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Friday 11 June 2021
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 4, 2021, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Roberto Lange.
Eric Bonadore, age 52, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
From approximately November 2018 to March 2019, Bonadore brought methamphetamine from Colorado to South Dakota. Bonadore travelled to Colorado on at least two occasions to obtain methamphetamine from a person introduced to him by a co-defendant. The defendant then dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use or additional distribution in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota National Guard.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Bonadore was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Daniel Roan Eagle, age 30, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Roan Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 15, 2020. He pled guilty on March 17, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 27, 2019, on a rural road in Todd County. During the early morning hours, Roan Eagle became stranded during a snowstorm. Officers were able to locate Roan Eagle and get him to safety. During the contact officers found a backpack that contained marijuana and 80 grams of methamphetamine, along with a scale and other drug paraphernalia items. Roan Eagle was intending to distribute the methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in central South Dakota.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Roan Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rock Springs Cpa Sentenced in Case of Preparing a False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that PAUL EDMAN, age 53 and a Certified Public Accountant practicing in Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson to 120 days of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Edman pleaded guilty in March 2021 to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns filed with Internal Revenue Service.
In February 2017, agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI), interviewed Edman about several of his clients, who are local restaurant owners and were believed to be suppressing cash sales. After a thorough investigation, including the use of a grand jury and interviews, the government determined Edman had willfully counseled the restaurant owners in the preparation of Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 for calendar year 2014, knowing that Form 1040 was false.
Edman made significant adjustments to both personal and business expenses related to the family-owned restaurants to reduce their tax bill, which totaled nearly $645,000. He recommended ways, via email, in which they could deduct expenses in a fashion that would not stand out in an audit. This communication was easily traced and proved that Edman willfully provided the advice in an effort to defraud the United States government. Ultimately, Edman reduced the amount of his client’s tax bill by $72,000 and then signed and filed the tax return electronically.
“Some may argue that tax evasion is a victimless crime, but that could not be further from the truth. We all end up paying when someone unlawfully evades our tax system,” said Acting U.S Attorney Bob Murray. “Edman’s aiding and assisting certain clients file false tax returns is an outright theft of the American taxpayer.”
“All certified public accountants must be held to a higher standard when working with the taxpaying public in preparing income tax returns,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui. “By disregarding this duty and preparing a client’s tax return knowing it contained false deductions, Paul Edman is now a convicted felon and will spend time in prison for his criminal actions.”
This case was investigated by the IRS-CI, HSI, and DCI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher.
Philadelphia Man Convicted After Trial for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kenneth Blakeney, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today at trial for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In March 2019, Philadelphia Police Officers pulled Blakeney over for a traffic violation in North Philadelphia, and they observed a gun in his car. The defendant was a convicted felon at the time and was not allowed by law to possess a firearm. The defendant fled from the police, leading officers on a car chase for multiple blocks until the defendant eventually jumped out of his car and ran. He was arrested several months later and was charged by federal indictment in October, 2019.
“The crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense, particularly in Philadelphia where gun violence is rampant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “As the evidence presented at trial showed, Kenneth Blakeney illegally possessed a gun and then fled from police. Our Office is determined to continue doing everything we can to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia by being ‘All Hands On Deck’ to get criminals like this defendant off the streets for a long, long time.”
“ATF is determined to make our streets safer by working with our local, state and federal partners,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “We will always be committed to identifying and removing armed criminals from our communities. The conviction of Kenneth Blakeney is an example of the strong partnership between ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and a credit to the excellent work of the U.S Attorney’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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang and Anthony Wzorek.
Pain doctor pays to settle allegations arising from false billingRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old physician from Laredo has paid $340,437.68 to resolve allegations he falsely billed Medicare for the use of electro-acupuncture devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Dr. Marte A. Martinez Jr. is an anesthesiologist and pain management physician who practices in Laredo. Marte A. Martinez M.D. PLLC is an entity Martinez used to conduct his medical practice.
From Aug. 23, 2019, to Feb. 12, 2020, Martinez billed Medicare for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are surgical procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure.
Neither Martinez nor his staff performed surgery. Instead, patients received devices used for electro-acupuncture. This involves inserting needles into patients’ ears with the neurostimulator taped behind them with an adhesive.
To date, the Southern District of Texas has resolved four other settlements with a Katy anesthesiologist, a Houston pain doctor, a Rockport chiropractor and a Houston chiropractor involving similar allegations of false billing.
The FBI and Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of Qlarant, the Unified Program Integrity Contractor for Medicare. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
NDTX Round up: June 4 - 10Read the Press Release
SENTENCING – HENRY AGUSTIN MORENO
On June 7, Henry Agustin Moreno, 21, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for transporting or shipping child pornography. HSI received a tip from Kik that a user in the Dallas area was utilizing the messenger application to distribute child pornography. Agents obtained a search warrant of Moreno’s residence in Irving. Moreno admitted to agents that he downloaded several pornographic files depicting child pornography. He further admitted that he uploaded child pornography in exchange for other videos. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Magliolo prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – ESLEVY VARGAS-AVILA
On June 7, Eslevy Vargas-Avila, 31, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of using or brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In June 2016, Vargas-Avila and other co-conspirators conducted surveillance of jewelry stores to identify traveling jewelry salesmen. Vargas-Avila and the co-conspirators violently robbed two traveling salesmen at gunpoint in Tarrant County. This case was investigated by the FBI, Dallas Police Department, Garland Police Department, Arlington Police Department, and DFW Airport Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Robinson prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – CHRISTOPHER JOEL RAMIREZ
On June 8, Christopher Joel Ramirez, 24, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. On September 9, 2019, Ramirez possessed approximately 43 kilograms of heroin to distribute to another individual. The case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – SALVADOR GOMEZ
On June 4, Salvador Gomez, 24, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. In October 2020, Gomez negotiated the transaction of methamphetamine with another individual. Gomez indicated that a co-defendant delivering the methamphetamine would be pretending to perform maintenance on a red truck. Investigators observed and identified a co-defendant appearing as if he was performing maintenance on the vehicle as Gomez had instructed. Officers searched the vehicle and seized 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine from the co-conspirator. This case was investigated by the DEA HIDTA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Montes prosecuted the case.
Muskogee Resident Found Guilty of Attempted Sexual Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that James Michael Stewart, age 42, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for any term of years or up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both. The defendant was acquitted on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, June 7, 2021 and concluded on Thursday, June 10, 2021 with the guilty verdict.
The evidence presented at trial proved that on May 25, 2018, the defendant attempted to sexually assault a female victim in a room at the Studio 6 hotel on North 32nd Street in Muskogee. The defendant undressed and pushed the victim onto a bed. The victim was able to free herself, ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and called 911. When the police arrived, they found the defendant still nude. According to the police officer, the victim was very emotional and appeared afraid of the defendant.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Stewart was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel Walters and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Julie Finocchiaro represented the United States.
Mosher Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Mosher, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Tyrone Steven Andrews, age 29, was indicted on June 2, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 4, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Andrews, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between November 1, 2020, and June 2, 2021.
The charge is merely an accusation and Andrews is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Andrews was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mobridge Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Luke Newton Mowrer, age 33, was indicted on March 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 8, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is ten years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
On October 5, 2019, near McLaughlin, South Dakota, Mowrer assaulted two individuals with a knife. One of the victims suffered a cut to the neck, while the other victim had her jacket slashed from the assault.
The charges are merely accusations and Mowrer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Mowrer was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Sentenced for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Theft of Government Property was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Preston White Feather, age 25, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. White Feather was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $26,198.30.
White Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. He pled guilty on March 22, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from White Feather’s participation in a series of burglaries in Mission in April of 2021. Between April 2, 2021, and April 15, 2021, White Feather was involved in the burglary of multiple local businesses in Mission. On April 16, 2021, White Feather broke into the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Administration Building in Mission, and stole a pickup truck. On April 21, 2021, White Feather burglarized the BIA building a second time.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
White Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Patrick Leonard Iron Cloud, Jr., age 39, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. He was also ordered to forfeit all interest in the Colt pistol and ammunition seized.
Iron Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. He pled guilty on March 22, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 2, 2020, in Mission. Iron Cloud was involved in a traffic stop, and during the encounter law enforcement officers located various items of drug use and the Colt pistol. The Defendant has a prior felony conviction and is a drug user, making it illegal for him to possess any firearm.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Iron Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota man Sentenced in Federal Court for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Browns Valley, Minnesota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Howard Edison Derby, Jr., age 35, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $1,000 fine. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Derby was indicted for aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. He pled guilty to abusive sexual contact on March 18, 2021.
According to court documents, on or about the 23rd day of November, 2018, in Roberts County, Derby knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with the victim, that is, sexual contact, by using force, involving Derby’s intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s genitalia.
Specifically, after the victim had alcoholic beverages to celebrate a friend’s birthday, she became intoxicated. The celebration concluded at the victim’s friend’s house, where she decided to sleep on a couch. Derby was present at that time and knew the victim was intoxicated and tired. Derby perpetrated the sexual assault knowing of the victim’s vulnerable state.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Derby was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Michigan Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Warren, Michigan man with sexual abuse of a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
According to the indictment, in August 2009, while at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Matthew Boyd, 32, engaged in two separate sexual acts with a minor who was older than 12, but not yet 16 years old.
Boyd was arrested in Michigan and is expected to have his initial court appearance later today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. If convicted, Boyd faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Merrimac Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on June 11, 2021, Zachary C. Wood (age: 45) of Merrimac, Wisconsin, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court documents, in September 2020, Wood utilized a popular online messaging application to distribute digital videos of explicit child pornography depicting infants and toddlers being abused. Wood also expressed a desire to engage in the sexual assault of children, and he made arrangements to travel to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to meet with a 14-year-old child.
On October 12, 2020, Wood travelled from his home in Merrimac to Oshkosh at which point he was promptly arrested. Unbeknownst to Wood, he distributed child pornography and communicated his desire to sexually assault children with a member of law enforcement.
Wood’s indictment and subsequent conviction were part of Operation Kick Boxer, a collaborative effort involving the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. (https://go.usa.gov/xfPHh).
In handing down the sentence, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the charge, the need to protect the public, and the need to deter Wood and others from abusing or attempting to abuse children in the future. Following his release from prison, Wood will spend five years on supervised release. He will also have to register as a sexual offender.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Merced Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment Thursday against Richard Charles Thomas Jr., 38, of Merced, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2020, Thomas led law enforcement officers on a highspeed chase through the city of Merced. While fleeing police, Thomas threw a black bag from the vehicle. Officers recovered the bag, which contained approximately 839 grams of methamphetamine, $3,162 in cash, and personal effects belonging to Thomas.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Merced Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Thomas faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Member of Mescalero Apache Tribe sentenced to nine years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mundo Barela, 19, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced in federal court on June 8 to nine years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
Barela pleaded guilty on Jan. 6. According to his plea agreement, on or about July 20, 2020, Barela unlawfully killed John Doe in the heat of passion during a sudden altercation in Otero County, New Mexico. Barela stabbed the victim in the throat, chest and stomach during the incident causing fatal injuries to John Doe. The incident took place on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Upon his release from prison, Barela will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan prosecuted the case.
Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins with State and Non-Profits to Combat Elder Financial AbuseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with Project SAFE and the PROTECT Week Coalition to help seniors in Maryland avoid falling victim to financial exploitation. PROTECT Week, held June 14-18, 2021, offers opportunities to learn about the many forms of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older Marylanders. The public outreach events include a virtual press conference, tele-town hall, and educational programming via social media.
June 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Sean Delaney and FBI Supervisory Special Agent Keith Custer present on financial fraud targeting seniors at Oak Crest Senior Living, an over 55 community in Parkville, Maryland. ** This event was recorded and will be distributed to other senior living communities.
June 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. – Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner joins Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot at virtual press conference launching PROTECT Week. Online at www.Facebook.com/aarpmaryland and www.YouTube.com/aarpmaryland
June 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. – Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner joins Maryland AARP for Tele-town Hall event focusing on fake COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, government imposter scams, and romance scams targeting seniors. You can tune in, or register for the robo-call here https://vekeo.com/aarpmaryland/ or listen on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/aarpmd/
June 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Evelyn Cusson and BBB of Greater Maryland Executive Director Angie Barnett present to Civic Works Elder Services via Zoom on how to avoid gift card scams.
June 18, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Evelyn Cusson and BBB of Greater Maryland Executive Director Angie Barnett host Facebook Live Event “Why Scammers Love Gift Cards.”
Now in its fourth year, PROTECT Week 2021 coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15. PROTECT Week resources, available on www.protectweek.org, will help Marylanders identify financial exploitation so that they may protect themselves and their loved ones from abuse. Visit www.protectweek.org for event details and registration.
About the Partners
The PROTECT Week Coalition includes the following partners:
• Maryland Department of Aging
• Maryland Office of the Attorney General
• The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland
• Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation
• Maryland Office of the Comptroller
• Maryland Department of Human Services
• Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
• Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition
• EverSafe
• ElderSAFE
• SAFE: Stop Abuse of Elders
• Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today – BC REST Coalition
• AARP Maryland
• CCCSMD – Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland# # #
Man who volunteered as church bus driver sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing a minorRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Warren County man who met his victims through his volunteer work as a church bus driver was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 360 months in prison for sexually abusing a minor under the age of 12.
A federal grand jury charged Jory Leedy, 51, of Franklin, Ohio, in April 2016. Leedy pleaded guilty in June 2019 on the day he was scheduled to begin a jury trial.
According to court documents, Leedy sexually abused at least two minor boys as young as 7 and 8 years old. Leedy met the minors through a religious organization in Dayton, where he volunteered as a bus driver. The children rode the bus, along with their mother, to the ministry on Sunday. Thereafter, Leedy stopped by the residence to play with the boys and eat dinner with the family. Leedy stopped volunteering as a bus driver shortly after.
Leedy began going to the residence on a nightly basis. He began buying the minors clothes and games. Eventually, Leedy ingratiated himself into the family, taking the boys to church in Cincinnati and on trips to the zoo, Cincinnati Reds games and Kings Island. He began taking the boys on vacations out of state. For example, Leedy took the victims to religious concerts and to Disney World.
Leedy arranged for the purchase of a car for the family. He helped enroll the boys in a private school. Further, Leedy assisted the family in securing another home that was owned by a friend of his; Leedy paid for part of the rent.
Leedy had provided the victims’ family with a fake name. His true identity was discovered during an altercation with the victims’ father in which the police were called. Police advised the parents of Leedy’s true identity and that he was a registered sex offender.
The victims told police the abuse took place over the course of two years and occurred in different states, including Kentucky, Florida and New York.
In addition, Leedy admitted in court documents that between 1999 and 2001 he sexually abused a then-minor relative when he would take the boy on trips for sporting events.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmain McGuffey and other members of the Regional Electronics and Computer Investigations (RECI) Task Force announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Black. OCDETF Deputy Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy and Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker are representing the United States in this case.
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Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography.
Raul Ayala, 72, of Angier, pleaded guilty on April 26, 2021. According to information provided to the court, Ayala’s crimes were initially discovered when a prepubescent minor victim disclosed to his parents that Ayala had sexually molested him. When investigators interviewed Ayala, he admitted molesting that victim and also admitted exploiting other victims as far back as the 1970s.
A search warrant was executed at Ayala’s residence and multiple digital devices were seized. During the search, law enforcement located in Ayala’s attic a hidden briefcase, suspended by a pulley system, that contained both adult pornography and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The briefcase contained tri-fold advertisements for child sexual abuse videos that included pictures of children engaged in sexual acts with adults. The briefcase also contained numerous nude Polaroid pictures of minor victims dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Seized digital devices also contained numerous CSAM images and videos. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were able to track down and identify one of the boys depicted in the Polaroids. He is now in his 50s and disclosed that Ayala had sexually abused him when he was a minor, beginning when he was 8 years old.
In addition to his prison term, Ayala was sentenced to a term of five years of post-incarceration supervised release. A restitution hearing may be scheduled in the future.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker III for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.
HSI, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fuquay-Varina Police Department investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Pleads Guilty to Using Explosive Device in Attempt to Damage Suburban Chicago RestaurantRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge for using an explosive device in an attempt to damage a suburban Chicago restaurant last year.
On June 1, 2021, DIEGO VARGAS threw a lit explosive device through the window of Egg Harbor Cafe in Naperville, Ill., resulting in two explosions. Vargas, 26, of Aurora, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of maliciously attempting to damage and destroy a building by means of an explosive device. The charge is punishable by a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo set sentencing for Sept. 2, 2021.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Naperville Police Department and Aurora Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Kate McClelland.
In addition to the restaurant incident, Vargas admitted in a plea agreement that a night earlier he tried to steal cash from an ATM in Aurora. Vargas admitted that he struck the ATM with a baseball bat and a metal pole from a street sign to try and pry it open. The ATM, located in the drive-through area of a First Midwest Bank branch in the first block of South Broadway, held more than $50,000 at the time of the attempted theft.
Little Rock Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Defrauding Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man was sentenced for collecting over $250,000 in Social Security Disability payments when he was not actually disabled. Levell Baltimore, Jr., 45, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
In 2005, Baltimore applied for Social Security benefits and claimed to be disabled. He filled out a form stating he could not work or leave his house. He cited seasonal allergies, migraines, asthma, physical limitations, and fatigue as the reasons for his disability. Social Security initially denied his claim, but in further attempts to convince Social Security that he was disabled, he reported that he had not performed any substantial gainful activity in recent years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) eventually approved Baltimore’s claim, and he began receiving benefits in 2007.
Although Baltimore informed the SSA he had no income, he created and operated at least six businesses during the time he received disability benefits. Two of his businesses obtained contracts with the State of Arkansas. Though he was required to report any income to the SSA, he did not; rather, he continued telling the SSA he was unable to work.
Baltimore received fraudulent benefits from 2007 through June of 2018 totaling $284,862.25. Judge Moody sentenced Baltimore to pay that money back in restitution and also sentenced Baltimore to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
Baltimore was charged in May 2018 with one count of theft of government funds and three counts of making false statements. In December 2020, he pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in exchange for dismissal of the other counts.
“This defendant stole from a system that is designed to support those who truly need help,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “This sentence shows that jail time awaits those whose greed and dishonesty embolden them to commit frauds such as these.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message that we are committed to protecting the Social Security disability programs and will hold accountable those who obtain benefits by fraudulent means,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. “For over a decade, this individual willfully concealed his ability to work to collect federal benefits. I thank the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Kidnapping Charges Added to Shasta Lake Restaurant Owners Charged with Forced Labor and Harboring of AliensRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment Thursday adding the charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping to the previous charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, conspiracy to harbor aliens, and harboring aliens, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Nery A. Martinez Vasquez, 52, and his wife Maura N. Martinez, 52, both of Shasta Lake, were naturalized United States citizens, originally from Guatemala. They owned and operated Latino’s, a restaurant, and Redding Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial Services, a cleaning company that serviced various businesses, including multiple car dealerships, in the Shasta Lake area.
The original indictment alleges that between September 2016 and February 2018, the defendants conspired to bring a Guatemalan woman and her two minor daughters to the United States using temporary visitor visas, harbored them after their visas expired, and forced them to work long hours at a restaurant and cleaning service for minimal to no pay. The indictment further alleges that the defendants imposed a debt on the victims to prevent them from returning to Guatemala; subjected them to physical, psychological, and verbal abuse; threatened them with arrest; and separated the woman from her daughters, all to compel their labor.
In addition, according to the superseding indictment, in January 1997, the defendants conspired to kidnap a 13-year-old girl. They made promises to the girl’s parents that they would bring her back in a week and told the girl that they would give her presents and money. They then drove her from her home in Las Vegas to their home in Redding, California and held her against her will and the will of her parents for almost two years. They forced the girl to clean car dealerships and provide other labor, working long hours seven days a week without pay. Nery A. Martinez Vasquez is also alleged to have routinely sexually molested and raped the girl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine T. Lydon and Tanya B. Syed are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the forced labor charges, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of harboring an alien, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the kidnapping charges, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Kidnapping Charges Added to California Restaurant Owners Charged with Forced Labor and Harboring of AliensRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday adding the charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping to the previous charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, conspiracy to harbor aliens and harboring aliens.
According to court documents, Nery A. Martinez Vasquez, 52, and his wife Maura N. Martinez, 52, both of Shasta Lake, were naturalized United States citizens, originally from Guatemala. They owned and operated Latino’s, a restaurant, and Redding Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial Services, a cleaning company that serviced various businesses, including multiple car dealerships, in the Shasta Lake area.
The original indictment alleges that between September 2016 and February 2018, the defendants conspired to bring a Guatemalan woman and her two minor daughters to the United States using temporary visitor visas, harbored them after their visas expired, and forced them to work long hours at a restaurant and cleaning service for minimal to no pay. The indictment further alleges that the defendants imposed a debt on the victims to prevent them from returning to Guatemala; subjected them to physical, psychological, and verbal abuse; threatened them with arrest; and separated the woman from her daughters, all to compel their labor.
In addition, according to the superseding indictment, in January 1997, the defendants conspired to kidnap a 13-year-old girl. They made promises to the girl’s parents that they would bring her back in a week and told the girl that they would give her presents and money. They then drove her from her home in Las Vegas to their home in Redding, California, and held her against her will and the will of her parents for almost two years. They forced the girl to clean car dealerships and provide other labor, working long hours seven days a week without pay. Nery A. Martinez Vasquez is also alleged to have routinely sexually molested and raped the girl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI. Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine T. Lydon and Tanya B. Syed of the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the forced labor charges, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of harboring an alien, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the kidnapping charges, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Department Issues Statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Proposed Rules to Support Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards ActRead the Press Release
Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement concerning their proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act:
“The Justice Department commends the USDA for the new steps it announced today to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to improve competition in our agricultural markets. The Antitrust Division remains committed to vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws to protect American farmers, ranchers, and consumers, and to ensure they all benefit from robust competition. We stand ready to work hand in hand with the USDA to use our combined enforcement authorities to pursue these shared goals.”
Jury finds former St. Ann Police Officer guilty of civil rights violationRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury found Ellis C. Brown, III, 32, of High Ridge, Missouri guilty on one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law following a three-day jury trial. United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig presided over the trial.
The evidence during the trial, which wrapped Thursday, proved Brown used unreasonable force during an encounter with a victim. In his capacity as a St. Ann police officer, Brown repeatedly kicked the victim who lay prone on the parking lot of a US Bank at the corner of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway in the city of St. Louis. The April 2019 incident was captured on video and followed a lengthy high-speed chase during which Brown and other St. Ann Police Department Officers pursued the victim through rush hour traffic for more than twenty minutes, at times reaching speeds exceeding 115 mph. Two St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officers intervened to stop Brown’s assault.
"Ellis Brown flagrantly abused the trust our community and his peers placed in him,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming. “I hope Brown’s conviction serves as a deterrent for others in law enforcement who might think about abusing their power.”
“Ellis Brown exceeded his authority and used excessive force in securing the arrest of an already compliant subject,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In doing so, he violated not only the law, but also his oath as a law enforcement officer.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Derek Wiseman handled the case.
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Jefferson County Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chad A. Worthington, age 43, of Ellisburg, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to one felony count of failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender after it was discovered that he had an e-mail address that he had not disclosed to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York.
In pleading guilty, Worthington admitted that from June 16, 2018, through April 21, 2021, he failed to register a Google email address he created on June 5, 2018, as required by SORNA. Worthington also admitted that he failed to register five other Google email addresses as required by SORNA between August 2016 and April 2021.
Worthington was required to register as a sex offender because of his federal convictions in 2005 for coercion and enticement of a minor and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
In addition to his plea to failure to register and update a registration as a sex offender, Worthington also admitted today that this conduct violated the terms of supervised release previously imposed after his 2005 convictions.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2021, before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. In addition to any punishment for violating the terms of his supervised release, Worthington faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life on the sex offender registration offense. 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 United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Using the Internet in Attempt to Entice and Meet A 12-Year-Old Child for SexRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Wayne Dale Epps, Jr. (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to attempt to entice a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Epps faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Epps was arrested on February 18, 2020, and remains in custody. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on February 14, 2020, an undercover FBI agent who was posing online as the family member of a 12-year-old child was contacted by the user “ksaber2040,” who was identified as Epps. The same undercover agent had previously engaged in online conversation with Epps in October 2019. Over the next several days, Epps and the agent engaged in online conversation in which Epps expressed his desire to meet the 12-year-old “child.” Epps confirmed that he wanted to meet the “child” for sex, stating “[t]his is a first for me I’m nervous but I’ve been wanting to try younger.” Epps provided the agent with graphic details about the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the “child.” He offered to use a “flavored condom” and requested pictures of the “child.”
On February 18, 2020, Epps drove his vehicle to a prearranged location at a shopping center in Jacksonville to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested by FBI agents. During an interview with law enforcement, Epps stated that it was “possible that [he] would have followed through” and engaged in sex with the 12-year-old child, and further that he “should have never made that decision.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. 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.
Iowa Man Sentenced to over a Year in Federal Prison for Placing Threatening Phone Call to U.S. Congressman’s OfficeRead the Press Release
A man who called a United States Congressman’s office and told a staffer that he was going to find someone to assassinate the Congressman was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison.
Kenneth Brown, age 57, previously living in Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 4, 2020 guilty plea to one count of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce.
At the plea hearing, Brown admitted that on December 18, 2019, he called the Washington D.C. office of Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York. Brown admitted that he spoke with a staff assistant working in the office and threatened the Congressman. Specifically, as charged in the indictment, Brown said “I will find someone to assassinate that piece of (expletive deleted) you work for. Jerry Nadler is going to be assassinated.”
Information at sentencing showed that Brown has prior criminal convictions involving violence and threats of violence. In 1996, he was convicted of inflicting injury on a spouse and threatening to commit a crime to terrorize the victim. In 2005, he was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery against a household member using a deadly weapon. In that case, Brown restrained a woman against her will and used a knife to hurt the victim in a way that caused or could have caused the victim great bodily harm. In 2010, a warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest because he violated his probation by failing to report to his probation officer, failing to maintain employment, and by incurring new criminal charges. According to a witness, Brown then fled to Mexico because he knew there was a warrant for his arrest. Law enforcement ultimately arrested Brown in 2017 and he was sentenced to almost a year in prison.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brown was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brown is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterloo Police Department, and the United States Capitol Police.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2042.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 8 was:
Gregg Lawrence Haywood, Sr., 53, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Haywood faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Haywood was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-40.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 8 was:
Duane Mittens, Jr., 29, of Browning, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mittens faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Mittens was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-40.
Appearing on June 10 was:
Larry Albert Bernard, 37, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and maintaining drug-involved premises. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bernard faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Bernard was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Tri Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indiana Man Convicted of Murder for Hire Plot, Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Indiana man was convicted on all counts today in connection with a plot to pay a purported hitman to kill his estranged wife, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Narsan Lingala, 57, of Noblesville, Indiana, was convicted on one count each of conspiring to commit murder for hire and traveling interstate or using interstate facilities with intent that a murder for hire be committed and two counts of attempting to tamper with a witness. The jury deliberated three hours before returning the guilty verdicts following an eight-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
Lingala conspired and attempted to hire a purported hitman to kill his ex-wife. He also attempted to tamper with the testimony of a conspirator and an undercover law enforcement officer. The conduct for which he was convicted occurred between approximately May 2018 and March 2019.
Lingala’s conspirator, Sandya Reddy, pleaded guilty in April 2019 to her role in the scheme and was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2020, to 63 months in prison.
The murder-for-hire charges are each punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison; the witness tampering charges are punishable by a maximum of 20 years. All of the charges are also punishable by a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark, as well as the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and detectives, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Feldman Nikic of the Cybercrime Unit and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Matthew Leddon, age 45, was sentenced to seven months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, including five months of home confinement, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Leddon was also ordered to forfeit all interest in the SIG Sauer pistol and ammunition seized.
Leddon was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020. He pled guilty on March 22, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 24, 2019. Leddon, who was previously convicted of a felony drug offense, was traveling across the state when he ended up in the median along the interstate in Lyman County. A South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper stopped to assist Leddon. During the interaction, the Trooper learned Leddon was a prohibited person due to the drug conviction and discovered the pistol in the vehicle.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Leddon was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hawaii Couple Indicted in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Honolulu, Hawaii, returned an indictment today charging a Hawaii husband and wife with conspiring to defraud the United States and filing a false tax return. The wife was also charged with four counts of money laundering.
According to the indictment, from 2015 to 2019, Beverly Braumuller-Hawver and Scott F. Hawver, both of Ewa Beach, along with another individual, allegedly conspired to defraud the United States by filing a false 2014 amended individual income tax return claiming a refund of $188,239 to which they were not entitled. After the IRS issued the refund, Braumuller-Hawver allegedly laundered the fraudulently obtained tax refund through a series of financial transactions using banks located in the District of Hawaii.
Braumuller-Hawver is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing a false tax return, and four counts of money laundering. Hawver is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing a false tax return. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances on June 16, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.
If convicted, Braumuller-Hawver faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. The Hawvers each face a maximum sentence of three years for filing a false tax return and a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Judith A. Philips for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Valerie G. Preiss of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guam Restaurant Owner, Marites M. Barrogo Sentenced for Federal Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Marites M. Barrogo, age 47 from Dededo, Guam was sentenced in the United States District Court of Guam to ten months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Use, Transfer, Acquire, Alter, or Possess Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Without Authorization, in violation of 7 U.S.C. § 2024 and 18 U.S.C. § 371. The Court also ordered three years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of trafficking SNAP benefits are ineligible to receive SNAP benefits and may not participate in the program as vendors.
From June 2015-2018, investigation revealed that Marites M. Barrogo, owner of Laguna Best Restaurant, illegally purchased over $15,000 worth of SNAP benefits. Barrogo purchased SNAP benefits from co-conspirators at a discount on their face value on an approximately monthly basis and used the benefits to purchase food items from various retailers on Guam for use at her restaurant.
U.S. Attorney Anderson stated, “SNAP benefits enable low income individuals to meet their basic nutrition needs. The recipients are often children. The unlawful transfer of these benefits, as occurred in this matter, greatly diminishes the impact of the program in keeping our communities healthy. The public should also have confidence that federal funds are appropriately used.”
This case was investigated by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Investigation and Recovery Office and prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
Golden Meadow Man Indicted for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the Indictment of DILLON J. EVERETT, age 34, of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, who was charged in a two-count federal indictment for Receipt and Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (a)(4)(B). If convicted, EVERETT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen (15) years and a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person as a result of these offenses, of the offense as per Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, EVERETT faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Fourth Defendant in Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brian Ray, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of butyryl fentanyl. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2019, law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of the defendant and co-defendants Mark Greaman, Damone McNamee, Sr. and Christopher Cook, in the area of Broadway Avenue and Strauss Street in Buffalo. Investigators made 40 controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, butyryl fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl from all four defendant, including five controlled purchases from defendant Ray.
Co-defendants Mark Greaman, Damone McNamee, Sr. and Christopher Cook were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2021, before Judge Vilardo.
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Former Youth Pastor and Scout Volunteer Charged with Sexually Abusing Five ChildrenRead the Press Release
A man who was a self-described father figure, youth pastor, and Cub and Boy Scouts volunteer has been indicted by a federal grand jury this week for sexually abusing five children, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Joe Cheater Jr., 48, formerly of Porter, was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor by force and threat in Indian Country, aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country, abusive sexual contact with a minor in Indian country, and coercion and enticement of a minor in Indian Country.
Cheater Jr. was charged in federal court in anticipation that his state conviction could be overturned. On Thursday, Cheater’s appeal was stayed for approximately 30 days in Rogers County District Court. At that time, the Court will determine which entity has criminal jurisdiction over the case. The defendant is currently serving his state sentence in an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility.
As the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to prepare, anyone with information about the crimes or who may have been sexually abused by the defendant are encouraged to contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd at 918-382-2791.
Cheater Jr. had children approximately the same ages as the victims, and it was common for neighborhood children to be present or have sleepovers at his home. Known victims were sexually assaulted starting in 2005 while others were abused as late as 2009. Some victims were younger than 12-years-old when they were victimized.
The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case.
Former University Financial Advisor Facing Federal Charges for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A criminal complaint has been filed charging Randolph Stanley, age 42, of Clinton, Maryland, for the federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain student aid.
The criminal complaint was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Terry Harris of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (OIG) Eastern Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, representatives from an online state university (University 1) headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, met with agents of the Department of Education OIG to discuss a suspected student loan fraud scheme. University 1’s initial investigation indicated Stanley allegedly led a scheme to unlawfully obtain state and federal student aid using approximately 60 students enrolled at University 1.
Stanley has been employed with the Defense Contract Audit Agency since October 2008. Previously, Stanley was employed as a Financial Advisor at University 1 from 2005 to 2007, which included determining student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funds based on federal regulations. Stanley also reported to (DCAA) that he was Director of Student Finances at a for-profit university (University 2) from June to October 2008, where he claimed to have “counseled prospective and continuing students as well as faculty and staff on all aspects of the financial aid application process.”
Students seeking to obtain federal student aid to cover student expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies, must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After submission of the FAFSA, the Department of Education office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) conducts an automated review of the information submitted to calculate the expected family contribution toward the cost of a student’s attendance at an institution of higher learning. After aid is awarded, universities schools draw down federal student aid funds and disburse them. The institution applies the aid to tuition and fees and any surplus is distributed directly to the student. This is commonly referred to as the student loan refund.
The affidavit alleges that between 2005 and 2021, Stanley has fraudulently obtained federal student aid on behalf of Student Participants, who enrolled in at least eight universities. Student Participants in the Stanley ring allegedly received federal student aid but were not legitimate students as they lacked the intent to earn a degree. As part of the scheme, Student Participants allegedly either allowed their personally identifiable information (PII) to be used on student loan financial forms or their PII was used without their knowledge, making them victims of identity theft.
The affidavit alleges that Student Participants, including Stanley, were awarded tuition, which went directly to the schools. Between 2005 and 2021, at least 65 Student Participants—including Stanley—were allegedly awarded at least $6.7 million in federal student aid, with at least $6.2 million disbursed to Student Participants. Stanley, as the ringleader of the scheme, would allegedly pocket all or some of the student refunds, occasionally sharing refund money with other Student Participants.
According to the criminal complaint, Stanley allegedly paid a portion of the student loan refunds to Africa-based “Writer Participants” whom he directed to complete the coursework for the Student Participants. The role of the Writer Participant was allegedly to complete Student Participants’ coursework, and preserve the appearance of sufficient academic performance, in order to maintain the student’s eligibility for financial aid. As detailed in the affidavit, Writer Participants directly submitted assignments using the Student Participants’ usernames and passwords while falsely claiming to be the Student Participant and/or provided the assignments to Stanley or the Student Participant for submission.
To avoid detection, with the aid of a Writer Participant (Co-Conspirator 1), Stanley allegedly attempted to hide the IP addresses of the Writer Participants to hinder the university’s ability to identify instances of shared IP addresses. Writer Participants also allegedly manipulated popular plagiarism databases to screen work for potential plagiarism detection.
As part of the scheme to defraud, Stanley maintained four separate bank accounts to conduct financial transactions related to the scheme. Some Student Participants allegedly directed universities to deposit student loan refunds directly into Stanley’s personal bank accounts. University 1 records show that from 2015 to 2018, University 1 deposited more than $530,000 in student loan refunds for Student Participants other than Stanley, into four of Stanley’s bank accounts. Stanley allegedly used some of the funds to pay Writer and Student Participants.
Stanley’s scheme allegedly extended to submitting bogus documents on behalf of Student Participants to meet university admission requirements. For example, the affidavit alleges that Stanley and a second co-conspirator (Co-Conspirator 2) arranged for foreign nationals to create fraudulent diplomas, transcripts, and other documents to qualify Student Participants for admission.
If convicted, Stanley faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the Department of Education OIG and Defense Criminal Investigative Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin B. Pulice and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Harvey and Craig Fansler, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Former Employee Sentenced for Stealing Money from Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of TexasRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – A federal judge sentenced 50-year-old Eduardo Riojas Villarreal of San Antonio to 21 months in federal prison yesterday for stealing money from the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (Kickapoo).
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Alia Moses ordered Villarreal to pay $167,109.41 in restitution to the Kickapoo and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
On September 9, 2019, Villarreal pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft from Indian organizations. According to court documents, Villarreal served as an accounts payable manager for the Kickapoo for approximately four years beginning in April 2017. During that time, Villarreal wrote fraudulent checks payable to his wife from the Kickapoo general operating account, which is funded primarily by revenue from the Lucky Eagle Casino. He deposited those checks into his own personal bank account. Villarreal admitted there was no legitimate basis for issuing these checks and that his wife knew nothing about his scheme.
The FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydni Connell, Sarah Spears and Justin Chung prosecuted this case.
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First Tribal Community Response Plans Adopted in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – In a first for Alaska, the Curyung Tribal Council of Dillingham and the Native Village of Unalakleet unanimously approved their Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Tribal Community Response Plans (TCRP) as part of the Department of Justice’s national MMIP Initiative.
“The adoption of these plans marks a major milestone in finding lasting solutions to the MMIP challenge in Alaska,” said Acting U.S. Attorney, Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “Over the last few months tribal representatives, law enforcement officials and victim service organizations have partnered together to design a plan that is right for victims and their families while remaining culturally sensitive and balanced with what the law requires.”
In a show of support and to celebrate this important milestone, members of the AK MMIP working group, including members from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard and Victims for Justice traveled to Dillingham on Tuesday to witness Curyung adopt its TCRP. On Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard flew working group members from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska Department of Law, Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Village Police Safety Officer program and Victims for Justice to celebrate the Native Village of Unalakleet’s momentous achievement and adoption of its TCRP.
A TCRP is a guide for how a tribal community will build response capacity, collaborate with law enforcement and provide other support in response to a report of a new missing or murdered person. The TCRP is individualized and tailored to the needs, resources and culture of each local community.
According to its detailed plan, “Curyung will collaborate with individuals and agencies to promote the development and implementation of a coordinated community response to address issues of violence against enrolled citizens of Curyung Tribal Council while honoring victims no matter the situation or their heritage.”
The Native Village of Unalakleet declared in its detailed plan to “work collaboratively to support law enforcement, search and rescue, victim services and other support agencies” and “ensure all unresolved missing person cases are kept active by collaborating with local, state and federal law enforcement.”
Both TCRPs are comprehensive and include how and when to submit a missing person report, what will happen during a response and who will lead the investigation. The plan also establishes a clear response structure and outlines training opportunities as well as victim support services.
Next, both the Curyung Tribal Council and the Native Village of Unalakleet will pilot a TCRP tabletop exercise with the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC). The exercise will help create a training module for tribal communities, law enforcement and other community stakeholders to practice their MMIP incident response. “By practicing and preparing for an MMIP incident, from the first report of a missing person to its resolution, tribal communities and multi-disciplinary partners will improve their response across the state,” added Wilson.
In February, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that three Alaska tribal communities volunteered to participate as Alaska Pilot Project sites creating TCRPs. The sites include the tribal communities of Curyung Tribal Council (Dillingham), Native Village of Unalakleet and Koyukuk Native Village. The next step is for model TCRPs to be created based on the work by the Pilot Project sites. The models will be shared with tribal communities across the state who can then tailor it to the specific needs, resources and culture of their communities.
Alaska is among the first of six pilot-program states developing community response plans in accordance with the U.S. Attorney General’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative and the President’s Operation Lady Justice Task Force. The other states are Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma and Oregon.
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Note to Editors:
The Alaska MMIP Working Group is a multi-disciplinary team led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge, and comprised of law enforcement representatives, including:
- Alaska State Troopers and VPSOs
- FBI
- Anchorage Police Department,
- U.S. Marshals
- Fairbanks Police Department
- BIA Cold Case Office
- Kotzebue Police Department
- Nome Police Department
- Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska VPSO supervisors
- Tanana Chiefs Conference VPSO supervisors.
- Representatives from the Alaska Department of Law
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Tanana Chief’s Conference
- Tribal Representatives from Ahtna Region, Orutsararmiut Native Council, Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak
- Victim service providers; and
- Advocates from Victims for Justice
- Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center
- Curyung Tribal Council (Dillingham)
- Native Village of Unalakleet
- Koyukuk Native Village
Link to previous Alaska MMIP press releases:
Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day in Alaska May 5, 2021
Pilot Projects Launched to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons February 8, 2021
U.S. Attorney Announces Update on Efforts Made to Promote Public Safety in Rural Alaska July 24, 2020
U.S. Attorney Appoints Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator for Alaska July 14, 2020
U.S. Attorney and FBI Announce Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative Nov 27, 2019
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three Defendants for Their Roles in String of Credit Union RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging three defendants for their roles in multiple credit union robberies and attempted robberies.
Anthony D. Wilson, 33, of Buffalo, NY, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, aggravated bank robbery, brandishing a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and entering a bank with intent to commit a larceny. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment against defendant Wilson, on October 26, 2017, Wilson and co-defendants Adrian Applewhite and Khalil Holland drove to the Lake Shore Federal Credit Union in Angola. Khalil Holland, wearing a hoodie and a medical facemask, entered the Lake Shore Federal Credit Union, demanded money, and brandished a semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was given to Khalil by defendant Wilson. In October 2007, was convicted in Erie County Court and as a result is legally prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Adrian Applewhite previously pleaded guilty for his role in the robbery and is awaiting sentencing. Khalil Holland was previously charged and convicted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
In a separate, superseding indictment, Myron McCollum, 33, and Ronald Morris, a/k/a Cracks, 46, both of Buffalo, NY, are charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, bank robbery and incidental crimes, and aiding and abetting. The charges carry a maximum of life in prison.
• On February 27, 2019, armed with a firearm, defendant Morris and co-defendant Adrian Applewhite entered the Tonawanda Community Federal Credit Union at 315 Delaware Street in Tonawanda, NY, and forcibly stole money from the credit union.
• On July 25, 2019, co-defendant Adrian Applewhite drove defendants Morris and McCollum to the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union at 3040 South Park Avenue in Lackawanna, NY. Armed with pepper spray and at least one firearm, Morris and McCollum entered the credit union, pushed and pepper sprayed employees, and forcibly stole money from the credit union.
• On November 6, 2019, co-defendant Adrian Applewhite drove Morris and McCollum, and another co-defendant to the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence for purposes of committing a robbery, but determined there were too many people at the credit union to conduct the robbery. That same day, Morris and Applewhite attempted to rob the Good Neighbors Credit Union at 286 Grant Street in Buffalo.
• The following day, on November 7, 2019, Applewhite, Morris and McCollum went back to the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union. Armed with firearms, Morris and McCollum forcibly stole money from the credit union.During the course of the conspiracy, defendants Morris and McCollum, along with co-defendant Adrian Applewhite, scouted or attempted to rob other financial institutions in Bradford, PA, and Rochester, Niagara Falls, and Kenmore, NY.
Adrian Applewhite also previously pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies of the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union and the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union and is awaiting sentencing.
The indictment against Wilson and superseding indictment against Morris and McCollum are the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Douglas J. Czora; the City of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Strassburg; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger; and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts 16 Gang Members and Associates for Drug Trafficking in Eagle Pass AreaRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – Sixteen Partido Revolutionario Mexican (PRM) members and associates, primarily from the Eagle Pass area, face federal drug trafficking charges.
A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:
Name
Age
Residence
Victor Hinojosa aka “Zuko”
31
Eagle Pass
Jesus Espinoza
29
Eagle Pass
Francisco Espinoza
25
Eagle Pass
Kevin Ritchie aka “K-Dog”
32
FCI Beaumont
Martha Ritchie
60
Eagle Pass
Clinton Ritchie
31
Eagle Pass
Carlos Saldana aka “Lowz”
29
Eagle Pass
Yvonne Rodriguez Torres
39
Eagle Pass
Luis Torres-Marquez
46
Eagle Pass
Danny Suarez
37
Eagle Pass
Ernesto Magdaleno
52
Eagle Pass
Eduardo Gloria
30
Eagle Pass
Armando Ramirez aka “Mando”
32
Eagle Pass
Carlos Rodriguez-Urrabazo aka “Looney”
38
Eagle Pass
Rodolfo Jimenez
42
Eagle Pass
Louis Iglesias aka “Wicho”
50
TDCJ Livingston
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired since March 2019 to distribute narcotics. All of the listed defendants have been arrested with the exception of Kevin Ritchie and Louis Iglesias who were already in custody. Authorities also seized cocaine, firearms, and cash attributable to the organization.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee made today’s announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Kam is prosecuting this case. The DEA and FBI led this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Tequila Sunset. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Eagle Pass Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices from Maverick, Dimmitt and Val Verde counties assisted with today’s arrests.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced – JuneRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June 2021 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Blaine Joseph Adams. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Adams, 29, of Dewey, is charged with abusing, injuring, a young child. He is also charged with failing to provide adequate nurturance and affection, food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, appropriate education, medical, dental, and behavioral health for the child. The FBI is the investigative agency 21-CR-276
Jesus Aguirre. Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. From April 23 to 24, 2021, Aguirre, 42, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and strangled her until she was unconscious. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-260
Farron Whitney Alberty. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Causing Death by Using and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On May 19, 2005, Alberty, 36, of Cushing, allegedly shot Jamiah Tinnel, killing him. He is further charged with discharging a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence- first degree murder and second degree murder in Indian Country. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-277
Samantha Jo Bryant. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Production of Child Pornography. Bryant, 31, of Glenpool, is charged with sexually abusing a female child under the age of 12 from December 2012 to January 2013. She is further charged with engaging in the sexual abuse of the child for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material. Bryant transmitted the sexual abuse material via Skype and through email. The FBI is the investigative agency. 21-CR-261
Justin Wayne Burke. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Burke, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-248
Joe Don Cato. Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Cato, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with using force and intimidation when he took a ride share driver’s cell phone, money and automobile keys on Aug. 30, 2019. He is further charged with brandishing a firearm during the robbery, and with being a felon in possession of a Star (Bonifcio Echeverria) 9 mm pistol and a Walther 9 mm pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21- CR-278
Kenneth Randall Chandler. First Degree Felony Murder in Indian Country. Chandler, 53, of Hominy, is charged with aiding and abetting another when he killed Wanda Neafus by shooting her multiple times during a burglary on Dec. 6, 1991. Ms. Neafus was a housekeeper at the residence. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-267
Joe Cheater Jr. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Counts 1-3); Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country (Count 4); Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country (Count 5); Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country (Count 6). From Jan. 1, 2005, to Dec. 31, 2005, Cheater Jr., 48, of Porter, allegedly sexually abused a minor between the ages of 12 and 16. On another occasion, from Jan. 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2009, he sexually abused the victim again. (Counts 1 &4). He also allegedly sexually abused a second victim, between the ages of 12 and 16, from Jan. 1, 2006, to Dec. 31, 2007 (Count 2). He is further alleged to have sexually abused a third victim, a minor under 12-years-old, from June 1, 2009, to Sept. 1, 2009 (Count 3). Cheater is further charged with directly touching a fourth victim, a minor under 12, in a sexual manner from June 1, 2008, to Sept. 1, 2008. Finally, Cheater is charged with coercing and enticing a fifth victim, a minor under 18, to engage in sexual activity from June 1, 2008, to Sept. 1, 2008. Cheater was involved with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, was a youth pastor, and acted like he was father figure. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-268
Dominique Rashad Delonia. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Delonia, 32, of Tulsa, knowingly failed to register as a sex offender from Dec. 10, 2020, to March 12, 2021. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-262
Joshua Duane Fort. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Fort, 41, of Tulsa, allegedly shot a male victim on June 23, 2018, in a road-rage incident. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-249
Christopher Frederick. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Frederick, 70, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from Sept. 12, 2020, to May 2, 2021. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-263
John Samuel Garrison. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Garrison, 56, of Vinita, is charged with 2 counts of abusing a minor from April 1, 2020, to April 15, 2020. Garrison allegedly hit the child in the back with a board multiple times. In a second incident, he grabbed the minor violently and shoved the child into a bookcase. The FBI and Vinita Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-280
Jimmy Allen Grammar III. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1-5). Grammar III, 31, of Broken Arrow, is charged with sexually abusing a child under 12 from March 10, 2008, to March 11, 2011 (Counts 1-3). He is further charged with sexually abusing a second victim under 12 from May 2, 2008, to May 2, 2009 (Counts 4-5). The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-264
Philip Hudson Jr. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Hudson Jr., 32, of Tulsa, is charged with abusing a minor by striking the child with a board and repeatedly tasing his body from Feb. 19, 2013 to Feb. 21, 2013. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-280
Tori Lynn Lasley; Peyton Drew Keele. Robbery in Indian Country. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Lasley, 23, of Sand Springs, and Keele, 31, of Tryon, allegedly stabbed a man when they robbed him on May 28, 2018. Items stolen from the victim’s home included jewelry, a wallet, a cell phone, and his car. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-250
Michael Adam Lindsey. Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Child Abuse in Indian Country. Lindsey, 36, of Sand Springs, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Jennings .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. On April 29, 2018, Lindsey allegedly fired multiple rounds through the door of a home, striking a woman in her left arm. He also pushed down a minor victim during an argument prior to the shooting. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-269
Anthony Lamont Mason II. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault of a Former Intimate and Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Mason II, 27, Tulsa, is charged with breaking into his former dating partner’s home with intent to steal property on Feb. 27, 2021. On May 9, 2021, he also allegedly busted the door to his former partner’s home and assaulted her by striking her, threatening her with a firearm and attempting to strangle and suffocate her. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-270
Robert Earl McFarland IV. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. McFarland IV, 31, of Vinita, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Rossi .38 caliber pistol. The FBI and Vinita Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-251
Eugene Todd Nunley. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country. Nunley, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with raping a female victim after forcing her into a wooded area near a pedestrian trail where the victim had been walking. The crime occurred on Aug. 13, 2015. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-271
Alvin Ezra Opry. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 2). Opry, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of sexually abusing a child under 12, from Dec. 1, 2014, through Dec. 5, 2015. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-252
Earnest Jo Goss Petty. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. On April 1, 2019, Petty, 38, of Tulsa, allegedly took the victim’s vehicle by force, resulting in serious bodily injury, on April 1, 2019. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-272
Jorden Michael Roberts. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Roberts, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from Oct. 30, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-265
Joshua David Slinkard. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 2). Slinkard, 40, of Tulsa, is charged with sexually abusing a two minors between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-266
William Frank Vanover. Kidnapping in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 4); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 2); Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding- Misdemeanor (Counts 3 & 5). Vanover, 47, of Claremore, is charged with kidnapping and assaulting a female victim on Dec. 30, 2020. He allegedly threatened the woman with a knife and punched the victim in the face. According to the indictment, he kidnapped the victim and assaulted her a second time on Feb. 17, 2021. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-253
Johnny Lee Arnold and Dale Eugene Warren. First Degree Murder in Indian Country. Arnold, 33, of Langley, and Warren, 65, of Vinita, are charged with aiding and abetting one another when the killed Christopher Boren by stabbing the victim and beating him with a bat on Aug. 18, 2019. His body was found on the Mayes and Craig County line. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is the investigative agency. 21-CR-258
Brenan Wells; Brook Deerinwater; Mikayla Morrison. Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Harboring or Concealing a Person From Arrest. On May 9, 2021, Wells, 34, and Deerinwater, 32, are alleged to have violently robbed a victim. Wells is further charged with brandishing a firearm and striking the victim in the face with the firearm. Wells is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Tarus .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. Finally, Morrison, 24, is charged with harboring and concealing Wells after she was provided notice that a warrant and process had been issued for Wells’ apprehension. All three defendants are from Bristow. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bristow Police Department, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-254
Caleb Lewis Witte. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Count 1); Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country (Count 2); Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country (Count 3); Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Count 4). Lewis, 25, of Bartlesville, allegedly sexually abused a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 from June 1, 2020, to Nov. 11, 2020. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-273
Failed Armed Robery Leads to 20-Year Sentence for Nebraska ManRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – An Omaha, Nebraska man pled guilty and was sentenced yesterday to 239
months in prison for attempting to rob a Walgreens in Swansea, Illinois.According to court documents, on Sept. 15, 2019, Christopher Easterling, 23, entered the Walgreens
located at 2532 N. Illinois Street, approached the cashier, brandished a firearm, and said “let’s
get this going, babe.” The cashier immediately ran away. After stepping behind the counter and
briefly surveying the scene, Easterling left the store without taking anything. He was apprehended
minutes later by the Swansea Police Department.Easterling pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with attempted armed robbery of the
Walgreens, brandishing a firearm during the crime, and unlawful gun possession by a convicted
felon.In handing down the nearly 20-year sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel noted
as aggravating factors that Easterling had committed the offense while on parole for another
attempted robbery in Nebraska in 2016, and that he has another robbery conviction from Nebraska in
2014.Upon his release from prison, Easterling will serve 5 years on supervised release. The ATF and the
Swansea Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Assault by Strangulation and SuffocationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation was sentenced on June 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Seth Stadel, a/k/a Seth Carter, age 27, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Stadel was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. He pled guilty on March 22, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 10, 2020, near Lantry, South Dakota, wherein Stadel assaulted his intimate partner by grabbing her by the throat and strangling her until she began to lose consciousness. When she tried to run away, Stadel tackled her, breaking her arm.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Stadel was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Misusing a Social Security Number and Making a False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to false statement and Social Security fraud charges.
Juan Baez, 57, who previously resided in Roslindale, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to health care matters. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2021.
Baez used the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses and identification cards. He also used the identity to apply for and receive MassHealth benefits. Between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2019, Baez fraudulently received approximately $18,977 in federally funded MassHealth benefits he was not entitled to by using the victim’s identity.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement relating to health care matters provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Philip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Defendants Plead Guilty in Drug Distribution Investigation at Albany Hotels, 20 Firearms Seized Including MachinegunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Six defendants entered guilty pleas in federal court in a drug and firearms case involving a cache of illegally possessed weapons, including a fully automatic rifle and sawed-off shotgun.
On Friday, June 4, Daniel Landon Knight, 30, of Leesburg, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count attempt to escape from custody. For the firearms charge, Knight faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. For the escape charge, Knight faces five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Co-defendant Haley Roberts, 33, of Lee County, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for which she faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Co-defendant Donald Hammock, 57, of Shellman, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hammock likely faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years up to a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine.
On Thursday, June 3, co-defendant Emanuel Cobb, 36, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Joshua Walls, 34, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine and one count possession of a machinegun. For the distribution of methamphetamine charge, Walls faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison and a maximum $10,000,000 fine, and as a result of the possession of a machinegun charge, he faces a maximum of ten years in prison and maximum fine of $250,000.
On May 13, Cody Harman, 35, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count distribution of methamphetamine. Harman faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of ten years up to a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment as well as a fine of up to $10,000,000.
All pleas were offered before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner in Albany, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement agents prevented a group of convicted felons in possession of dangerous weapons – including a machinegun – from continuing to circulate drugs and guns into our community. These defendants will now face federal consequences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to take all necessary steps to curb violence in our region.”
“Due to the diligence of our local, state and federal partners, these lifelong criminals are unable to continue threatening the safety of our citizens,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These repeat offenders have another chance to learn that their life choices have very serious consequences.”
“Illegal guns and drugs have no place in Georgia. They are a danger to the community and breed fear amongst hardworking citizens. We value our partnership with federal and local agencies to work these cases that lead to successful prosecutions,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
According to court documents, from January 2020 through August 2020, law enforcement agents investigated Wall, Cobb and Harman’s methamphetamine and heroin distribution activities at local motels in Albany. In the course of this investigation, agents learned that not only were the members of the group regularly dealing in controlled substances but were also often in possession of or selling firearms. Further, they learned that some of the firearms were fully automatic and in the process of being converted to fully automatic or otherwise altered.
Investigations and arrests in this case took place at Knights Inn, Araamda Hotel, Budget Inn, Motel 6, Merry Acres Inn and Red Roof Inn in Albany. Specifically, Harman, Walls and Cobb admitted their involvement in drug sales inside the Knights Inn, and Walls also admitted that in the parking lot of a hotel he sold a rifle equipped with a bump stock and a 30-round magazine, which falls under the category of machinegun under federal law. Such firearms allow a shooter to initiate a continuous firing cycle with a single pull of the trigger.
Additionally, Lee County Sheriff Deputies took Knight into custody on a state probation warrant violation on July 15, 2020. Knight was previously convicted in Lee County Superior Court in April 2014 on a four-count felony and sentenced to serve 12 years in jail; he was on probation at the time of his arrest. From jail, Knight was recorded giving Roberts instructions to relocate “bangers” which agents believed to be code for firearms. On July 20, 2020, law enforcement officers arrested Roberts at the Merry Acres Inn, Albany, on a state probation warrant violation. Roberts was previously convicted in Lee County Superior Court in April 2017 on a three-count felony violation and was on probation at the time of her arrest. During a search of the hotel room she was staying in, officers found 12 firearms, including five AK-15 style rifles without any visible make, model or serial number markings. Further investigation revealed that Walls had assisted Roberts in moving the firearms from Florida to the Merry Acres Inn.
Finally, on July 25, 2020, a Randolph County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on routine patrol and observed a vehicle driven by Hammock crossing the center line and entering the oncoming lane of traffic. During the stop for suspected DUI, the deputy found quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, pills, stolen property and two firearms including a loaded handgun and a shortened barrel shotgun. Hammock admitted that he was a felon and knew that he could not have guns. He said he had purchased the firearms from Wall.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, GBI, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Randolph County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Dayton man charged with dealing fentanyl cocaine mixture that caused multiple fatal and nonfatal overdosesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged a Dayton man with distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in five overdoses in the late hours of New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of New Year’s Day 2019.
Kelsey V. Williams, Jr., 40, was arrested on Tuesday in Minnesota. He appeared in federal court in Minnesota today for a detention hearing and his case was unsealed here this afternoon.
According to the indictment returned on May 25, on New Year’s Eve 2018 and New Year’s Day 2019, the defendant allegedly distributed a fentanyl and cocaine mixture responsible for three fatal and two nonfatal overdoses.
Distributing a controlled substance that results in death or serious bodily injury is a federal crime punishable by 20 years up to life in prison.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the launch of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S), a program aimed at reducing the supply of synthetic opioids in 10 high impact areas and identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
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Daughter of Notorious Mexican Cartel Leader Sentenced for Criminal Violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation ActRead the Press Release
The daughter of the leader of the Mexican drug trafficking organization known as the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a dual U.S.-Mexican citizen, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for willfully engaging in financial dealings with Mexican companies that had been identified as specially designated narcotics traffickers by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC).
Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez, 34, of Guadalajara, Mexico, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2021. According to court documents, she violated the criminal penalties of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) by engaging in transactions and dealings in property with six Mexican businesses that had been sanctioned by OFAC as specially designated narcotics traffickers in September 2015 and September 2017. The six businesses were designated for providing material support to the narcotics trafficking activities of the CJNG, which was itself designated by OFAC in April 2015. Oseguera Gonzalez’s father, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho,” who is the leader of CJNG, and her uncle, Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, who is the leader of the Los Cuinis drug trafficking organization, were also sanctioned by OFAC in April 2015.
Court documents indicate that Oseguera Gonzalez was an owner of two Mexican companies designated by OFAC, J&P Advertising, S.A. de C.V., and JJGON S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V., and that she was an officer, director, or agent of four additional sanctioned businesses, Las Flores Cabanas, Mizu Sushi Lounge, Tequila Onze Black, and Operadora Los Famosos, S.A. de C.V., doing business as Kenzo Sushi. She remained an owner, officer, director or agent of those entities following their OFAC designations, and did not seek the required license from OFAC to engage in those financial transactions.
“This sentence shows that violating the Treasury Department’s sanctions of businesses and persons tied to foreign drug cartels will not go unpunished,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Kingpin Act is an important tool in the U.S. government’s unrelenting efforts to dismantle drug cartels, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who support major narcotics traffickers by engaging in conduct that violates the act’s criminal prohibitions.”
“Today’s sentencing of a prominent individual who willfully violated the Kingpin Act to engage in criminal transactions that facilitated the CJNG organization shows our unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who disregard the law and threaten public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division. “Those who engage in illicit finance activities to aid the drug cartels that fill our communities with powerful and addictive drugs have no business operating without accountability.”
The Los Angeles Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, and the Justice Department particularly thanks the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Marshals Service for their support and contributions to the case.
Trial Attorneys Brett Reynolds, Kaitlin Sahni and Kate Naseef of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case.
This case received significant support from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program supports investigations around the country to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Violation of His Supervised Release from a Previous ConvictionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Romaine Blunt, age 44, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and to violating the conditions of his supervised release for a previous conviction.
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.
According to his plea agreement, on February 26, 2009, Blunt was convicted for a violation for possession of prohibited contraband in prison. Blunt received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment followed by 36 months of supervised release with the condition that Blunt not commit any new state or federal crime. On May 18, 2018, Blunt began his supervised release. On May 22, 2019, the Court revoked Blunt’s supervised release and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment, followed by a new term of supervised release until May 17, 2021.
As detailed in Blunt’s plea agreement, on the morning of October 8, 2020, a Prince George’s County police officer responded to a residence in Suitland, Maryland based on a report that Blunt was in possession of a firearm outside of an apartment building. Officers saw Blunt outside the apartment building and as they approached, Blunt reached into a black satchel slung over his shoulder and removed a handgun and dropped the gun in the nearby mulch. Prince George’s County police officers recovered the gun, a.9mm handgun loaded with approximately eight rounds of .9mm ammunition in the magazine.
Blunt knew that as a result of a previous felony conviction, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Blunt’s possession of the firearm and ammunition also violated the conditions of his supervised release, specifically, that Blunt not commit any new state or federal crime.
Blunt and the government have agreed in the plea agreement, Blunt will be sentenced to jointly recommend at the time of sentencing a sentence of 54 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Fansler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright who are prosecuting the case.
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Collin County Man Convicted of Child Pornography ViolationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An Allen man was found guilty by a jury of federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Clay Melton Denton, 56, was found guilty of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography today by a jury following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III.
“Those that view and trade child pornography perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and abuse by providing a market for producers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The Eastern District of Texas will do whatever it takes to stamp out this terrible industry—and make no mistake, it is indeed an industry—doing so with the help of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
“The sheer volume of devices and images recovered by investigators in this case is astounding. I commend the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Garland and Plano Police Departments and the North Texas Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory for their diligence in processing evidence to best serve justice in this investigation,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “With our partners, we are committed to ensuring that distributors of abusive content are held accountable so that we can protect our population’s most vulnerable members.”
“This important collaboration with our local area and Federal law enforcement partners continues to keep catching these criminals in an effort to keep our communities safe,” said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain. “We are very appreciative all those involved in this case.”
“I am proud of the work that our police department is doing, and cases like these showcase the importance and effectiveness of working together not only locally but federally,” said Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan. “The safety of our communities is the top priority, and these are the types of folks we need off our streets.”
According to the court documents and testimony at trial, in January and March 2018, undercover officers with the Plano Police Department and the Garland Police Department received child pornography, via an online platform, that had been distributed to them by a computer user. The officers traced the online conduct to the Denton residence in Allen, Texas. Members of the FBI obtained a search warrant for the residence, which they served on April 25, 2018. The searching team discovered multiple digital devices in the residence, including server racks, network area storage devices, laptops, hard drives, cellular phones, and digital storage media. Agents testified that the entire second story of the house was filled with floor-to-ceiling book cases storing digital devices, manuals, and peripherals. Additional testimony revealed that forensic analysis of the seized devices took almost one year. During this forensic analysis, personnel discovered tens of thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Specifically, evidence demonstrated that a laptop belonging to Denton and located on one of his desks contained the same software used to distribute child pornography to the undercover officers. That software was also used to obtain child pornography, which was saved on a different portion of Denton’s computer. Evidence also revealed that child pornography was located on a 60+ terabyte storage device that Denton owned and possessed. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Denton with federal violations on Sep. 11, 2019.
On June 11, 2021, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts of the indictment. Under federal statutes, Denton faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department, Garland Police Department and the FBI Dallas Child Exploitation Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Maureen Smith.
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