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Wednesday 16 June 2021
Man admits assaulting dating partner on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A man accused of beating his dating partner on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and causing her substantial injuries admitted to an assault charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Gordon Andrew Messerly, Jr., 42, address unknown, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Messerly faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 7. Messerly was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 27, 2019 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Messerly assaulted his dating partner, identified as Jane Doe, by striking her in the head. Doe was treated for injuries at the hospital.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement.
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Local man found guilty of violent robbery attemptRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A Corpus Christi federal jury has convicted a 41-year-old man for attempted robbery and discharging a firearm in the commission of the crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for an less than two hours before convicting Eric Richard Garza, Corpus Christi, following a three-day trial.
On Dec. 14, 2018, Garza drove to Central Watch and Clock Repair in Corpus Christi with Christopher Rangel-Musial. Both were wearing masks. The jury heard that Garza gave Rangel-Musial a loaded firearm and told him to point the it at the shop owner while he robbed the business of money and goods.
Rangel-Musial did so, but the shop owner refused to get on the ground as told. Garza instructed Rangel-Musial to shoot him, at which time he fired three shots, hitting the victim twice. The shop owner managed to get his revolver and chased the two men out of the store, shooting Rangel-Musial twice as they fled.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that a female passenger in the getaway vehicle committed the crime. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over trial and set sentencing for Sept. 15. At that time, Garza faces up to 30 years of imprisonment and a possible $500,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Rangel-Musial pleaded guilty in 2019. He has been and will remain in custody until his sentencing, set for June 30.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Dunn and Christopher Marin are prosecuted the case.
Local Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty in Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon man pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to use construction subcontracting companies to evade $100 million in payroll and income taxes on wages paid to unlicensed construction workers.
Francisco Mendez, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit tax evasion.
According to court documents, between January 2014 and February 2018, Mendez conspired with others to make “under the table” cash payments to unlicensed construction work crews for the purpose of evading payroll and income taxes due on these wages.
As part of the scheme, otherwise legitimate construction companies would bid on residential real estate projects knowing they did not have enough employee-workers to perform all the work required. These companies would supplement their own workforce with independent work crews, some of whom did not possess valid Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses. Leaders of unlicensed crews would pay a fee to use another company’s CCB license.
Mendez registered a company, obtained a CCB license in his own name, and began accepting payments from unlicensed work crews for the use of his license. The legitimate construction companies did not put these unlicensed work crews on their regular payroll and, instead, wrote checks payable to Mendez’s company. Mendez cashed these payroll checks at check cashing businesses and made “under the table” cash wage payments to the unlicensed work crews. He further began accepting and cashing payroll checks from construction companies on behalf of other CCB license holding companies.
On May 20, 2021, Mendez was charged by criminal information with one count of conspiracy to commit tax evasion.
Mendez faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on September 13, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut.
As part of the plea agreement, Mendez has agreed to pay restitution in full to the IRS as identified by the government prior to sentencing and ordered by the court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Uram and Gavin W. Bruce are prosecuting the case.
Leader of ‘Oxy Bandits’ Crew Found Guilty of Federal Charges Related to the Armed Robberies of 15 Southern California PharmaciesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Lynwood man was found guilty today of federal robbery charges for organizing and leading a crew that committed 15 armed robberies of independent, “mom-and-pop” pharmacies across Southern California, with the intent of illegally selling the stolen prescription medication.
Tyrome Lewis, 26, a.k.a. “Boobie,” was found guilty of all eight felony charges he faced after a two-day bench trial in April. Lewis has been in federal custody since his arrest in July 2019.
In a ruling issued today, United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt found Lewis guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and two counts of knowingly using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from May 2018 to July 2019, Lewis conspired with others to commit 15 armed robberies. Lewis selected the pharmacies to be robbed, targeting smaller pharmacies to steal oxycodone and other similar prescription medication. He also assigned the roles from the crew members, and then he served as a lookout while co-conspirators committed the robberies. Following the pharmacy robberies, Lewis and others would sell the stolen prescription medication on the black market.
The court found the Lewis-led armed crew – dubbed the “Oxy Bandits” by law enforcement – robbed pharmacies in Glendale, Bellflower, Paramount, Cerritos, Hawthorne, South Los Angeles, Pico Rivera, Huntington Park, Claremont, Westminster, Fullerton, Anaheim, and Riverside.
Each of the robberies shared a common modus operandi, including targeting smaller pharmacies, placing the stolen prescription drugs into the pharmacy’s trash bags or trash cans, using a black semi-automatic handgun to threaten and intimidate store employees, and forcing employees to open the medication vault.
Today’s guilty verdict of Lewis for his role in this series of armed pharmacy robberies is part of a broader investigation of armed pharmacy robberies resulting from a partnership between the FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Through this partnership, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 21 individuals for their roles in various pharmacy robberies. Since the investigation began in 2019, 19 individuals, including Lewis, have been convicted for their participation in pharmacy robberies, while two defendants await trial.
Judge Kronstadt has scheduled a September 23 sentencing hearing, at which time Lewis will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter, with assistance from the Claremont Police Department and the Glendale Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky and Joseph D. Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Peter Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office, prosecuted this case.
Lawton Man Indicted for Shooting at Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MICHAEL HANS OLOA, 35, of Lawton, has been indicted for assaulting federal law enforcement officers by shooting at the officers in a Lawton casino parking lot, and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On June 15, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Oloa. Count 1 of the Indictment charges Oloa with assaulting a federal officer, and Count 2 charges him with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to a Criminal Complaint Affidavit filed on May 27, 2021, two officers with the Comanche Nation Police Department were called to the Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton, Oklahoma, on May 25, 2021. There, officers encountered Oloa, who then fled and discharged a firearm in the direction of the officers. Oloa is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm because he has been previously convicted of felony crimes. The Comanche Nation Police Department officers at whom Oloa fired his gun had been deputized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Law Enforcement Commission to investigate federal crimes and are therefore considered federal law enforcement officers.
If convicted on Count 1, Oloa faces up to twenty years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on Count 2, Oloa faces up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case arises from an investigation by the Comanche Nation Police Department, the Lawton Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Stoneman is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that Oloa is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty to $10 Million Tech Support Fraud Scheme That Exploited the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROMANA LEYVA pled guilty today to participating in a conspiracy that for several years exploited elderly victims by remotely accessing their computers and convincing victims to pay for computer support services they did not need, and which were never actually provided. In total, the conspiracy generated more than $10 million in proceeds from at least approximately 7,500 victims. LEYVA pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to intentionally damage victims’ computers, before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, to whom her case is assigned.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As she admitted today, Romana Leyva was a leader of a conspiracy that caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers – pop-up windows that claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victims’ computers. Through this and other misrepresentations, this fraud scheme deceived thousands of victims, including some of society’s most vulnerable members, into paying a total of more than $10 million. Leyva now awaits sentencing for her crimes.”
According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during plea proceedings:
From approximately February 2015 through December 2018, LEYVA was a member of a criminal fraud ring (the “Fraud Ring”) based in the United States and India that committed a technical support fraud scheme that exploited elderly victims located across the United States and Canada, including in the Southern District of New York. The Fraud Ring’s primary objective was to trick victims into believing that their computers were infected with malware, in order to deceive them into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for phony computer repair services. Over the course of the conspiracy, the Fraud Ring generated more than $10 million in proceeds from at least 7,500 victims.
The scheme generally worked as follows: First, the Fraud Ring caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers. The pop-up windows claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victim’s computer. The pop-up window directed the victim to call a particular telephone number to obtain technical support. In at least some instances, the pop-up window threatened victims that, if they restarted or shut down their computer, it could “cause serious damage to the system,” including “complete data loss.” In an attempt to give the false appearance of legitimacy, in some instances the pop-up window included, without authorization, the corporate logo of a well-known, legitimate technology company. In fact, no virus had infected victims’ computers, and the technical support phone numbers were not associated with the legitimate technology company. Rather, these representations were false and were designed to trick victims into paying the Fraud Ring to “fix” a problem that did not exist. And while the purported “virus” was a hoax, the pop-up window itself did cause various victims’ computers to completely “freeze,” thereby preventing these victims from accessing the data and files in their computer – which caused some victims to call the phone number listed on the pop-up window. In exchange for victims’ payment of several hundreds or thousands of dollars (depending on the precise “service” victims purchased), the purported technician remotely accessed the victim’s computer and ran an anti-virus tool, which is free and available on the Internet. The Fraud Ring also re-victimized various victims, after they had made payments to purportedly “fix” their tech problems.
LEYVA’s roles in the scheme included (1) creating several fraudulent corporate entities that were used to receive fraud proceeds from victims, (2) recruiting others (including through misrepresentations) to register fraudulent corporate entities that became part of and facilitated the activities of the Fraud Ring, and (3) assisting others in setting up fraudulent corporate entities and bank accounts, including coaching them to make misrepresentations to bank employees where necessary. As she acknowledged as part of her guilty plea, LEYVA was a leader or organizer in this conspiracy.
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LEYVA, 37, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to intentionally damage a protected computer, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as LEYVA’s sentence will be determined by the judge. LEYVA’s sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2021, at 12:00 p.m.
Ms. Strauss praised the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations’ (“HSI”) El Dorado Task Force, Cyber Intrusion/Cyber Fraud Group, for its outstanding work on the investigation. Ms. Strauss also thanked the New York City Police Department for its assistance on this case.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Neff is in charge of the prosecution.
Justice Department Sues to Block Aon’s Acquisition of Willis Towers WatsonRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today to block Aon’s $30 billion proposed acquisition of Willis Towers Watson, a transaction that would bring together two of the “Big Three” global insurance brokers. As alleged in the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the merger threatens to eliminate competition, raise prices, and reduce innovation for American businesses, employers, and unions that rely on these important services.
“Today’s action demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to stopping harmful consolidation and preserving competition that directly and indirectly benefits Americans across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “American companies and consumers rely on competition between Aon and Willis Towers Watson to lower prices for crucial services, such as health and retirement benefits consulting. Allowing Aon and Willis Towers Watson to merge would reduce that vital competition and leave American customers with fewer choices, higher prices, and lower quality services.”
Aon and Willis Towers Watson provide essential guidance to many of America’s largest companies. American companies depend on them to craft and administer health and retirement benefits, and to keep their costs down by managing complex and evolving risks. They compete head to head to provide these services, which helps ensure businesses obtain innovative, high-quality broking services to manage their risks and provide critical health and retirement benefits to their employees at a reasonable cost. As the complaint alleges, the merger would eliminate this important competition in five markets, resulting in higher costs to companies, higher costs to consumers, and decreased quality and innovation.
The merger between Aon and Willis Towers Watson would combine two of the “Big Three” insurance brokers who, as alleged in the complaint, can offer global service, sophisticated data and analytics, and a breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise that other brokers do not offer. As alleged in the complaint, Aon and Wills Towers Watson operate “in an oligopoly” and “will have even more [leverage] when [the] Willis deal is closed.” If permitted to merge, Aon and Willis Towers Watson could use their increased leverage to raise prices and reduce the quality of products relied on by thousands of American businesses — and their customers, employees, and retirees.
Although Aon and Willis Towers Watson have agreed to certain divestitures in connection with investigations by various international competition agencies, the complaint alleges these proposed remedies are inadequate to protect consumers in the United States. The complaint also alleges the U.S.-focused divestitures in health benefits and commercial risk broking, in particular, are wholly insufficient to resolve the department’s significant concerns.
Aon plc is incorporated in Ireland and headquartered in London. It has approximately 50,000 employees and offices in approximately 120 countries, including over 100 offices in the United States. In 2020, Aon reported revenues of more than $11 billion.
Willis Towers Watson plc is incorporated in Ireland and headquartered in London. It has approximately 45,000 employees and offices in more than 80 countries, including over 80 offices in the United States. In 2020, Willis Towers Watson reported revenues of more than $9 billion.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Newton County, Arkansas and its Board of Election Commissioners to Ensure Polling Place Accessibility for Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department yesterday reached a settlement under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Newton County, Arkansas, and its Board of Election Commissioners to ensure that the County provides an accessible voting program, including accessible polling places, to voters with disabilities.
The Department of Justice reviewed the County’s voting program for compliance with the ADA. The United States identified architectural barriers at the County’s polling places, such as a lack of accessible parking areas and pathways made inaccessible by gaps and level changes, as well as gravel and grass. It also identified ramps that were too steep, some without handrails and edge protection, and barriers inside polling places. The United States also found that all polling places used in the March 2020 primary election lacked accessible voting machines that worked.
Under the ADA, governmental entities that conduct local, state or federal elections must select polling places that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and they must make reasonable changes necessary to ensure equal opportunity to participate in voting programs. Governmental entities must also provide an election ballot that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are blind, so that they can vote privately and independently.
“The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement ensures that eligible voters with disabilities in Newton County, Arkansas, will have the opportunity to exercise this fundamental right and have a voice in our democratic process. We will continue working to ensure that all eligible Americans have access to the ballot.”
Under the agreement, the County will create and implement new policies to bring its voting program into compliance with the ADA. These policies include: creating an effective system for selecting accessible locations for polling places; surveying polling places to identify accessibility barriers; maintaining the accessibility of each polling place used on election days; using temporary accessibility measures, such as mats or ramps; and providing an accessible voting machine at each polling place. In addition, the County will designate an employee to serve as an ADA coordinator and provide training to election officers, poll workers, and County employees. The required training will cover accessibility under Title II of the ADA and anti-retaliation protections under Title V of the ADA.
This settlement is part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places. Through this Initiative, the Department of Justice has surveyed over 2,400 polling places and increased polling place accessibility in over 50 jurisdictions, including St. Louis, Missouri; Harris County, Texas; Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; and Anderson County, South Carolina.
For more information about the ADA and today’s agreement, please visit http://www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/.
Judge sentences Las Vegas man for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Gregory Simms to 60 months in prison today. The 33-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada resident previously pleaded guilty in March to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
On June 13, 2020, St. Charles County police stopped Simms for driving a vehicle 80 miles per hour in a 60 miles per hour zone on eastbound Interstate 70 between Bryan Road and Highway K.
A subsequent search of Simms’ vehicle revealed 377 grams of methamphetamine. Simms admitted to the officer he was transporting “ice,” a slang term for crystal Methamphetamine, to St. Louis.
The St. Charles County Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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Jose Torrez sentenced to 17 years in federal prison on two separate cases involving conspiracy to kidnap, stolen mail and bank fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Torrez, 48, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on June 10 in federal court to 17 consecutive years in prison on two separate cases. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to a combined term of five years of supervised release.
In one case, Torrez pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2020, to conspiracy to kidnap. According to the defendants’ plea agreements, Torrez, Chase Smothermon, 32, and Mariah Ferry, 22, along with other co-conspirators took part in a scheme to retaliate against two victims who they believed stole marijuana and money from Smothermon’s home where he resided with Ferry. On Aug. 5, Smothermon called Torrez and told him his someone had stolen marijuana and money from his home. Torrez told Smothermon he believed the victims, J.S. and M.T., were responsible for taking the drugs and money. On Aug. 8, 2017, Torrez alerted Smothermon that J.S. was present at Torrez’s home. Smothermon went to Torrez’s home to retaliate against J.S. and try to get his drugs and money back. Ferry drove Smothermon to Torrez’s home where Smothermon and co-conspirators brutally beat J.S. with a baseball bat and the butt of a gun.
Smothermon and co-conspirators then put J.S. in the trunk of Ferry’s car and bound J.S.’s hands, ankles, and mouth with tape. Ferry drove Smothermon and J.S. to another co-conspirator’s home where J.S. died shortly thereafter. Ferry and Smothermon then mutilated J.S.’s body in a shed. Later the same day, Smothermon contacted M.T. under a ruse that Smothermon wanted to buy marijuana from M.T. When M.T. arrived at Smothermon’s home, Smothermon, Ferry and others bound, gagged and assaulted M.T. for hours. After several hours, two other co-conspirators escorted a bound and badly beaten M.T. out of Smothermon’s home and drove him to another location where M.T. was held overnight before M.T. was released. On Aug. 9, 2017, Ferry drove Smothermon and another co-conspirator to a rural area in New Mexico where they buried J.S.’s body in a shallow grave.
Ferry pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2020, to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap, resulting in the death of J.S. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison on June 26, 2020.
Smothermon pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2020, to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap, resulting in the death of J.S. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Aug. 28, 2020.
For this case, Torrez was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The DEA and FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The Narcotics section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
In the other case, Torrez pleaded guilty on July 19, 2019, to conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of solen mail. According to the plea agreement, Torrez participated in a scheme with his wife and co-defendant, Christina Torrez, 46, to steal mail containing credit cards, debit cards, checks and personal information that could be used to commit more theft. Torrez and his wife accessed bank accounts using stolen identities and withdrew money from the accounts. They used stolen credit and debit cards to buy merchandise from various stores totaling more than $10,000. They also cashed checks from multiple banks and credit unions using false identification. During the scheme, Torrez and his wife obtained United States Postal Service uniforms, badges and keys to assist them in stealing mail.
Christina Torrez pleaded guilty to conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of stolen mail on July 19, 2019. On Jan. 30, 2020, she was sentenced to three years and three months in prison.
For this case, Torrez was sentenced to three years in prison to run consecutively with the 14-year sentence for the kidnapping case for a total of 17 years. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, the Sandia Tribal Police and the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley prosecuted the case.
Jicarilla man sentenced to two years in prison for assaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ronnie Tiznado, 47, of Dulce, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, was sentenced on June 14 in federal court to two years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Tiznado pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2020.
According to his plea agreement, Tiznado assaulted the victim on June 2, 2019, in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Tiznado admitted to throwing the victim to the ground and hitting her with his fists. The victim suffered serious bodily injuries as a result of the assault.
Upon his release from prison, Tiznado will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Frederick T. Mendenhall is prosecuting the case.
Jefferson County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashad Khalill Faunteroy, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Faunteroy, 21, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Faunteroy, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a domestic violence conviction, admitted to having a 9mm handgun in July 2020 in Jefferson County.
Faunteroy faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Charles Town Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided.
Infant assault sends Wolf Point man to prison for 40 monthsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man who admitted to seriously injuring an infant on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Charles Connor Clark, 27, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury as charged in a superseding information.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Clark was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in November 2017, the FBI was notified that an infant, identified as John Doe, had been flown from Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, to a hospital in Billings. The victim appeared to have suffered life-threatening, non-accidental injuries. Doctors informed agents that John Doe’s injuries were classic signs of physical abuse. When interviewed, the victim’s mother said Clark had told her the victim had vomited, that he was trying to burp him and that the victim had choked.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.
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Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company Pleads Guilty to Causing 2016 Oil Spill and Agrees to $1 Million FineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK COMPANY, LLC (“GREAT LAKES”), a Texas company, pled guilty on June 15, 2021 to violating the Clean Water Act in connection with an oil spill in 2016, and agreed to pay a $1 million fine and additional restitution to be determined by the court.
According to court documents, GREAT LAKES admitted to negligently causing the discharge of a harmful quantity of oil into a navigable water of the United States, in violation of the Clean Water Act. The spill took place on September 5, 2016, on the edge of Bay Long near the Chenier Ronquille barrier island, which is east of Grand Isle.
In the plea documents, GREAT LAKES admitted that in its contract with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), GREAT LAKES was responsible for locating all pipelines in the area of the project and complying with the federal Pipeline Safety Act and the “One Call” system created by the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. GREAT LAKES admitted that it violated those two laws by failing to alert pipeline companies about continuing work near their pipelines for several months leading up to the oil spill.
James Tassin, the subcontractor working for GREAT LAKES who operated the marsh buggy that physically caused the spill, was charged in a separate criminal case, No. 21-cr-8, and he pled guilty as charged on March 18, 2021 and is awaiting sentencing. According to court documents in Tassin’s case, after GREAT LAKES stopped complying with One Call requirements, a GREAT LAKES employee instructed Tassin to use his marsh buggy to dig near pipelines, despite that digging not being in NOAA’s approved plans, and without GREAT LAKES getting approval from any pipeline companies that it was safe to dig. While Tassin was in the area of that work on September 5, 2016, he struck one of the pipelines with his marsh buggy and caused the oil spill. Tassin admitted that a GREAT LAKES employee instructed Tassin not to tell anyone that Tassin had been digging near the site of the spill, so Tassin followed that instruction. In GREAT LAKES’ plea documents, GREAT LAKES admitted that it supervised Tassin’s work and that GREAT LAKES’ negligent supervision of Tassin caused the oil spill.
“Safeguarding the environment is one of the highest priorities for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continue working with its federal partners to investigate and hold entities accountable when they neglect their professional and legal obligations and threaten the environment, which places the public and our ecosystem in Southeastern Louisiana at risk.”
“The defendant in this case recklessly violated regulations designed to protect the environment and then tried to hide its actions,” said Christopher Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Louisiana. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that we will hold violators responsible for breaking our environmental laws.”
“Failure to adhere to laws and regulations intended to protect our Nation’s natural resources can have serious consequences both for the environment and the integrity of the pipeline transportation system, as was the case in this instance,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southern Region, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “We echo the commitment expressed by our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensuring that those who violate these laws and regulations are held accountable.”
“The Department of Commerce OIG is dedicated to working with our partners to curb fraud, waste and abuse, especially when projects receiving NOAA funding result in environmental hazards. We greatly appreciate the cooperative efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement counterparts in ensuring justice is served in this matter,” said Duane Townsend, Special Agent in Charge, U.S Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, GREAT LAKES agreed to pay a fine of $1 million. GREAT LAKES also agreed to deposit $2 million with the court in an advance of a future hearing to determine the final amount of restitution to any victims. U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry will set a sentencing hearing at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Columbia County Business Owner Charged with Tax Crimes
Christa Johnson, 56, Cambria, Wisconsin, is charged in a 17-count indictment with failing to pay payroll and other taxes associated with a business owned by her and with corruptly endeavoring to impede the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment alleges that from July 2015 to January 2017, Johnson was the owner of Johnson Sausage Shoppe, Inc. (JSS), a meat processing plant, grocery store, and catering business in Rio, Wisconsin, and failed to pay over to the IRS federal income taxes, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes withheld from the wages of JSS employees. The indictment also charges that during this same time period, Johnson failed to pay to the IRS all of the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes due on behalf of JSS. The indictment further alleges that Johnson failed to pay to the IRS federal unemployment taxes in 2015 and 2016. Overall, the indictment alleges that Johnson failed to pay $155,936 in taxes owed.
The last count of the indictment charges Johnson with corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the IRS in their collection efforts to obtain payment of the unpaid taxes and their investigation into Johnson’s failure to pay the taxes. The indictment alleges that she intentionally withheld corporate records requested by a grand jury subpoena issued to JSS and that she created a false narrative about other individuals she claimed were responsible for the failure to pay the taxes.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each of the seven counts of failing to pay payroll taxes, 1 year for each of the nine counts of failing to pay the employer’s share of FICA taxes and failing to pay unemployment taxes, and 3 years on the charge of corruptly endeavoring to impede the IRS.
The charges against Johnson are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber is handling the prosecution.
Two Chicago Men Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Gregorio Arreola Mendoza, 34, and Jose A. Mendoza-Cortez, 32, both of Chicago, Illinois, are charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that they possessed the methamphetamine on February 24, 2021.
If convicted, Mendoza and Mendoza-Cortez face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge against them is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol, West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Christopher H. McCartney, 35, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on April 30, 2021.
If convicted, McCartney faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Chippewa County Man Charged with Gun Crime
Steven Sorensen, 42, Cornell, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 6, 2021, he possessed a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.
If convicted, Sorensen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Gang Members Charged in Connection with Murder and Attempted Murder as Part of RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips appeared in court today on charges that include attempted murder and murder as part of a RICO conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith,” 21; Jason Franklin, aka “Freak,” aka “OG Freak,” 37; and Tre Byrd, aka “Bands,” aka “G Bandz,” 20, all of Newark, are charged by indictment with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. Williams was arraigned today before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. Byrd was arraigned on June 9, 2021 before Judge Wigenton. Franklin remains at large.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Williams, Franklin, and Byrd are allegedly members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. On Sept. 25, 2018, Williams shot at four individuals in Newark, striking two. All of the victims survived the attack. On March 20, 2019, in Irvington, New Jersey, aided and abetted by Franklin and Byrd, Williams fatally shot another victim. On June 20, 2020, in Newark, Byrd worked with another member and associate of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips to rob another victim at gunpoint.
All of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Toby C. Taylor; prosecutors and detectives with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; police officers and detectives of the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Director Tracey Bowers; police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara; the Essex County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; and the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Samuel A. DeMaio, Director of Public Safety.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Store Operator Sentenced for Being A Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – June 16, 2021, Clinton P. Wilborn, 47, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Wilborn earlier pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
According to court records, in April 2019, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and Chattanooga Police Department Gun Team responded to Discount Depot located at 6308 Highway 58 in Chattanooga following reports that the store operator was a convicted felon and illegally selling firearms from the business. Following a search of the premises, investigators recovered a large amount of assorted ammunition, firearm magazines, and 14 firearms—including rifles, shotguns, and pistols—hidden in various locations on the property. One of the firearms was stolen. During an interview with an ATF Special Agent, Wilborn, the store operator, admitted to possessing the firearms and stated he knew it was illegal to possess firearms due to his status as a convicted felon.
"This successful prosecution is the direct result of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement, "said Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. "We value these relationships and look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to combat the illegal possession of firearms in the Eastern District of Tennessee."
“It is imperative to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons and to prevent the sale of illegal firearms. ATF will continue to work in conjunction with and support local law enforcement agencies to prosecute those individuals who illegally possess and sell firearms,” stated Terry M. Jones, Resident Agent in Charge of ATF Chattanooga Field Office.
Chattanooga Chief of Police David Roddy said, “the dedicated teamwork by Chattanooga Police Investigators and our partners with the ATF and United States Attorney's Office has resulted, yet again, in the successful removal of crime guns and a criminal in Chattanooga. By working together, these law enforcement professionals have taken guns out of circulation and prevented a Wilborn from furthering the spread of gun violence.”
Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Brown represented the United States. Brown is a Special Assistant City Attorney with the Chattanooga Police Department assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute violations of federal firearm and drug laws.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face.
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Former Rochester Housing Authority Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Rochester Housing CharitiesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Janice White, 60, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) provided housing opportunities and services for the Rochester community. The RHA formed Rochester Housing Charities (RHC) to assist in advancing the purposes of the RHA. RHC, through the RHA, received thousands of dollars annually in assistance from the federal government. White was the Executive Secretary for the RHA from 2015 to 2020. She was also the Board Secretary for RHC and recorded the minutes for RHC board meetings.
On March 9, 2018, White started a company in Rochester called HJJ Property Development Inc. (HJJ Property), which was listed as a heating and air conditioning business. Between March 2018 and February 2019, White conspired with George Moses, RHA Chairman of the Board, to defraud RHC by falsely representing that HJJ Property was providing services to RHC when in fact it was not. To execute the scheme, White, with the knowledge of George Moses, created false invoices to make it appear that HJJ Property was a legitimate contractor that provided heating, air conditioning, roofing, and other services to RHC. The false invoices resulted in RHC paying HJJ Property for services that were never performed, overpaying HJJ Property for services that were performed by legitimate contractors, and paying HJJ Property for services that were performed by other contractors for the North East Area Development, Inc. (NEAD), not RHC. George Moses was the Executive Director of NEAD.
For example, High Performance Heating and Air Conditioning, a legitimate heating and air conditioning contractor, would provide RHC with an estimate for boiler services. George Moses would email the High Performance estimate to White who would then prepare a fraudulent and almost identical invoice from HJJ Property addressed to RHC. The fraudulent invoice made it appear that HJJ Property would perform the services for RHC that were going to be performed by High Performance. However, the amount requested to be paid on the HJJ Property fraudulent invoice would be more than what High Performance had originally requested for such services. White would then email the fraudulent HJJ Property invoices to George Moses, who authorized RHC to pay the invoices. On one occasion, White used a legitimate High Performance estimate in the amount of $9,000 to prepare a fraudulent and almost identical HJJ Property invoice to the RHC in the amount $15,000. After the work was completed by High Performance, RHC paid HJJ Property $15,000 and White used a portion of the funds to purchase a cashier’s check made payable to High Performance in the amount $9,000. The difference between what RHC paid HJJ Property and what White then authorized HJJ Property pay to High Performance was the amount that White and George Moses caused RHC to fraudulently overpay for the services provided by High Performance.
On a couple of other occasions, other legitimate contractors provided NEAD, not RHC, with an estimate for services to be performed for NEAD. White then prepared a fraudulent invoice from HJJ Property addressed to the RHC, not NEAD. The fraudulent HJJ Property invoice made it appear that HJJ Property would be providing the services to RHC that were actually going to be performed by the legitimate contractor for NEAD. Further, the amount requested to be paid on the fraudulent HJJ Property invoice would be more than what the legitimate contractor was even charging NEAD for the services. RHC then paid HJJ Property for the services performed for NEAD, and White again would use a portion of the funds to purchase cashier’s checks made payable to the legitimate contractor in the amount that the legitimate contractor had originally requested for the services it performed for NEAD. For example, Grant Heating and Cooling provided a legitimate estimate to NEAD in the amount of $4,340. George Moses then emailed the estimate to White who prepared a fraudulent and almost identical HJJ Property invoice to provide fake services for the RHC in the amount of $7,200.
“With this plea the defendant has admitted that she misused her positions with a public authority and charity to benefit herself and/or others,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The defendant abused her position to divert—to a sham company she created—public funds which were intended to assist underserved communities and individuals, but in so doing, she robbed those most in need of the very funds which were intended to help benefit them.”
Between March and August 2018, RHC was defrauded into paying HJJ Property $87,069.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rochester Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Geary; and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2022, before Judge Wolford.
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Former Leader of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering and drug charges. In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Rodriguez is the 45th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Jose Rodriguez, a/k/a “King Stutter,” 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2021.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Rodriguez served as Inca, or leader, of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Rodriguez admitted to conspiring with other members of the Latin Kings to distribute controlled substances such as cocaine and cocaine base in New Bedford through a series of “trap houses” or multi-unit apartment buildings controlled by the Latin Kings. Following the murder of a Latin Kings member in October 2019, and while serving as Inca of the New Bedford Chapter, Rodriguez was recorded during a Latin Kings meeting instructing members to attack rival gang members without seeking his specific approval for the acts of violence.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent and Task Force Officer Convicted of Conspiracy and Conversion of PropertyRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent and a former DEA task force officer were convicted Tuesday by a federal jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, in connection with a long-running scheme to steal personal property and money from individuals who had been arrested.
After a seven-day trial, Chad A. Scott, 53, of Covington, Louisiana, was found guilty of conspiracy and conversion of property, and Rodney P. Gemar, 45, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was found guilty of conspiracy, conversation of property, and removal of property. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who presided over the trial, has scheduled sentencing for Dec. 4.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during trial, Scott and Gemar both engaged in a long-running scheme to steal personal property and money from arrestees. Specifically, between 2009 and 2016, Scott and Gemar stole the personal property of arrestees, including items like wallets, phones, and keys. Instead of logging these items into evidence or returning them to the owners, Scott and Gemar would store the property in their desks and later throw it out. Scott and Gemar also took money from the pockets of arrestees, pilfered money from the wallets of individuals whom they arrested, and skimmed money off of cash seizures made by the DEA. After a co-conspirator was arrested in January 2016, Scott and Gemar, along with another colleague named Karl Newman, destroyed the evidence of their crimes, in part by throwing the evidence into the swamps outside New Orleans. They also used approximately $4,800 in money stolen from arrestees to pay for an attorney for their arrested co-conspirator.
“As law enforcement officers, Chad Scott and Rodney Gemar were entrusted with a special responsibility — to protect the the communities they served,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead of promoting justice, they violated the public trust to satisfy their own greed and to hurt individuals they arrested. This conviction sends a clear message to the public that law enforcement officers who corrupt their responsibilities will be held accountable.”
“Scott and Gemar conspired to steal from the people they arrested, and in doing so, compromised cases and undermined the values they swore to uphold as federal law enforcement officers,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas B. Bruce of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Denver Field Office. “Justice was served. They have been held accountable for their corrupt actions.”
"The convictions of Chad Scott and Rodney Gemar should send a clear message that law enforcement officers who tarnish their badge for their own personal gain are not above the law and will be held accountable," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams Jr. "We thank our partners at DOJ, DEA-OPR, and DOJ-OIG for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice."
“The convictions of Chad Scott and Rodney Gemar send a clear message to the public that law enforcement officers will be held accountable when they violate the laws they were entrusted to uphold,” said DEA Chief Inspector Brian McKnight. “DEA appreciates the partnership of all law enforcement entities who collaborated to reach this outcome.”
Scott has been fired from the DEA. Gemar has been removed from the DEA task force.
Two other former Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who had been serving as DEA task force officers in New Orleans have pleaded guilty in this investigation. Karl Emmett Newman, 54, of Kentwood, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to unlawfully carrying a firearm in furtherance of an August 2015 robbery, which was disguised as the execution of a search warrant, as well as misappropriating money confiscated by the DEA during another search. Johnny Domingue, 32, of Maurepas, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and misappropriating money confiscated by the DEA.
This case was initially investigated by the Louisiana State Police and later investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Division, DEA-OPR and DOJ-OIG.
Assistant Deputy Chief Timothy Duree of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Charles Miracle of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Doctor Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
A former medical doctor was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for unlawfully distributing controlled substances.
According to court documents, Darrel R. Rinehart, 66, of Indianapolis, Indiana, admitted to distributing Schedule II controlled substances, primarily opioids, to four different patients without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional practice on 18 different occasions between December 2014 and December 2015. Rinehart also admitted to knowingly distributing hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, in January 2016 to a patient who did not have any significant underlying health issues justifying the prescription.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and District Attorney General for Tennessee’s 22nd Judicial District investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Leslie Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program nearly $19 billion.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Former CEO Sentenced for Defrauding Multiple Federal AgenciesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington businessman was sentenced today to 21 months in prison with three years of supervised release for making false statements to multiple federal agencies in order to fraudulently obtain multimillion-dollar government contracts, COVID-19 emergency relief loans, and undeserved military service benefits.
“In the early stages of the global pandemic, the defendant engaged in three egregious fraudulent schemes that he brazenly concocted to enrich himself,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He falsely represented to the federal government that he could provide $38 million in life-saving N95 masks, and simultaneously, he fraudulently obtained over $1 million in pandemic assistance intended for deserving families and businesses. The defendant also continued an offensive seven-year scheme to obtain unearned veterans benefits by falsely claiming to have served as a Marine. This case underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit essential government programs at the expense of veterans, front-line medical personnel, and vulnerable members of our communities.”
According to court documents, Robert S. Stewart, Jr., 35, was the owner and president of Federal Government Experts (FGE) LLC, an Arlington-based company that purported to provide various services to the U.S. government. In this capacity, between April 1, 2020 and May 14, 2020, Stewart made false statements to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to obtain lucrative contracts to provide COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, Stewart fraudulently obtained loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. He also defrauded the VA by falsely claiming to be entitled to veteran’s benefits for serving in the U.S. Marine Corps when, in fact, he never served in the Marines.
As part of his PPE scheme, Stewart falsely stated to procurement officials from FEMA and the VA that he was in possession of large quantities of PPE, including N95 masks. Based on Stewart’s false statements, the VA and FEMA awarded FGE contracts valued at $35,000,000 and $3,510,000, respectively. The VA intended to use the PPE purchased from FGE to protect employees and patients at various Veterans Health Administration facilities, which serve the medical needs of over nine million veterans each year. FGE failed to supply any PPE to the VA and FEMA. The U.S. government suffered no financial loss because the contract called for payment upon delivery and inspection of the goods.
“These were crimes against the American people. Stewart fraudulently pursued contracts that were needed to supply VA hospital patients and staff with critical personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and stole taxpayer dollars intended to help local businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. In addition, he lied about his service in the military and received veterans benefits for which he was not entitled,” said VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal. “This sentence should send a clear message that the VA Office of Inspector General will work diligently with its law enforcement partners to ensure those who would defraud the nation’s veterans and the public will be caught and prosecuted.”
“We continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to pursue and dismantle schemes aimed at exploiting critical COVID-19 resources, and we are grateful for today’s sentencing decision, which sends a strong message to help deter potential fraudsters,” said Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Today’s sentencing shows that we will not allow criminals to get away with exploiting government relief efforts that were designed to assist millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart fraudulently obtained government-backed loans, and his nefarious and unethical actions were for his own personal gain,” said Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting the American people and the integrity of government assistance programs and will work to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who choose criminal activity and greed over principle and the law.”
Stewart also applied for various loans on behalf of FGE under the federal Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. These programs were designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of people suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan applications submitted by Stewart falsely overstated the number of FGE employees and the amount of FGE’s payroll, two factors that were important in determining loan eligibility and the proper amount of the loan. In addition, Stewart used some of the loan proceeds for personal expenditures rather than to pay employees or for other appropriate business expenses. As a result of these fraudulent loan applications, Stewart obtained approximately $1,066,000 in government-backed loans during the pandemic.
In a separate fraudulent scheme, Stewart, an Air Force veteran, submitted an application for benefits to the VA. The application was fraudulent in that Stewart falsely claimed that he also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Stewart created fraudulent documents that stated he attained the rank of Corporal in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after receiving several awards and commendations, including the Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, Meritorious Mast, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Certificate of Appreciation, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. Stewart, in fact, never served in the Marines. Based on his fraudulent application, he received excess benefits in the amount of $73,722.45 between September 2013 and October 2020.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and Michael J. Missal, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-5.
Former Boston Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer pleaded guilty today in connection with an ongoing investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Diana Lopez, 56, of Milton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2021.
In September 2020, Lopez and eight other Boston Police officers were arrested and charged for their roles in an overtime fraud scheme that is alleged to have collectively embezzled over $250,000 between May 2016 and February 2019. As part of the ongoing investigation, four additional officers have been charged: former officer Joseph Nee, former Captain Richard Evans and former Sergeants George Finch and William Baxter. Nee is scheduled to plead guilty on June 22, 2021. Finch pleaded guilty on June 1, 2021 and Baxter is scheduled to plead guilty on June 25, 2021.
Lopez submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that she did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The first, called “purge” overtime, was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called “kiosk” overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, Lopez claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but she routinely left at 6 p.m., and sometimes earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, Lopez and, allegedly, others submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact she and, allegedly, other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.
From January 2016 to February 2019, Lopez personally collected approximately $36,028 for overtime hours she did not work.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Essex County Man Admits Conspiring to Steal Mail and Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted to conspiracy to commit bank fraud by soliciting U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees to steal check books and credit cards from the mail, depositing fraudulent checks, including pandemic relief checks, and using stolen credit cards without authorization, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jahaad Flip, 20, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From February 2019 to May 2020, Flip conspired to fraudulently obtain money from victim financial institutions by, among other things, depositing counterfeit checks and checks stolen from the mail into accounts and withdrawing funds from those accounts before the financial institutions identified the fraudulent checks and blocked further withdrawals. Flip and his conspirators arranged for USPS employees to steal credit cards and blank check books from the mail in exchange for cash payments. USPS employees provided the checks to Flip and his conspirators, who forged the signatures of the accountholders and negotiated the checks by making them payable to individuals. Some of these individuals were New Jersey high school students who had given Flip and his conspirators access to their accounts in exchange for cash. Flip and his conspirators also created counterfeit checks, including counterfeit pandemic relief checks. They deposited the fraudulent checks online and at various bank ATMs throughout New Jersey and later withdrew funds from the bank accounts before the victim financial institutions identified the checks as fraudulent. Flip and his conspirators obtained and attempted to obtain approximately $280,000 from victim financial institutions.
One of Flip’s conspirators, Tashon Ragan, pleaded guilty before Judge Wigenton last week to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and is due to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2021. Charges are still pending against two other conspirators, Jeffrey Bennett and Janel Blackman. The charges against Bennett and Blackman are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi; special agents with IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; and special agents with the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Summit Police Department, the New Providence Police Department, the Piscataway Police Department, the Newark Police Department, the South Orange Police Department, and the Little Falls Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer and Elaine K. Lou in Newark.
Erie Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Javon Omar Franklin, 39, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about January 27, 2021, Franklin possessed firearms while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possession a firearm or ammunition. In addition, Franklin possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm, Meth and FentanylRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Thomas Keith Jones, 35, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about January 27, 2021, Jones possessed firearms while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possession a firearm or ammunition. In addition, Jones possessed with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total of 70 years in prison, a fine of $6,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
East Longmeadow Man Convicted of Placing Firebomb at Entrance of Jewish Nursing HomeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Longmeadow 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, 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 or other real or personal property 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, 2021.
“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 United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “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.”
“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 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “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, DOJ Civil Rights Division AAG Clarke 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 L. 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.
Drumright Man Sentenced for Stealing More Than $400,000 from an Illinois Oil and Gas CompanyRead the Press Release
A Drumright man was sentenced today in federal court for stealing $401, 146 worth of funds and oil and gas products from his former employer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced David Owen West, 59, to 21 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Eagan further ordered West to pay restitution in the amount of $401, 146 to Petco Petroleum. West previously pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. The defendant will self-surrender on Aug. 4, 2021.
“David West ran two criminal schemes against his employer, Petco Petroleum, and pocketed more than $400,000 worth of stolen money and product,” said Acting U.S Attorney Clint Johnson. “West’s criminal acts and deceit finally caught up with him. This convicted felon will spend nearly two years in federal prison thanks to the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles McLoughlin, the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture investigator Don Shoemake, and retired FBI special agent Daniel Risner.”
“I am very proud of the hard work and effort of the women and men of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who contributed to the successful prosecution of this individual that culminated in today’s sentencing,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Pearson, Dallas Field Office. “Mr. West stole nearly a half-a-million dollars from a company that trusted and relied on him. He lied and betrayed their trust for his own personal gain warranting the punishment for his crimes.”
West carried out his schemes at Petco Petroleum, an Illinois oil and gas company where he was employed for nearly 30 years. In one scheme, West produced and submitted to Petco Petroleum fraudulent invoices for services that were never rendered, totaling $129,038, which his employer paid in full and West pocketed. In a second scheme, West hired trucks to haul oil stolen from his employer’s oil leases to a reclaimer who then paid him $266,802 for the oil. Then West charged Petco Petroleum for the transport costs of their own stolen oil.
As field supervisor and oilfield pumper working in Oklahoma for Petco Petroleum (Petco), West checked wells to ensure they were properly functioning and to gauge oil production as well as selected vendors from which the company would purchase products or services needed to operate the wells. In order to be paid by Petco, vendors submitted invoices and documentation for goods or services provided to the company for West’s review and approval. West then mailed the approved invoices to Petco each month to be included in the company’s monthly accounts payable run.
In early 2015, West acquired a property in Drumright, Oklahoma, and on Oct. 27, 2015, legally registered Flash Electric Services, LLC, using the address in Drumright, with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Flash was used as part of West’s scheme to defraud his employer. From September 2015 to December 2016, West included 116 fraudulent invoices from Flash, totaling $129,038.00, in the monthly documents mailed to Petco for alleged electrical services that were never performed on the company’s Oklahoma oil wells. Based on these invoices, Petco mailed 15 separate checks via the U.S. Mail to Flash in Drumright to pay for the alleged services. All payments from Petco to Flash were subsequently deposited into bank accounts which West controlled.
In addition to the Flash false invoice scheme, West arranged for approximately 50 loads of Petco’s oil to be transported by Lightning Tank Truck and Independent Trucking to U.S. Oil Reclaimers, Inc. West sold and had delivered approximately $266,802 worth of stolen oil to the reclaimer. West directed the company to issue payment to either himself or Flash Services and personally picked up the checks. He then forwarded to his employer invoices for payment from both trucking companies for the cost of the transportation of the stolen Petco oil, totaling $5,306. After West approved the trucking invoices to be paid, Petco issued and mailed checks to both trucking companies.
IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin prosecuted the case.
Defendants from Orleans and Jefferson Parishes Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DONIESHA GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana and ERICA LEE THOMPSON (“ERICA LEE”), age 46, of Harvey, Louisiana, entered guilty pleas today to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance.
According to today’s guilty pleas, GIBSON and ERICA LEE, along with their co-conspirators and others, beginning in approximately as early as 2015 and continuing through the present, conspired to commit wire fraud in connection with staged accidents with Cornelius Garrison, including two that occurred on October 15, 2015, and September 6, 2017. Today’s guilty pleas bring the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to twenty-two (22).
Today, GIBSON admitted to being a passenger in a staged accident on October 15, 2015. On that day, her former co-defendant intentionally drove a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned by GIBSON into a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510. GIBSON retained an attorney and thereafter made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.
ERICA LEE admitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, she was a passenger in LEE’s 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashed into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express. ERICA LEE retained counsel and made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.
In total, the victim trucking, bus, and insurance companies paid out approximately $707,500.00 for these two fraudulent claims orchestrated by the defendants and others.
GIBSON and ERICA LEE face a maximum sentence of five (5) years of incarceration. Upon release from prison, each defendant also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for November 3, 2021, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Sherman Evans Jr., a/k/a “Face Evans”, age 33, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The guilty plea 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 Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to his guilty plea, on August 4, 2019 Prince George’s County Police Department officers responded to a location in Oxon Hill, Maryland for a reported shooting. Once officers arrived, officers noted that multiple vehicles were struck with bullets. Multiple 9mm shell casings were recovered on the scene. As a result of the investigation, PGPD officers identified Evans as a suspect in the shooting.
On August 5, 2019, Evans was arrested by PGPD and taken into custody. Evans informed law enforcement he used a firearm in self-defense and that the firearm he used was inside of his vehicle. Evans consented to a search of his vehicle and law enforcement discovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The firearm had nine 9mm cartridges in the magazine, which had a 16-round capacity.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on August 4, 2019, Evans knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction punishable by more than one year in prison and his civil rights had not been restored.
Evans faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison followed by a maximum of three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan who is prosecuting the case.
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Columbus man sentenced for selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deontre Christian Johnson, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Johnson, also known as “Day Day,” age 21, pled guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Johnson admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in December 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Co-Conspirator Sentenced on Charge of Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Samuel Pérez-Rivera was sentenced to three years of probation by United States District Judge Silvia L. Carreño-Coll for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Pérez-Rivera plead guilty to the sole count of an Information on March 12, 2020.
As part of the sentence imposed, Pérez-Rivera paid $150,000 in restitution in favor of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and was excluded, in perpetuity, from participating as a Non-Attorney Representative before the SSA. Pérez-Rivera, as a Non-Attorney Representative, submitted fraudulent psychiatric medical reports to the Social Security Administration. The fraudulent reports were prepared by him and signed by Dr. Américo Oms-Rivera. Dr. Oms was sentenced on February 5, 2021, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
On March 12, 2020, the United States Attorney charged Samuel Pérez-Rivera for fraud in the application process for SSA disability insurance benefits in Puerto Rico. As part of this scheme, Samuel Pérez-Rivera admitted that even though he was not a physician, he would prepare psychiatric medical reports, using as a go-by a template report and adding fictitious medical appointments that never took place. This was done to create the appearance of a longer history of medical treatment and for the purpose of deceiving the SSA into approving disability insurance benefits. These reports were eventually signed by the psychiatrist, Dr. Américo Oms-Rivera and submitted to the SSA.
The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program. The SSA provides monetary benefits to workers with severe, long-term disabilities, who have worked in SSA covered employment for a required length of time. Spouses and dependent children of disabled workers may also be eligible to receive benefits. Fraud schemes, such as the one perpetrated in this case, compromise the SSA’s limited funding and its ability to reach those in need of benefits.
“This defendant defrauded the SSA for personal gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute this type of cases to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.
“This sentence represents another major milestone in this fraud scheme that our OIG investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have worked diligently for several years to dismantle,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. “This individual knowingly conspired to submit false information in support of disability claims to defraud SSA. We will continue to pursue those who facilitate Social Security fraud. I thank our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodriguez, for their outstanding efforts in support of this case.”
Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez from the Social Security Administration was in charge of the prosecution of the case. This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge John Grasso, jointly with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General Health and Human Services also assisted during the investigation.
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Citizen of Estonia Admits Operating "Crypting" Service to Conceal Kelihos Botnet from Anti-Virus SoftwareRead the Press Release
PAVEL TSURKAN, 33, of Estonia, pleaded guilty today in the District of Connecticut to a federal charge related to 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.
Tsurkan pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti to one count of aiding and abetting unauthorized access to a protected computer, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tsurkan, his co-defendant Oleg Koshkin, and others operated an online, for-profit service known as Crypt4U via the websites “crypt4u.com,” “crypt4u.net,” “fud.bz,” “fud.re,” as well as a custom FTP service for high-volume processing. The websites promised to render malicious software fully undetectable (FUD) by nearly every major provider of antivirus software. Tsurkan 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.
Tsurkan provided the Crypt4U service to assist individuals who created and maintained networks of infected and compromised computers, known as “botnets.” In particular, Tsurkan provided the Crypt4U service to Peter Yuryevich Levashov, who used the service in connection with the Kelihos botnet. The Kelihos botnet was used to send spam, to conduct denial of service attacks, and to distribute ransomware, among other criminal acts. 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, including computers in Connecticut.
Tsurkan is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 27, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
On June 15, 2016, a jury in Hartford found Oleg Koshkin, a Russian national last residing in Estonia, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse and one count of aiding and abetting computer fraud and abuse. Koshkin is detained while awaiting sentencing.
On September 12, 2018, Levashov 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. He is awaiting sentencing.
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.
Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute meth while possessing guns pled guilty June 15, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Christopher O’Tool, 43, from Arcadia, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearing, O’Tool admitted he was involved in two conspiracies, one from about January 2016 through June 2016 and another from March 2019 through July 2019, in which he and others distributed more than four pounds of methamphetamine. In May and June 2016, O’Tool distributed over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. On June 2, 2016, law enforcement stopped O’Tool, searched his vehicle, and seized nearly a pound of methamphetamine and a .45 caliber handgun and ammunition. O’Tool admitted to his involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in and around the Carroll, Iowa area, which he acquired from a source in Omaha, Nebraska. On July 11, 2019, law enforcement agents met with O’Tool, and with his consent, seized two 9mm pistols from O’Tool’s truck. Later that day, O’Tool also admitted to again distributing methamphetamine in and around the Carroll, Iowa area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. O’Tool remains in custody pending sentencing. On the conspiracy convictions, O’Tool faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, O’Tool faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed on the conspiracy convictions, and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, Carroll Police Department, and Iowa DCI.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3017. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
California Woman Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ZORAIDA LARA, a/k/a ZORAIDA TRINIDAD, age 50, a resident of Alta Loma, California, pleaded guilty on June 10, 2021 to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information, charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin.
According to court records, in November 2019, during an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, LARA communicated with a special agent working in an undercover capacity about the transportation of illegal narcotics to the New Orleans, LA area. Shortly after their conversation, LARA arranged for co-defendant, David Mora, to deliver the narcotics to the New Orleans area. After Mora delivered the narcotics, which included heroin, LARA flew from California to New Orleans to collect payment for the illegal narcotics and was subsequently arrested upon her arrival.
The Honorable District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe will sentence LARA on September 30, 2021. LARA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, at least 4 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment as to each count.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is in charge of the prosecution.
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Burlington Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Davenport, Iowa – On Friday, June 11, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Lamar Harris, age 37, of Burlington, to 210 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Harris was ordered to serve four years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Harris was found to have been involved in a long-standing conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of controlled substances, with his involvement dating back to 2011. Harris has a history of violence and had two prior felony drug convictions. Harris was under criminal justice supervision at the time of this offense.
Harris was one of eight defendants who faced federal charges in the Southern District of Iowa after a multi-year joint federal and state investigation which culminated in the execution of several search warrants in various locations, including several in Burlington on November 19, 2019.
This investigation was conducted by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce; Burlington Police Department; Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office; West Central Illinois Taskforce; Quincy, Illinois Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Henry County Sheriff’s Office; Mt. Pleasant Police Department; West Burlington Police Department; Keokuk Police Department; Ft. Madison Police Department; Lee County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa City Police Department; Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; North Liberty Police Department; Coralville Police Department; Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office; Louisa County Sheriff’s Office; Washington County Sheriff’s Office; Bettendorf Police Department; Illinois State Police; Monmouth, Illinois Police Department; Macomb, Illinois Police Department; Galesburg, Illinois Police Department; Adams County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office; and Fulton County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Billings man sentenced to 14 years in prison for receiving child pornography in coercion and enticement of minors caseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison followed by 12 years of supervised release after he admitted to receiving child pornography as part of scheme to coerce and entice minors to engage in sexually explicit activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Brandon Frank Stricker, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 11 to receipt of child pornography as charged in Count V of a superseding indictment, pursuant to a plea agreement.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen further ordered Stricker to register as a sex offender, pay a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and pay $619 restitution. Stricker was remanded into custody.
“This case shocks the conscience, and the sentence here was well deserved. We have to do everything we can to protect minors from this sort of abuse and predatory conduct and we will continue to do so,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
In court documents and in statements made in court, the government alleged that for almost a two-year period, from about June 2018 to May 2020, Stricker engaged in a pattern of exploitative and criminal conduct with numerous minors in the Billings community. The government alleged Stricker coerced and enticed multiple victims for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations with them and to produce sexually explicit material.
The government further alleged that Stricker received child pornography after meeting Jane Doe 1, a 14-year-old female, and communicating with her online. Jane Doe informed Stricker of her age. On August 11, 2018, Jane Doe 1 sent Stricker two videos via Facebook. One video depicted Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct by herself, and the second video depicted Jane Doe 1 and another minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Stricker expressed his approval of the videos to Jane Doe 1.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Probation and Parole and Billings Police Department.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Berkeley County woman admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jaime Renee Coddington, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Coddington, 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base.” Coddington admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.Coddington faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-berkeley-and
Atlantic County Man Admits Causing a False Distress Call to U.S. Coast Guard and Committing Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man today admitted sending a false distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard and submitting fraudulent information on a loan application, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Andrew Biddle, 51, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an indictment charging him with one count of bank fraud and one count of causing the U.S. Coast Guard to render unnecessary aid.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 25, 2014, Biddle submitted documents to secure a loan for $55,000 from Southeast Financial Credit Union. Biddle listed as collateral for the loan a boat and provided a fraudulent appraisal document for the boat. Biddle also submitted to Southeast Financial a document that falsely listed his gross earnings as owner of Professional Boat; a document that falsely inflated the net income for Professional Boat; and a fraudulent income tax return. Based on the fraudulent documents Southeast Financial fund the loan and deposit $55,000 into Biddle’s account.
Between February 2014 and July 2014, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department filed theft charges against Biddle. Biddle admitted that on July 20, 2014, he and a passenger took a boat out of Seavillage Marina in Northfield and traveled across Great Egg Harbor Inlet to a restaurant in Somers Point to have dinner. During dinner, Biddle and the passenger finalized a scheme to fake Biddle’s disappearance. After dinner, Biddle and his passenger traveled back to the marina by boat. The passenger dropped Biddle off between two piers so that he could be picked up by another individual and driven out of the area. The passenger then continued back to Seaville Marina and he intentionally hit a navigational marker in Great Egg Harbor Inlet near Longport. The collision caused the passenger to be ejected from the boat. The passenger caused someone to call 911. Based on that call the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and Longport fire/rescue responded to the area to search for and try and save Biddle. The U.S. Coast Guard and others searched for Biddle using vessels and helicopters on July 20 and 21, 2014. Biddle admitted that while the Coast Guard was searching for him, he was in Florida.
Biddle admitted that he faked his disappearance in order to avoid prosecution by authorities in Atlantic County, but eventually turned himself into authorities in Atlantic County on Feb. 12, 2015.
The count of bank fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The false distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard carries a maximum potential penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and detectives of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Atlantic City Woman Charged with Defrauding Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic City woman was charged for her role in fraudulently obtaining money from elderly victims and not advising the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of the substantial amount of money she earned from the scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Victoria Crosby, 44, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud, one count of concealing information affecting a continued right to payment by the SSA, one count of health care fraud and one count of making a false statement, representation or document to HUD. Crosby is scheduled to have her initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Crosby and others used prepaid cellular phones to contact victims whose spouses or other family members had recently died. Many of the victims were 70 or older. Crosby and others used fictitious names and purported to be employees of either a retirement benefit office or a life insurance company. They told the victims that life insurance policies, obtained by their deceased family member and for which they were the beneficiary, were in arrears and that to correct the underpayment, victims needed to pay thousands of dollars. Victims were instructed to purchase prepaid cards at various retailers and provide the caller with the 10-digit codes on the back. After obtaining the prepaid card information, Crosby and others loaded the money into accounts they controlled. According to video surveillance footage obtained by law enforcement officials, Crosby withdrew victim funds from various ATMs in New Jersey.
At the time that Crosby was involved in the fraud scheme, she was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the SSA and Medicaid. Crosby was also living in public housing in Atlantic City and receiving housing assistance through HUD’s Public and Indian Housing Program. Between January 2020 and December 2020, Crosby received $110,380 into her bank account. Had SSA or HUD been aware of her income, Crosby would have been ineligible for SSI, Medicaid, or HUD benefits.
The counts of wire fraud and health care fraud each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The count of concealing any event affecting continued right to payment by the SSA and making false statements to HUD each carry a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited criminal investigators of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; special agents of the FBI Newark, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Maryland Office of the Attorney General for its assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Soliciting and Paying for the Production of A Video Depicting A 9-Year-Old Child Being MolestedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Cody Dillon Hogan (26, Leachville, Arkansas) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to solicit and pay an individual to molest a 9-year-old child and to creating a video recording depicting this sexual abuse. Hogan faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Hogan was arrested on November 9, 2020, at his residence in Arkansas and remains in custody. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, in December 2019, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing as a parent of a 9-year-old child, made contact with Hogan in a particular online chat application. During an online session, Hogan, using the online name “stonetelephone,” sent the undercover agent a photo of his own genitalia and asked for “naughty” photos of the purported 9-year-old “child.” Hogan offered to pay the “parent” to create and send him a video of the “child” being sexually abused. Hogan gave specific instructions as to how he wanted to see the “child” molested in the video, and he sent the agent a $50 gift card as payment for the requested video. For several weeks, Hogan continued to solicit the undercover agent to produce and send him a video of the 9-year-old “child” being molested, and he provided advice on various ways to send it to him over the internet using group sharing accounts and online cloud storage. During one particular online chat, Hogan stated, “After I see this video there could be all kinds of money and requests coming your way lol.”
Subsequently, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Hogan’s residence in Arkansas and placed him under arrest. During an interview with FBI agents, Hogan admitted that he had engaged in online conversations with the mother of a 9-year-old child about producing and sending him a pornographic video of the child. He also stated that he had successfully solicited at least three other children to produce and send him sexually explicit photos of themselves. A search of Hogan’s cellphone and his homemade computer revealed that these devices contained hundreds of videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of young children, including sadistic and masochistic conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Memphis and the Jonesboro (Arkansas) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Charges of Supplemental Security Income FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jorge Ortiz, Jr., age 60, of Albany, pled guilty today to concealing his resources from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to defraud SSA into paying Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to his stepson, who was otherwise ineligible to receive such benefits.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Ortiz admitted that from November 2008 through February 2016, while acting as representative payee for a family member, Ortiz concealed and failed to disclose assets and resources in order to deceive SSA into making benefit payments to the family member who was otherwise ineligible to receive SSI benefit payments. SSI is a needs-based program, available to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals, that provides money to pay for basic living expenses.
As a result of his conviction, Ortiz faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2021 before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. 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 the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Tuesday 15 June 2021
World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart today, reminded the elderly and those responsible for their care to be cautious and vigilant in their financial and healthcare affairs to prevent them from becoming victims of scams and other abuses which target elderly and vulnerable populations.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, it is critical that we inform and educate our older population about the vast number of emerging scams which target the elderly,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stewart. “Elder-fraud schemes were on the rise even before the pandemic and now we are seeing an explosive amount of fraudulent activity designed to profit from the abuse of senior citizens. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously pursue individuals and corporations who target the elderly with their scams.”
Individuals are reminded to use caution when encountering high-pressure sales tactics; being asked to pay “up front” fees; responding to unsolicited emails and phone calls from services that were not requested; or being asked to provide personal information, just to name a few examples. Other scams presently on the rise include fake post-vaccine scams; fake unemployment benefit and stimulus scams; grandparent scams; and others pretending to represent law enforcement.
Recent enforcement efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office involving scams targeting the elderly include:
- The settlement of False Claims Act allegations against SavaSeniorCare for $11.2 million. Allegations in this case included medically unnecessary rehabilitation therapy services and grossly substandard skilled nursing services provided to elderly patients in nursing homes.
- On May 13, 2021, Fredrick Stow, a former investments advisor, was sentenced to federal prison for defrauding two elderly investors of more than $933,000.
- On May 12, 2021, Karl Hampton and his wife Deborah Hampton, both of Franklin, Tennessee, were charged with defrauding an elderly widow and dementia patient of $1.7 million by convincing the woman that Karl Hampton was her son and acquiring a Power of Attorney over her affairs.
Elder abuse is widespread. Help spread the word and keep our elders informed.
If you are a victim of elder fraud, or know someone who is, take action and call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
More information and additional resources on elder abuse and prevention can be found by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse website (NCEA) https://ncea.acl.gov . Additional resources can be found here .
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Woman sentenced for embezzling more than half a million dollars from employerRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: The former office manager for an Augusta medical practice has been sentenced after admitting she stole more than half a million dollars from the business.
Shirley Ann Taylor, 65, of Gibson, Ga., was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to an Information charging her with nine counts of Wire Fraud, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Taylor to pay $1,163,091.68 in restitution, and to serve three years of supervised release after completion of her prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Shirley Ann Taylor violated the trust of her employer and fellow employees to enrich herself at the company’s expense,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Thanks to the vigilance of a fellow employee, she’s now being held accountable for her thefts.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Taylor was employed at an Augusta medical practice from 2006 to 2020 as the office and payroll manager. The year after she was hired, Taylor began stealing from her employer by inflating her own pay and writing unauthorized company checks which she deposited in her own account or used to pay her mortgage.
The company in 2020 hired a new office manager who quickly noted accounting discrepancies amounting to nearly $1.2 million. In her guilty plea, Taylor accepted responsibility for stealing a minimum of $550,000 from the company.
“Taylor threw away an important position in a company that entrusted her by stealing money she didn’t deserve,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Now she is being held accountable for her actions, thanks the cooperative efforts from the company and our law enforcement partners.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia G. Rhodes.
Woman Sentenced for Attacking Boyfriend with a KnifeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa woman was sentenced in federal court for attacking a man with a knife during a domestic violence situation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Sharilyn Rose Browning, 31, to 37 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Browning previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.
On July 31, 2020, Browning, a White Mountain Apache citizen, attacked her boyfriend using a kitchen knife. According to court documents, Browning was intoxicated when the victim arrived at their home. The couple began arguing and Browning stabbed and sliced the male victim resulting in lacerations to his arm and head. The victim received over 200 stitches for his injuries. The crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.
In her written plea agreement, Browning admitted that she had intent to do bodily harm when she assaulted a male victim with a knife by stabbing him on July 31, 2020.
The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Fletcher prosecuted the case. AUSA Fletcher is a prosecutor from the Northern District of Iowa. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Multi-State Bank Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to over 9 years in federal prison by the Honorable Richard G. Andrews, for four counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted bank robbery.
According to court documents, Michael Wheeler, 41, committed a series of seven bank robberies and attempted bank robberies across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland over a 24-day period in July and August 2019. Victim banks were located in Wilmington, Delaware; Elkton, Maryland; Havertown, Pennsylvania; Broomall, Pennsylvania; and Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Banks impacted included PNC Bank, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, among others.
Mr. Wheeler was not armed during the robberies, but led bank employees to believe he was armed and would shoot them if they did not comply with his demands. In one instance, Mr. Wheeler handed a bank employee a note stating he had a gun; in another, he warned a bank employee not to set off the bank’s alarm system and motioned as if he were reaching for a firearm. At least one victim has confirmed that she feared for her life. Over the course of his robbery spree, Mr. Wheeler absconded with a total of $14,165.
U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “The defendant’s multi-state bank robbery spree endangered not only the lives of bank personnel, but innocent civilians as well. I want to thank our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in the investigation and prosecution of this case.”
“Michael Wheeler was a walking crime spree, endangering the lives of employees and customers at the banks that he robbed,” said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that the FBI, and our law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to justice.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen McCartney and Carly Hudson. The case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency with assistance from the FBI Philadelphia Division’s Philadelphia and South Jersey Residence Agencies; Delaware State Police; Elkton, Maryland Police Department; Haverford Township, Pennsylvania Police Department; and Camden County, New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office.
Upshur County man charged with carjacking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad C. Newcome, of Rock Cave, West Virginia, was indicted today on carjacking and firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Newcome, 40, was indicted on one count of “Carjacking,” one count of “Use of Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Newcome is accused of attempting to steal a 2018 Dodge Ram Truck on March 10, 2021 in Upshur County. Newcome, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of using a 12-gauge shotgun during the alleged carjacking.
Newcome faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the carjacking charge, at least seven years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the use of a firearm charge, and up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Files Suit Against California Skilled Nursing Chain and its Owner for Allegedly Paying Illegal Kickbacks to PhysiciansRead the Press Release
The United States filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California yesterday under the False Claims Act against Paksn Inc.; Prema Thekkek, one of its owners; and seven skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) owned by Thekkek and/or operated by Paksn. Those seven SNFs are Bay Point Healthcare Center, Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center, Hayward Convalescent Hospital, Hilltop Care & Rehabilitation Center, Martinez Convalescent Hospital, Park Central Care & Rehabilitation Hospital, and Yuba Skilled Nursing Center.
The United States alleges that defendants entered into medical directorship agreements with certain physicians that purported to provide compensation for administrative services, but in reality, were vehicles for the payment of kickbacks to induce the physicians to refer patients to the seven SNFs. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to encourage the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs.
Specifically, the United States alleges that defendants hired certain physicians who promised in advance to refer a large number of patients to the SNFs, paid physicians in proportion to the number of expected referrals, and terminated physicians who did not refer enough patients. On one occasion, a Paksn employee told Thekkek that two physicians were being hired because “they are promising at least 10 patients for $2000 per month.” On another, Thekkek complained that if Paksn’s employees did not pay medical directors promptly every month, “[t]hese doctors will not give us patients.” On a third occasion, a Paksn employee told Thekkek that because “lately there are no real referrals” from one of the medical directors, “i am planning to say goodbye to him.”
“Illegal financial arrangements with physicians can improperly influence the type and amount of health care that is provided to patients,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to redressing the corrupting influence of kickbacks on the medical decision‑making of providers participating in federal health care programs.”
“The payment of kickbacks to physicians for referrals turns patients into commodities that can be traded,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison for the Central District of California. “Profits should not dictate medical decisions, which is why it is illegal to pay for referrals that can cloud physicians’ medical judgment.”
The lawsuit was initially filed in December 2015 by Trilochan Singh, who was previously employed as Paksn’s Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties. The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Trilochan Singh v. Paksn, Inc. et al., No. 15‑cv-09064 (C.D. Cal.).
The United States’ intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
United States Files Suit Against California Skilled Nursing Chain and its Owner for Allegedly Paying Illegal Kickbacks to PhysiciansRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against a Vacaville company alleging one of its owners and seven skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) “systematically paid money to referring physicians…to induce those physicians to make patient referrals, in knowing and willful violation” of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
The complaint in intervention, which was filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles late Monday, names as defendants Paksn Inc.; Prema Thekkek, one of its owners; and seven SNFs owned by Thekkek and/or operated by Paksn.
The United States alleges that the defendants entered into medical directorship agreements with certain physicians that purported to provide compensation for administrative services, but in reality, were vehicles for the payment of kickbacks to induce the physicians to refer patients to the seven SNFs. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to encourage the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs.
Those seven SNFs are four facilities in Hayward – Bay Point Healthcare Center, Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center, Hayward Convalescent Hospital, and Hilltop Care & Rehabilitation Center – as well as Martinez Convalescent Hospital, Park Central Care & Rehabilitation Hospital in Fremont, and Yuba Skilled Nursing Center.
The United States specifically alleges that the defendants hired certain physicians who promised in advance to refer a large number of patients to the SNFs, paid physicians in proportion to the number of expected referrals and terminated physicians who did not refer enough patients.
On one occasion, a Paksn employee told Thekkek that two physicians were being hired because “they are promising at least 10 patients for $2000 per month.” On another, Thekkek complained that if Paksn’s employees did not pay medical directors promptly every month, “[t]hese doctors will not give us patients.” On a third occasion, a Paksn employee told Thekkek that because “lately there are no real referrals” from one of the medical directors, “i am planning to say goodbye to him.”
“The payment of kickbacks to physicians for referrals turns patients into commodities that can be traded,” said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. “Profits should not dictate medical decisions, which is why it is illegal to pay for referrals that can cloud physicians’ medical judgment.”
“Illegal financial arrangements with physicians can improperly influence the type and amount of health care that is provided to patients,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to redressing the corrupting influence of kickbacks on the medical decision making of providers participating in federal health care programs.”
This case was initially filed in December 2015 by Trilochan Singh, who was previously employed as Paksn’s vice president of operations and chief operating officer, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties.
The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Trilochan Singh v. Paksn, Inc., et al., CV15-9064.
The United States’ intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California (Civil Fraud Section), with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’Read the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring the just treatment of all people and wants the public to be aware of the problem affecting communities throughout the Eastern District of Missouri. An estimated 1 in 10 adults aged 60 years of age or older experience some type of abuse annually in the United States. Elder abuse violates this principle. The costs of elder abuse are high not only for the affected individuals, but society. Older Americans’ losses can be tangible (homes and life savings) and intangible (dignity, independence, and possibly their lives). For society, elder abuse is both a social and economic issue and it is in everyone’s interest to be mindful of and help prevent it.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006 to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons. Elder abuse takes many forms: neglect or isolation; physical abuse; sexual abuse; financial abuse and exploitation; and emotional or psychological abuse.
Like other forms of interpersonal violence, elder abuse usually occurs behind closed doors and the victims are reluctant to report their abuse, particularly if a family member is the perpetrator. The victims may feel ashamed and embarrassed of having fallen victim to a financial scheme or to have been abused by a child. Many victims of abuse may fear that the family member who abuses them risks criminal charges. Victims are also reluctant to speak out where there is fear, they will be forced to live in a nursing home. Worse yet, the victims may fear that the abuse will get worse if they report it.
As a community, we can create a stronger society that safeguards older adults and prevents this type of abuse from occurring.
- Keep in contact and talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives frequently
- Be aware and alert for the possibility of abuse
- Look around and take note of what may be happening with your older neighbors and acquaintances
- Ask questions and listen
Please call the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 392-0210 or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) FRAUD-11 if you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. Please dial 911 if you believe an older person is in a life-threatening situation.
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