Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 17 June 2021
Defendant with criminal convictions in Seattle and Kitsap County sentenced to 5 years in prison for crimes during civil unrest in May 2020Read the Press Release
Seattle – A 25-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 5 years in prison for arson and possession of a stolen firearm related to his conduct during civil unrest on May 30, 2020, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Tyre Wayne Means, Jr., 25, will serve the sentence concurrent to a sentence in Kitsap County Superior court for burglary. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Your conduct was reckless, destructive and extremely dangerous to those who were there for peaceful protest.”
“The right to peacefully protest and gather in support of social and political causes is one of the dearest and most important rights that we enjoy in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This defendant is one of a smaller group who chose to abuse the cover of lawful protests to carry out acts of violence. His actions risked the safety of peaceful protestors and undercut their important messages and causes.”
According to records filed in the case, just after 4 p.m. on May 30, 2020, Means, Jr., was captured on video lighting a paper towel and placing it in the back of a Seattle Police patrol car parked outside of Nordstrom on Sixth Avenue in downtown. Other persons in the crowd fed the fire with lighter fluid and other accelerants, and the vehicle was destroyed by fire. After he lit one patrol car on fire, Means, Jr., is observed on video reaching through the destroyed rear window of a different patrol car and removing a rifle bag. Means, Jr., opened the bag and looked inside. Means, Jr., is seen fighting with an unidentified man who tried to retrieve the rifle bag before Means, Jr., ran from the scene. A subsequent surveillance video on Pine Street, around the corner from where the rifle was stolen, shows Means, Jr., in a fight with another man. While Means, Jr., and the man are throwing punches, an unidentified man picks up the rifle bag and ultimately walks away. Later that day, the rifle was anonymously returned to the Seattle Police West Precinct.
Means, Jr., was identified as the suspect in the video by his distinctive clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and association with a female who also had distinctive tattoos and a significant social media presence. Means, Jr., was arrested in Bremerton, Washington, where he was meeting with his Washington State Department of Corrections probation officer.
Means, Jr., is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two felony convictions in the state of Georgia: serious injury by vehicle and obstructing law enforcement by use of threats or violence. In Washington, Means, Jr., has a felony conviction for domestic violence that includes a no-contact order–that order also prohibits him from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the FBI and the Seattle Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
Costa Rican National Extradited to Eastern District of Texas and Sentenced for Conspiracy to Import Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Costa Rican man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Felipe Espinoza-Cruz, 49, pleaded guilty on Feb. 3, 2021, to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine for distribution into the United States and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.
“As this case demonstrates, drug smugglers will use any transportation method they can to bring their deadly wares to our shores,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Although the transportation network these traffickers devised and implemented was extraordinarily vast and complex, our law enforcement partners were able to identify and disrupt it, and ultimately bring the perpetrators to justice in United States courts. This case is nothing less than a tremendous win for the American people.”
“Drug trafficking, whether on one of our local street corners or on the open sea 1500 nautical miles away still impacts the safety and security of all of our lives,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “This sentence reflects our continued resolve to partner with our international law-enforcement counterparts to fight greed, violence, and drug addiction as we continue to combat the crises we face daily.”
According to information presented in court, from at least 2005 and continuing up until his indictment, Espinoza-Cruz, a resident and national of Costa Rica, was a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for multi-ton cocaine shipments originating in Colombia and then shipped to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico for further distribution to the United States. Airplanes, go-fast boats, semi-tractor trailer trucks, and passenger vehicles were used to transport most of the cocaine shipments. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Espinoza-Cruz with federal drug trafficking violations on Nov. 10, 2016.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Bloss.
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Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a two-day trial, a federal jury has convicted Carl Clarke, 31, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on June 3, 2018, officers with the Dyersburg Police Department reported to a residence on Cumberland Street after receiving information that Clarke was at that address and had active arrest warrants.
Officers found Clarke and three others seated in the residence with a loaded Black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun on the coffee table. Clarke was arrested on the active warrants and waived his Miranda rights. Officers asked if the handgun was his and he replied, "Yeah, that’s my gun."
Clarke is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of attempted aggravated robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson where, if found to be an Armed Career Criminal, he faces not less than 15 years imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Dyersburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christie Hopper and Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Serve Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Drug Dealing and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JAMES MCWILLIE AMBROSE, 39, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve twelve years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 8, 2020, a six-count Superseding Indictment was filed charging Ambrose with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On November 3, 2020, pursuant to a plea agreement, Ambrose pled guilty to two counts of possessing controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Public records reflect that Ambrose was stopped for a traffic offense on December 1, 2019. Officers performed a search of the car after observing a mason jar filled with a green substance consistent with marijuana on the passenger-side floorboard. Officers found quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, multiple pills of methamphetamine, and a loaded .38 caliber firearm concealed behind door panels of the car. On May 20, 2020, officers arrested Ambrose on a federal warrant as he was leaving his home, and found 13.6 grams of crack cocaine and $370 in the pockets of his shorts. Law enforcement searched Ambrose’s home and seized crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, a .380 caliber pistol, and .380 caliber ammunition. Before the search, Ambrose had felony crimes for trafficking in a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds, and felon in possession of firearm. Federal law prohibits prior convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Ambrose to serve 144 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and Ambrose’s criminal history.
This case is the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley L. Altshuler 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 further information.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime After Unprovoked Stabbing of Black ManRead the Press Release
A Colorado man pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for stabbing a Black man from Ontario, Oregon while the man was sitting in a fast-food restaurant.
Nolan Levi Strauss, 27, pleaded guilty to a hate crime involving an attempt to kill.
According to court documents, on the morning of Dec. 21, 2019, a man walked into an Arby’s restaurant and adjoining Pilot Travel Center in Ontario where he planned to provide documentation for a pending job application. The man sat in a booth by himself, waiting to meet with the restaurant manager, when Strauss entered the building and approached the man from behind.
Suddenly, unprovoked and without warning, Strauss stabbed the man twice in the neck. The man tried to grab Strauss’s hands and take the knife, and, in the process, managed to prevent Strauss from stabbing him again. A maintenance worker approached Strauss and directed him to drop the knife several times. Finally, the stabbing victim broke free from Strauss’s grip and ran to the other side of the restaurant before collapsing on the floor. Meanwhile, the maintenance worker used a belt to secure Strauss’s hands behind his back and waited for police to arrive.
While they waited, the worker asked Strauss why he stabbed the man. Strauss replied, “Because he was Black, and I don’t like Black people.” Strauss was arrested at the scene. He later admitted he was trying to kill the man because was he was Black.
As a result of Strauss’s attack, the stabbing victim suffered two lacerations to his neck. He was evaluated in Ontario and subsequently life-flighted to a hospital in Boise, Idaho for emergency surgery.
“The defendant is being held accountable for his vicious, racially-motivated attack on a Black man who was targeted because of the color of his skin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated acts of violence must not be tolerated in our country today. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that individuals who commit bias motivated crimes are brought to justice for their actions.”
“This crime serves as a horrifying reminder that racism and bigotry still exist and threaten the safety of communities of color,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug for the District of Oregon. “Hate crimes not only hurt victims, but spread fear across entire communities. This conviction should send a strong message that federal law enforcement will not tolerate hate-motivated acts of violence and will move swiftly to hold those responsible accountable.”
“Everyone deserves to go to work without fearing they will be a victim of violence because of how they look or how they live. Racist attacks like this one—powered by hate and grounded in ignorance—strike at the heart of our community,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “We should all draw strength from our diversity and work together to protect our neighbors.”
On Sept. 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a single-count indictment charging Strauss with a hate crime involving an attempt to kill.
Strauss faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He will be sentenced on Sept. 9 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Ontario Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Malheur County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime After Unprovoked Stabbing of Black ManRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Colorado man pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for stabbing a Black man from Ontario, Oregon while the man was sitting in a fast-food restaurant.
Nolan Levi Strauss, 27, pleaded guilty to a hate crime involving an attempt to kill.
According to court documents, on the morning of Dec. 21, 2019, a man walked into an Arby’s Restaurant and adjoining Pilot Travel Center in Ontario where he planned to provide documentation for a pending job application. The man sat in a booth by himself, waiting to meet with the restaurant manager, when Strauss entered the building and approached the man from behind.
Suddenly, unprovoked and without warning, Strauss stabbed the man twice in the neck. The man tried to grab Strauss’s hands and take the knife, and, in the process, managed to prevent Strauss from stabbing him again. A maintenance worker approached Strauss and directed him to drop the knife several times. Finally, the stabbing victim broke free from Strauss’s grip and ran to the other side of the restaurant before collapsing on the floor. Meanwhile, the maintenance worker used a belt to secure Strauss’s hands behind his back and waited for police to arrive.
While they waited, the worker asked Strauss why he stabbed the man. Strauss replied, “Because he was Black, and I don’t like Black people.” Strauss was arrested at the scene. He later admitted he was trying to kill the man because was he was Black.
As a result of Strauss’s attack, the stabbing victim suffered two lacerations to his neck. He was evaluated in Ontario and subsequently life-flighted to a hospital in Boise, Idaho for emergency surgery.
“The defendant is being held accountable for his vicious, racially-motivated attack on a Black man who was targeted because of the color of his skin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially motivated acts of violence must not be tolerated in our country today. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that individuals who commit bias motivated crimes are brought to justice for their actions.”
“This crime serves as a horrifying reminder that racism and bigotry still exist and threaten the safety of communities of color. Hate crimes not only hurt victims, but spread fear across entire communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug for the District of Oregon. “This conviction should send a strong message that federal law enforcement will not tolerate hate-motivated acts of violence and will move swiftly to hold those responsible accountable.”
“Everyone deserves to go to work without fearing they will be a victim of violence because of how they look or how they live. Racist attacks like this one—powered by hate and grounded in ignorance—strike at the heart of our community,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “We should all draw strength from our diversity and work together to protect our neighbors.”
On Sept. 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a single-count indictment charging Strauss with a hate crime involving an attempt to kill.
Strauss faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He will be sentenced on September 9, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Ontario Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Malheur County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.
Cincinnati man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Elroy Bradshaw, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Bradshaw, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Bradshaw admitted to selling methamphetamine near Wheeling Central Catholic High School in October 2020 in Ohio County.
Bradshaw faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Charlestown Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Firearms and Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Charlestown man pleaded guilty yesterday to trafficking more than two dozen firearms obtained from a straw purchaser in New Hampshire and illegally possessing multiple firearms.
Charles Baker, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 26, 2021. Baker was arrested and charged in August 2020.
From August 2018 to May of 2019, Baker acquired over 36 firearms from a straw purchaser in New Hampshire and then resold the firearms to individuals in Massachusetts, taking pictures and negotiating the prices with numerous potential buyers over text message. Many of these firearms were recovered in Massachusetts from gang members and prohibited persons. Based on photographs that proved Baked possessed certain firearms in Massachusetts, he was convicted of specifically possessing multiple firearms that were later trafficked. Due to a prior conviction, Baker is prohibited from possessing firearms and does not possess a federal license to sell firearms.
The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
CITGO Petroleum Corp. to Pay over $19 Million for Injuries to Natural Resources Resulting from its Oil Spill at Lake Charles RefineryRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Houston, Texas-based CITGO Petroleum Corporation has agreed to pay $19.69 million to resolve federal and state claims for natural resource damages under the Oil Pollution Act and the Louisiana Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act.
The United States and Louisiana concurrently filed a civil complaint along with the proposed consent decree. The complaint seeks money damages under the Oil Pollution Act and Louisiana Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act for injuries to natural resources resulting from CITGO’s major oil discharge into the Calcasieu River in June of 2006 from its wastewater treatment facility at its Lake Charles refinery. The complaint alleges that CITGO discharged millions of gallons of waste (slop) oil and oily wastewater from two ten-million-gallon storm surge and wastewater tanks at its treatment facility at the Lake Charles refinery. Approximately 150 miles of shoreline were polluted with CITGO’s oil, including residential and marsh areas. The discharged oil killed birds and fish and other aquatic life, contaminated aquatic and shoreline habitats, forced the closure of the ship channel, and disrupted recreational uses of the impacted river and lakes.
"While oil and gas producers are a major source of employment in Louisiana, they have a sacred obligation to protect our environment and use our resources wisely,” stated Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This settlement sends a clear signal that those who pollute our environment will be held accountable.”
“Oil companies have a responsibility to protect our waters, people, wildlife, and diverse habitats from oil spills, and those who violate that duty will be held accountable for the harms they cause,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are glad to work with our federal and state natural resource partners on this major effort to help restore and enhance the environment in Louisiana.”
Of the $19,688,149.83 CITGO is required to pay under the consent decree, $19.16 million is for natural resource damages for the spill, which the federal and state trustees will jointly use to plan, design, and perform restoration projects to compensate for the harms caused by the oil spill. The consent decree also secures payment from CITGO for the trustees’ remaining unpaid injury assessment costs, which total over $528,000.
Today’s action was filed by the Department of Justice and the state on behalf of the federal and state trustees for natural resources. The designated federal trustees for the natural resources impacted by CITGO’s oil spill are the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service. The designated state trustees are the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, Department of Public Safety & Corrections, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The federal and state trustees have worked together to perform substantial injury assessment work and are engaged in joint restoration planning efforts.
In an earlier related Clean Water Act enforcement trial spearheaded by the United States on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, the district court determined that the cause of this avoidable disaster was CITGO’s gross negligence in the operation and maintenance of its wastewater treatment facility and the lack of adequate storage and treatment capacity. CITGO had been improperly using the tanks to accumulate oil, sludge, and oily wastewater at its treatment facility for years. Due to the lack of proper operations and the inadequate storage and treatment capacity at the facility, the tanks overflowed during a rainstorm. At least 54,000 barrels of slop oil (2,268,000 gallons) and untold millions of gallons of oily wastewater breached the faulty secondary containment berm around the tanks and flowed into the waterways, including the adjacent Indian Marais waterway, the Calcasieu River, and the Calcasieu Estuary.
The court found that CITGO “does not appear to have recognized the importance of compliance, pollution control, environmental responsibility, and the overall duty imposed on businesses to operate safely.” The court found that CITGO’s oil spill was “massive, excessive, and a tragedy” and that CITGO “failed to inform the Coast Guard of the true nature of the incident.” CITGO was ordered to perform substantial corrective actions to improve its wastewater treatment facility’s storage and treatment capacity and operations, to pay a state penalty of $3 million to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for the discharge and chronic violations of the company’s discharge permit, and to pay a federal Clean Water Act civil penalty of $81 million. Under a separate criminal plea agreement, CITGO paid a $13 million criminal fine.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval.
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CITGO Petroleum Corp. Will Pay over $19 Million for Injuries to Natural Resources Resulting from its Oil Spill at its Refinery in Lake Charles, LouisianaRead the Press Release
Houston, Texas-based CITGO Petroleum Corporation has agreed to pay $19.69 million to resolve federal and state claims for natural resource damages under the Oil Pollution Act and the Louisiana Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act.
The United States and Louisiana concurrently filed a civil complaint along with the proposed consent decree. The complaint seeks money damages under the Oil Pollution Act and the Louisiana Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act for injuries to natural resources resulting from CITGO’s major oil discharge into the Calcasieu River in June of 2006 from its wastewater treatment facility at its Lake Charles refinery. The complaint alleges that CITGO discharged millions of gallons of waste (slop) oil and oily wastewater from two ten-million-gallon storm surge and wastewater tanks at its treatment facility at the Lake Charles refinery. Approximately 150 miles of shoreline were polluted with CITGO’s oil, including residential and marsh areas. The discharged oil killed birds and fish and other aquatic life, contaminated aquatic and shoreline habitats, forced the closure of the ship channel, and disrupted recreational uses of the impacted river and lakes.
“Oil companies have a responsibility to protect our waters, people, wildlife and diverse habitats from oil spills, and those who violate that duty will be held accountable for the harms they cause,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are glad to work with our federal and state natural resource partners on this major effort to help restore and enhance the environment in Louisiana.”
“While oil and gas producers are a major source of employment in Louisiana, they have a sacred obligation to protect our environment and use our resources wisely,” stated U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana. “This settlement sends a clear signal that those who pollute our environment will be held accountable.”
Of the $19,688,149.83 CITGO is required to pay under the consent decree, $19.16 million is for natural resource damages for the spill, which the federal and state trustees will jointly use to plan, design and perform restoration projects to compensate for the harms caused by the oil spill. The consent decree also secures payment from CITGO for the trustees’ remaining unpaid injury assessment costs, which total over $528,000.
Today’s action was filed by the Department of Justice and the State on behalf of the federal and State trustees for natural resources. The designated federal trustees for the natural resources impacted by CITGO’s oil spill are the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service. The designated state trustees are the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, Department of Public Safety & Corrections, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The federal and state trustees have worked together to perform substantial injury assessment work and are engaged in joint restoration planning efforts.
In an earlier related Clean Water Act enforcement trial spearheaded by the United States on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, the district court determined that the cause of this avoidable disaster was CITGO’s gross negligence in the operation and maintenance of its wastewater treatment facility and the lack of adequate storage and treatment capacity. CITGO had been improperly using the tanks to accumulate oil, sludge and oily wastewater at its treatment facility for years. Due to the lack of proper operations and the inadequate storage and treatment capacity at the facility, the tanks overflowed during a rainstorm. At least 54,000 barrels of slop oil (2,268,000 gallons) and untold millions of gallons of oily wastewater breached the faulty secondary containment berm around the tanks and flowed into the waterways, including the adjacent Indian Marais waterway, the Calcasieu River and the Calcasieu Estuary.
The court found that CITGO “does not appear to have recognized the importance of compliance, pollution control, environmental responsibility, and the overall duty imposed on businesses to operate safely.” The court found that CITGO’s oil spill was “massive, excessive, and a tragedy” and that CITGO “failed to inform the Coast Guard of the true nature of the incident.” CITGO was ordered to perform substantial corrective actions to improve its wastewater treatment facility’s storage and treatment capacity and operations, to pay a state penalty of $3 million to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for the discharge and chronic violations of the company’s discharge permit, and to pay a federal Clean Water Act civil penalty of $81 million. Under a separate criminal plea agreement, CITGO paid a $13 million criminal fine.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval.
Boone County Man Sentenced to 126 Months for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.— Larry Ray Clemons, 40, of Burlington, Ky., was sentenced to 126 months in federal prison on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Clemons’ guilty plea agreement, on August 31, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his address and found 13.74 grams of methamphetamine and cash in his pants pockets. Law enforcement also found an additional 46.74 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm handgun, additional cash, and a digital scale in the residence. Clemons admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and that he possessed the firearm for protection in his drug trafficking.
Clemons was previously convicted of illegal possession of a controlled substance, in 2018. Clemons pleaded guilty to the federal charges in March.
Under federal law, Clemons must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Harris.
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Billings man sentenced to prison for illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for selling a firearm while on state probation for previous felony convictions, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Wayne Jennings Cooper, 36, pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Dec. 19, 2019, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents learned from a confidential informant that Cooper wanted to sell firearms and drugs. An investigation determined that Cooper had previous felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms and that he was on state probation. During a controlled purchase set up by the agents, Cooper sold an individual a .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol along with a loaded magazine. Cooper also provided the individual with what was purported to be five grams of methamphetamine but turned out to be a cutting agent.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Billings man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, heroin from Laurel machine shopRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and heroin from a machine shop in Laurel was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Anthony Scott Walter, 40, pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2019, law enforcement agents met with a source of information who reported that Walter, and co-defendant, Lisa Emmett, were selling heroin and meth out of a machine shop in Laurel. Agents conducted a series of controlled buys of meth and heroin from Walter using a confidential source. In August 2019, law enforcement intercepted a package destined for Walter’s business address, obtained a search warrant and found 465.1 grams of meth, which is about one pound, and 61.1 grams of heroin, similar to “China white.” Lab testing determined the meth was 99 percent pure and that the substance identified as China white was determined to be 51. 6 grams of fentanyl. Agents made a controlled delivery of the package, and Walter took possession of it. Emmett pleaded guilty in the case and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Behavioral Health Specialist Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing A Minor Hopsital Patient for Sex, and Attempting to Obstruct His ProsecutionRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Ricardo D. Minor, 40, of Cahokia, Illinois, will be spending 15 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to have sex with him. Minor was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment for enticement of a minor; traveling with intent to have sex with a minor; and attempting to obstruct his prosecution. Minor will also serve ten years of supervised release after release from prison.
According to court documents, the crimes occurred between June 14, 2017 and September 3, 2017, while Minor was working as a Behavioral Health Specialist at a local hospital and the victim was a patient. Minor admitted that he used his cell phone and internet to contact the victim to have sex with him on several occasions in homes in Collinsville, Illinois, and Cahokia, Illinois. Minor was also a driver for Uber and would take the victim with him on trips to have sex. The Court also heard evidence regarding other allegations of criminal and inappropriate sexual contact by Minor, including with patients receiving therapy at the same hospital.The obstruction charge was based upon Minor’s activity between August 2017 and November 27, 2017. During this time, he attempted to obstruct his prosecution by contacting the victim and witnesses to get them to lie regarding his criminal conduct. One witness was asked to call the family of the victim to get the family not to pursue charges.
The Court in sentencing Minor said that his conduct was “reprehensible” and noted that the 15-year sentence of imprisonment was needed to deter further criminal conduct.
After the sentencing U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, “This case is so egregious because the defendant preyed on a vulnerable victim who he knew was receiving behavioral health treatment.” He cautioned parents that, “The case serves to highlight how important it is for parents to monitor their children’s internet and cell phone usage because sexual predators rely on their cell phones to gain access to victims.”
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.”
The case was investigated by the Collinsville Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute at least 100 Grams of HeroinRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Robert Bascom, age 48, of Baltimore, Maryland to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Lisa D. Myers of the Howard County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, from May 2020 to February 23, 2021, Bascom conspired with others to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin in Maryland and elsewhere. Bascom made at least four trips to visit co-conspirators in New York in furtherance of the conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Bascom also stored and distributed kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl at his Baltimore residence.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on February 17, 2021, investigators observed a co-conspirator carry a book bag and black shopping bag into Bascom’s residence. Thereafter, investigators entered the residence pursuant to a judicially authorized search and seizure warrant. Upon law enforcement’s entry, a co-conspirator attempted to flee the apartment. Investigators observed the co-conspirator’s black and grey book bag on the living room couch as well as bundles of U.S. currency and rubber bands spread out on the floor. Investigators eventually located Bascom and his co-conspirator inside of the apartment.
As a result of the executed search warrant, law enforcement seized 1,079.3 grams of quinine (a drug cutting agent), 24.2 grams of diphenhydramine (another drug cutting agent), four cell phones, one tablet, miscellaneous paperwork, and $24, 422 hidden in numerous locations inside of the apartment. Agents also discovered a drug tally and debt ledger within the co-conspirator’s book bag. DEA agents believe the ledger is documentation of drug quantities distributed to individuals as well as client debts and transactions.
Investigators also recovered over 100 grams of heroin, more than one kilogram of fentanyl, large quantities of drug cutting agents, and drug paraphernalia from Bascom’s co-conspirator’s residences.
Bascom agreed that it is reasonably foreseeable to him that members of the conspiracy distributed one kilogram or more of heroin.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the DEA, HSI, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department, the Howard County Police Department and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary B. Stendig and James G. Warwick, who prosecuted the case.
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Baltimore Man Facing Federal Indictment for Two Carjackings, an Armed Robbery and for Brandishing a Firearm During Each CrimeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Deontay Williams, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, with two counts of carjacking, an armed commercial robbery, and three counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment was returned on June 16, 2021.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to the six-count indictment, between April 1, 2020 and April 10, 2020, Williams committed two carjackings and an armed robbery of a business, each time brandishing a gun.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that on April 1, 2020, Williams, brandishing a gun, took a white 2020 Toyota Corolla from an individual by force, violence, and intimidation and with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
On April 10, 2020, Williams allegedly robbed a cab driver in Baltimore, taking property from the driver by means of actual and threatened force and violence. The indictment alleges that Williams brandished a gun during the robbery. That same day, Williams allegedly carjacked a 2002 Ford E-150, threatening the driver at gunpoint in order to take the vehicle.
If convicted, Williams faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for each of the two counts of carjacking; a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery; and a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for each of the three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Williams will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date. Williams is currently detained on unrelated state charges.
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.
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 commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr., who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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25 Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Western PA and BeyondRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Twenty-five individuals have been named in two separate, but related, Indictments for trafficking multiple drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and cocaine base, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. The defendants were arrested today following a year-long investigation into drug trafficking in Mercer and Lawrence Counties and beyond.
“We undertook this investigation with a single goal in mind—to significantly improve public safety,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Kaufman. “People deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their neighborhoods. Removing these drug traffickers from our streets will help to restore quality of life to the law-abiding citizens of Mercer and Lawrence counties.”
“Today’s arrests reflect the continuing effort to rid our communities of dangerous drugs and drug-related violent crime activity,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “We remain dedicated to aggressively investigating those who don’t think twice about committing a crime in the community they live and putting others lives at risk. Our communities need to know this is a joint effort and couldn't be done without the help of state, local and federal partners.”
“These defendants stand accused of trafficking multiple potentially deadly street drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Their alleged drug-trafficking activities included the distribution of crack cocaine in the vicinity of protected areas such as playgrounds, schools, and public housing facilities” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “These indictments reflect the collective efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement working together to disrupt drug-traffickers that seek to poison and destroy our communities.”
"While 12 Pennsylvanians are dying from opioid overdoses every day, these defendants peddled dozens of kilos of devastating poisons, including heroin and cocaine, into our communities to make a buck," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "Thanks to this yearlong investigation with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we have been able to take down more than two dozen violent drug traffickers."
The first indictment names the following individuals as defendants:
- London Pinkins, age 26, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
- Jimmy Gadson, age 34, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
- Harold Hooten, age 44, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
- Torlando Hopson, age 32, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
- Alphonse Johnson, age 39, currently incarcerated;
- Amanda Karwowski, age 29, of Grove City, Pennsylvania, currently incarcerated;
- Michael Love, age 43, of Jackson Center, Pennsylvania;
- Katlyn McGirr, age 29, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
- Kenneth Miller, age 59, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
- Nicholas Ostheimer, age 23, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
- Eugene Phillips, age 29, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, currently incarcerated;
- Quinton Pinkins, age 36, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
- Joseph Pumphrey, age 62, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
- Courtney Purdy, age 30, of Mercer, Pennsylvania;
- Jeronte Robinson, age 26, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
- Jammar Shelton, age 42, of Masury, Ohio;
- James West, age 45, of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania;
- Khiry Whiteside, age 30, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
- Denzel Williams, age 27, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
- Jermall Johnson, age 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
- Jackie Bell, age 29, of Columbus, Ohio; and
- Albert Cummings, age 41, of Cleveland, Ohio.
All of the 22 defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of methamphetamine from June 2020 to June 2021. Count 2 charges London Pinkins and Phillips with conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds from February 2021 to June 2021. Counts 3 (Williams), 17 (Alphonse Johnson), 23 (Karwowski), and 24 (London Pinkins) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a quantity of cocaine, and/or a quantity of methamphetamine.
Counts 4 (Ostheimer), 6-8 (Ostheimer and Gadson), 14 (Cummings), 15 (Gadson), 19-22 (West, Gadson, Shelton, and London Pinkins), and 25-28 (Purdy and Quinton Pinkins) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and/or cocaine within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, and public housing. Counts 5 (Ostheimer), 9-13 (London Pinkins, Gadson, Bell, McGirr), 16 (Gadson), and 18 (Williams) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the crimes charged in Counts 1, 3, 17, 23, and 24. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Count 2 of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 (or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater).
The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 4, 6-8, 14, 15, 19-22, and 25- 28 of at least one year and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. The maximum sentence for Counts 5, 9-13, 16, and 18 is up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.
The second indictment names the following individuals as defendants:
- Forrest Gilmore, age 25, of New Castle, Pennsylvania;
- Melvin Dorsey-Pace, age 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; and
- Rayjzon Sams, 28, age of Farrell, Pennsylvania.
The seven-count Indictment charges the defendants in Count 1 with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine from June 2020 to June 2021. Counts 2 (Gilmore), 4 (Dorsey-Pace), 5 (Sams), and 7 (Sams) charge possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, and public housing. Count 3 charges Gilmore with possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base on September 17, 2020. Count 6 charges Sams with possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine on April 18, 2021.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the crimes charged in Counts 1 and 3 of the Indictment. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 2, 4, 5, and 7 of at least one year and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the crime charged in Count 6 of the Indictment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations led the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department also assisted in the investigation resulting in the return of the Indictments in this case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wednesday 16 June 2021
“Violent Menace” in Cedar Rapids Sentenced to Nearly a Decade in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man with multiple prior convictions for domestic violence was sentenced today to more than nine years in federal prison.
Nyle Brocks, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possessing a firearm after being convicted of domestic violence. Statements at sentencing indicated that Brocks participated in stealing the gun prior to his unlawful possession of it and also violently resisted arrest.
At sentencing, the judge noted that Brocks had 16 prior state court convictions for violent offenses and was both a “violent menace” and an “extreme danger.” The judge further found that “every day Brocks was out of circulation was a slightly safer day for society in Cedar Rapids.”
Brocks was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brocks was sentenced to 115 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Brocks is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Schunk and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-00068-CJW-MAR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Woman Sentenced to 198 Months in Prison for Teaching and Distributing Information About Weapons of Mass DestructionRead the Press Release
A New York woman was sentenced today to 198 months, about 16 and a half years, in prison for her role in planning a terrorist attack in the United States.
Noelle Velentzas, 33, of Queens, was convicted of teaching or distributing information pertaining to the making and use of an explosive, destructive device, or weapon of mass destruction in furtherance of a planned federal crime of violence. Co-defendant Asia Siddiqui pleaded guilty on Aug. 23, 2019 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in January 2020.
“As part of her plan goal to wage violent jihad, Velentzas and her co-defendant Asia Siddiqui researched and taught each other how to construct bombs to be used on American soil against law enforcement and military targets,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “With the sentence imposed by the court, Velentzas has been held accountable for her crimes. The Attorney General recently reminded us that we must remain vigilant against threats from international terrorism, and we are grateful for those agents, analysts and prosecutors who were and brought Velentzas to justice before she could carry out her plans.”
“The defendant expressed her support for foreign terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham by learning how to build bombs and other explosive devices and targeting members of law enforcement for terror,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Mark J. Lesko for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s sentence imposes a just punishment on the defendant for her planned horrific crimes. Counterterrorism and protecting the American people remain among the highest priorities of the Department of Justice, and this Office, together with the FBI, the NYPD and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners, will continue to exercise extreme vigilance to incapacitate terrorists.”
According to court documents, between approximately 2013 and 2015 Velentzas and her co-defendant planned to build a bomb for use in a terrorist attack in the United States. In furtherance of their plan, the defendants taught each other chemistry and electrical skills directly related to creating explosives and building detonating devices; studied the explosives used in past terrorist attacks including the Boston marathon bombing, the Oklahoma City bombing and the 1993 World Trade Center attack; researched how to make plastic explosives and build car bombs; shopped for and acquired materials to be used in an explosive device; and assessed potential targets of an attack, focusing on law enforcement and military-related targets.
While engaging in these activities, Velentzas repeatedly expressed her support for promoting and waging violent jihad and her desire to commit acts of violence. Velentzas claimed that Osama bin Laden was her hero, and expressed praise for the September 11th attacks as well as Mohammed Shnewer, who was convicted of plotting a terrorist attack against members of the armed services at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
At the time that Velentzas and Siddiqui were arrested in 2015, law enforcement officers searched their residences and found tools of the trade for a terrorist attack, including propane gas tanks, soldering tools, car bomb instructions and jihadist literature, machetes and knives.
The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, Jennifer M. Sasso, Josh Hafetz and Jonathan E. Algor of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.
Wellington Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Transportation, Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that William D. Schaffer, 53, of Wellington, was sentenced today to nine years imprisonment and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Patricia A. Gaughan. Schaffer previously pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography, possession of child pornography and receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
As set out in court documents, law enforcement officers with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at the residence belonging to Schaffer on June 30, 2020, after receiving information from Yahoo! that an email address associated with Schaffer had been used to upload images of child pornography. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement officers encountered Schaffer and located his laptop, which was, at the time, displaying two images of child pornography.
After searching the rest of the residence, law enforcement officers seized numerous laptop computers, hard drives and iPhone devices belonging to Schaffer. A forensic search of the devices found in the residence and online accounts belonging to Schaffer showed that he had amassed a collection of 2,267 images and 257 videos of child pornography. In addition, investigators determined that Schaffer had used a mobile messaging application to trade images of child pornography with others and amassed a large collection in a cloud storage account.
This investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.
Wasilla Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of NarcoticsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Wasilla, Alaska, medical doctor pleaded guilty to illegally dispensing and distributing controlled substances to patients in his medical practice at the Camelot Family Health clinic where he specialized in family medicine and pain management.
According to court documents, David Chisholm, 64, illegally prescribed his patients thousands of pills of highly addictive controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, hydromorphone and buprenorphine. An extensive undercover investigation revealed that Chisholm routinely distributed the controlled substances without administering a medical exam and without a legitimate medical purpose. The investigation also found that Chisholm’s prescription of these controlled substances was one of the significant contributing factors in the accidental deaths of five patients.
“An Alaska medical doctor who swore an oath to do no harm, instead spread the scourge of addiction in our communities by writing bogus prescriptions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “This office will spare no effort in combatting the illegal distribution of addictive drugs and hold medical professionals like the defendant accountable for their actions.”
“Dr. Chisholm’s irresponsible prescribing habits are an abuse of his medical license and endangered our citizens while continuing to fuel the opioid epidemic that is a clear and present danger to our nation’s health and security,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, DEA Special Agent in Charge. “Physicians like Dr. Chisholm who used his position to traffic opioids is really a drug trafficker with a prescription pad and he must be held responsible for his reckless prescribing practices. We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in the opioid and overdose prevention awareness campaign and relentless pursuit of all those involved in the trafficking of opioids.”
Chisholm’s plea agreement requires that he surrender his Alaska State medical license.
Chisholm will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to $1,000,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Board of Pharmacy are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schroeder is prosecuting the case.
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Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Firearms from a Gun StoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Xyavion Lawrence, age 20, of Washington, D.C. to 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee’s inventory.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on August 8, 2019 at 1:09 a.m. Baltimore County Police officers responded to a burglary that had occurred at a licensed gun store in Essex, Maryland.
A subsequent review of the gun store’s surveillance footage revealed that Lawrence and a co-conspirator arrived at the gun store in, what was later determined to be, a stolen vehicle, 30 minutes prior to law enforcements arrival. After repeatedly backing the vehicle into the front door of the gun store, Lawrence broke into the front window, retrieved several firearms from within the store, and threw the stolen firearms to his co-conspirator. Lawrence and his co-conspirator returned to the vehicle and fled from the scene.
Shortly after the burglary, Lawrence broadcasted a social media video which captured Lawrence holding several firearms in the same clothing, mask, and gloves Lawrence wore during the burglary. Law enforcement matched Lawrence’s clothing and identifying forearm tattoo to the gun store’s surveillance footage. Additionally, the firearms captured in Lawrence’s video had the same strings tied around the trigger guard as the firearms sold in the gun store.
As stated in his plea agreement, Lawrence was wearing an ankle-monitoring device during the burglary. Location data from Lawrence’s ankle monitor placed Lawrence at the gun store at the time of the burglary.
During Lawrence’s arrest on August 10, 2019, Lawrence possessed a .22 revolver, one of the stolen firearms from the gun store.
Lawrence admitted he stole a total of six firearms from the licensed gun store.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the ATF and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard P. Gallena who prosecuted the case.
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USPS Mail Carrier Arraigned for Conspiring to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Receiving Bribes, and Conspiring to Defraud United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier was arraigned today on charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, receiving bribes as a public official, and conspiring to defraud the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Emerson Pavilus, 46, of Union, New Jersey, was charged May 24, 2021, in a three-count indictment with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, receiving bribes as a public official, and conspiring to defraud the United States.
According to documents filed in this case:
Pavilus was a mail carrier at the USPS Post Office in Flanders, New Jersey. From 2015 through June 2020, Pavilus received cash payments from at least two individuals in exchange for helping them to ship controlled substances, including cocaine and marijuana, and other illicit materials through the mail. Among other things, Pavilus provided his conspirators with addresses in Flanders to which parcels could be shipped, intercepted those parcels from the mail stream, and personally delivered those parcels to conspirators at addresses other than those listed on the parcels.
The narcotics offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The bribery charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain from the offense, or three times the monetary equivalent of the bribe amount, whichever is greatest. The conspiracy to defraud the United States charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain from the offense, whichever is greater.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited members of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, the USPS Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Irvington Police Department for their assistance.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Pesce of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Trotwood woman sentenced to prison for accepting Social Security payments, COVID-19 stimulus money on behalf of deceased brotherRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Karen Lamb, 61, of Trotwood, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to six months in prison followed by six months in home detention for stealing Social Security benefits and COVID-19 stimulus money in the name of her deceased brother. Lamb was also ordered to repay the money she stole.
According to court documents, Lamb fraudulently obtained nearly $223,000 in Social Security payments and $1,200 in COVID-19 stimulus money.
Lamb’s brother died in 2004, when he was a recipient of Social Security benefits. Lamb did not notify Social Security or the bank of her brother’s death, and instead continued to receive his payments into a shared bank account. Lamb updated the address associated with the bank account to her own physical address.
“This sentence demonstrates that concealing someone’s death to gain access to their Social Security’s benefits is a Federal crime, and one that the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will continue to fight,” said Andrew Boockmeier, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA OIG Chicago Field Division. “The collaborative efforts of our auditors and investigators uncovered this nearly 16-year ruse. I thank the United States Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Landry for working with us to hold this individual accountable.”
The theft in this case was detected through an audit by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General. The United States Secret Service also assisted with this case.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed yesterday by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.
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Statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. BrennanRead the Press Release
“The importance of diversity of thought and experiences to the police reform process cannot be overstated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Professor Ayesha Bell Hardaway was an integral part of this dialogue, bringing a unique combination of local knowledge and legal expertise. Her presence on the Monitoring Team facilitated the progress and successes we have seen to date, and we were disappointed to learn of her resignation.”
Sporting Goods Company Changes Policy Following ADA AllegationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN.– Scheels All Sports Inc., located in Overland Park, Kansas, agreed to create a new policy as part of a settlement following allegations the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Scheel’s new ADA policy (1) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, (2) does not impose eligibility criteria that tends to screen out individuals with disabilities, and (3) provides reasonable modifications to Scheels’ policy, practices, and procedures as necessary to avoid discriminating against individuals with disabilities. Under the settlement, the company will also pay $1,000 in compensatory damages to the complainant, train its staff on the new ADA policy, create an ADA liaison, and allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office - District of Kansas to monitor its conduct for three years.
The allegations stem from a discrimination complaint filed in 2019 by an 18-year-old woman with Down Syndrome. An investigation revealed that during a high school outing at Scheels, a Ferris wheel attendant refused to allow her to ride with a classmate because of her disability. He cited a company policy requiring individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by an adult. Although a teacher assured the attendant as well as managers the complainant could safely ride with her classmate, the staff refused service because of her disability.
“Scheels’ former policy and practice was inconsistent with the ADA, which prohibits eligibility criteria that screen out individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying goods and services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “Moreover, any screening policy must be based on legitimate safety requirements, and not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Taylor and Tyson Shaw investigated the matter.The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
###Southwest Virginia Man Sentenced for Dealing Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Pound, Virginia man, who illegally sold firearms without a license was sentenced yesterday to eight months in federal prison.
James Michael Boggs, 66, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of willfully engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
According to court documents, in October 2019 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation of firearm sales at the Indian Mountain Trade Center to identify and monitor individuals who appeared to be in the business of dealing firearms without a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Investigators with the ATF observed Boggs, and others, regularly selling firearms to Trade Center attendees. During the time of these sales, Boggs did not possess a Federal Firearms License, which is required to engage in the business of dealing firearms.
Boggs sold firearms to an undercover agent on three occasions, including nine handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-style rifle. During their interactions, the undercover agent told Boggs that the agent would be transporting the firearms to Newport News, Virginia to resell them to individuals who could not legally purchase firearms.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Virginia State Police investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Whit D. Pierce prosecuted the case for the United States.
Six Defendants Charged in a 15-Count Racketeering Indictment Against OTB Criminal Street GangRead the Press Release
DES MOINES – Six members and associates of the OTB Criminal Street Gang have been charged in a federal indictment. A Federal Grand Jury charged members and associates with various crimes, including attempted murder in aid of racketeering; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm; drug user in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and witness tampering. In total, six members and associates of OTB, a Des Moines-based street gang, have been charged with four separate shootings against rival gang members that occurred between May 2020 and December 2020.
Those arrested on federal charges include Raekwon Malik Patton a/k/a Kwon and Nutt; Fabrece Jamar Bower Turner a/k/a Fab and Vell; Braden Craig Shafer a/k/a Stickup; Austin James Mallory; Yuri Perren Green Jr. a/k/a YG; and Jordan Marie Wilkerson.
Six other members of the OTB Street Gang were previously charged with federal drug and firearms violations. Specifically, on December 3, 2020, Logan James Elmquist was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. On February 18, 2021, Marcus De Shawn Ford was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On April 28, 2021, Javontay Dequan Johnson was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and MDMA and drug user in possession of a firearm. On March 11, 2021, Robert John Manuel Jr. pleaded guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Manuel Jr.’s sentencing in federal court is set for July 9, 2021. On March 29, 2021, Montreel Robinson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson’s sentencing in federal court is set for August 24, 2021. On July 28, 2020, Dejon Gene Watley pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Watley’s sentencing in federal court was set for December 8, 2020; however, he failed to appear for sentencing and remains a fugitive.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa, as well as Des Moines Police Department Chief Dana Wingert, made the announcement.
“All members of this community deserve to live free from the fear of being victimized by the individual and repeated acts of violence by these criminal gangs and their rivals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Westphal. “We will continue to make community safety one of our highest priorities, and work hand in hand with our local law enforcement and prosecution partners to aggressively prosecute those individuals who are the primary drivers of violent crime.”
Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert stated, “This is another example of local and federal partners working collectively to actively pursue the most violent criminals in our community. In recent years, this continuous pursuit has resulted in numerous significant arrests and prosecutions, the impact of which cannot be overstated. The feeling of safety in your neighborhood is a basic necessity that we are committed to protecting. Those who compromise the quality of life for our citizens through violent crime should be prepared for a similar outcome to this most recent indictment. As partners, we remain vigilant in this effort.”
It is alleged in the indictment the OTB Street Gang is a criminal enterprise that engaged in racketeering activity, namely offenses involving controlled substances and acts involving murder. The OTB Street gang and its members are alleged to have preserved and protected the profits of the gang through the threatened or physical use of violence and kept victims and witnesses in fear of the street gang through these threats of violence. In addition, it is alleged the OTB Street Gang provided support to gang members who were incarcerated for gang-related activities; and retaliated against acts of violence perpetrated against the street gang including acts of violence against rival gangs known as the C-Block and C-Block-affiliated street gangs. The OTB Street Gang allegedly operated and conducted their affairs through a series of rules and policies; and initiated new members through the practice of having them discharge a firearm at, and hit, another person. It is alleged that members and associates of the OTB Street Gang managed the procurement, transfer, use, concealment, and disposal of firearms to protect gang-related personnel and operations, and to deter, eliminate, and retaliate against other rival street gangs. It is alleged that members agreed to distribute drugs, recruited juveniles to commit acts for the gang’s benefit, and agreed or conspired to commit acts of violence, including acts involving murder, against rival gangs.
The charges in the indictment carry maximum penalties of between 10 years and life imprisonment. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal court system.
The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are 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 investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, Crimes Against Persons and Intelligence Sections. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, with assistance from the Polk County Attorney’s Office, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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.
Senior Nasa Scientist Sentenced to Prison for Making False Statements Related to Chinese Thousand Talents Program Participation and ProfessorshipRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”), announced that MEYYA MEYYAPPAN, a senior National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) scientist, was sentenced today to 30 days in prison for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), NASA’s Office of Inspector General (“NASA OIG”), and the USAO. MEYYAPPAN pled guilty on January 13, 2021, before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, who also imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As a senior NASA scientist with access to sensitive and confidential U.S. government technologies and intellectual property, Meyya Meyyappan was understandably subject to restrictions regarding outside employment and compensation. When questioned by the FBI and NASA, Meyyappan gave false statements regarding his employment by a Chinese government-funded program that recruited individuals with access to foreign technologies and intellectual property. The privilege of access to cutting edge U.S. technologies and intellectual property comes with the critical responsibility of protecting their secrecy. Meyyappan betrayed that trust, by failing to disclose his foreign activities and then compounding his mistakes by lying to the FBI and NASA. He has now been sentenced to time in federal prison for his unlawful conduct.”
According to the allegations in the Information and other proceedings in this case:
From in or about 1996 through in or about 2021, MEYYAPPAN was employed by NASA, an independent U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Beginning in or about 2006, MEYYAPPAN was the Chief Scientist, Exploration Technology at the Center for Nanotechnology, at NASA’s Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in Silicon Valley, California.
In his position at NASA, MEYYAPPAN was subject to certain statutory, regulatory, and agency restrictions and reporting requirements regarding, among other things, outside employment, travel, and compensation. Notwithstanding these prohibitions, MEYYAPPAN participated in China’s Thousand Talents Program, a program established by the Chinese government to recruit individuals with access to or knowledge of foreign technology or intellectual property, and held professorships at universities in China, South Korea, and Japan, and failed to disclose these associations and positions to NASA and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.
On or about October 27, 2020, MEYYAPPAN was interviewed by the FBI, NASA OIG, and the USAO, in New York, New York. During that proffer session, MEYYAPPAN falsely stated, among other things, that he was not a member of the Thousand Talents Program and that he did not hold a professorship at a Chinese university. In truth and in fact, MEYYAPPAN was a member of the Thousand Talents Program and held a professorship at a Chinese university, funded by the Chinese government.
* * *
MEYYAPPAN, 66, of Pacifica, California was also ordered to pay a fine of $ 100,000.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the FBI and NASA OIG.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua A. Naftalis is in charge of the prosecution.
Saratoga Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Misusing a Social Security Number to Obtain Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Markhwan Berning, age 37, of Saratoga Springs, New York, pled guilty today to misusing a social security number.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
In pleading guilty, Berning admitted that between May and July 2020, he obtained unemployment insurance benefits, including federal pandemic-related benefits, by falsely presenting to the New York State Department of Labor a fake social security number as his own.
At sentencing, Berning faces a maximum of 5 years in prison, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a maximum $250,000 fine. Berning is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2021, by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence A. Kahn. 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 DOL-OIG, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Department of Labor, Office of Special Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
This case is being investigated as part of the Department of Justice’s COVID Fraud Task Force. To learn more about the Department’s efforts to stop illegal COVID-19-related activity, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus. The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline by phone at (1-866-720-5721) or via an online reporting form available at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
San Francisco CEO Pleads Guilty to Swindling Banks and Investors Out of More Than $3.5 MillionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Andrew Chapin pleaded guilty today in federal court to wire fraud, bank fraud and securities fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
Chapin, 33, of San Francisco, started a company in Boston that he moved to San Francisco in 2016 and renamed Benja Inc. Chapin was CEO of Benja. Benja was a digital advertising company that provided “shoppable media” by placing digital advertisements for companies with overstocked goods on websites which allowed shoppers to purchase products in the advertisement itself without being redirected to another website.
According to his plea agreement, from June 2019 to September 2020 Chapin was looking for additional investors and lines of credit for Benja. He told creditors and prospective investors that Benja generated $6,200,000 and $13,200,000 in revenue in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and had signed large contracts with numerous well-known national companies to place advertisements for their excess inventory. He admitted today in his plea agreement that he had no contracts with these companies, he falsified Benja’s revenue, and he impersonated corporate representatives, or caused their impersonation, to bolster the appearance of company relationships that did not exist.
Chapin detailed in his plea agreement that he submitted false information about Benja to a victim bank to obtain lines of credit totaling $5,000,000. In one example, Chapin took advances on a line of credit and used the money to pay off creditors and investors as well as his personal credit cards, and he also transferred money to his cryptocurrency exchange account.
Chapin also admitted he made false statements to induce venture capital firms to invest in Benja. His false statements led to investments of $1,000,000 from a venture capital firm and $1,800,000 from a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) fundraising round from multiple investors. To obtain these investments, he fabricated documents to reflect Benja had millions in revenue and account receivables from companies that never contracted with Benja.
In one example in his plea agreement, Chapin described that on March 23, 2020, he directed a New York venture capital firm to Benja’s virtual data room that displayed a spreadsheet showing Benja’s total 2019 revenue had exceeded $13,000,000 and listed contracts with well-known national sportswear companies that represented more than $7,000,000 of Benja’s total 2019 income. However, Chapin admitted today that Benja had no contracts with the national sportswear companies and that he fabricated the spreadsheet. Chapin further admitted that for reference calls from the venture capital firm, he paid a Benja employee to impersonate a national running shoe company’s representative and instructed another individual to impersonate a national sportswear company’s representative. The venture capital firm relied on these representations and invested $1,000,000 in Benja. Chapin used that money to pay off a creditor.
Chapin also admitted defrauding individual investors. For example, in his plea agreement Chapin stated that in November 2018 he emailed false financial statements to an individual investor reflecting Benja had over $4,000,000 in revenue in 2018. Chapin further told the individual investor that a St. Louis, Missouri, venture capital firm was considering a $1,500,000 investment in Benja, although Chapin already knew the firm had declined to invest in Benja. Chapin also had a person impersonate the St. Louis venture capital firm’s manager during a reference call with the individual investor. In the call, the impersonator told the individual investor that a third party had verified Benja’s financials and had also made customer reference calls about Benja that were positive. Chapin admitted he then provided false contact information for the St. Louis venture capital firm’s manager that allowed Chapin – not the venture capital firm’s manager – to respond to the individual investor’s questions about Chapin’s shareholder agreement. The individual investor signed the shareholder’s agreement, purchasing 1,278 shares of common stock in Benja for $100,000. Chapin admits he used that money to pay personal credit card bills and to transfer the funds to his personal bank and cryptocurrency exchange accounts.
Chapin agreed in his plea agreement that from June 2019 through September 2020, the total loss amount attributable to his fraud scheme exceeded $3,500,000.
Chapin was originally charged by federal complaint on November 23, 2020, and later by information on May 27, 2021. He pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Maxine M. Chesney to bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344, wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and securities fraud in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) and 78ff, and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. He remains out of custody on bond.
Chapin’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2021, before United States District Judge Maxine M. Chesney in San Francisco. For bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, Chapin faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000. For wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. For securities fraud under 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and 78ff, and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is prosecuted by the Corporate Fraud Strike Force of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which conducted a parallel investigation.
Russian National Convicted of Charges Relating to Kelihos BotnetRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Connecticut convicted a Russian national on Tuesday for operating a “crypting” service used to conceal “Kelihos” malware from antivirus software, enabling hackers to systematically infect victim computers around the world with malicious software, including ransomware.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Oleg Koshkin, 41, formerly of Estonia, operated the websites “Crypt4U.com,” “fud.bz” and others. The websites promised to render malicious software fully undetectable by nearly every major provider of antivirus software. Koshkin and his co-conspirators claimed that their services could be used for malware such as botnets, remote-access trojans, keyloggers, credential stealers and cryptocurrency miners.
“The defendant designed and operated a service that was an essential tool for some of the world’s most destructive cybercriminals, including ransomware attackers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. “The verdict should serve as a warning to those who provide infrastructure to cybercriminals: the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners consider you to be just as culpable as the hackers whose crimes you enable — and we will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.”
In particular, Koshkin worked with Peter Levashov, the operator of the Kelihos botnet, to develop a system that would allow Levashov to crypt the Kelihos malware multiple times each day. Koshkin provided Levashov with a custom, high-volume crypting service that enabled Levashov to distribute Kelihos through multiple criminal affiliates. Levashov used the Kelihos botnet to send spam, harvest account credentials, conduct denial of service attacks, and distribute ransomware and other malicious software. At the time it was dismantled by the FBI, the Kelihos botnet was known to include at least 50,000 compromised computers around the world.
“By operating a website that was intended to hide malware from antivirus programs, Koshkin provided a critical service that enabled other cyber criminals to infect thousands of computers around the world,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle for the District of Connecticut. “We will investigate and prosecute the individuals who aid and abet cyber criminals as vigorously as we do the ones who actually hit the ‘send’ button on viruses and other malicious software.”
“Koshkin and his associates knowingly provided crypting services designed to help malicious software bypass anti-virus software,” said Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s New Haven Division. “The criminal nature of the Crypt4U service was a clear threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer systems everywhere. We at the FBI will never stop pursuing those like Koshkin for perpetrating cyber crimes and threats to the public at large.”
Koshkin was arrested in California in September 2019 and has been detained since his arrest. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20.
Koshkin’s co-defendant, Pavel Tsurkan, is charged with conspiring to cause damage to 10 or more protected computers, and aiding and abetting Levashov in causing damage to 10 or more protected computers.
Levashov was arrested by the Spanish National Police in April 2017 and extradited to the United States. In September 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The FBI’s New Haven Division investigated the case through its Connecticut Cyber Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang of District of Connecticut, and Senior Counsel Ryan K.J. Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board also provided significant assistance.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, which was created to combat the growing number of ransomware and digital extortion attacks. As part of the Task Force, the Criminal Division, working with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, prioritizes the disruption, investigation, and prosecution of ransomware and digital extortion activity by tracking and dismantling the development and deployment of malware, identifying the cybercriminals responsible, and holding those individuals accountable for their crimes. The department, through the Task Force, also strategically targets the ransomware criminal ecosystem as a whole and collaborates with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as private sector partners to combat this significant criminal threat.
Russian National Convicted of Charges Relating to Kelihos BotnetRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Hartford convicted a Russian national yesterday for his role in operating a “crypting” service used to conceal “Kelihos” malware from antivirus software, enabling hackers to systematically infect victim computers around the world with malicious software, including ransomware. Oleg Koshkin, 41, formerly of Estonia, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse and one count of aiding and abetting computer fraud and abuse. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20.
“By operating a website that was intended to hide malware from antivirus programs, Koshkin provided a critical service that enabled other cyber criminals to infect thousands of computers around the world,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle. “We will investigate and prosecute the individuals who aid and abet cyber criminals as vigorously as we do the ones who actually hit the ‘send’ button on viruses and other malicious software.”
“The defendant designed and operated a service that was an essential tool for some of the world’s most destructive cybercriminals, including ransomware attackers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. “The verdict should serve as a warning to those who provide infrastructure to cybercriminals: the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners consider you to be just as culpable as the hackers whose crimes you enable — and we will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.”
“Mr. Koshkin and his associates knowingly provided crypting services designed to help malicious software bypass anti-virus software,” said Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s New Haven Division. “The criminal nature of the Crypt4U service was a clear threat to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer systems everywhere. We at the FBI will never stop pursuing those like Mr. Koshkin for perpetrating cyber crimes and threats to the public at large.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced during the trial, Koshkin operated the websites “crypt4u.com,” “fud.bz,” and others. The websites promised to render malicious software fully undetectable (FUD) by nearly every major provider of antivirus software. Koshkin and his co-conspirators claimed that their services could be used for malware such as botnets, remote access trojans (RATs), keyloggers, credential stealers, and cryptocurrency miners.
In particular, Koshkin worked with Peter Levashov, the operator of the Kelihos botnet, to develop a system that would allow Levashov to crypt the Kelihos malware multiple times each day. Koshkin provided Levashov with a custom, high-volume crypting service that enabled Levashov to distribute Kelihos through multiple criminal affiliates. The Kelihos botnet was used by Levashov to send spam, harvest account credentials, conduct denial of service attacks, and to distribute ransomware and other malicious software. At the time it was dismantled by the FBI, the Kelihos botnet was known to include at least 50,000 compromised computers around the world.
Koshkin was arrested in California on September 6, 2019, and has been detained since his arrest.
Koshkin’s co-defendant, Pavel Tsurkan, is charged with conspiring to cause damage to 10 or more protected computers, and aiding and abetting Levashov in causing damage to 10 or more protected computers. He is released on bond while awaiting trial.
As to Tsurkan, an indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Levashov was arrested by the Spanish National Police on April 7, 2017, and extradited to the United States. On September 12, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The FBI’s New Haven Division is investigating the case through its Connecticut Cyber Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang of the United States Attorney’s Office and Senior Counsel Ryan K.J. Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board also provided significant assistance.
In April 2021, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force to combat the growing number of ransomware and digital extortion attacks. As part of the Task Force, the Criminal Division, working with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, prioritizes the disruption, investigation, and prosecution of ransomware and digital extortion activity by tracking and dismantling the development and deployment of malware, identifying the cybercriminals responsible, and holding those individuals accountable for their crimes. The department, through the Task Force, also strategically targets the ransomware criminal ecosystem as a whole and collaborates with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as private sector partners to combat this significant criminal threat.
Rochester Man Indicted for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Michael Clemence, 35, of Rochester was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
Clemence was arrested on June 7, 2021 and is currently detained.
According to the original complaint filed in court, federal agents located one or more images of child pornography on electronic devices seized from Clemence’s residence during the execution of a federal search warrant on June 4, 2021. The investigation into Clemence stemmed from a larger investigation into child exploitation material on the “dark web.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this matter is encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 603-629-2716.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Rochester Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Krasinski.
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Queens Woman Sentenced to More Than 16 Years’ Imprisonment for Teaching and Distributing Information About Weapons of Mass DestructionRead the Press Release
Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Noelle Velentzas was sentenced to 16 ½ years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr. for her role in planning a terrorist attack in the United States. Velentzas and her co-defendant, Asia Siddiqui, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2019 to teaching or distributing information pertaining to the making and use of an explosive, destructive device, or weapon of mass destruction in furtherance of a planned federal crime of violence. Siddiqui was sentenced in January 2020 to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“The defendant expressed her support for foreign terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham by learning how to build bombs and other explosive devices and targeting members of law enforcement for terror. Today’s sentence imposes a just punishment on the defendant for her planned horrific crimes,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lesko. “Counterterrorism and protecting the American people remain among the highest priorities of the Department of Justice, and this Office, together with the FBI, the NYPD and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners, will continue to exercise extreme vigilance to incapacitate terrorists.”
“As part of her plan goal to wage violent jihad, Velentzas and her co-defendant Asia Siddiqui researched and taught each other how to construct bombs to be used on American soil against law enforcement and military targets,” stated Assistant Attorney General Demers. “With the sentence imposed by the court, Velentzas has been held accountable for her crimes. The Attorney General recently reminded us that we must remain vigilant against threats from international terrorism, and we are grateful for those agents, analysts and prosecutors who were and brought Velentzas to justice before she could carry out her plans.”
Between approximately 2013 and 2015, Velentzas and her co-defendant Asia Siddiqui taught each other chemistry and electrical skills directly related to creating explosives and building detonating devices; studied the explosives used in past terrorist attacks including the Boston Marathon bombing, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 1993 World Trade Center attack; researched how to make plastic explosives and build car bombs; shopped for and acquired materials to be used in an explosive device; and assessed potential targets of an attack, focusing on law enforcement and military-related targets.
While engaging in these activities, Velentzas repeatedly expressed her support for promoting and waging violent jihad and her desire to commit acts of violence. Velentzas claimed that Osama bin Laden was her hero, and expressed praise for the September 11, 2001 attacks as well as Mohammed Shnewer, who was convicted of plotting a terrorist attack against members of the armed services at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
At the time that Velentzas and Siddiqui were arrested in 2015, law enforcement officers searched their residences and found tools of the trade for a terrorist attack, including propane gas tanks, soldering tools, car bomb instructions and jihadist literature, machetes and knives.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, Jennifer M. Sasso, Josh Hafetz and Jonathan E. Algor are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The Defendant:
NOELLE VELENTZAS
Age: 33
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-213 (SJ)
Pennsylvania man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darren L. Fryson, of Verona, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years of probation for distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Fryson, age 50, pled guilty in June 2019 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in June 2019. Fryson admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Ohio County and elsewhere from March 2018 to April 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio woman sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marisa Page, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to three years of probation for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Page, 29, pled guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Page admitted to working with others to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in Wetzel County, Ohio, Georgia, as well as into the southern district of West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/31-ohio-and-west-virginia-residents-are-indicted-connection-drug-distribution-operation
Ohio man admits to methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Palmer, of Lore City, Ohio, has admitted to drug and firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Palmer, 57, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as a Felon.” Palmer, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having methamphetamine and two pistols in February 2018 in Harrison County.
Palmer faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-and-west-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-and-firearms-charges
Nigerian Citizen is Eleventh Person Sentenced in International Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Benard Okorhi 42, of Lagos, Nigeria, has been sentenced to serve 75 months in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that used compromised email accounts to steal from businesses and romance scams on internet dating sites to trick individuals into wiring money overseas. The scheme is estimated to have cost residents of the U.S. approximately $8 million dollars. The total scheme is estimated to have netted over $10 million worldwide during criminal enterprise’s five-year lifespan. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Okorhi and others, some U.S. citizens, some residents of Ghana and Nigeria--created fake profiles on online dating services to entice people looking for companionship into fraudulent relationships. Once the victim was fully involved, the scammers would develop elaborate storylines that always required the victim to send financial assistance to his or her beloved. The group also compromised the email networks of many businesses, redirecting wires intended to pay for services or goods to bank accounts under the control of the scammers. The money was subsequently moved through a number of bank accounts before ultimately being sent to Africa.
Okorhi, Maxwell Peter, and Babatunde Martins were arrested overseas and extradited to the United States for prosecution. Several of their alleged co-conspirators remain at large, including Dennis Miah, Sumaila Hardi Wumpini and Okorhi's brother Victor Okhori. Ayodeji Ojo has been arrested in Nigeria and is awaiting extradition.
On June 11, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Okorhi to 75 months in federal prison. The following individuals have been found guilty by a jury or entered pleas of guilty for their part in the scheme: Babatunde Martins of Nigeria, time served (approximately 3 and a half years); Maxwell Peter of Ghana, 55 months; Olufolajimi Abegunde of Atlanta and Nigeria, 78 months; Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso of California and Mexico, 31 months; Rashid Abdulai of New York and Ghana, 12 months;
Dana Brady of Washington, two years' supervised release: James Dean of Indiana, two years' probation; Marie Zamora of Utah, two years' probation; Edchae Caffey, 18 months' probation; and Ahmed Alimi, 14 months' probation.
The FBI led the investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of Attorney General, and Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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Newington Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH DIAZ, 28, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 13, 2019, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force were conducting surveillance in an unrelated investigation when they observed Diaz, who one investigator identified as a former Hartford Police Cadet, conducting a drug transaction on Stedman Street in Hartford. Later that day, investigators stopped a car Diaz was driving and found Diaz in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol, approximately 700 bags of heroin/fentanyl, and $1,704 in cash.
Diaz was placed under arrested and transported to the Hartford Police station, where he gave consent to investigators to search his Newington residence. After investigators left the interview room, an officer observed through a window that Diaz was typing something on his watch. The officer opened the door, removed the watch and discovered that it was an Apple-type watch. Shortly thereafter, investigators who had arrived at Diaz’s residence observed Diaz’s father, Jose Diaz, exit through the rear door of the residence carrying a black plastic bag and then run toward the parking lot area. Officers approached Jose Diaz, who dropped the plastic bag and a fanny pack. A search of the bag and fanny pack revealed more than 3,300 bags of fentanyl, approximately 80 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.
Jose Diaz consented to a search of his phone. On the phone screen there were several unopened text messages, including one from Jose Diaz that read “Go now. Everything.”
A search of Joseph Diaz’s residence revealed an additional quantity of packaged fentanyl, approximately 21 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, a loaded .22 caliber pistol, assorted ammunition, and approximately $2,500 in cash.
On February 17, 2021, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Diaz, who is released on a $75,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 28, 2021.
Jose Diaz pleaded guilty to a related charge and has been sentenced.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Newington Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
New York City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Accessing Hundreds of Snapchat Accounts and Sending Nude PhotosRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that David Mondore, 29, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to accessing a protected computer without authorization and, by means of such conduct, furthering the intended fraud and obtaining anything of value. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between July 2018 and August 2020, the defendant gained unauthorized access to, and control of, Snapchat accounts belonging to third parties. After doing so, Mondore often located nude “selfie” photos saved in the victims’ “My Eyes Only” folder, which the defendant then saved to his own phone.
After gaining unauthorized access to a victim’s Snapchat account, Mondore typically sent messages from the Snapchat account to the victim’s Snapchat contacts, sending them under the ruse that the first victim needed the second victim’s Snapchat login credentials to access the second victim’s account. After receiving the second victim’s login credentials and gaining unauthorized access to the second victim’s Snapchat account, Mondore sent a text message to the second victim using a smartphone application that allowed him to anonymize his true phone number. The text message purported to be from Snapchat Security and requested—as a way of verifying that the second victim’s Snapchat account had been legitimately accessed—that the second victim send the passcode for his or her “My Eyes Only” folder. After the second victim sent his or her “My Eyes Only” passcode, Mondore could, and did, gain unauthorized access to the second victim’s “My Eyes Only” folder, from which he could locate and save the second victim’s nude photos. After gaining access to the second victim’s Snapchat account, the defendant then repeated this pattern of activity by using the second victim’s Snapchat account to contact, and then gain unauthorized access to, Snapchat accounts belonging to the second victim’s Snapchat contacts.
For example, in December 2019, Victim 1 received a Snapchat message from a Snapchat account belonging to an acquaintance known as Victim 2. The person who contacted Victim 1 from Victim 2’s Snapchat account asked Victim 1 for her Snapchat login credentials so that Victim 2 could use Victim 1’s Snapchat account to verify whether Victim 2 had been “blocked” by another Snapchat user. Victim 1 sent her Snapchat login credentials to Victim 2. Victim 1 then received a text message purporting to be from Snapchat Security, but which was, in reality, sent from the defendant’s smartphone. The text message stated that Victim 1’s Snapchat account had been locked and could only be unlocked if Victim 1 provided the passcode for her “My Eyes Only” folder. After gaining access to Victim 1’s “My Eyes Only” folder, Mondore sent an explicit photo of Victim 1 to 116 of Victim 1’s Snapchat contacts with a caption reading: “Flash me back if we are besties.” Four of Victim 1’s Snapchat contacts responded by sending the defendant explicit photos of themselves.
Mondore gained unauthorized access to Snapchat accounts belonging to 14 victims in the Western District of New York. The defendant admits that he gained unauthorized access to at least 300 Snapchat accounts belonging to victims both in the Western District of New York and elsewhere.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2021, before Judge Skretny.
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Moorhead Man Charged with Illegal Possession of A Firearm After Juvenile Killed by Bullet Fired from the Defendant’s GunRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Moorhead man, Phillip Jones, Jr., 33, was arrested and charged with firearms violations after a juvenile was killed by a bullet fired from a gun that Jones allegedly possessed, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, on March 21, 2021, officers of the Moorhead Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Moorhead, Minnesota, for a report of a juvenile male with a gunshot wound. After attempting life saving measures, paramedics pronounced the juvenile male, age 6, deceased. Investigators learned that three other juveniles were present in the residence at the time of the incident. According to investigators, Jones had been living at the residence but was not present at the time of the incident, nor were any other adults. Investigators learned that a firearm, a Smith and Wesson SW99, .40 caliber pistol, was located in a box on top of the kitchen cabinets. The firearm was still loaded and a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson spent casing was found in the kitchen trashcan. The investigation later revealed that DNA collected from the firearm matched the DNA profile of Jones. Because Jones has a prior felony conviction in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Moorhead Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen 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.
Monongalia County man sentenced for fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Clint Gaines, Jr., of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 96 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Gaines, 33, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Gaines admitted to having fentanyl in February 2020 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of St. Paul Car Rental AgencyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man was sentenced today to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for arson at a St. Paul car rental agency.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to arson. Surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business showed Matthew Scott White, 31, entering the building and starting a fire in the back office. White fueled the fire by throwing papers and other flammable items onto the flames. As White exited the building, he told bystanders that the building was “going up” meaning, it was going to burn.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.
Michigan man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyreese Marsh, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to this role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Marion County, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Marsh, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Marsh admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marion County.
Marsh faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million. 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the White Hall Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Methamphetamine and heroin trafficking send Great Falls woman to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls woman who admitted to dealing methamphetamine and heroin from a gas station and casino was sentenced today to 52 months in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Katrina Marie Bennett, 36, pleaded guilty on March 17 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Bennett was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in the summer of 2019, law enforcement began receiving information that Bennett was trafficking meth and heroin in Great Falls. Investigators learned that Bennett was dealing drugs out of a gas station and used the casino as her office to conduct drug deals. Law enforcement made a series of undercover meth buys from Bennett and knew that she frequently traveled to Butte to engage in drug activities. In May 2020, law enforcement stopped Bennett’s car as she left Butte and searched it pursuant to a warrant. Bennett told officers she had returned from California the day before with a pound of meth, had already sold about seven ounces of meth in Butte and that another person had taken the other half-pound to Great Falls. Agents found meth and heroin during the search of the car.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Massachusetts Man Convicted of Placing Firebomb at Entrance of Jewish Nursing HomeRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in connection with placing a lit firebomb at the entrance of a Longmeadow senior health care facility in April 2020.
John Rathbun, 37, of East Longmeadow, was convicted following a week-long trial of one count of attempting to transport or receive explosive devices in interstate or foreign commerce with the knowledge or intent that the device will be used to kill, injure or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle and one count of attempting to maliciously damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle or other real or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12.
“Mr. Rathburn’s dangerous and cruel acts harmed not only the elderly residents of this Jewish assisted living facility, but also the entire community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “I thank the jury, prosecutors and investigators for their efforts to ensure the defendant was held accountable for his actions.”
“The jury has spoken: Mr. Rathbun is guilty of lighting a firebomb right at the entrance to a Jewish assisted-living facility – a cruel and senseless crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell for the District of Massachusetts. “Thanks to the jury’s verdict and the good work of prosecutors and investigators, the man who targeted vulnerable members of our community will not be a threat to public safety anytime soon.”
“The danger posed by John Rathbun in this case was very real. By trying to ignite a firebomb outside a Jewish assisted-living facility, he put the lives of innocent people at risk,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston FBI Field Office. “Through the diligent efforts of our Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the jury’s hard work, the community is much safer now.”
On Nov. 23, 2020, a federal jury convicted Rathbun of making false statements to a federal agent, but deadlocked on the arson counts, requiring a re-trial.
On the morning of April 2, 2020, Rathbun assembled, placed and lit a homemade incendiary device outside the entrance of Jewish Geriatric Services Lifecare, Inc., an assisted living facility in Longmeadow. The device consisted of a five-gallon Scepter fuel canister filled with gasoline and a Christian religious pamphlet as the wick. Forensic analysis identified Rathbun’s DNA on the canister and pamphlet.
On April 15, 2020, Rathbun falsely stated to a federal agent that he was at home on April 2, he was not familiar with the location on Converse Street where the device was placed and he had not possessed or even seen the fuel canister.
The charge of attempting to transport or receive explosive devices in interstate or foreign commerce with the knowledge or intent that the device will be used to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempting to maliciously damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle or other real or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The false statement charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force with valuable assistance also provided by the Longmeadow and East Longmeadow Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil Desroches and Steven H. Breslow of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also assisted with the prosecution.
Maryland Man Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $500,000Read the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Maryland man was arrested today on charges of fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Mohamed Kamara, 40, of Greenbelt, Maryland, is charged by complaint with wire fraud. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan in Maryland federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act enables the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer funding through the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program to business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a joint state/federal program that provides unemployment insurance benefits (UIB) to eligible workers who were unemployed through no fault of their own.
From April 2020 and June 2020, six applications were made to the SBA for EIDLs. Representatives for some of the companies whose names were used to make the applications stated that their company did not make the application. In response to the applications, the SBA provided EIDLs collectively worth more than $500,000. Kamara received or attempted to receive funds in connection with each of the EIDLs.
From Jan. 1, 2020, to Sept. 7, 2020, an IP addresses associated with Kamara’s address was used to submit approximately 50 New Jersey UIB applications for 42 individuals. This resulted in New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) authorizing benefits of approximately $163,000. The IP address also was used to access numerous accounts that received funds as a result of UIB applications submitted to NJDOL from other IP addresses. Those accounts received approximately $34,000 in UIBs.
The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gross profits or twice the gross loss suffered by the victims of his offense, whichever is greatest.
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, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest. She also thanked the FBI Baltimore Field Office; the Small Business Administration, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Alexander Ruskin, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Ruskin, 28, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Ruskin, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in August 2020 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Manhattan Doctor Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes and Kickbacks in Exchange for Prescribing Fentanyl DrugRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JEFFREY GOLDSTEIN, a doctor who practiced in New York, New York, was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 57 months in prison for conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, in connection with a scheme to prescribe Subsys, a potent fentanyl-based spray, in exchange for bribes and kickbacks from Subsys’s manufacturer, Insys Therapeutics. GOLDSTEIN previously pled guilty, on August 16, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jeffrey Goldstein, an Upper East Side Manhattan doctor, prescribed Subsys, a powerful fentanyl opioid, in return for nearly $200,000 in bribes from the drug’s manufacturer, Insys Therapeutics. Goldstein put his own patients at risk in order to satisfy his own greed, and will now spend time in federal prison for recklessly prescribing this highly addictive and powerful opioid. This sentence sends a loud and clear signal to the medical community that if you take bribes in return for prescribing, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and risk significant prison time.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment against GOLDSTEIN and filings in related proceedings:
The Insys Speakers Bureau
Subsys, which is manufactured by Insys, is a powerful painkiller approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approved Subsys only for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Prescriptions of Subsys typically cost thousands of dollars each month, and Medicare and Medicaid, as well as commercial insurers, reimbursed prescriptions written by GOLDSTEIN.
In or about August 2012, Insys launched a “Speakers Bureau,” a roster of doctors who would conduct programs (“Speaker Programs”) purportedly aimed at educating other practitioners about Subsys. In reality, Insys used its Speakers Bureau to induce the doctors who served as speakers to prescribe large volumes of Subsys by paying them Speaker Program fees. Speakers were supposed to conduct an educational slide presentation for other health care practitioners at each Speaker Program. In reality, many of the Speaker Programs were predominantly social affairs where no educational presentation about Subsys occurred. Attendance sign-in sheets for the Speaker Programs were frequently forged by adding the names and signatures of health care practitioners who had not actually been present.
Goldstein’s Participation in the Scheme
GOLDSTEIN was a doctor of osteopathic medicine who owned a private medical office on the Upper East Side. GOLDSTEIN received approximately $196,000 in Speaker Program fees from Insys in exchange for prescribing large volumes of Subsys. After GOLDSTEIN began prescribing a competitor painkiller, Insys pressured him to stop doing so and switch patients back to Subsys, which GOLDSTEIN did.
GOLDSTEIN also received other items of value from Insys in order to induce him to prescribe. For example, Insys employees took GOLDSTEIN and Todd Schlifstein, who co-owned a private medical office with GOLDSTEIN, to a Manhattan strip club where Insys spent approximately $4,100 on a private room, alcoholic drinks, and “lap dances” for GOLDSTEIN and Schlifstein. GOLDSTEIN also arranged for Insys to pay for the annual holiday party for his private medical office.
In 2014, GOLDSTEIN was approximately the fifth-highest-paid Insys Speaker nationally. He was the sixth-highest prescriber of Subsys in the last quarter of 2014, accounting for approximately $809,275 in overall net sales of Subsys in that quarter.
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In addition to the prison sentence, GOLDSTEIN, 51, of New Rochelle, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $196,600.
GOLDSTEIN was one of five Manhattan doctors convicted for participating in the Subsys bribery conspiracy. Todd Schlifstein was convicted upon a guilty plea and sentenced by Judge Wood on October 28, 2019, principally to a term of two years in prison. Alexandru Burducea was convicted upon a guilty plea and sentenced by Judge Wood on January 27, 2020, principally to a term of 57 months in prison. Dialecti Voudouris was convicted upon a guilty plea and sentenced by Judge Wood on March 5, 2020, principally to time served. Gordon Freedman was convicted following a jury trial in December 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Wood on July 8, 2021.
Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and thanked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, for its participation in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Solowiejczyk, David Abramowicz, and Katherine Reilly are in charge of the prosecution.