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21 July 2021
Lansing Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Monquel Dejuan-Lee Paulk, formerly of Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou. Paulk pleaded guilty to a federal indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm earlier this year. Upon release, Paulk will be supervised for 4 years. Paulk was facing a mandatory sentence of 15 years because of a history of previous violent crimes, including assault with a dangerous weapon and unarmed robbery.
On July 14, 2020, Paulk appeared in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County and received a sentence of 36 to 270 months’ custody for the offense of unarmed robbery. Paulk was ordered to report to the Ingham County Jail by 5:00 p.m. that day to begin his sentence but did not appear. On August 19, 2020, Lansing Police Department officers and Michigan State Police Troopers conducted surveillance and located and arrested Paulk and another person in Lansing. At the time of his arrest, Paulk possessed a loaded 9mm pistol while seated inside a vehicle; the pistol had previously been reported stolen. Police found additional ammunition and a second firearm, a 10mm pistol, inside the same vehicle. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network testing determined that both firearms had been used in multiple 2020 shootings in the Lansing area. Three of those shootings resulted in non-fatal injuries.
U.S. Attorney Birge said, “My office is committed to supporting local partner law enforcement agencies to prevent, interrupt, and deter violent crime – particularly gun violence. Those who, like Mr. Paulk, illegally possess guns traceable to shootings will get our attention and may face a very long time safely away from the communities they endanger.”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Krolcyzk said, “The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is one of the many intelligence-sharing resources used in collaboration among Federal, State, and local prosecutors and law enforcement ensuring maximum impact in reducing the threat of gun violence.”
Interim Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee said, “Historically, partnerships in Law Enforcement lead to success. The Lansing Police Department Violent Crime Initiative team alongside our State and Federal partners are committed to ensuring crimes involving firearms receive all the resources we have available to hold offenders accountable.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin M. Pinkston and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lansing Police Department as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement work closely together to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for driving violent crime in our communities in order to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Individuals with information or concerns about violent crime or firearms offenses should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psn
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KuuHuub Inc., Kuu Huub Oy and Recolor Oy to Pay Civil Penalty for Children’s Online Privacy ViolationsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced that KuuHuub Inc., a Canadian corporation, and two Finnish corporations, Kuu Huub Oy and Recolor Oy, have agreed to a settlement to resolve alleged violations of the FTC Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) associated with the companies’ “Recolor” mobile app and digital coloring book.
In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the United States alleged that the Recolor app included a “kids” category targeted at children, and that defendants also obtained actual knowledge that children 13 years old and younger were using and accessing the Recolor app not only to color images but also to use the app as a social media platform for communicating. The complaint further alleges that the Recolor app collected personal information of these child users without attempting to obtain verifiable parental consent, thus violating COPPA.
As reflected in the stipulated order entered by the court today, the defendants have agreed to a civil penalty of $3 million, with a payment of $100,000 due within a specified timeframe and the remainder suspended pending compliance with the order’s other provisions and based on ability-to-pay considerations. The order also prohibits the defendants from engaging in the challenged practices going forward and requires them to notify customers about the alleged violations; to delete children’s personal information currently in their possession; to seek the deletion of information held by third-party ad networks; to allow refunds requested by any current subscribers who were underage at sign-up; and to meet recordkeeping, certification and compliance obligations.
This matter was handled by Assistant Director Lisa K. Hsiao and Trial Attorney Marcus P. Smith of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. Kerry O’Brien and Evan Rose represented the FTC.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the FTC, visit its website at https://www.FTC.gov.
Kauai Woman Pleads Guilty to Multiple Wire Fraud Schemes and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Leihinahina Sullivan, 49, of Lihue, Kauai, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft related to multiple long-running fraudulent schemes. Sentencing is set before Chief Judge Seabright on December 2, 2021.
Court documents and information provided in court described three fraud schemes Sullivan perpetrated. Beginning as early as January 31, 2011, through at least August 23, 2017, Sullivan devised a tax fraud scheme to obtain tax refunds from the IRS and the State of Hawaii that she and the other individuals were not entitled to receive by filing false returns for herself and for others. The false federal and state tax returns included fictitious expenses, claims for credits, and other items Sullivan knew were false when made. Sullivan did not review these tax returns with the individuals before she filed the tax returns in their names.
Sullivan transferred the fraudulent tax refunds into several bank accounts that she had access to and controlled, including her personal bank accounts and those of friends and family members, and a non-profit entity that she controlled. Sullivan then spent these tax refunds on personal expenses for herself, her family, and her friends.
The second scheme involved educational fraud and began January 8, 2011 and lasted through at least February 1, 2017. For college-bound students Sullivan prepared and submitted false student loan, grant, scholarship, and financial aid applications and documents that requested money from public and private educational-based financial assistance and aid providers. Sullivan transferred some money from students’ financial aid applications to her personal bank accounts and other bank accounts she controlled, then spent the money on her own personal and other expenses, such as for home construction, retail purchases, and her bills.
In the last fraud scheme Sullivan used personal identification information of many individuals, such as social security numbers and birth dates, to apply for and use credit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization. In one instance, she submitted an electronic credit card application for an individual whom she knew died on the same day she sent in the application.
Sullivan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000 as to each of the three counts of wire fraud, and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison in addition to any other sentence imposed by the court and a fine of up to $250,000 on aggravated identity theft when she is sentenced. Chief Judge Seabright will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Judith A. Philips and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Corinne Kalve made the announcement today.
Acting U.S. Attorney Philips said: “Sullivan’s fraud was wide-ranging and lasted for years. Her web of lies and manipulation ends with this case. She will be held accountable for the damage she caused by her fraudulent schemes and the money she stole from friends, family, individuals in her community, and public and private institutions.”
“Sullivan admitted to defrauding her community and taking money from taxpayers, students, and financial institutions for her own personal profit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Corinne Kalve of IRS-CI. “This guilty plea is a reminder that IRS-CI will continue to follow the money and investigate those who prey on their communities.”
This conviction is the result of an investigation led by IRS-CI and involving Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca A. Perlmutter and Mohammad Khatib of the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Jury Finds Mexican National Guilty in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - After deliberating two hours, a federal jury of three men and nine women found a Mexican national, Adelfo Rodriguez-Mendez, guilty of three counts of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Rodriguez-Mendez was tried before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Rodriguez-Mendez conspired to distribute and distributed cocaine out of what was then known as the East Coast Monster Garage on West 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, from August 2015 through June 29, 2017.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The court continued Rodriguez-Mendez’s detention and he will remain in United States Marshal custody pending sentencing. Rodriguez-Mendez is also being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer following an earlier order of deportation for an unlawful entry that was active during the time of the conspiracy.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rodriguez-Mendez.
Judge sentences Dunklin County man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felonRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Court Stephen R. Clark sentenced Kendrick D. Calloway to 120 months in prison. Calloway, a 38-year-old resident of Malden, Missouri, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of 10 years. A contested sentencing hearing was held on July 20, 2021 and five witnesses testified for the government.
On March 8, 2020, officers with the Malden Missouri Police Department responded to a “shots-fired” call on Blades Drive. Two people reported Kendrick Calloway knocked on their car window as he was holding a gun. Words were exchanged and Calloway fired a shot. The victims drove off and Calloway followed them in his car and fired additional shots at them. Officers made contact with Calloway and ordered him to the ground. Calloway had a fully loaded Kel-Tec P-32 semiautomatic pistol in the waistband of his pants. Calloway was non-compliant with police and attempted to bite an officer. An additional firearm, an SCCY 9mm, semi-automatic pistol was found in Calloway’s car. Officers recovered a spent shell casing in the parking lot where the victims were parked. A criminalist with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory was able to confirm the spent shell casing was fired from the SCCY 9mm recovered from Calloway’s car. The MSHP Crime Lab also confirmed the presence of gunshot residue on Calloway’s hands. Calloway was a convicted felon and therefore it was unlawful for him to possess firearms.
This case was investigated by officers with the Malden Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Hunter handled the prosecution.
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Illinois women indicted on counterfeit chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarissa Mosley, of Chicago, Illinois, and Asante James, of Freeport, Illinois, were indicted today on counterfeit charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Mosley, 24, and James, 21, were each indicted today on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit Obligations,” one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations,” and one count of “Passing Counterfeit Obligation.” Mosley and James are accused of passing counterfeit money in December 2020 in Ritchie County.
Mosley and James each face up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 fine for two other counterfeit charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Charleston Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Huntingdon County Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding Others in Stealing Pandemic Relief FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Linda Grubb, age 74, of Hesston, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on July 21, 2021, to wire fraud for her role in a pandemic relief funds fraud scheme.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Grubb and her coconspirators manipulated a variety of pandemic relief programs to fraudulently obtain over $400,000. Specifically, the coconspirators made applications for pandemic related small business loans and pandemic unemployment assistance, sometimes using stolen identifying information. The loans and unemployment payments were deposited into Grubb’s bank account in Huntingdon County. Grubb allowed her bank account to be used and then assisted her coconspirators by wiring the funds to bank accounts they identified.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Huber Heights man sentenced to statutory maximum 20 years in prison for possessing more than 3,400 images of child pornographyRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Huber Heights man who possessed more than 3,400 images and 800 videos of child pornography has been sentenced to 240 months in prison, the maximum sentence provided under federal law for possession of child pornography.
Stephen E. Kirby II, 38, was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release as a sex offender.
According to court documents filed when Kirby pleaded guilty in June 2020 to one count of possession of child pornography, Kirby used multiple internet message services to receive and distribute child pornography files and to communicate with others about the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. One of the people Kirby contacted in 2019 was actually an undercover FBI agent investigating child pornography trafficking. Kirby was taken into custody following his plea and remains in custody.
“Kirby received the maximum sentence because of the brazen and flagrant way he committed his crimes, resuming his criminal behavior about a month after the Bureau of Prisons released Kirby following his 2013 conviction for distribution of child pornography,” said Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Kirby demonstrated that nothing short of prison would keep him from engaging in child sexual exploitation crimes. Federal law is set up to deal harshly with repeat offenders who victimize children.”
Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), joined Acting U.S. Attorney Patel in announcing the sentence handed down July 20 by U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Christina E. Mahy is representing the United States in this case.
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Houlton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine—A Houlton man pleaded guilty in federal court today to two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
According to court records, Derek Fitzpatrick, 30, sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions in August 2018. In September 2018, Fitzpatrick sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine to the informant. On September 28, 2018, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Fitzpatrick’s residence in Houlton and his garage in Littleton. Agents seized almost 2,000 grams of methamphetamine from the residence.
On each of the two counts of distributing methamphetamine, Fitzpatrick faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and between three years and a lifetime of supervised release. For distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, he faces between five years and 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and between four years and a lifetime of supervised release. For possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, he faces between 10 years and life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and between five years and a lifetime of supervised release.
Fitzpatrick will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this case, with the assistance of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, the Houlton Police Department and the Maine State Police.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Highland County man charged with attempted hate crime related to plot to conduct mass shooting of women, illegal possession of machine gunRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has charged a local, self-identified “Incel” with attempting to conduct a mass shooting of women and with illegally possessing a machine gun.
Tres Genco, 21, of Hillsboro, Ohio, allegedly plotted to commit a hate crime, namely, a plan to shoot women at a university in Ohio. He was arrested by federal agents today.
Genco identified as an Incel or “involuntary celibate.” The Incel movement is an online community of predominantly men who harbor anger towards women. Incels advocate violence in support of their belief that women unjustly deny them sexual or romantic attention to which they believe they are entitled.
According to the indictment, Genco maintained profiles on a popular Incel website from at least July 2019 through mid-March 2020. Genco was a frequent poster on the site.
In one post, Genco allegedly detailed spraying “some foids and couples” with orange juice in a water gun. Foids is an Incel term short for “femoids,” referring to women. According to the charging document, Genco compared his “extremely empowering action” to similar conduct by known Incel Elliot Rodger. In May 2014, Rodger killed six people and injured 14 others, including shooting individuals outside a University of California, Santa Barbara sorority house. Prior to his mass attack, Rodger shot a group of college students with orange juice from a water gun.
Genco also allegedly wrote a manifesto, stating he would “slaughter” women “out of hatred, jealousy and revenge…” and referring to death as the “great equalizer.” As part of this investigation, law enforcement agents discovered a note of Genco’s that indicated he hoped to “aim big” for a kill count of 3,000 people with a reference to the same date as Elliot Rodger’s attack, and intended to attend military training. The investigation revealed that the day he wrote his manifesto, he searched online for sororities and a university in Ohio.
It is alleged that in 2019, Genco purchased tactical gloves, a bulletproof vest, a hoodie bearing the word “Revenge,” cargo pants, a bowie knife, a skull facemask, two Glock 17 magazines, a 9mm Glock 17 clip, and a holster clip concealed carry for a Glock.
Genco attended Army Basic Training in Georgia from August through December 2019. He was discharged for entry-level performance and conduct.
In January 2020, Genco allegedly wrote a document entitled “isolated” that he described as “the writings of the deluded and homicidal.” Genco signed the document, “Your hopeful friend and murderer.”
The charging document alleges Genco conducted surveillance at an Ohio university on Jan. 15, 2020. That same day, he allegedly searched online for topics including “planning a shooting crime” and “when does preparing for a crime become an attempt?”
On March 12, 2020, Highland County sheriff’s deputies responded to Genco’s residence. At the residence, in the trunk of Genco’s vehicle, police officers found, among other things, a firearm with a bump stock attached, several loaded magazines, body armor and boxes of ammunition. Inside the residence, police officers found a modified Glock-style 9mm semiautomatic pistol, with no manufacturer’s marks or serial number, hidden in a heating vent in Genco’s bedroom.
Genco is charged with one count of attempting to commit a hate crime and one count of illegally possessing a machinegun. The hate crime charge is punishable by up to life imprisonment. The machinegun charge is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
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; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Hartford Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role n Northeast "Grab and Go" Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAIGE JAMES, also known as “Ishaya James,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.
This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states. A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.
James was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street.
James participated in at least 28 thefts resulting in losses of more than $90,000. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging James and seven other individuals. James was arrested in Georgia on October 20, 2021. On May 14, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property.
James has been detained since her arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.
Green County Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A Greene County man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and the distribution/receipt of child pornography. He will also serve a lifetime term of supervised release, must pay $10,000 in restitution to the minor victim, and was also ordered to have no contact with the minor victim or victim's family.
According to court documents, Brett Alan Walker, 30, of Switz City, used a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions of the child. The Indiana State Police were alerted to Walker’s online crimes in November of 2019 when Google reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Walker had uploaded sexually explicit images of a child to its servers. The State Police and FBI investigated the Cyber Tip-line Report and confirmed that the suspect was a convicted sex offender. Police arrested Walker and rescued the child victim on the night before Thanksgiving of 2019. A review of the evidence seized showed that Walker was not only sexually exploiting the child, but he was also distributing images of the child in the social media chat application, Kik Messenger.
Walker was previously convicted of child molestation in Marion County in 2010 and while on probation for that offense, he was convicted of criminal confinement in 2011, for an offense involving a 14-year-old girl. Walker was released from the Indiana Department of Corrections on December 31, 2016, less than 3 years before he committed the federal offenses.
“Walker’s fifty-year sentence pales in comparison to the sentence he imposed on the minor victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress. “Walker’s actions have demonstrated that he should never have the ability to be in any type of contact with children. This sentence will help ensure that.”
“This lengthy sentence should send a loud and clear message that, while you may think you can hide behind the anonymity of the internet to commit these crimes, we will identify you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to combat the sexual exploitation of our children.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Martinsville Police Department, and the Green County Prosecutors Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Kristina Korobov prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Goldsboro Man Convicted of Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Goldsboro man today on charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, William Earl Warren, Jr., 32, was indicted on October 15, 2020 for one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Evidence presented at trial revealed that on July 31, 2020, officers initially tried to stop a vehicle driven by Warren for a stop sign violation. Instead of stopping, Warren led officers on a slow speed vehicle chase through the Westhaven Housing Neighborhoods in Goldsboro, NC. Warren’s vehicle eventually came to a stop and Warren fled the vehicle carrying a firearm. Officers gave chase on foot as Warren ran behind a building and tossed the firearm in a wooded area before continuing to flee on foot. Warren was apprehended shortly afterward in front of the building and officers combed the wooded area and found the firearm at the base of a tree within his flight path. Further evidence presented at trial revealed that Warren was on supervised release at the time of the charged offense for a previous federal conviction for Hobbs Act Robbery in 2015.
Warren faces a maximum penalty of 120 months in prison when sentenced in September 2021.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon L. Boykin prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-cr-00469-BO.
Fulton County Man Charged with Producing, Receiving and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 21, 2021, Kenneth harr, age 51, of McConnelsburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury for production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Harr produced, received and possessed child pornography images using a computer or cell phone between March 2018 and June 2021, in Fulton County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the highest offense charged in the indictment is 30 years’ imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the production of child pornography charge and a five year mandatory minimum sentence for the receipt of child pornography charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Fremont Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Markus W. DeGraw, 40, of Fremont, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
DeGraw was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on the evening of August 27, 2019, DeGraw, a convicted felon and resident of Fremont, Indiana, sent text messages to his estranged wife who was living in Michigan. DeGraw was upset because he believed that his wife had taken his firearms. When his wife denied taking his firearms, DeGraw sent his wife multiple text messages in which he threatened to shoot and kill her. DeGraw also sent his wife a threatening message with a photograph of a handgun.
On the morning of August 28, 2019, DeGraw went to his wife’s residence in Michigan where he pointed a firearm at his wife and told her he was going to kill her. DeGraw left before police arrived. Officers obtained a search warrant for DeGraw’s home. Inside his garage, law enforcement officers located a loaded .40 caliber handgun along with ammunition of various calibers.
After his arrest, DeGraw admitted that he had possessed the .40 caliber handgun for a couple of years, and that he had obtained it about six months after his release from prison on state convictions in 2016. DeGraw admitted to sending the threatening text messages to his wife the night before in order to scare her.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fremont Police Department and the Branch County, Michigan Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Michigan State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
Four Individuals Sentenced to Federal Prison for a total of 36 Years for Carjacking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Eric Cole, 22, Edward Brown, 26, Daterious Gipson, 20, and Warren Guy,22, have been sentenced to a total of 433 months in federal prison for carjacking and firearm offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentences today.
According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2018, Memphis Police were flagged down by a man near Hudson Street. The victim, S.G., had been robbed and his vehicle taken on Powell Avenue. The victim stated he provided a ride to an individual in exchange for gas money. Upon arriving at the address on Powell, the suspect opened his passenger door and pretended to give the victim the gas money. At that time, three additional suspects surrounded the victim's car. As the victim fled on foot, one suspect fired multiple shots at the victim. Cole, Brown and Gipson were positively identified by the victim from a photo line-up.
• February 28, 2019, Cole, Brown, and Gipson were indicted for the carjacking and brandishing and discharging firearms during a crime of violence in the Western District of Tennessee.
• October 16, 2019, Daterious Gipson pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
• November 14, 2019, Edward Brown pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
• December 17, 2019, Eric Cole pled guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during the carjacking.
Further investigation revealed Warren Guy as an additional suspect. Guy was indicted on January 20, 2020 in the Western District of Tennessee. On March 25, 2021, he pled guilty to possession of a firearm during the carjacking.
On October 20, 2020, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Brown to 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Cole was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Gipson was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. On July 15, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Guy to 60 months imprisonment to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former U.S. Army Employee Pleads Guilty to Kickback Scheme to Steer U.S. Government ContractsRead the Press Release
A former civilian employee of the U.S. Army’s Directorate of Public Works pleaded guilty today for his role in a kickbacks scheme to steer government contracts for work at Camp Arifjan, a U.S. Army base in Kuwait.
According to court documents, Ephraim Garcia, 64, admitted that he conspired with Gandhiraj Sankaralingam, aka Gandhi Raj, the former general manager and co-owner of Kuwait-based contracting company Gulf Link Venture Co. W.L.L. (Gulf Link), to steer government contracts to Gulf Link. In his position with the U.S. Army, Garcia was involved in the solicitation, award and management of certain government contracts related to facilities support at Camp Arifjan.
In 2015, at an Olive Garden restaurant located in Mahboula, Kuwait, Garcia and Sankaralingam approached an employee of the prime contractor responsible for base support services. During that meeting, they offered to pay the prime-contractor employee in exchange for his assistance in steering subcontracts worth over $3 million to Gulf Link. Rather than agree to the scheme, the prime-contractor employee reported the kickback offer to authorities. Garcia was arrested in the Philippines in December 2019. On Aug. 19, 2020, Sankaralingam was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to offer a kickback and with paying illegal gratuities to Garcia. Sankaralingam remains a fugitive.
Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to offer a kickback and one count of offering a kickback. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22, and faces a maximum of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and 10 years in prison on the kickback charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Director Marion F. Robey of the Major Procurement Fraud Unit, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Paul Sternal of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), made the announcement.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and DCIS are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Christopher Jackson and Matthew Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The charges in the indictment against Sankaralingam are merely allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Supervisory Pharmacist of Defunct New England Compounding Center Resentenced in Connection with 2012 Fungal Meningitis OutbreakRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former supervisory pharmacist of the now-defunct New England Compounding Center (NECC) was resentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak. The defendant was resentenced after the First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his criminal convictions but vacated his sentence and forfeiture order.
Glenn Chin, 53, previously of Canton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 126 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Chin was also ordered to pay forfeiture of approximately $473,584 and restitution of $82 million.
Chin was sentenced in January 2018 to eight years in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $175,000 and restitution in an amount to be determined. In October 2017, Chin was convicted by a federal jury of all 77 counts, including racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
On July 7, 2021, co-defendant Barry Cadden, a former owner of NECC, was resentenced by Judge Stearns to 174 months in prison and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1.4 million and restitution of $82 million. Cadden was previously sentenced in June 2017 by Judge Stearns to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release after being convicted by a federal jury in March 2017 of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
In 2017, the government appealed the defendants’ sentences. In July 2020, the First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the defendants’ sentences, finding that the Court failed to impose applicable sentencing enhancements and erred in its forfeiture rulings. Significantly, the First Circuit held that the patients who were injected with NECC’s contaminated preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) may be considered victims of the fraud. According to court documents, more than 100 patients died and approximately 800 patients were sickened as a result of contaminated MPA injections. As a result of the First Circuit’s decision, the defendants’ convictions were affirmed, and their sentences and forfeiture orders were vacated and remanded to the District Court for re-sentencing.
In 2012, 753 patients in 20 states were diagnosed with a fungal infection after receiving injections of MPA manufactured by NECC, and more than 100 patients died as a result. The outbreak was the largest public health crisis ever caused by a contaminated pharmaceutical drug.
Chin manufactured and oversaw the manufacturing of contaminated MPA. In doing so, Chin ignored pharmacy regulations and NECC’s own drug formulation worksheets and standard operating procedures. Specifically, he improperly sterilized the MPA, failed to verify the sterilization process and improperly tested it to ensure sterility. Despite knowing these deficiencies, Chin directed the MPA to be filled into tens of thousands of vials and shipped to NECC customers nationwide. During the fungal meningitis outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control identified 18 different types of fungi from MPA vials and patient samples.
Chin directed the shipping of drugs prior to receiving test results confirming their sterility, and he directed NECC staff to mislabel drugs to conceal this practice. He also directed the compounding of drugs with expired ingredients, including chemotherapy drugs that had expired several years prior. Chin prioritized drug production over cleaning, directed the forging of cleaning logs and routinely ignored mold and bacteria found inside the clean rooms.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit, Christopher R. Looney, David G. Lazarus, Chief of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit, and Alexandra W. Amrhein prosecuted the case.
Former Leader of Lowell Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Inca, of leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Alfred Nieves, a/k/a “King Alfy,” 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 8, 2021, Nieves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conducting enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
As detailed in court filings, Nieves served as the Inca, or leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Latin Kings. In June 2019, Nieves requested permission from the state and regional leadership of the gang to assault a relative of a Latin Kings member. In 2017, Nieves sent a coded message to a Latin King member in the Massachusetts prison system directing violence to be taken against a certain individual who was also incarcerated. The coded message was intercepted and deciphered by investigators.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Nieves is the 36th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Kirtland airman sentenced to prison on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Charles Brent Justice, 28, was sentenced on July 16 in federal court to one year and eight months in prison for smuggling goods into the United States, unlawful importation of a firearm and possession of a firearm not registered with the National Firearms Act Registration and Transfer Record. Brent pleaded guilty on Feb. 24.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Feb. 7, 2020, while stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Justice imported a silencer, which was deceptively described as an “inline filter,” knowing that the silencer was illegal. Justice also admitted to possessing functional silencers that he knew were not registered under the National Firearms Act.
As alleged in a criminal complaint, Justice purchased the firearm silencer over the internet from China. Agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted the device while in transit through the mail. Justice did not have the required tax stamp or proper authority to possess and transport weapons under the National Firearms Act. Justice also previously received shipments of other illegal devices, including a “butt-stock” designed to convert a pistol into a short-barreled rifle and an “auto-sear” designed to allow a pistol to function as a machine gun.
Upon his release from prison, Justice will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case with the Department of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations and Homeland Security Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon K. Stanford and Nicholas Mote prosecuted the case.
Former Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Charged with Making False Statements in Connection with Fraudulent Short SaleRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former Hudson County Sheriff’s officer was charged for making false statements to a bank in connection with an application to discharge a mortgage through a fraudulent short sale, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Osbado Hernandez, 52, of Avenel, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of knowingly making false statements for the purpose of influencing the action of an FDIC-insured bank. Hernandez appeared this afternoon via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From September 2015 to Dec. 30, 2015, in order to induce a bank to discharge a mortgage on a property in Keansburg, New Jersey, Hernandez made false statements in connection with a fraudulent short sale of the property, including that he did not have any money to apply toward his mortgage delinquency and that he intended to vacate the property following the short sale. Hernandez fraudulently withheld information regarding the availability of funds in a savings account he failed to disclose to the bank. Hernandez also signed a sworn affidavit that he would not stay in the property for more than 90 days following the short sale, even though he intended to, and did, continue living at the property. As a result of the fraudulent short sale, the bank discharged over $98,000 of debt against Hernandez.
The false statements charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $1 million.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, and special agents with IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Financial Controller Admits to Embezzling Almost Half a Million Dollars from Family-Owned San Diego BusinessRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 21, 2021
SAN DIEGO – Derick Jonathan Cameron of Vancouver, Washington pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud, admitting that while employed as the Financial Controller for San Diego-based RAL Investment Corporation, he embezzled more than $400,000.
In a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt, Cameron admitted he abused his access to the company’s accounting software and issued more than 200 unauthorized checks to himself using the electronic signature of the company’s CFO and deposited them into his personal bank account. He then concealed the payments by manipulating the company’s accounting records to make it appear that each check was issued to a legitimate third-party vendor for a business expense. The company discovered Cameron’s fraudulent activity in April 2018, fired Cameron, and reported the conduct to law enforcement when Cameron was unable to make his promised repayments on schedule.
"The impact of fraud on small businesses can be devastating,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This defendant abused his position of trust to enrich himself, and he has been held to account for his crime.” Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Kanter and the FBI case agents for their work handling this case.
“Mr. Cameron treated his job as Financial Controller as his own private expense account thinking he deserved more money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “His actions put the livelihood of the business in danger and hopefully today’s guilty plea brings a sense of justice and closure to the victim in this case.”
Cameron is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr2128-TWR
Derick Jonathan Cameron Age: 37 Vancouver, Washington
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gain/loss, whichever is greater
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Former Dorchester Man Charged with Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Dorchester man was arrested yesterday in connection with using the identifying information of another person to apply for a driver’s license and United States passport.
Wilfrido Baez Villar, 46, was charged with one count of false representation of a Social Security number, one count of making a false statement in an application for a passport and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Baez Villar was detained pending a detention hearing set for July 22, 2021.
According to the charging document, in January 2019, Baez Villar falsely represented another individual’s Social Security number as his own on a renewal application for a Massachusetts driver’s license. In addition, in December 2019, Baez Villar allegedly used the victim’s name, date of birth and Social Security number on an application for a U.S. passport.
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 in an application for a passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jake Jermaine, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Felon Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MIKAL BLACK, age 23, of Ironton, Louisiana, was charged on July 16, 2021 in a four count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, BLACK was previously convicted of manufacturing a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. Being a felon, BLACK is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He is charged with possessing ammunition on July 5, 2020 and August 6, 2020 and a firearm on July 5, 2020, August 6, 2020 and August 11, 2020. If convicted of these offenses, BLACK faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count.
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 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.
The case was investigated by the Plaquemines Parish Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Federal Search Warrants ExecutedRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa -- On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, federal search warrants were executed at the following locations in the Des Moines metropolitan area:
- 1100 block of 24th Street, Des Moines
- 1300 block of 13th Place, Des Moines
- 800 block of Loomis Avenue, Des Moines
- 1200 block of East 32nd Street, Des Moines
- 6300 block of Hickman Road, Des Moines
- 1300 block of Clark Street, Des Moines
- 5100 block of Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
- 1700 block of Logan Avenue, Des Moines
- 400 block of Aurora Avenue, Des Moines
- 2200 block of 32nd Street, Des Moines
- 1800 block of 2nd Avenue, Des Moines
- 300 block of East Grand Avenue, Des Moines
- 800 block of East County Line Road, Des Moines
The searches at these locations were an official law enforcement action involving officers, agents, and investigators from Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force; Central Iowa Gang Task Force; Des Moines Police Department; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Iowa State Patrol; Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center; Iowa State Patrol SWAT; United States Marshals Service; Central Iowa Drug Task Force; Drug Enforcement Agency; Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force East; Homeland Security Investigations; Altoona Police Department; Story County Sheriff’s Office; Ames Police Department; Norwalk Police Department; West Des Moines Police Department; Ankeny Police Department; METRO Star; SERT; Iowa 5th Judicial District; Federal Bureau of Investigation Chicago; Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City; Federal Bureau of Investigation Minneapolis; Federal Bureau of Investigation Omaha.
Federal Search Warrants ExecutedRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa -- On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, federal search warrants were executed at the following locations in the Des Moines metropolitan area:
- 1100 block of 24th Street, Des Moines
- 1300 block of 13th Place, Des Moines
- 800 block of Loomis Avenue, Des Moines
- 1200 block of East 32nd Street, Des Moines
- 6300 block of Hickman Road, Des Moines
- 1300 block of Clark Street, Des Moines
- 5100 block of Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
- 1700 block of Logan Avenue, Des Moines
- 400 block of Aurora Avenue, Des Moines
- 2200 block of 32nd Street, Des Moines
- 1800 block of 2nd Avenue, Des Moines
- 300 block of East Grand Avenue, Des Moines
- 800 block of East County Line Road, Des Moines
The searches at these locations were an official law enforcement action involving officers, agents, and investigators from Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force; Central Iowa Gang Task Force; Des Moines Police Department; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Iowa State Patrol; Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center; Iowa State Patrol SWAT; United States Marshals Service; Central Iowa Drug Task Force; Drug Enforcement Agency; Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force East; Homeland Security Investigations; Altoona Police Department; Story County Sheriff’s Office; Ames Police Department; Norwalk Police Department; West Des Moines Police Department; Ankeny Police Department; METRO Star; SERT; Iowa 5th Judicial District; Federal Bureau of Investigation Chicago; Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City; Federal Bureau of Investigation Minneapolis; Federal Bureau of Investigation Omaha.
Fairfield Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Online Coercion of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kevin Blaine Cline, 47, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to attempted online coercion of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 1, 2019, an undercover agent observed Cline’s post on the social media platform Whisper that said he was “Looking for dad’s (sic) who love their daughters near me I … Have a question.” The notation at the bottom of Cline’s post said, “Freaky Sexual Desires.” The undercover agent, posing as a dad, engaged in a two-day conversation on Whisper with Cline, and Cline sent the agent two images of child pornography. Cline planned a meeting with the “dad” and “daughter” in order to sexually molest her. Cline then drove from Fairfield to Pleasant Hill to meet up with what he believed to be a seven‑year-old girl. When Cline arrived, however, he was placed under arrest.
The factual basis of the plea agreement contains a description of the sexual activity that Cline wanted to engage in with the seven-year-old girl, as well as sexual acts he planned to perform with a 10-year-old girl in Washington state.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SVICAC) a federally and state-funded task force with agents from federal, state, and local agencies that investigates online child exploitation crimes, including child pornography, enticement, and sex trafficking. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation as part of the SVIAC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case.
Cline is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Oct. 18, 2021. Cline faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Extradited Israeli Fugitive Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Conducting Illegal Gambling Business, Money Laundering, and Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Orel Gohar, 30, formerly of San Francisco, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to two and a half years in prison for conducting an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and failure to appear, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Gohar participated in operating an organization that installed and maintained illegal video slot machines at businesses open to the public across Northern California. Gohar also participated in two different conspiracies to launder the proceeds of the lucrative gambling business through co-defendants’ other businesses. In total, Gohar participated in laundering at least $650,000.
Court documents also detail Gohar’s escape from the United States by charter jet through Mexico, France, and Israel. Gohar was first arrested on Dec. 8, 2017, in connection with his initial charges and granted pretrial release. On Jan. 8, 2018, he failed to appear in federal court for a hearing, and he remained a fugitive for nearly two years until his arrest in Israel in December 2019.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Israeli authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miriam R. Hinman and Mira Chernick prosecuted the case.
Gohar is the last of eight defendants to be sentenced in connection with the illegal gambling and money laundering schemes. May Levy was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2018, to probation and a $2,000 fine; Atir Dadon was sentenced on June 14, 2019, to one year and 10 months in prison and a $10,000 fine; Bar Shani was sentenced on July 12, 2019, to one year and eight months in prison and a $10,000 fine; Adam Atari was sentenced on Sept. 6, 2019, to two years and seven months in prison; Yaniv Gohar was sentenced on Dec. 20, 2019, to three years and nine months in prison; Raz Razla was sentenced on Oct. 6, 2020, to probation and a $5,500 fine; and Eran Buhbut was sentenced on Jan. 12, 2021, to probation and a $4,000 fine.
Estonian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Computer Fraud and AbuseRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – An Estonian national pleaded guilty today in the District of Alaska to two counts of computer fraud and abuse.
According to court documents, Pavel Tsurkan, 33, operated a criminal proxy botnet by remotely accessing and compromising more than 1,000 computer devices and internet routers worldwide, including at least 60 victims in Alaska. He used the victims’ devices to build and operate an Internet of Things (IoT)-based botnet dubbed the “Russian2015” using the domain Russian2015.ru. He modified the operation of each compromised internet router so it could be used as a proxy to transmit third-party internet traffic without the owners’ knowledge or consent. He then sold access to global cybercriminals who channeled their traffic through the victims’ home routers, using the victims’ devices to engage in spam campaigns and other criminal activity. The Alaska victims experienced significant data overages even when there were no home computers connected to the victims’ home networks. The data overages resulted in hundreds to thousands of dollars per victim.
“Today’s cybercriminals rely on increasingly sophisticated techniques to hijack computers and personal electronic devices for their criminal activities. Botnets like the ‘Russian2015’ are a dangerous threat to all Americans and today’s guilty plea demonstrates we can and will hold accountable foreign cybercriminals and their enablers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Our success in disrupting this botnet was the result of a strong partnership between private industry experts and law enforcement.”
Tsurkan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 10, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case with support from GCI and Palo Alto Networks Unit 42. The FBI’s New Haven, Connecticut, Field Office provided assistance during the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and Trial Attorney Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Participating in Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for participating in a string of convenience store robberies that took place across New Jersey in November and December 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Meshach Whagar, 31, of Newark previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, nine substantive counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Whagar’s codefendant, Tione Davis, 38, of East Orange, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to federal charges relating to the armed robbery spree and is awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Davis and Whagar committed a string of 20 armed robberies of convenience stores and gas stations that took place throughout New Jersey between November and December 2017, including locations in Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Bergen, Union, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. During those robberies, Davis, while wearing dark clothing and hiding his face with masks or scarves, brandished a handgun and demanded money from store clerks. After stealing cash from the stores, Davis fled with Whagar, who acted as the getaway driver.
Before being apprehended, the defendants led law enforcement on a high-speed vehicle pursuit in Morris County. Among the items found in the vehicle defendants used in the chase were two handguns matching the description of those Davis used during the robberies.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Whagar to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Morris, Union, Middlesex, Hudson, Passaic, Bergen, and Essex County Prosecutor’s Offices, as well as the Morris Plains, Springfield, Middlesex, Lodi, Roselle Park, Rahway, Parsippany, Rockaway, Mahwah, Elmwood Park, Bayonne, West Orange, East Brunswick, South River, Edison, Hoboken, Union, Clark, Kearny, Clifton, and Maplewood Police Departments for their work on this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Suchorsky of the Economic Crimes Unit.
East Moline Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IOWA – A East Moline man, Davion Demitri Gary, age 22, was sentenced on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 65 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Gary was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100.00 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to court documents, on April 21, 2020, Davenport Police were called to an apartment complex regarding a shots-fired incident. Officers made contact with Gary after stopping a vehicle suspected of being involved in the shots-fired incident. The vehicle Gary was in contained guns, drugs, and a large amount of ammunition. Gary was identified by a witness as the shooter. At the time of this shooting, Gary was on parole through the State of Iowa for Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, related to his involvement in a prior shooting. In that incident, Gary shot another person.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
EEG Testing and Private Investment Companies Pay $15.3 Million to Resolve Kickback and False Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
Two Texas companies have agreed to pay a combined $15.3 million to resolve allegations of kickbacks and other misconduct resulting in the submission of false claims to federal health care programs.
According to the settlement, Alliance Family of Companies LLC (Alliance), a national electroencephalography (EEG) testing company based in Texas, will pay $13.5 million to resolve allegations that it submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to federal health care programs that resulted from kickbacks to referring physicians or that sought payment for work not performed or for which only a lower level of reimbursement was justified. The settlement also resolves allegations against Texas-based private investment company Ancor Holdings LP (Ancor), which will pay over $1.8 million for causing false billings resulting from the kickback scheme through its management agreement with Alliance.
“Kickbacks and inflated billings result in the misuse of critical federal health care program funds,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will collaborate with our agency partners to protect federal health care programs by pursuing those who knowingly claim public funds to which they are not entitled.”
“This settlement should put health care providers on notice that we will hold accountable those who seek to profit by pursuing kickbacks and other improper billing schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery for the Southern District of Texas. “This office, in coordination with its law enforcement partners, will use all available resources to pursue those who defraud these federal programs and to protect our nation’s health care system.”
“This settlement is an example of strong federal partnerships working to protect federal health care programs that are relied upon by so many beneficiaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Miranda L. Bennett of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Dallas Region. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate kickback schemes that undermine the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“As the investigative arm of the Department of Defense Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service is dedicated to protecting the integrity of Department of Defense programs such as TRICARE, the health care system for our service members, retirees, and their families,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory P. Shilling of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southwest Field Office. “Today’s settlement highlights the teamwork with our federal and state partners in rooting out fraud to protect our critical program and preserve American taxpayer resources.”
“This settlement demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the Federal health care programs from fraud,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG). “I would like to thank our staff, law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice for their efforts to protect the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program from those who would seek to defraud the program through improper and illegal billing practices.”
Alliance provides ambulatory EEG testing services for patients referred by physicians and other health care providers to diagnose certain neurological conditions. The United States alleged that Alliance induced physicians to order the company’s EEG testing by providing kickbacks in the form of free EEG test-interpretation reports, thereby enabling primary care physicians who were not neurologists to bill the government as if they had interpreted the tests. The government also alleged that Alliance used an inaccurate billing code for certain EEG testing to generate higher reimbursements and billed for a specialized digital analysis that it did not actually perform. The United States alleged that Ancor learned of the kickbacks based on due diligence it performed prior to investing in Alliance and then caused false claims by allowing that conduct to continue once it entered into an agreement to manage Alliance.
Under the terms of the settlement, Alliance will pay $13,022,356 and Ancor will pay $1,780,349 to the federal government to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act. In addition, Alliance will pay $477,643 and Ancor will pay $64,369 to state Medicaid programs. Alliance is obligated to pay additional amounts if certain financial contingencies occur within the next five years and forego any claim to over $390,000 in suspended payments that it would otherwise be owed by Medicare.
In connection with the settlement, Alliance entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, setting forth requirements for future compliance.
The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act in six actions. Under the Act’s qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. The qui tam actions subject to the settlement are all pending in the Southern District of Texas and are captioned United States ex rel. Mandalapu, et al. v. Alliance Family of Companies, Inc., et al., No. 4:17-cv-00740; United States ex rel. Fuller v. Respiratory Sleep Solutions, et al., No. 4:17-cv-01197; United States ex rel. Calcanis v. Alliance Family of Companies, Inc., et al., No. 4:19-cv-1497; United States, et al. ex rel. Jane Doe v. Alliance Family of Companies, LLC, et al., No. 4:19-cv-1213; United States, et al. ex rel. McKay v. Alliance Family of Companies, LLC, et al., No. 4:18-cv-1949; and United States, et al. ex rel. Krasnov v. Alliance Family of Companies, LLC, et al., No. 4:19-cv-4886. Relators Mandalapu and Chava will receive $2,962,850 of the federal settlement proceeds as their share of the government’s recovery, plus a share of any additional recoveries should the financial contingencies occur.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida; HHS-OIG; FBI; DCIS; OPM-OIG; and the state attorneys general and Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
Trial Attorneys Michael Hoffman and Sarah Loucks of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Shaitelman of the Southern District of Texas are handling this case.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Denver Man Sentenced for Defrauding Texas Oil & Gas Co.Read the Press Release
A Denver man was sentenced yesterday 16 months in federal prison for defrauding a Wichita Falls oil and gas company, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Duquesne Energy Services owner Daren Scot Elliott, 55, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in April 2021. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, who also ordered the defendant to pay $32,000 in restitution and $20,000 in fines.
According to plea papers, Mr. Elliott admits that he offered to sell a 30,000 gallon propane tank to Gas Corporation of America (G.C.A.), a buyer and seller of oil field equipment located in Wichita Falls. He intimated that he owned the tank, when in fact it was owned by another company, Sampson Resources.
After Mr. Elliott promised to deliver the tank within a week of purchase, a representative of G.C.A. wired $32,000 to Mr. Elliott’s bank account. He never delivered the tank.
Ben Wilson, the owner of G.C.A., testified at Mr. Elliott’s sentencing that the fraud was significant and negatively impacted his business and business’s reputation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, Wichita Falls Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters prosecuted the case.
Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, reaches settlement for fraudulent health care billingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christus St. Vincent Hospital (CSV) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the United States have settled claims that a physician employed by the hospital caused fraudulent claims for payment to be submitted to federal healthcare programs over a span of seven years.
In early 2020, the hospital self-disclosed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office concerns about the billing practices of Dr. Arthur Caire, an employee of the hospital. “Health care providers play an essential role in rooting out and preventing fraud,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Fred Federici. “We acknowledge and appreciate the hospital’s decision to come forward and cooperate with our investigation.”
Following an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and with the cooperation of the hospital, the government concluded that the hospital billed government healthcare payors for services Dr. Caire did not provide or properly supervise. The hospital agreed to pay the United States $563,809.52 to resolve the government’s allegations. The settlement covers Dr. Caire’s entire period of employment at the hospital, which spanned from October 2013 until April 2020, and reimburses multiple federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
The United States Government expends more than $1 trillion dollars annually to provide health care to the beneficiaries of federal healthcare programs. In Fiscal Year 2019 alone, the federal government recovered more than $3.6 billion dollars attributable to healthcare fraud judgments and settlements.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Cunniff and Auditor Julie Chappell represented the United States in this matter.
Christopher Cline A/K/A Carisa Cline Facing Federal Indictment for Two Bank Robberies and One Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher Michael Cline, a/k/a “Carisa Cline”, age 44, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, for the federal charges of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery. The indictment was returned on June 2, 2021 and unsealed today upon Cline’s initial appearance.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the three-count indictment, Cline allegedly attempted to commit a bank robbery in Gaithersburg, Maryland on January 28, 2021.
The indictment further alleges Cline committed two bank robberies in Gaithersburg, Maryland on January 29, 2021 and February 8, 2021.
If convicted, Cline faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 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. At today’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day ordered that Cline be detained pending trial.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey J. Izant, who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Vincent Williams, 47, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Williams sold approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Hurricane on September 15, 2017 and again on September 18, 2017. On September 19, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence in Charleston and found approximately 2,266.3 grams of methamphetamine that Williams admitted he intended to distribute. Law enforcement officers also found a .40 caliber handgun inside Williams’ residence.
Williams faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 18, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-00110.
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CPA Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly InvestorsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kenneth Murry Rossman (63, of Bradenton) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false income tax return. He faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Rossman, a Florida certified public accountant and licensed insurance agent, conspired with Phillip Roy Wasserman, a former lawyer and licensed insurance agent, to defraud elderly victim-investors. The conspirators made false and fraudulent misrepresentations and concealed material information in order to convince elderly victim-investors to put their money into Wasserman’s new insurance venture, “FastLife.” Some victim-investors were persuaded to liquidate traditional investments, such as annuities, and/or to borrow funds against existing life insurance policies to generate cash to invest in the venture. These victim-investors were not told about surrender fees and other costs associated with the liquidations, and Rossman prepared income tax returns for victim-investors in a manner designed to conceal negative personal tax consequences that resulted from the liquidations from both the victim-investors and the Internal Revenue Service.
Victim-investors’ money was used to perpetuate the fraud and for the conspirators’ personal enrichment. Wasserman paid Rossman a percentage of the victim-investors’ money as compensation for his role in the conspiracy. Wasserman also used victim-investors’ money to make payments to earlier victim-investors in the FastLife venture, as well to as victim-investors in his earlier hedge fund and real estate fund ventures. Wasserman spent a significant amount of the victim-investors’ money to finance a lavish lifestyle that included luxury residences, high-end vehicles, jet skis, jewelry, personal celebrity entertainment, gambling, retail shopping, home improvements, personal insurance, and many other expenses for his personal benefit and the benefit of family members.
The conspiracy resulted in victim-investors losing more than $6.3 million.
In November 2020, Wasserman was charged in a superseding indictment with filing false income tax returns, tax evasion, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and substantive counts of wire fraud and mail fraud. His case is currently set for trial in December 2021.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke, David W.A. Chee, Colin P. McDonell, and Rachel Jones.
Browning man sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for murder, kidnapping on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who admitted to murdering a man and then holding a woman hostage by knifepoint on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 26 years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Jason Avery Mattson, 30, pleaded guilty on March 30 to second degree murder and to kidnapping as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 3, 2020, law enforcement was called to a clearing near Cut Bank Creek, close to the Boarding School community on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation after the discovery of a body, identified as John Doe. An autopsy confirmed the manner of death was homicide, with evidence of blunt force injury.
The government further alleged that on March 10, 2020, Mattson called Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, confessed to killing John Doe and told dispatch he had a knife and a gun. While officers were responding to the residence, Mattson called again and told dispatch he was holding a hostage, identified as Jane Doe, at knifepoint. Mattson threatened to kill Jane Doe and held her hostage for about four hours before she was able to escape. Mattson was taken into custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Brooklyn Man Admits Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Brooklyn man with prior felony convictions today admitted illegally possessing a machinegun, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Christian Cordero-Gotay, 29, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of possession of a machinegun, one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a machinegun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Aug. 31, 2020, officers of the Clinton Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop of a vehicle occupied by Cordero-Gotay and Genesis Bertefabian. Upon approach, the officers detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Pursuant to a search of the vehicle, an officer observed a loaded Glock magazine under the driver’s seat. The officers attempted to place Cordero-Gotay and Bertefabian under arrest, but Cordero-Gotay resisted arrest and Bertefabian got in the vehicle and drove away.
A few minutes later, Bertefabian crashed into the side of a building. Bertefabian then exited the vehicle and walked into a wooded area behind the building. Law enforcement officers conducted a search of the wooded areaand found a 9 mm Glock-type semiautomatic firearm. Law enforcement officials determined that the firearm was fitted with a Glock conversion device commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch,” which has the effect of converting a semiautomatic Glock pistol into a machinegun. After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, law enforcement recovered two high-capacity magazines loaded with 9mm ammunition.
Each of the three charges carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Toby C. Taylor, and the Clinton Township Police Department, under the direction of Lieutenant Thomas DeRosa, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges against Bertefabian remain pending, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced for Making False Statements About Drug UseRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va.– A Bristol, Virginia man, who made false statements about his drug use during a hearing related to his federal supervision, was sentenced this week to 30 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, Amanza James Pollino, 41, was on supervised release following a 2008 conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Pollino served a 120-month sentence before being placed on supervised release in 2018.
On December 14, 2020, Pollino appeared before the Federal District Court for violating his supervised release. At the hearing, Pollino testified under oath that he had not used a controlled substance, including cocaine, in more than a month and a half, or around approximately November 2020. However, evidence presented at trial showed Pollino tested positive for cocaine immediately following his testimony at an earlier hearing. He eventually admitted using cocaine on December 6, 2020—six days before the hearing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted yesterday in connection with the armed robbery of a TD Bank branch in Boston.
Coleman Nee, 40, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Nee will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Friday, July 23, 2021, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the indictment, on April 26, 2021, Nee committed the armed robbery of a TD Bank in Boston and allegedly stole approximately $990.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police Chief Kenneth Green made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Devontay Douglas, age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his role in an armed carjacking.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to his guilty plea, on July 10, 2018, Douglas and a co-conspirator robbed a pizza delivery employee at a Baltimore, Maryland apartment complex. During the robbery, Douglas brandished a black semi-automatic handgun and struck the victim in the face and ribs several times. Douglas and his co-conspirator then took the victim’s keys, cell phone, and approximately $50 in cash.
Subsequently, Douglas and his co-conspirator stole the victim’s vehicle and attempted to flee area. The victim immediately notified nearby security guards that he had been robbed and identified the stolen vehicle. Security guards quickly approached the vehicle with weapons drawn and ordered Douglas to stop. Douglas stopped the vehicle and placed his hands in the air. Meanwhile, Douglas’s co-conspirator fled on foot and was not apprehended. The security guards detained Douglas until BPD officers arrived.
When the BPD officers arrived, the officers recovered a Glock, 9mm handgun, loaded with approximately 15 rounds, in the driver’s side front floorboard where Douglas had been sitting.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel who prosecuted the case.
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Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Three RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Javaughn Berry, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery).
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department, Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and the Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad.
According to his guilty plea, from October 2019 to December 2019, Berry and a co-conspirator committed three robberies within Maryland.
On October 13, 2019, Berry and a co-conspirator robbed a Baltimore, Maryland pharmacy. After the robbery, Baltimore Police Department officers responded to the scene and spoke to a victim who reported that the two male suspects wore black masks, black gloves, glasses, and yellow reflective vests. Prior to the robbery, both men were picking up trash in the parking lot. When the pharmacy opened at 8:00 a.m., the suspects entered. One suspect pointed a black revolver at a victim employee and demanded access to the safe. The suspects took $1,630.00 in cash from the safe and tied the victim’s hands with zip ties. They took also took the victim’s keys and fled in the victim’s vehicle.
After this robbery, investigators with the FBI obtained cell phone tower records which revealed that Berry and his co-conspirator’s phones were used in close proximity to the victim pharmacy around the time of the robbery. After investigators recovered Berry’s phone, they executed a search warrant on the device and recovered photos of Berry holding large amounts of cash. The photos were taken on the morning of the robbery.
On November 17, 2019, Berry and his co-conspirator executed a robbery at a retail establishment in Millersville, Maryland. Victims reported to Anne Arundel County Police that two men entered the store as it was closing and demanded money. Both suspects wore masks and had black handguns. The suspects stole $3,200.00 in cash and zip-tied the employees. One of the suspects struck a victim on the head and pulled her to the ground. The victim sustained a cut to her right ear and was treated by medics on scene.
Cell-site information shows Berry and his co-conspirator’s phones in the area near the retailer about two minutes after the robbery. Like the pharmacy robbery, Berry and his co-conspirator fled the scene by stealing an employee’s vehicle. Subsequent to a search warrant on the co-conspirator phone, investigators recovered a picture of a vehicle similar to the employee’s stolen vehicle. Metadata revealed that the picture first appeared on the co-conspirator phone after the robbery.
On December 13, 2019, Berry and his co-conspirator executed the third robbery at a Parksville, Maryland chain restaurant. On the morning of December 13, 2019, Baltimore County Police Department (“BCPD”) detectives responded to the restaurant and found the shift manager and his co-worker inside. According to the victim employees, around 7:00 a.m., the shift manager and co-worker unlocked the front doors when two male suspects entered the store wearing dark, hooded sweatshirts and masks. Berry’s co-conspirator approached the shift manager, pulled out a revolver, and demanded that he open the safe. Berry’s co-conspirator stole $3,393.37 in cash, then put the shift manager’s wrists and ankles in zip ties. Berry approached the co-worker and put zip ties on his wrists and ankles. Both men subsequently stole the shift manger’s vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind the stolen vehicle from the November retail robbery.
A search warrant executed on the Berry’s phone revealed that Berry’s phone was in the parking lot of the restaurant in the time frame of the robbery.
As stated in his plea agreement, on December 14, 2019, a BCPD officer found the vehicle stolen during the restaurant robbery parked a few blocks away from Berry’s residence. BCPD officers placed a GPS device on the vehicle to track its movements.
As investigators continued following the stolen vehicle on December 16, 2019, Berry abandoned the car and fled on foot. Investigators found Berry walking along Harford Road soon afterward. After waiving his Miranda rights, Berry claimed that he saw the stolen car earlier that morning and wanted to take it for a joy ride.
Berry agrees that he committed the December 13, 2019 robbery of the victim restaurant. Berry also agrees that he took money from the presence of the victims, against the victims’ wills, by using actual or threatened force, violence, or fear of injury. Finally, the Berry agrees that the money stolen from victim restaurant affected interstate commerce.
Berry and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Berry will be sentenced to between 8 to 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon K. Moore and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni who are prosecuting the case.
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Baltimore Drug Trafficker Who Injured Hospital Patient During Flight from Police Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Terrel Tomlin, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on December 4, 2019, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers observed Tomlin driving his vehicle back and forth through three lanes of traffic without signaling as well as braking quickly and aggressively. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle on the road leading towards Sinai Hospital’s emergency room entrance.
As detailed in the plea agreement, before approaching the vehicle, officers observed Tomlin making furtive movements in the vehicle and lowering his head towards the right side of the car. During the traffic stop, a BPD officer asked Tomlin for his driver’s license and registration and noticed Tomlin’s hands shaking excessively and his eyes were opened extremely wide. Based on Tomlin’s furtive movements and excessive nervousness, a BPD officer asked him to step out of the vehicle.
Instead, Tomlin attempted to flee, crashing his vehicle into a stationery vehicle, in which Victim 1, who was recently discharged from the hospital after surgery, was the driver, and Victim 1’s child (Victim 2) was a passenger. After the crash, Tomlin got out of the car and fled on foot, carrying a blue duffel bag. Items were falling out of the bag as Tomlin fled. Before he was apprehended by a BPD officer, Tomlin threw the bag in the air, causing items to scatter.
BPD officers recovered drugs and drug paraphernalia along the route that Tomlin ran as he fled from them, including the area in which they apprehended him. Among the items recovered were a blender containing fentanyl and tramadol residue; packaging material, some of which contained cocaine residue; and a clear plastic bag containing approximately 38 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl. During a search of Tomlin’s vehicle, BPD officers recovered a container of Inositol, a cutting agent for heroin; a bottle of ammonia, typically used to clean heroin mixing equipment; and a measuring cup.
During the crash, the steering wheel struck Victim 1’s surgery wound, and Victim 2’s head hit a window of the vehicle. Both victims received treatment for, and subsequently recovered from, the injuries caused by Tomlin crashing into their vehicle.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the HSI Baltimore and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Samika N. Boyd, who prosecuted the case.
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Attorney General Garland Memorandum on Justice Department Communications with the White HouseRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today formally updated its guidelines governing communications between the Justice Department and the White House. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the guidelines, effective immediately, in a memorandum to all Department personnel.
“The success of the Department of Justice depends upon the trust of the American people,” wrote Attorney General Garland. “That trust must be earned every day. And we can do so only through our adherence to the longstanding Departmental norms of independence from inappropriate influences, the principled exercise of discretion, and the treatment of like cases alike.”
The policy expands upon procedural safeguards designed to protect the Department’s criminal and civil law enforcement decisions, and legal judgments, from the appearance or reality of partisan or other inappropriate influences.
Associate of Former Fall River Mayor Sentenced for Extorting Marijuana Vendors and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An associate and co-conspirator of the recently convicted former Mayor of Fall River, Jasiel F. Correia II, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for extortion and lying to federal agents about his role in assisting Correia to obtain money and property from local marijuana vendors.
Hildegar Camara, 60, of Fall River, who testified during Correia’s trial, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three years of probation, including 18 months of home confinement, and 150 hours of community service per year. In September 2019, Camara pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion conspiracy, two counts of extortion and two counts of false statements.
Camara conspired with Correia and others to obtain cash bribes and other payments from local marijuana vendors in exchange for non-opposition letters and community host agreements. Correia, as Mayor, was solely responsible for approving all non-opposition letters in Fall River. Camara facilitated the bribe payments between two marijuana vendors and Correia in return for non-opposition letters.
On May 14, 2021, Correia was convicted by a federal jury of nine counts of wire fraud, four counts of filing false tax returns, four counts of extortion conspiracy and four counts of extortion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Glenn A. Cunha, Massachusetts Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Hafer and David Tobin of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Artesia Couple charged in connection to bank robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Roman Andrew Poulsen, 39, and Lori Crapo, 40, both of Artesia, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on July 16 on charges for their respective roles in a July 15 bank robbery. Poulsen faces a charge of bank robbery while Crapo is accused of being an accessory after the fact. The defendants will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 22.
According to a criminal complaint, on July 15, Poulsen allegedly entered a Washington Federal Bank in Artesia with his face concealed by a mask, dark glasses and a hood. Poulsen allegedly handed a demand note to a teller, then fled the bank after the teller complied. Poulsen, a regular customer at the bank, was identified by his distinct walk and mannerisms.
Poulsen then allegedly went to a local motel where he had been residing with Crapo. The complaint alleges that Poulsen was observed placing objects into a dumpster and setting them on fire, then returning with a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Poulsen and Crapo then allegedly hastily packed some of their belongings into their vehicle and left.
Law enforcement located the subjects’ vehicle at a country market and took Poulsen and Crapo into custody. Investigators were able to recover some of the money, which Crapo allegedly attempted to stash behind goods on a store shelf.
A complaint is only an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Poulsen faces up to 20 years in prison and Crapo faces up to 10 years.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Artesia Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano is prosecuting this case.
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Arizona Accountant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former certified public accountant and former chief financial officer of a McMinnville, Oregon company was sentenced to federal prison today for evading $99,000 in personal income taxes.
Kent Jensen, 58, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2014 and 2015, Jenson, who also previously worked as an auditor with an international accounting firm and a financial consultant for a business in Milwaukie, Oregon, allegedly set up several nominee companies and nominee bank accounts to conceal most of his personal income from the IRS. Jensen arranged for his financial consulting clients to pay his consulting fees to these nominee companies. He then deposited the funds into nominee bank accounts and used the proceeds for personal expenses. In 2014 and 2015, Jensen submitted false personal income tax returns that substantially underreported his personal income and the taxes owed.
In February 2021, Jensen was charged by criminal information with two counts of felony tax evasion. He pleaded to both charges on April 19, 2021.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut ordered Jensen to pay $99,000 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Airline Passengers Charged with Interfering with Flight Crew and Assaulting PassengersRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kelly Pichardo, 31, of Bronx, New York, appeared virtually today in federal court on charges that she interfered with a flight crew member and committed simple assault. Leeza S. Rodriguez, 30, also of Bronx, New York is scheduled to appear next week on the same charges. Pichardo and Rodriguez were previously indicted by a grand jury on three counts related to events that took place in February 2021.
The indictment alleges that on February 24, Pichardo and Rodriguez, while on board an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Los Angeles, interfered with the ability of the flight crew to perform their duties by assaulting a crew member. The indictment also alleges that Pichardo and Rodriguez each assaulted a passenger during the flight. Pichardo’s and Rodriguez’s actions compelled the flight crew to conduct an unscheduled landing in Phoenix, Arizona.
It is a violation of federal law on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States to interfere with flight crew members in the performance of their duties or to lessen their ability to perform those duties by assault or intimidation.
A conviction for Interfering with a Flight Crew Member carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of confinement and a $250,000.00 fine. A conviction for Simple Assault carries a maximum penalty of 6 months of confinement and a $5,000.00 fine.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Hakala is prosecuting the case.
CASE NUMBER: 21-CR-00494-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-042_Pichardo# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest newAhoskie Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Stabbing Jail Guard with ShankRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – An Ahoskie man was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for assaulting a guard at the Franklin County Detention Center with a 6-inch metal shank while in custody on pending federal charges. On April 28, 2021, Troy Lamont Powell, a/k/a “Gutter,” pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Troy Lamont Powell, 32, was being held on federal drug and gun charges in the custody of the Franklin County Detention Center under contract with the United States Marshals Service. On December 30, 2019, a jail guard offered Powell some tissues when Powell struck the guard in the rib cage with a shank fashioned from metal. The shank was later recovered from Powell during a search of his clothing. Powell continued to make threatening statements to other jail guards before being transported to another jail.
United States Marshal Michael East stated: “Any type of assault on a law enforcement officer cannot be tolerated. This case is exceptionally egregious because the detention officer was just trying to assist Mr. Powell and the attack was completely unprovoked.”
“We will aggressively prosecute any federal inmate who has a weapon or who attacks a guard,” said Acting U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker, III. “Such behavior is totally contrary to our system of justice and the rule of law.”
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), and the Kinston Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura S. Howard prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-CR-00073-D.