While the loss of Houston James Largo is a tragedy that affects us all, his courage and devotion to duty should be an inspiration to everyone who wears the badge. The FBI hopes this lengthy prison sentence will provide some measure of justice and peace for Officer Largo's family and co-workers.”
“Officer Largo will always be remembered as a frontline warrior who devoted his life to serving and protecting our Navajo people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “Our prayers are with his family, his fellow officers and his community as they continue on the path of healing. I appreciate the support and commitment of Police Chief Francisco, Mr. Delmar and Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie for Officer Largo’s family and all of our Navajo Police Officers. We will continue to pray for strength, comfort and healing for the Largo family.”
“Officer Houston James Largo was an outstanding officer who went above and beyond his duty to help our community and the people we serve, said Navajo Chief of Police Philip Francisco. “Houston was young and ambitious and I have no doubt he would have become a great leader within our department. It is heartbreaking to think of how young he was and all that he could have done but we will keep his memory alive and remember his courage, his character, and the light he brought to the Navajo Police Department.”
“Justice was administered to its extent according to the guidelines provided to the court,” said Jesse Delmar, Director of the Navajo Division of Public Safety. “We appreciate all those who were instrumental in bringing justice for Houston and his family. Officer Largo was a young man who had the potential to become one of the best for this department and the Navajo Nation, and it is painful to know he was taken at such a young age. He had so much to offer as an officer, and it is just unfortunate this happened to our people. We will continue to stand with Houston's family in prayers and comfort.”
Cleveland also pleaded guilty to violating the terms of his supervised release from a previous assault conviction involving an attack on a woman with a baseball bat. Cleveland failed to abstain from alcohol and complete a residential reentry program as ordered by the court.
Upon his release from prison, Cleveland will be subject to four years of supervised release.
The FBI and the Crownpoint, Shiprock and Chinle offices of the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, the Albuquerque Police Department and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Jeremy Peña prosecuted the case.
Mountaintop Woman Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sierra Benninger, age 26, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to time served of 8 ½ months by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for providing false statements to purchase a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benninger pleaded guilty and admitted that she provided false statements to purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun, which she was prohibited from possessing as a person who used and was addicted to a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Montz, La Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a Montz, La. man pleaded guilty on June 15, 2021 to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, USC Section 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and 846, distribution of fifty grams of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, USC 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, USC Section 922(g).
According to court documents, JABARIOUS EUGENE, 40 years old, pled guilty to all three counts of a federal indictment that was pending against him. In Count 1 EUGENE was charged with conspiring to distribute over five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. In Count 2, EUGENE was charged with distributing fifty grams of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). In Count 3, EUGENE was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
EUGENE is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2021. As to both Counts 1 and 2, EUGENE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty of life in prison, supervised release for a period of not less than 5 years to life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000.00 and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Count 3, EUGENE faces up to 10 years in prison, a period of supervised release not to exceed 3 years, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing is set for September 22, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Montana man arraigned on hate crime, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Montana man accused of firing a gun into an individual’s house and threatening the individual with violent, homophobic slurs was arraigned on Tuesday on federal hate crime and firearm charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
John Russell Howald, 44, of Basin, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2020, in Basin, Howald attempted to injure an individual because of their actual and perceived sexual orientation by discharging a firearm into the individual’s house, stating that he wanted to “get rid of the lesbians [and] gays.” The offense included an attempt to kill the individual.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Howald faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Howald was detained pending further proceedings.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy of the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
PACER case reference. 21-04.
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Mississippi Prison’s Deputy Warden Charged with Civil Rights Offense for Beating InmateRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced yesterday that a federal grand jury indicted Melvin Hilson, 49, currently a deputy warden at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, for repeatedly striking an inmate and knocking him to the ground, resulting in injury to the inmate.
The indictment charges Hilson with a felony civil rights offense for assaulting the inmate in 2016, when Hilson was a member of the K-9 Unit at the prison, which is also known as Parchman. The indictment also alleges that Hilson wrote a false report to conceal his unlawful assault and, later, lied to investigators from the Mississippi Department of Corrections when questioned about the assault.
Yesterday’s indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi and FBI Jackson Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Division of the FBI. Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Baltimore County Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell,III sentenced Tony Lee Bauer age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland to 110 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III also sentenced co-defendant Rondell Ronald Hackett, age 43, of Middle River, Maryland to 138 months in federal prison for the same charge.
The sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Bauer and Hackett’s plea agreements, in December 2017 HSI and the Baltimore County Police Department were investigating a drug trafficking organization in Baltimore County, Maryland. Bauer was identified as a member of the organization, along with Rondell Ronald Hackett, Aaron Kenith Waller, Gary Gaines-Hidalgo, Adrian Gilberto Herrera-Diaz, and Carlos Alejandro Castro-Castro.
In December 2017, Gaines arranged to purchase kilograms of cocaine for $26,500/kilogram from a confidential source (CS), who was working with law enforcement. Thereafter, Gaines arranged to resell the cocaine to Herrera for $28,000/kilogram. Gaines and Castro arranged to have 10 kilograms of cocaine delivered to them in Baltimore.
As detailed in their plea, on January 26, 2018, Gaines and Castro entered the United States from Mexico, then traveled to Baltimore. Gaines and Castro agreed to sell three kilograms of cocaine to Herrera, Bauer, and Waller, with additional sales of kilograms of cocaine to follow the initial purchase. Gaines agreed to meet the CS in the parking lot of a Baltimore hotel, and told Herrera, Bauer, and Waller to also meet him there.
Three cars arrived at the agreed-upon location, one driven by the CS. Hackett drove one vehicle with Herrera in the front passenger seat and Gaines in the driver’s side rear passenger seat. Waller drove the third vehicle, with Bauer in the front seat and Castro in the rear passenger seat. Bauer, Herrera, and Gaines exited their vehicles and met with the CS. The CS then opened the trunk of his car, which contained two kilogram-shaped packages, one of powder cocaine and one kilogram of “sham,” or fake narcotics. Gaines placed his hand in the bag containing the packages and members of HSI and the MSP Tactical Team approached. Hackett and Waller attempted to drive away, but were stopped. In Hackett’s car, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the center console and a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the rear passenger-side floor of the vehicle. On the rear seat was a vinyl bank bag containing bank-banded cash and a white bag containing cash. A search of Bauer also recovered banded-up amounts of cash. Bauer and Hackett knowingly possessed the .45 caliber firearm to advance the objectives of the conspiracy. In all, law enforcement recovered $129,583 in cash from the defendants, their vehicles, and their residence.
Gary Gaines-Hidalgo, age 28, and Carlos A. Castro-Castro, age 36, both of Baja California, Mexico, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.
Aaron Kenith Waller, age 52, of Crofton, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
Adrian Herrera-Diaz, age 29, of Baltimore County, Maryland is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III on July 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the HSI, Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland State Police Department, and the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano who prosecuted the case.
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