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Tuesday 25 May 2021
Passaic County Man Admits Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Maurice Tisdale, 28, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tisdale is a member and associate of the 230 Boys street gang, which operates primarily around Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement determined that from at least September 2018 through Oct. 1, 2019, Tisdale and other members and associates of the 230 Boys distributed narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base, in and around Paterson. On June 25, 2019, Tisdale worked with other members and associates to distribute fentanyl to another individual.
The offense charged in the information carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2021.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Belleville and Livingston police departments for their assistance with the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Organizer and Getaway Driver in Violent Armed Robberies Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC CHAMBERS, 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 260 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in several violent armed robberies in 2017 during which two individuals were shot and wounded.
According to court documents and statements made in court:
On September 27, 2017, Chambers’ half-brother, Jachim Brown, wearing a mask and pointing a gun, entered Nikita’s Bar, located on Iranistan Avenue in Bridgeport, and pointed a gun at the only employee who was working at the time. Brown directed the employee to a location behind the bar to retrieve a key to a safe. After the employee complied, Brown opened the safe and stole approximately $2,450. During this robbery, Chambers’ car can be seen on surveillance video driving past the entrance to the bar. Chambers had previously worked security at the bar.
In the early morning hours of November 9, 2017, Brown, again brandishing a gun, robbed an employee of Avenue Café who was couriering approximately $2,000 in cash to Bishop’s Corner Café on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport. Surveillance video outside Bishop’s Corner again revealed Chambers’ car in close vicinity to the robbery. On November 13, 2017, the same employee, who had delegated his money courier responsibilities to another security guard after the November 9 robbery, was again confronted by Brown. When Brown realized that the employee did not have the cash, he shot the employee in the thigh.
On November 14, 2017, Brown, wearing a mask and brandishing a gun, entered the Bar Restaurant, located on Main Street in Stratford, and walked directly to a bin near the cash register that typically contained approximately 80 envelopes with cash payments for employees of the Bar Restaurant and other establishments. Brown grabbed the bin, pointed his gun at one employee’s head, and turned and fired at a second employee who had his hands raised, hitting the second employee in his stomach. Surveillance video revealed that Brown had been dropped off behind the restaurant by Chambers.
On November 16, 2017, at about 9:35 a.m., Bridgeport Police responded to a call of an armed robbery in progress at EbLens, located on Pequonnock Street in Bridgeport. After Brown exited the store, a Bridgeport Police officer chased him on foot. As Brown attempted to get into Chambers’ car, he turned and fired at the police officer. The officer returned fire, tackled Brown and placed him under arrest.
At the time of his arrest, Brown possessed a Raven P25 .25 ACP caliber handgun. Forensic analysis of the firearm revealed that it had also been used in the shootings of the two individuals on November 13 and 14.
Chambers has been detained since his arrest on April 30, 2018. On March 19, 2019, a jury found him guilty of four counts of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery.
On May 29, 2019, Brown, also known as “Ameer Edwards,” pleaded guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On February 24, 2020, Judge Dooley sentenced him to 260 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn Kaoutzanis and Peter Markle.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Operation Second Wave Update: Final Two Defendants Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final two defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” pleaded guilty this week and admitted their roles in a drug trafficking enterprise operating in and around Charleston and the Upper Kanawha Valley between 2018 and August 2020. Tonya Simerly, 36, of Montgomery pleaded guilty to traveling in furtherance of a racketeering enterprise. Steven Matthew Bumpus, 31, of Charleston pleaded guilty to theft of mail matter by a United States Postal employee.
According to court records and statements made at plea and sentencing hearings in the case, Simerly traveled with Jason Michael Terrell and Roger Drake from Charleston to Columbus, Ohio in March 2020 where they picked up approximately two pounds of methamphetamine that was later sold in Kanawha County. Simerly drove during portions of the trip.
Bumpus, a United States Postal Service mail carrier, admitted that he hand delivered packages to Larry Martin that were addressed to residences along Bumpus’ route in Rand. During Martin’s plea hearing, he admitted receiving methamphetamine and marijuana through the U.S. Mail and to recruiting Bumpus to make sure the packages were delivered to him instead of the addressees. In June 2020, police intercepted a package containing approximately 13 pounds of marijuana addressed to Elaine Drive in Rand. Law enforcement officers surveilled the two men and observed Bumpus deliver the package to Martin instead of the address on the package.
When they are sentenced on September 8, 2021, both Simerly and Bumpus face up to five years in federal prison.
Of the other defendants charged as a result of the Second Wave investigation, Jason Michael Terrell was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison, Larry Martin, Roger Jarea Drake, Carol Belton, Craig Redman, and Rashawn Miller have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr. pled guilty in December 2019 to distribution of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing in June 2021. Jimmy Coleman was sentenced last month to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ronald Lee Thomas, III pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Gregory Woods was sentenced in February to 184 months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. The long-term investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks 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 Nos. 2:21-cr-00064 (Bumpus) and 2:20-cr-00154 (Terrell et al).
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Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than 27 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, RODERICK GLENN HOUSTON, JR., 37, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to more than 27 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 1, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment against Houston that charged him with child sex trafficking, production of child pornography, and transportation of child pornography.
On October 8, 2020, Houston pleaded guilty to child sex trafficking. According to public records and admissions made as part of his guilty plea, between April 2015 and March 9, 2016, Houston served as the pimp of a minor girl. Houston advertised her as an escort on the internet, provided her to men for commercial sex, and kept the cash proceeds. Despite knowing that she was a child, he sold her to men for sex in Oklahoma, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Houston to serve 335 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. Judge Friot also ordered Houston to pay $25,100 in restitution and assessments. In arriving at his sentence, Judge Friot took into consideration the facts that Houston gave his victim drugs, gave her false identification documents, physically assaulted her, produced child pornography depicting her, and engaged in prohibited sexual conduct with her.
Upon his release from prison, Houston will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Los Angeles (California) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and McKenzie Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ 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.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Newton County Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Leading Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Stella, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in southwestern Missouri.
Nathen D. Libertus, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 21 years in federal prison without parole.
On May 20, 2020, Libertus pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Newton County and Barry County, Mo., from April 30, 2017, to Jan. 20, 2019. According to court documents, Libertus is an affiliate of the Southwest Honkys, a violent prison gang, who has fled from law enforcement officers on several occasions.
A McDonald County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy was passed by a vehicle on West 76 Highway on Nov 10, 2017. The black Cadillac CTS appeared to have something dragging off the back of the vehicle, causing sparks on the roadway. As the deputy attempted to get behind the vehicle, it sped off and nearly spun out. The deputy initiated his emergency lights and the vehicle, which was being driven by a woman (not identified in court documents) with arrest warrants, was stopped. The deputy searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag that contained approximately 332.74 grams of methamphetamine and a total of $6,952 in cash. Inside the bag with the methamphetamine and cash was a wallet with Libertus’s driver’s license.
On March 29, 2018, a sergeant with the Newton County Sheriff’s Department responded to an address in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Once he got there, he saw a grey/silver colored Chevrolet Camaro with Oklahoma plates in the driveway. He pulled in behind the vehicle and approached, knocking on the window and the roof to get Libertus, the driver, to exit. Libertus refused to do so and instead started the vehicle and attempted to flee by driving through the yard. The vehicle got stuck on some shrubbery, a fence, and a cinderblock, and Libertus was unable to go any farther. Libertus bailed out of the vehicle and ran west through the woods with officers in pursuit. After a quarter-mile foot chase, Libertus came to a stop but had to be tased before he could be taken into custody. Officers searched Libertus and found approximately $4,430 in his pants pockets. Officers found another $1,591 in the vehicle, along with a scale that tested positive for methamphetamine, a glass bong, two cell phones, and other drug paraphernalia.
On April 9, 2018, investigators saw Libertus and the woman from the Nov. 10, 2017, arrest arrive together in a Chrysler 300 at a Newton County residence where they were about to execute a search warrant. The Chrysler pulled into the driveway, maneuvered around several parked vehicles, and continued about 100 yards into a wooded area immediately south of the residence. Libertus and two others attempted to conceal the Chrysler 300, which has been reported stolen, with tarps. When officers arrived, Libertus ran into the wooded area. As a Newton County detective arrived, he saw Libertus spring from the east side of the street and start running down the street. The detective drove toward him. Libertus then tried to cut back onto the property, however, there was a steep hillside and he was unable to make it up the hill. He turned around and ran across the street and into the driveway. He tried to shut the cattle gate so the detective couldn’t follow him in his vehicle, but was unable to, then attempted to run again. He tripped on some shrubbery, got up, tried to run, and then tripped on some more shrubbery and fell down again. The detective was then able to take him into custody. Libertus had $1,240 in his wallet and a key to the Chrysler 300 in his pocket.
The detective found a hollowed out railroad tie near the vehicle. Inside was a camouflage box that contained a Ziploc bag of approximately 396 grams of methamphetamine, a used methamphetamine pipe, several distribution bags with methamphetamine residue in them, a bag of suspected marijuana, several bags of suspected synthetic marijuana, and a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue. Another detective found a hollowed-out log nearby that contained a black box with approximately two grams of methamphetamine.
On Sept. 4, 2018, a man in Newton County called emergency services after finding Libertus passed out behind the wheel in the middle of the roadway. A Newton County deputy attempted to wake Libertus several times; he finally started awake and said “I don’t have any money.” Libertus denied consent to search the vehicle, but one of the deputies saw a green and yellow bong between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s front seat. A detective went to seize the bong and noticed a black metal combination safe. The detective picked up the safe and it fell open, revealing numerous jewelry bags commonly used to package drugs as well as bags containing methamphetamine residue, gel caps, a set of digital scales with methamphetamine residue on them, and a bag containing more than 30 grams of methamphetamine. Libertus had approximately $1,245 in his pocket.
On Jan. 20, 2019, Libertus was again passed out in his vehicle. He fled from police after being asked to step out of the vehicle. The pursuit lasted an hour and ended only after the Missouri State Highway Patrol threw down a spike strip. When the vehicle finally stopped, officers found nearly three pounds of methamphetamine strewn about the vehicle other drugs, and cash. In phone calls made after his arrest, Libertus tried to persuade his friends to burn up his truck.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the FBI, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today, that THOMAS LANDRY (“LANDRY”), age 46, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Susan Morgan to concurrent sentences of 151 months (Count 1) and 48 months (Count 2), respectively.
On February 11, 2021, LANDRY pleaded guilty to a two-count Bill of Information. In Count 1, LANDRY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. In Count 2, LANDRY pled guilty to use of a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). After his release, LANDRY will be placed on a period of supervised release of three (3) years and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.
According to court documents, LANDRY conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Additionally, LANDRY used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Mount Pleasant Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Series of Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina –– Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett Dehart announced today that Cameron Banks, a/k/a “Reggie Staggers”, a/k/a “Roy Hamilton,” 36, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, and health care fraud schemes.
Evidence presented to the Court established that Banks began his schemes in 2013, when he submitted a falsified loan application to obtain a 2014 Bentley Sedan for $212,034.000. Thereafter, while employed by Dr. Cornelius J. Beck, Banks ran a loan program in which he stole Dr. Beck’s identity and submitted falsified loan applications on behalf of patients to obtain dental work. To obtain these loans, Banks created fraudulent loan documents using Dr. Beck’s forged signature. While the funds were supposed to be used for dental procedures, few people received any dental work. Banks transferred most of the funds into his personal bank accounts for his own use.
Further evidence outlined another fraudulent scheme, beginning in 2015 and continuing into 2018, in which Banks submitted requests to the Department of Transportation to receive numbers to operate commercial vehicles. The requests contained false information and withheld information Banks was required to disclose, namely his relationship with other entities licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
While Banks was on bond for the conduct outlined above, investigators uncovered a third fraudulent scheme in which Banks operated a Ponzi scheme. Investors believed they were investing in the operation of commercial trucking business. Under the lease agreements, Banks would provide the truck, the driver, and the insurance, and in exchange, investors were promised a majority of the profits. In reality, Banks spent the investment funds on personal expenses, including car leases, jewelry, and travel. To keep the scheme going, Banks mailed investors checks that represented a portion of the funds to which they were entitled and created false expense documents to explain the lack of profits. There were at least 32 victims of this scheme, many of which experienced substantial financial hardship after investing their life savings.
Evidence presented during the hearing outlined that Banks’ criminal record of stealing peoples’ identities and submitting false documents began at a young age. Banks’ criminal history evinces a lifetime of undeterred forgery, theft, and deception. Banks has prior convictions for forgery, fraudulent checks, bank fraud, financial identity fraud, financial transaction card theft, tax evasion, and numerous instances of probation violations.
United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Banks to 108 months imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Jason Peavy prosecuted the case.
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Monticello Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of Minneapolis BankRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Monticello man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson at a Minneapolis bank.
According to court documents, Alexander Steven Heil, 22, admitted that on May 28, 2020, he and other individuals intentionally aided in the arson of the Wells Fargo Bank building located in south Minneapolis. Heil added fuel to an existing fire by throwing items into the flames with the intent to accelerate the burning of the building.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter prosecuted the case.
Middlesex County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Conspiring to Export Firearms and Items Subject to Export Control List to UkraineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Edison, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to export, without a license, firearms, and other items subject to the export control list, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Gene Shilman, 63, a native of the Soviet Union, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Export Control Reform Act.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2014 through October 2018, Shilman entered a conspiracy with others, including a conspirator residing in Ukraine. Shilman exported defense articles regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. Shilman also exported items that were included on the commerce control list as well as defense articles and items with both defense and civilian uses that are subject to the Export Control Reform Act. At no point did Shilman ever obtain the required export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Shilman ordered and received firearms components and parts, ammunition, night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests from various vendors and firearms dealers in the United States. He received numerous wire transfers from overseas locations, including Ukraine and Russia, to pay for the purchase of these items. After receiving these items from the vendors and firearms dealers, Shilman repackaged and shipped them to overseas locations without the required export licenses.
For example, in September 2018 Shilman completed a Customs Declaration form at a U.S. Post Office in Middlesex County and falsely represented that the contents of the parcel destined for Ukraine contained tools and cartridges. An inspection of the parcel revealed that it contained multiple upper receivers for handguns, multiple ammunition magazines for handguns, multiple threaded barrels for handguns, and a set of front and rear sights for a handgun.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Shilman to one year 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; the U.S. Department of Commerce, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, Newark Division, with the investigation leading to the today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
Mercer County Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Participation in Heroin Conspiracy and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for his role as a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy and his possession of multiple semiautomatic firearms in furtherance of his unlawful drug-trafficking activities, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jubri West, 21, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to a superseding information charging him with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
In October 2018, West and 25 other individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin; West and others also were charged with firearms offenses relating to their drug trafficking. On Feb. 27, 2020, a grand jury returned a 10-count third superseding indictment charging West and six other defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and various other drug and firearms offenses. Of the 26 defendants originally charged in the criminal complaint, West is the 23rd defendant to have pleaded guilty. The charges in the third superseding indictment remain pending against three defendants.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, West and others engaged in a large drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, Chambers Street, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, law enforcement learned that Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Pop” and “Papi,” and that they distributed those supplies of heroin to other dealers and end users in and around Trenton.
During the investigation of the conspiracy, on Sept. 6, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped a green 2002 Volkswagen Passat driven by, and registered to, Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money,” and occupied by West, Taquan Williams, a/k/a Trip,” and a juvenile. Law enforcement officers recovered from West’s pocket a quantity of heroin, and during a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered from a secret trap compartment under the rear passenger’s seat approximately 57 bricks of heroin, four semiautomatic firearms – including a .223 caliber assault rifle linked with a shooting in Trenton four days earlier – and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement officers identified the heroin as having been supplied by other members of the conspiracy. The charges against Wimbush and Williams remain pending.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced West to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge J. Brendan Day and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The charges and allegations pending in the third superseding indictment against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Melbourne Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Money Mule ActivitiesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Joseph Daniel Harrison (43, Melbourne) to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for participating in a wire fraud conspiracy. Harrison had pleaded guilty on February 1, 2021.
According to court documents, between September 2018 and May 2020, Harrison acted as a “money mule” for individuals believed to be located overseas who were defrauding victims. Money mules are individuals who receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. Harrison assisted in the fraud by receiving fraud proceeds in his personal and business bank accounts. Harrison then transferred most of the fraud proceeds to other members of the conspiracy, while keeping some funds for his own use. The types of fraud through which Harrison’s co-conspirators obtained the funds included COVID-19 related unemployment fraud on the State of Washington, email compromise fraud on a school district in Illinois, email compromise fraud on businesses in Maryland, Texas, and Virginia, and romance fraud on a victim in California.
The amount of fraud proceeds that were routed through bank accounts controlled by Harrison totaled $2,091,576.50.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey A. Bratt and Jennifer Harrington.
Manchester Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Katherine Torres, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Torres was employed as an office manager for Pine Haven Boys School in Allenstown, New Hampshire (Pine Haven) from 2012 until March 25, 2019. As office manager, Torres was the sole employee responsible for administering payroll. On various occasions, Torres submitted false information to Pine Haven’s payroll company, causing direct deposits to be made into her personal bank accounts. In total, Torres received approximately $240,000 through this scheme.
Torres is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2021.
“This defendant took advantage of the trust that was placed in her and stole nearly a quarter million dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Fraud schemes are serious crimes that can have a substantial impact on victims. To seek justice for crime victims, we continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute white collar criminals.”
“The allegations to which Katherine Torres pleaded guilty today indicate both a disdain for the rule of law and a clear-cut case of greed. Ms. Torres betrayed the trust of her employer by using her position at a residential facility that cared for boys with behavioral, educational, and emotional issues, to defraud them of hundreds of thousands of dollars to line her own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “What she did is disgraceful, and make no mistake, the FBI is committed to investigating anyone engaged in this type of criminal activity.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Unlawful Possession of Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Joseph Taylor, 31, of Manchester, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 9, 2020, Manchester police officers stopped a car operated by Taylor after observing suspected drug activity and a motor vehicle violation. Taylor agreed to speak with the detectives outside the car. The detectives asked Taylor if he had anything illegal on him and he said he did not. After he consented to a search of his person and car, detectives found over $1,800 and a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in an area behind the glove compartment. Detectives later learned the firearm was stolen.
Taylor admitted he was a convicted felon and that he had the firearm for protection. He explained it was hidden because he knew he could not possess a firearm as a convicted felon.
Taylor previously pleaded guilty on January 13, 2021.
“In order to keep our communities safe from violent crime, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Thanks to good police work, this armed criminal has been brought to justice. To help prevent violent crime, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess firearms unlawfully.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12Read the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a young child starting in 2003 pleaded guilty Monday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Travis Dray Stewart, 41, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell set sentencing for Sept. 15, 2021.
In his plea agreement, Stewart admitted to making sexual contact with a child under 12 years of age between June 2003 and September 2005. The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Stewart after his May 2015 conviction in Tulsa County District Court was overturned due to jurisdiction following the Supreme Court’s McGirt v Oklahoma decision.
The resulting trauma associated with child sexual abuse can be long lasting. There are agencies to assist in recovery or that can share resources. You can start your search for assistance by contacting:
-Oklahoma’s SafeLine at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).
-National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Information on reporting and recovery can be found on NCMEC’s site https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.
Suspected child neglect and abuse can be reported to the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511 and/or to local law enforcement.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Reininger is prosecuting the case.
Madisonville Man Sentenced for 50 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 24, 2021, Terry Lee Gilbreath, age 52, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, to serve 50 years in prison for producing child pornography.
In February 2020, a federal jury convicted Gilbreath of two counts of production of child pornography. The evidence presented at trial established that on two separate occasions in 2015 the defendant video recorded and photographed his sexual molestation of an eight-year-old child. Following his imprisonment, Gilbreath will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives, works, or attends school.
Acting U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The case was jointly investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Knoxville Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit; the City of Madisonville Police Department; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”
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Local Firm and Owner Plead Guilty to Illegal Importation, Sale and Mailing of Badges Marketed as COVID-19 KillerRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 25, 2021
SAN DIEGO – A San Diego firm and its owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges relating to the unlawful importation, sale and mailing of an unregistered pesticide product from Japan marketed as a killer of airborne viruses such as COVID-19.
The product, known as EcoAirDoctor, was a small badge represented to emit a gas that would kill viruses within a certain distance. Such products are required to be registered as pesticides in the United States; no such registration was obtained.
Samir Haj, owner of EcoShield, LLC, admitted that he negotiated an agreement on behalf of the company with a foreign exporter that allowed him to import the product for a cost of $6.25 per unit. When he imported 125,000 units into the United States on June 10, 2019, he falsely declared the value to be approximately $2.07 per unit, resulting in an underpayment of Customs duty of $33,919.
The product was falsely described as an air purifier rather than a pesticide. The defendants shipped the product to individuals who purchased from their website via U.S. Mail, including a shipment to an undercover mailbox in Arizona in May of 2020. The product, as noted on the label, contains sodium chlorite, which is an item declared to be unmailable under U.S. Postal rules and regulations. Sodium chlorite was deemed unmailable because of its propensity to cause a fire or explosion.
As part of the plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit $427,689, the proceeds from the sale of the illegal product, and to pay restitution of $86,754 for the unpaid duty and the cost of disposing of the product that was not sold. In addition, the company agreed to pay a fine of $42,000, for a total financial penalty of $556,443.
“This defendant took advantage of COVID-19 fears to market an illegal product,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are aggressively pursuing opportunists who exploit the pandemic to make money.” Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Pierson; trial attorney Stephen DaPonte of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section; and agents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division; Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their exceptional work on this case.
“Profiting from the illegal import, sale, and shipment of an unregistered, untested, and potentially dangerous pesticide, especially at a time when the public had legitimate safety concerns about the transmission of COVID-19, is egregious criminal conduct that must be stopped,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will work with our partners at U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and law enforcement agencies in prosecuting such conduct to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Unregistered pesticide products pose serious public health dangers,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in California. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the American people from products that make fraudulent – and potentially harmful - COVID-19 protection claims.”
“Whenever someone uses the U.S. Mail to send dangerous, illegal or improper items, Postal Inspectors will find them and bring them to justice,” said Eric Shen, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge, Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We remain committed to keeping the mail safe for our customers and our employees.”
“This individual violated several federal laws and jeopardized public safety by marketing and selling an unproven device,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It’s despicable that he preyed upon people’s fear of COVID-19 to turn a profit. HSI will continue to work with our partners at Environmental Protection Agency -Criminal Investigation Division, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety during this pandemic.”
Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2021 at 9 a.m. Before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr1463
EcoShield, LLC Formed: July 2018 San Diego, California
Samir Haj Age: 46 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
For Eco Shield LLC
Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541
Maximum penalty: Five years of probation and $500,000 fine or twice the amount of gross gain or loss, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds
For Samir Haj
Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541
Maximum penalty: Two years in custody and $250,000 fine, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds
Nonmailable Injurious Articles – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1716(j)(1)
Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine
Distribution or Sale of Unregistered Pesticides – Title 7, U.S.C., Sections 136j(a)(1)(A) and 136l(b)(1)(B)
Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine
AGENCIES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Lee County Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Steven Thomas Baryla (39, Lehigh Acres) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Baryla was also sentenced to a lifetime term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender.
Baryla had pleaded guilty on January 14, 2021.
According to court documents, Baryla knowingly possessed child sexual abuse images and videos that he had obtained from the internet; he also accessed similar images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct via social media applications such as Kik and Snapchat. On June 20, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Baryla’s residence where agents from Homeland Security Investigations recovered Baryla’s cellphone. Subsequent forensic analysis of Baryla’s cellphone revealed that it contained 106 images and 10 videos depicting children being sexually abused. The internet history of the cellphone showed certain internet search terms, including “best state for sex offenders to live 2017” and “registered sex offender name change.”
In 2011, Baryla was convicted on federal charges of transporting child pornography in New Jersey.
“Thanks to HSI special agents, this child predator will have a decade to think about his crimes,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department Requires Divestitures in Huntington Bancshares Incorporated’s Acquisition of TCF Financial CorporationRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and TCF Financial Corporation have agreed to sell 13 branches in Michigan, with approximately $872.3 million in deposits, to resolve antitrust concerns arising from Huntington’s planned acquisition of TCF Bank. The divested assets include all of the deposits and loans associated with the divested branches, as well as the physical assets.
“Banks are a critical part of the American economy,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Families and small businesses rely on them to keep their money safe and obtain credit for important life purchases and investments. This settlement protects banking customers by ensuring that they continue to have access to competitively priced banking products and services.”
Under the agreement with the Justice Department, the parties will divest branches in Michigan, located in Arenac, Charlevoix, Crawford, Newaygo, Otsego, Mecosta, Shiawassee, Wexford and Missaukee counties, and in the City of Midland. The companies also have agreed to suspend existing, and not to enter into new, non-compete agreements with branch managers and loan officers located in the divestiture counties for a period of 180 days following the consummation of their merger. Further, the companies have agreed that any traditional branches located in any overlap market in Michigan and Ohio that are closed within three years of the merger’s closing will be sold or leased to an insured depository institution that offers deposit and credit services to small businesses. As a result of the acquisition, Huntington will become the 25th largest bank holding company based on assets.
The proposed merger is subject to the final approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The department’s role when reviewing a proposed bank merger necessarily focuses on the merger’s competitive effects. Here, the department has advised the Federal Reserve Board that the department will not challenge the merger provided that the parties divest branches in certain areas of overlap and agree that any traditional branches in Michigan and in the five overlapping counties in Ohio that are closed within three years following the merger, will be marketed to an institution with a demonstrated record of providing services and loans to the local community. The parties’ commitments to the department are included as a condition to the Federal Reserve Board Order allowing the transaction.
Huntington is the holding company of The Huntington National Bank, Columbus, Ohio, with approximately $120 billion in assets. Huntington has 839 full-service branches across seven Midwestern states. Huntington provides a wide range of banking and other financial services to consumers, businesses and wealth management customers.
TCF is the holding company of TCF National Bank, Detroit, Michigan, and has approximately $48 billion in assets. TCF has 475 branches primarily located in Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota. TCF also provides a broad array of consumer and business banking services, along with other services like wealth management and specialty leasing services, to its customers.
A list of the branches to be divested is below.
Branch
Address
City
County
State
Zip Code
Au Gres Branch
144 W Huron Road
Au Gres
Arenac
MI
48703
Standish Branch
220 South Main Street
Standish
Arenac
MI
48658
Grayling Main
2500 South I-75 Business Loop
Grayling
Crawford
MI
49738
Charlevoix Branch
1425 Bridge Street
Charlevoix
Charlevoix
MI
49720
Fremont Branch
211 W Main Street
Fremont
Newaygo
MI
49412
Cadillac North End
1408 N Mitchell Street
Cadillac
Wexford
MI
49601
Cadillac Downtown
302 S Mitchell Street
Cadillac
Wexford
MI
49601
McBain Branch
101 N Roland Street
McBain
Missaukee
MI
49657
Gaylord Main
521 W Main Street
Gaylord
Otsego
MI
49735
Circle Branch
2910 Jefferson Avenue
Midland
Midland
MI
48640
Big Rapids Main
125 N Michigan Avenue
Big Rapids
Mecosta
MI
49307
Corunna Office
310 N Shiawassee Street
Corunna
Shiawassee
MI
48817
Owosso East Branch
1345 E Main Street
Owosso
Shiawassee
MI
48867
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with New Hampshire School District to Protect English Learner StudentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today the Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with the Nashua School District to resolve the department’s investigation into the school district’s programs for its English learner students. The department’s investigation found widespread failures to provide these students with the instruction and support they need to learn English and participate fully in school. The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire conducted the investigation under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.
“School districts must step up and give English learners the language services and supports they are entitled to under federal law. This agreement is a reminder that teachers cannot deliver those supports and services without training and resources from their district,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law to open the doors of opportunity for all students in our nation’s schools. We commend the Nashua School District for opening those doors to its English Learners by entering into this agreement.”
“We are committed to protecting the civil rights of all students, including English language learners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley for the District of New Hampshire. “We make our communities better when our local schools serve the needs of all students and parents. This agreement will help ensure that Nashua schools are places where all students have a chance to learn and grow and all parents have an opportunity to follow their children’s progress.”
The district cooperated at every stage of the investigation and is committed to improving its practices through the comprehensive agreement. Under the agreement, the district will:
- Identify English learners and enroll them in appropriate classes;
- Provide English as a second language instruction to all English learner students, including students with disabilities, and ensure the district has enough teachers certified to teach English as a second language;
- Train teachers of academic core subjects like math, science and social studies on how to help English learner students understand the content in their grade-level courses;
- Train school principals on how to evaluate teachers of English learner students and support effective teaching strategies;
- Communicate essential school-related information in a language that Limited English Proficient parents can understand so their children can access all school programs; and
- Monitor students’ progress and evaluate the effectiveness of its English learner programs over time.
The Justice Department will monitor the district’s implementation of the settlement for three full school years.
The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available here. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations here.
Note: A full copy of the settlement agreement can be viewed here.
This press release is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
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Justice Department Observes National Missing Children’s DayRead the Press Release
As part of the 38th annual commemoration of National Missing Children’s Day, the Department of Justice today honored nine courageous individuals for their extraordinary efforts to recover missing children and bring sexual predators to justice. This year’s award recipients include four detectives and a sergeant from Fresno, California; two coordinators in the Missing Child Center-Hawaii in Honolulu; a sergeant from Addison, Illinois; and a U.S. Postal Service employee from Columbia, Maryland.
“These brave and resourceful professionals have earned our greatest respect and deserve our deepest gratitude,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice is proud to stand with these heroes, and we are grateful to the thousands of law enforcement officers and missing children’s advocates throughout the nation who work so hard to protect our children.”
The Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) lead the nation in observing National Missing Children’s Day. The observance was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 in memory of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared while walking to his bus stop in lower Manhattan on May 25, 1979. National Missing Children’s Day honors his memory and those children still missing. Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017, but the case remains active because his body was never found.
“There is no clearer expression of our priorities as a society than the safety and welfare of our young people,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon. “These outstanding law enforcement professionals, committed advocates and compassionate citizens show us at our collective best – as a nation dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable and determined to secure a bright future for its youngest members.”
In lieu of an in-person ceremony, OJJDP has launched a website today featuring information about the awardees and statements from Attorney General Garland, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Solomon, OJJDP Acting Administrator Chyrl Jones, and President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children John F. Clark.
“These nine individuals have displayed exceptional bravery and dedication in reuniting missing children with their families,” said OJJDP Acting Administrator Jones. “We are thrilled to honor them on this special day.”
This year’s recipients are honored with the following awards:
Attorney General’s Special Commendation: This commendation recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an Internet Crimes Against Children task force, an affiliate agency or an individual assigned to either for making a significant investigative or program contribution to the ICAC task force program.
Recipients: Sergeant Chad Stokes, Detective Cassandra Stevens, Detective Scott Schwamb, Detective Randall Heckman and Detective Steven Souphasith from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office’s Central California ICAC Task Force in Fresno, California. They led an investigation that resulted in the arrest of 34 sexual predators who sought to take advantage of children’s increased presence online during the pandemic.
Missing Children’s Citizen Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of private citizens for their unselfish acts to safely recover missing or abducted children.
Recipient: Keith Rollins, from the United States Postal Service in Columbia, Maryland. Mr. Rollins helped locate a 2-year-old boy who had been reported missing after he followed an adult out of the house and wandered away.
Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children.
Recipient: Sergeant Stefan Bjes from the Addison, Illinois, Police Department. Sergeant Bjes has developed several programs that have enhanced the safety of children with special needs. He has also trained officers at 15 police departments across the Midwest and frequently presents at police conferences nationwide.
Missing Children’s Child Protection Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of child protective service agency personnel, law enforcement officers or other professionals who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to protecting children from abuse or victimization.
Recipients: Amanda Leonard and Kaleilani Grant from the Department of the Attorney General’s Missing Child Center-Hawaii in Honolulu. Ms. Leonard and Ms. Grant were instrumental in implementing Operation Shine the Light, a cooperative effort between Missing Child Center-Hawaii; federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; and four nonprofit organizations, which recovered 180 missing children in Hawaii between November 2019 and November 2020.
The Department also named Heidy Jimena Perez Veleta from Sunnyside Elementary School in Dodge City, Kansas, winner of the 2021 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest. The contest creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and child advocates to discuss the issue of child safety with youth and their parents.
The FBI received more than 365,000 reports of missing children last year. Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available on OJJDP’s website.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Indiana GuardsmanRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan announced today, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on behalf of Captain Christopher Robbins of the Indiana Army National Guard against DSG Indiana, a limited liability corporation, doing business as Ashley Home Store (“Ashley Furniture”), alleging that Ashley Furniture violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) when it failed to promptly offer Robbins re-employment after his return from active duty military service.
“The Department of Justice expects employers to fully comply with their reemployment obligations under the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Childress. “Where employers fall short in doing so, we will aggressively vindicate the reemployment rights of servicemembers.”
According to the Justice Department’s complaint, Captain Robbins has been a member of the Indiana Army National Guard since 2006. In 2014, Robbins began working as a salesman at an Ashley Furniture Store in Greenwood, Indiana. During the summer of 2017, Robbins provided notice to Ashley Furniture that his military service obligations with the National Guard required him to attend mandatory, out-of-state military training exercises with his unit. The training was scheduled for one month’s duration. The complaint alleges that at the completion of his training obligation, Robbins promptly sought re-employment as a salesman with Ashley Furniture and agreed with the company’s representatives on a return to work date. According to the allegations in the complaint, Ashley Furniture, however, did not allow Robbins to return to work on the agreed upon date. Instead, two days before the agreed upon return date, Robbins was fired by Ashley Furniture.
“Federal law protects the right of servicemembers like Captain Robbins to resume their jobs when they return home,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “It guarantees that members of the armed forces are not forced to sacrifice their continued employment on top of the sacrifices they have already made in order to fulfill their military obligations.”
This lawsuit stems from a referral to the United States Department of Justice from the United States Department of Labor, after an investigation by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt-military/employment-rights-userra and
https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers as well as on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.
This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Christopher Woolley in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Preston in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Making A False Statement to A Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Jarrod Austin (33, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Austin was subject to an injunction for protection against domestic violence that had issued by the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Nassau County on December 23, 2014. The injunction specifically prohibited Austin from possessing a firearm and federal law makes it a felony for anyone who is subject to an injunction against domestic violence to possess or purchase a firearm.
In August 2019, Austin tried to buy a firearm and was denied on the background check because of the injunction. Austin contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to dispute the denial and FDLE advised Austin that he was in fact prohibited from purchasing a firearm. On December 11, 2019, Austin went to a federally licensed firearms dealer in Jacksonville and again tried to purchase a firearm. Austin falsely stated on the ATF Form 4473 that he was not subject to an injunction, specifically a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Austin was again denied on the background check and did not obtain a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce Federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Indiana Natives Plead Guilty for 2019 Attempted Armed Robbery of Uptown CVS Which Resulted in Shooting of NOPD OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, May 21, 2021 that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 28, and ALAN PARSON, age 20, residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, plead guilty to the three count Indictment for their participation in the June 17, 2019 robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street.
At approximately 6:06 a.m., SANSBURY and PARSON entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons. Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves. Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and detained a cashier by using zip-ties. SANSBURY led the cashier to another area of the store. PARSON relocated to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing the employee’s feet with zip-ties. PARSON then filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy’s safe. SANSBURY relocated to the pharmacy area where he continued to zip-tie the employee’s hands whom PARSON initially detained.
Upon exiting the store, PARSON and SANSBURY engaged in a shootout with responding officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The confrontation resulted in one of the officers suffering a bullet wound to the shoulder. Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred from both inside and outside the pharmacy.
SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 2118. Both face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Additionally, SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 2118(a) and (c)(1). Both face a maximum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Lastly, SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 924(c)(1)(A)(iii). SANSBURY and PARSON each face a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry will sentence SANSBURY and PARSON on August 24, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
An Indiana man pleaded guilty today to three felony counts of illegally harvesting American paddlefish and its roe.
According to court documents, on three separate days in December 2015 and February 2016, Joseph R. Schigur, a licensed commercial fisherman, and his deckhand, harvested 96 American paddlefish from the Ohio waters of the Ohio River that he knew were closed to commercial fishing. After capturing the paddlefish using gill nets, Schigur transported each catch to his shop in English, Indiana, where the roe was extracted from the females and processed to make caviar and the carcasses were carved up into smaller portions, commonly referred to as “bullets.” The caviar and bullets were then stored in freezers on site for future sale to out-of-state customers. Schigur’s three fishing trips resulted in approximately 1,400 pounds of fish meat and 72 pounds of caviar, most of which was sold to commercial vendors in New York City. To conceal his illegal harvests, Schigur falsified monthly reports of commercial fish harvest and daily roe harvest reports by claiming he caught the paddlefish in Kentucky waters.
Schigur pleaded guilty to three felony counts of Lacey Act violation before the Honorable Judge Douglas R. Cole in the Southern District of Ohio. A sentencing date will be set upon completion of a presentence report. Schigur faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 criminal fine, and a possible order requiring restitution payable to the State of Ohio.
Special agents of the Fish and Wildlife Services and law enforcement officers from both the Ohio and Indiana Department of Natural Resources investigated the case.
Trial Attorney R.J. Powers of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section (ECS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Clemmens of the Southern District of Ohio prosecuted the matter with the assistance of paralegal Samantha Goins of ECS.
Houston Man Sentenced for Federal Violations Related to Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations related to identity theft in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
French Latrelle Carpenter, 45, pleaded guilty on Feb. 4, 2021, to access device fraud and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale.
“Anybody who has ever been a victim of identity theft can attest to how stressful the experience can be and how difficult it can be to get your finances back in order,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Identity theft wreaks havoc on the finances of its victims, which can take literally years to repair. Criminals that victimize others through identity theft in the Eastern District of Texas should expect to receive a visit from law enforcement.”
According to information presented in court, a search of Carpenter’s vehicle on August 28, 2020 produced four credit card skimmers, a laptop computer, blank credit cards and several birth certificates bearing the names of other individuals. A search of the laptop, pursuant to a search warrant, revealed more than 100 credit card numbers and names along with personal identifying information for three individuals. The computer also contained a user guide for card/magnetic strip reader/writer software, a document related to credit card fraud and an internet search history related to the buying of stolen credit card data.
Carpenter was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 4, 2020, and charged with federal violations.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Corrigan Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman.
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Houston Man Guilty of Laundering Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal violations related to drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Roberto Fuentes, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
“Money laundering is a key part of hiding evidence of criminal activity such as illegal narcotics distribution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “When we disrupt a drug trafficking organization’s ability to profit from their illegal conduct, we are helping prevent dangerous, addictive substances from being distributed in East Texas. I continue to be grateful for the great work and dedication of the DEA and their efforts to combat all aspects of the illegal drug trade.”
According to information presented in court, Roberto Fuentes was an associate of Ruben Pulido Flores and participated in transactions to conceal currency that was the proceeds of Flores’ illegal drug trafficking. Since at least May 2017, Flores has supervised, managed and controlled a drug trafficking organization of more than five people that distributed cocaine and other narcotics in the Houston area, which was subsequently redistributed to customers throughout Southeast Texas, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Fuentes was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 6, 2018 and charged with federal violations. Under federal statutes, Fuentes faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Rapp.
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Hooksett Man Sentenced to over a Year in Prison for Computer Hacking OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Wayne Kenney, 31, of Hooksett, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for unauthorized access to a computer and damage to protected computers, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2015, Kenney was arrested by a police officer with the Auburn Police Department (hereafter referred to as “John Doe 1” to protect his identity) for possession of heroin, for which he received a suspended sentence and was required to attend drug counseling sessions at the Farnum Center, an addiction treatment center located in Manchester. Thereafter, Kenney engaged in a retributive course of action that involved hacking into various computers of the Auburn Police Department, the Town Offices of Auburn, and the Farnum Center.
From February 2015 through July 2015, Kenney hacked into Auburn Police Department and Town of Auburn computers and deployed malicious “keylogging” software that he created, and stole employees’ log-in credentials. He then hacked into, deleted files from, and defaced employees’ online accounts. In addition, Kenney deployed malicious software that caused pop up messages to appear that stated “I pray for the death of [John Doe 1].”
Also according to court documents, on or about July 1, 2015, Kenney hacked into the website for the Farnum Center and took control of the site. He disabled a link that would have provided website visitors access to information about alcohol and drug treatment assistance. He also changed their 24-hour emergency drug hotline phone number so that anyone calling for help would be re-routed to a number associated with adult entertainment services and would be unable to reach the Farnum Center’s emergency services.
Kenney previously pleaded guilty on November 18, 2021.
“The defendant’s reprehensible actions caused significant harm to entities that seek to help the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “By disabling access to drug and alcohol treatment information, the defendant cruelly impeded innocent people from getting help for their substance abuse problems. His actions also harmed innocent public servants in Auburn. To protect the community from such crimes, we work closely with the FBI to identify and prosecute computer hackers.”
“The facts of this case speak for themselves. You can’t hide in the shadows of the internet and hack into computers and impede others from accessing emergency substance abuse treatment services and get away with it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds Wayne Kenney accountable for his vindictive crimes and should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate all cyber intrusions and hold the criminals behind them accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald of the District of New Hampshire. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen previously worked on this matter.
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Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return of an Alien After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty to unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jason E. Schneider, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
According to court documents, Julio Pablo-Chan, 39, of Guatemala, was arrested on February 26, 2020, on Interstate 10 in Jackson County. An agent of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team (SMMET) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Pablo-Chan, who did not have a driver’s license. The deputy requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and a Border Patrol Agent responded on-site. The agent informed Pablo-Chan that due to his immigration history, and the fact that he did have proper immigration documents to enter, pass through or remain in the U.S. legally, he was being placed under arrest.
Pablo-Chan was transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station, where an agent with Homeland Security Investigations joined the investigation. Pablo-Chan’s identity was positively confirmed and records revealed that Pablo-Chan had illegally entered the United States and been removed from the United States back to his home nation of Guatemala in August 2011 and again in December 2018.
Pablo-Chan pleaded guilty to unlawful return of an alien after removal, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also could face Homeland Security proceedings to remove him again from the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Discharging Firearm in Apartment Complex Parking LotRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jamar Maurice James (31, Fort Myers) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon in connection with a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot in Fort Myers.
James had pleaded guilty on January 13, 2021.
According to court documents, on February 17, 2020, at approximately 3:15 a.m. officers from the Fort Myers Police Department responded to a “ShotSpotter” alert at the Jones Walker Palm Gardens Apartments in Fort Myers. ShotSpotter® is a gunfire locator or gunshot detection system that detects and conveys the location of gunfire or other weapons fire using a combination of sensors in a geographic area. When officers arrived, although they did not locate any injured persons or a gunman, they found six spent ammunition cartridge casings in the apartment complex parking lot. A subsequent investigation revealed that James had discharged an AK-47 firearm in the parking lot of the complex and then fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
James had previously been convicted of six felonies, including multiple prior convictions for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. As a result, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Former Washington County Assistant District Attorney Pleads Guilty to Trading Sex for Dismissal of ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On May 25, 2021, William E. McManus, Jr., age 50, pleaded guilty before the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, Senior United States District Judge, to soliciting a bribe in December 2018 in exchange for dismissal and expungement of criminal charges. Sentencing is set for November 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., before the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.
As part of the filed plea agreement, McManus admitted that, while acting in his capacity as an Assistant District Attorney for the First Judicial District, he dismissed and expunged shoplifting and possession of methamphetamine charges pending in the Sessions Court of Washington County, Tennessee, in exchange for a commercial sex act with someone with whom he had previously engaged in commercial sex acts. The maximum punishment for the offense is a term of imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators of the First Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, and the Johnson City Police Department. The prosecution was coordinated with the Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which was appointed to be a special state prosecutor for this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Morris represented the United States in Court.
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Former San Antonio Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1.7 MillionRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Irene M. Scott, former bookkeeper and financial manager for a San Antonio private law firm, admitted to stealing approximately $1,696,996 from the law firm’s operating account today.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, Scott pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. According to court documents, Scott worked for the law firm between August 2011 and February 2020. Her duties included issuing business credit cards to employees and closing those business credit card accounts when an employee separated from the firm. She also maintained the firm’s financial ledgers and paid vendors and operating expenses.
Scott admitted that from 2012 to 2020, she used three office credit cards assigned to employees or former employees to make non-firm related purchases totaling over $1.2 million. An estimated three-fourths of those funds went to support her husband’s outdoor lighting business. She concealed on the firm’s financial ledgers credit card payments she made using the firm’s operating account. Scott also stole an estimated $417,000 by fraudulently withdrawing from the firm’s operating bank account about 200 times during a two-year period beginning in January 2018. She disguised those withdrawals in the firm’s ledger as vendor payments. Scott committed these fraudulent acts without the knowledge or authorization of any member of the firm.
Scott remains on bond. Judge Biery scheduled sentencing for 9:30 a.m. on November 9, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division made today’s announcement.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Joseph E. Blackwell are prosecuting this case.
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Former Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl Vials Intended for Patients at Fertility ClinicRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced DONNA MONTICONE, 49, of Oxford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven for tampering with fentanyl vials intended for patients at the fertility clinic where she was employed. Monticone was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, four weekends of incarceration, and three months of home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Monticone was a nurse employed by the Yale Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility clinic (“Yale REI clinic”) in Orange. As part of her responsibilities at the Yale REI, Monticone ordered and inventoried a variety of narcotics used by the clinic, including fentanyl, which is a component of a cohort of drugs used by Yale physicians during outpatient surgical procedures to anesthetize patients and protect them from feeling pain.
In June 2020, Monticone began stealing fentanyl for her own use. She accessed secure storage areas and took vials of fentanyl, used a syringe to withdraw the narcotics from the vials, and reinjected saline into vials so that it would appear as if none of the narcotics were missing. The investigation revealed that approximately 75 percent of the fentanyl given to patients at the Yale REI clinic from June to October 2020 was adulterated with saline. Some of the vials contained diluted fentanyl, while others contained no drug at all and contained just saline.
Monticone knew that the adulterated vials of fentanyl she replaced at the Yale REI clinic would be used in surgical procedures, and that the absence of an anesthetic during an outpatient procedure may cause serious bodily injury to the patient. Monticone initially injected herself with the fentanyl while working at the Yale REI clinic and eventually began taking the vials home. She would refill the vials with sterile saline at home, bring them back to the clinic, and reintroduce them into the stock of fentanyl available for use during surgical procedures. On approximately November 1, 2020, Monticone brought approximately 175 vials of fentanyl that she had taken from the Yale REI clinic and discarded them in waste containers at the clinic.
Numerous victims submitted letters to Judge Hall describing physical pain they experienced during their procedures at the Yale REI clinic during this time period.
On March 2, 2021, Monticone pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product.
Monticone has surrendered her nursing license.
This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Former Member of New Bedford Chapter of Latin Kings Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former probationary member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Emanuel Lopez-Velez, a/k/a “King Manny,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2020, Lopez-Velez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy
Lopez-Velez admitted that on Sept. 30, 2019, he was one of multiple members of the Latin Kings who confronted and robbed rival gang members and was provided with a firearm to do so by another member of the gang. The Latin Kings members approached one of the rival gang members, surrounded him, pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded the victim’s phone. During the robbery, the victim ran and Lopez-Velez chased the rival gang member firing one shot, hitting the victim in the back. The victim fell to the ground and was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and ultimately survived.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
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. Lopez-Velez is the 26th 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 case 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 Federal Correctional Institution Employee Indicted for Mail Fraud and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ––– Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart stated today that a Federal Grand Jury has returned a seven-count indictment charging Jonathan Kent Owens – a former employee of the Federal Correction Institution, Edgefield (FCI Edgefield) – for mail fraud and theft of government funds.
Owens, 39, of North Augusta, is charged with five counts of mail fraud, one count of theft of government property, and one count of theft of government funds.
The indictment alleges that, over a five-year period and through his employment as an Information Technology Specialist at FCI Edgefield, Owens falsely reported and disguised the purchases of over $21,000 worth of certain items to appear as legitimate purchases for FCI Edgefield that were not. Alleged items purchased for personal benefit include a truck suspension lift kit, sunglasses, wading boots, shoes, and clothing.
The indictment further alleges that Owens misreported his time and attendance records to receive payment of approximately 120 hours of overtime for which he was not entitled.
The maximum penalty Owens could receive per count is twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Winston Marosek is prosecuting the case.
Acting United States Attorney DeHart stated that all charges in indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former East Helena police chief suspected of distributing child pornography appears in courtRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—The former East Helena chief of police had an initial appearance today on a criminal complaint accusing him of distributing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
A criminal complaint filed in the case and unsealed today alleges that William Daly Harrington, 42, of Helena, distributed child pornography. The crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Harrington voluntarily surrendered this morning and was taken into custody by the FBI. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation between the FBI and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office as part of the FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Harrington was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the complaint, in September 2020, a law enforcement officer began investigating a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, a national centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The court documents alleged that the investigation led to a Facebook account that used a fictitious name and was created and controlled by Harrington, who was the East Helena chief of police. The documents further allege that Harrington distributed child pornography to the Facebook account of another individual on multiple occasions.
The FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.
PACER case reference. MJ-21-9.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Former Boston Police Sergeant Charged with Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police Sergeant has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with an ongoing investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse.
William Baxter, 61, of Hyde Park, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. Baxter will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to charging documents, members of Boston Police Department’s (BPD) Evidence Control Unit (ECU), were responsible for, among other things, storing, cataloging and retrieving evidence at the warehouse. ECU officers were eligible to earn overtime pay of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay rate for overtime assignments. It is alleged that, beginning in at least March 2015, members of the ECU routinely departed overtime shifts two or more hours early, and submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked the entirety of each shift.
One such shift, called “purge” overtime, was focused on reducing the inventory of the evidence warehouse. The shift was supposed to be performed from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. According to charging documents, on days during which Baxter and other members of the ECU claimed to have worked until 8:00 p.m., the warehouse was closed, locked and alarmed well before 8:00 p.m., and often at 6:00 p.m. or earlier. Despite this, Baxter and, allegedly, other members of the ECU routinely submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips, claiming to have worked until 8:00 p.m. It is alleged that supervisors such as Baxter, who also left early from this shift, submitted their own false and fraudulent slips and knowingly endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of their subordinates.
Another shift, called “kiosk” overtime, occurred once a month on Saturdays and involved collecting materials from kiosks located in each of the city’s police districts and transporting it to an incinerator in Saugus. It is alleged that Baxter and other officers routinely submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours. However, officers frequently completed the necessary work early, often within four hours, and falsely and fraudulently claimed eight-and-one-half hours.
According to charging documents, between March 2015 and June 2016, Baxter personally collected approximately $9,223 for overtime hours he did not work.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
Baxter is the 12th officer to be charged in the investigation of overtime fraud at the evidence warehouse. In September 2020, nine current and former officers were arrested and charged. Four defendants, including Baxter, have now pleaded guilty or have agreed to do so.
The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five More Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS RUSSELL (“RUSSELL”), age 61 of Gibson, Louisiana, TANYA GIVENS (“GIVENS”), age 43, of Gibson, Louisiana; HENRY RANDLE (“RANDLE”), age 64, of Gibson, Louisiana; JOHN DIGGS (“J. DIGGS”), age 60, of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and DAKOTA DIGGS (“D. DIGGS”), age 25, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, RUSSELL, GIVENS, and J. DIGGS conspired with passenger James “Curtis” Williams (“Williams”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), who have already pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident. Hickman, while driving RUSSELL’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud. RUSSELL advised NOPD that she was the driver and she, along with GIVENS and J. DIGGS, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.
Also according to today’s guilty plea, on May 17, 2017, RANDLE and D. DIGGS, along with participants Labeaud, Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and Ryan Wheaten (“Wheaten”), participated in a staged automobile accident in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans. Labeaud and Solomon fled the scene. RANDLE falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck his vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Labeaud and Solomon went on to stage a second accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street with Bernell Gale (“Gale”), Troy Smith (“Smith”), Marvel Francois (“Francois”), and another passenger. Labeaud, Solomon, Wheaten, Gale, Smith, and Francois were also charged. Labeaud, Solomon, Gale, Smith, and Francois already pled guilty. RANDLE, D. DIGGS, and Wheaten made claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000.00 for these fraudulent claims.
RUSSELL, GIVENS, RANDLE, J. DIGGS, and D. DIGGS face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, RUSSELL, GIVENS, RANDLE, J. DIGGS, and D. DIGGS also face a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 15, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Federal Indictment Charges 22 Individuals with Purchasing and Using Payment Cards Stolen from National Retail ChainRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Twenty-two individuals have been indicted on fraud and identity theft charges for allegedly purchasing and using credit, debit, and gift cards that were stolen in a cyber attack from a national retain chain.
According to an indictment unsealed in the Northern District of Illinois, the cyber attack occurred in 2016 and 2017 when an individual installed a malicious software program on multiple computers of the retail chain, which is headquartered in the Chicago area. The malware allowed the co-schemer to capture data from more than three million payment cards, including credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards, that had been used at more than 400 of the company’s retail stores. The co-schemer then sold the card data for $4 million in bitcoin to another individual, who in turn sold it online to thousands of others, including the 22 charged defendants, the indictment states.
The defendants used data from the cards to purchase items at businesses throughout the country, including restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, the charges allege. At least 80 people were victimized by the defendants’ conduct, the indictment states.
Twenty defendants were arrested this month and have begun making initial appearances in federal courts throughout the country. Two defendants remain at large and are believed to be residing overseas. The investigation remains ongoing.
The indictment and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter M. Flanagan and Thomas P. Peabody.
Charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft are BARRY SHI, 35, of Rosemead, Calif.; ANDREW DARIEN MCLEOD, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; JAMEL T. WILLIAMS, 30, of Raleigh, N.C.; SAAQUAN RAM, 33, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; JAMES B. GIBBS, 32, of South Carolina; YI LIU, 32, of Temple City, Calif.; CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, 38, of Monroe Township, N.J.; DAJUAN GEE, 32, of Redmond, Mich.; YANG SONG, 34, of Rosemead, Calif.; JAYVON A. PUGH, 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; KADEEM DEAN, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; ENPING QU, 26, of Calif.; CAN JIANG, 27, of San Gabriel, Calif.; ESRON A. MURRELL, 30, of Jamaica, N.Y.; ZANPENG CHEN, 27, of Los Angeles, Calif.; JEFF MURAT, 41, of Miami, Fla.; CHRISTOPHER T. THOMPSON, 32, of Woodland Hills, Calif.; JOHN LIU, 37, of West Covina, Calif.; SADIKIFU NAWAB SHABAZZ, 42, of Atlanta, Ga.; BYRON HICKMAN, 32, of New York, N.Y.; CLIVE BAKER, 26, of New York, N.Y.; and DAVIN SMART, 31, of Spotsylvania, Va.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory, consecutive prison sentence of two years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Farmington Woman Admits Stealing $103K from Bank CustomerRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that LEE BLANCHETTE, 58, of Farmington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of bank fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Blanchette was employed by Bank of America as a relationship manager. As a relationship manager, Blanchette had the authority to cause temporary ATM cards to be activated and assigned to a customer’s account. Between August 2014 and March 2016, Blanchette caused multiple temporary ATM cards to be activated for bank accounts of a customer who Blanchette knew was experiencing cognitive decline. Without the customer’s authorization, Blanchette used the temporary ATM cards to withdraw significant funds from the customer’s accounts, keeping a significant portion for her own benefit, and causing a loss of $103,080.
Bank fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for August 26, 2021.
Blanchette has agreed to pay restitution to Bank of America, which covered the victim’s losses.
Blanchette is released pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $550,000 from Victim He Met OnlineRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Henry James Corder, Jr., 67, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Corder engaged in a scheme wherein he used numerous falsehoods to steal from a victim that he met online. Corder falsely stated that he was a U.S. Marshal who could find the perpetrator who had previously scammed the victim. He also falsely claimed he needed money for cancer treatments, funeral services for relatives, business partnerships in which he promised to include the victim and items for a non-existent security business. As a result of his lies to the victim, Corder obtained more than $550,000 from her. He then used that money to pay off his mortgage and buy cars and a motorcycle.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Corder on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Corder.
Elk County Bookkeeper Embezzled $765,000 from her EmployerRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Melissa Bittler, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bittler embezzled over $765,000 from the construction company in Johnsonburg where she was employed as the office manager and bookkeeper. Bittler bought and renovated her house and purchased a Honda Pilot with the embezzled company money.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Bittler on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnsonburg Borough Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bittler.
Eight Individuals Charged in Connection with Residential Burglaries Targeting Homeowners of Asian DescentRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Eight members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for their roles in a conspiracy that targeted homeowners of Asian descent for residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Rabine Armour of Easton, Pennsylvania; Kevin Burton of Newark; Kevin Jackson of Rahway, New Jersey; Thomas Rodgers of Newark; James Hurt of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania; Sherman Glasco of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Randi Barr of Irvington, New Jersey; and Terrance Black of Irvington, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Burton is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiring with Keesha Davis, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to tamper with evidence. The defendants will appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.
As alleged in the complaint, these defendants were part of a sophisticated, multi-state burglary crew that targeted the homes of business owners of Asian descent, intending to steal the cash proceeds of their businesses as well as jewelry, foreign currency, and other property,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “A comprehensive investigation led by our partners at the FBI and aided by the cooperation of local law enforcement revealed the links among over 50 residential burglaries and thereby uncovered this scheme. As a result of this careful investigative work, the defendants now face federal charges for their actions.”
“These defendants allegedly carried out a brazen conspiracy based on stereotype and opportunity,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “It is fitting that these arrests come at a time when society is raising awareness regarding crimes against our Asian-American citizens. FBI-Newark appreciates the strong relationship with our law enforcement partners. To that end, I want to thank the South Plainfield Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutors office for initiating the investigation, and the police departments of New Castle County, Delaware, Eatontown, Edison, Hazlet and the Old Bridge for their investigative assistance leading to these burglary interruptions.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement officials identified eight members of an interstate burglary crew responsible for more than 50 home burglaries. Armour, Burton, and Jackson were arrested in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and Barr was arrested in Hazlet, New Jersey, during burglaries in progress. Searches of Armour’s and Burton’s residences revealed tens of thousands of dollars in United States currency and currency from Asian countries, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuables that were previously reported stolen by victims. While searching vehicles used in the commission of burglaries, law enforcement recovered notes containing the home addresses of individuals of Asian descent with derogatory descriptive terms to identify the ethnicity of the homeowners.
A subsequent investigation of the contents of communications obtained from Armour and Burton’s cellular telephones, in addition to location data associated with crew members’ phone numbers, led law enforcement to identify other conspirators, including Glasco, Hurt, Black, and Rodgers. In comparing communications, location information, and recovered stolen property with known burglaries matching the methods employed by the burglary crew, law enforcement was able to associate these defendants with numerous residential burglaries of homes owned by individuals of Asian descent.
Law enforcement officials learned that unlawful entry into the homes was often made through unsecured second-floor windows; the victims’ cars were burglarized at their respective places of business in order to ascertain the homeowners’ addresses from the vehicles’ documents; makeshift trackers were placed on victims’ vehicles; the crew looked for indications of occupancy of homes by individuals of Asian descent; and once inside, the crew sought out cash, jewelry, and firearms.
The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited FBI Newark’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, and the South Plainfield, South Whitehall, Eatontown, New York City, Edison, Hazlet, Kenilworth, New Castle County, Pocono Township, Sayreville, Old Bridge and Spotswood police departments for their work on the investigation. Acting U.S. Attorney Honig also thanked the numerous law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware that assisted with the investigation.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Travers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Denison Woman Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Credit Union Statements to Hide EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
A Denison woman who served as CEO of Consumers Credit Union (CCU), and falsified financial records to hide embezzlement, pled guilty on May 24, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Janine Keim, age 68, from Denison, Iowa, was convicted of making false statements to auditors of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
In open court, Keim admitted to falsifying documents to hide the embezzlement of money from CCU in Denison, Iowa. Keim was the CEO of CCU and she admitted to abstracting funds from the credit union. Keim submitted call reports she knew to be false to the NCUA alleging the existence of funds held by CCU. Keim’s actions contributed to a total cash and cash equivalent loss for CCU that resulted in CCU’s insolvency. In October 2020, Keim’s sister, Brenda Jensen, pled guilty to embezzling from CCU.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Keim remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Keim faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4091.
Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegal Possession of Multiple Guns in First Criminal Jury Trial in the Middle District of Georgia Since Lifting of Jury Trial MoratoriumRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga.– A federal jury returned a guilty verdict this afternoon, convicting an Albany man for illegal possession of firearms by a prohibited person in the first criminal jury trial conducted in the Middle District of Georgia since the COVID-19 pandemic jury trial restrictions lifted in May 2021.
“It is significant that a jury trial for a criminal case was successfully and safely accomplished in the Middle District of Georgia as the legal community works to return to pre-COVID, in-person gatherings. I want to commend everyone involved in the trial for helping to ensure that justice was fairly and safely delivered,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Eric Tollefson, 63, was wanted by authorities in Virginia in 2018 pursuant to an indictment returned against him in a narcotics case. Law enforcement agents traveled to his Albany home to arrest him on November 2, 2018. Upon entering the residence, agents observed a number of firearms in plain view. Tollefson was in illegal possession of a total of eleven firearms: nine rifles, a pistol and a shotgun. At the time he possessed the 11 guns, Tollefson was a multiple-time convicted felon, to include a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Tollefson faces a maximum ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2021. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner is presiding over the case.
FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Albany Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Charlotte Man Is Charged with Using Stolen Identities to Defraud Government-Funded Coronavirus Aid Relief Programs of More Than $200,000Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A criminal indictment was unsealed in federal court today, following Keon I. Taylor’s initial appearance on federal charges for allegedly using stolen identities to defraud government-funded coronavirus aid relief programs of more than $200,000, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Specifically, the criminal indictment charges Taylor, 30, of Charlotte, with eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of making a false statement to the U.S. Small Business Administration, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count related to possessing equipment that can be used to make fake identity documents.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer is joined in making today’s announcement by Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) which oversees Charlotte.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from at least March 2020 through February 2021, Taylor engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the North Carolina Division of Employment Security, and the States of Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Arizona by filing fraudulent claims for COVID-19 related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits using stolen information of identity theft victims. The indictment alleges that, as part of the scheme, Taylor obtained over the internet and elsewhere multiple victims’ stolen personal identifying information, or “PII,” including victims’ names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. Taylor used the stolen PII of more than 35 victims to apply for and receive over $219,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits, and to submit numerous additional applications seeking fraudulent UI benefits. The indictment further alleges that Taylor also used false information to fraudulently apply for three Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under the expanded CARES Act.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020, and it is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others, including the EIDL program, which is an SBA program that provides low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.
U.S. District Judge David C. Keesler presided over Taylor’s initial appearance in magistrate court in Charlotte this morning.
The wire fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count, with additional penalties possible because the offenses relate to a presidentially declared emergency. The false statements to the SBA charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a $1 million fine per count. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a minimum prison term of two years, consecutive to any other prison term imposed, per count. The charge of production, transfer, or possession of a document making implement or authentication feature carries a term of imprisonment of up to 15 years and a $250,000 fine.
The charges against Taylor are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their investigative efforts which led to the charges. The prosecution for the government is handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
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On May 17, 2021, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the establishment of a the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to combat fraud related to the coronavirus epidemic. The Task Force will marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the government to enhance enforcement efforts against wrongdoers seeking to exploit COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Department of Justice will use every available tool – including criminal, civil, and administrative actions – to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud. We look forward to working with our federal government colleagues to bring to justice those who seek to profit unlawfully from the pandemic,” wrote Attorney General Garland in a memo announcing the Task Force.
Organized and led by the Deputy Attorney General, the Task Force includes several entities within the Department of Justice, including the Criminal and Civil Division, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, and the FBI. Key interagency partners, such as the Department of Labor, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the SBA, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief (SIGPR), the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), and others, have been invited to be part of the Task Force.
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina need the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed by the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. Members of the public in the Western District of North Carolina are also encouraged to call 704-344-6222 to reach their local Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
California Man Indicted on Federal Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – One resident of California has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Jose Juan Flores, age 55, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in and around April 2021, Flores conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl, fluoro fentanyl, and heroin. Also on or about April 28, 2021, Flores possessed with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl, fluoro fentanyl, and heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Arthur Everett, 35, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit firearms offenses and being a felon in possession of firearms. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“With violence skyrocketing in Buffalo, my office remains committed to doing all that we can to apprehend those who are helping to fuel this violence by illegally trafficking guns in our community,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Today’s illegally trafficked guns become tomorrow’s crime guns.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin M. Higgins and Charles E. Watkins, who are handling the case, stated that between February 2018, and June 2019, the defendant, without being a licensed firearms importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector, conspired with co-defendant Von Harmon to sell firearms. In May 2019, Everett introduced Von Harmon to an individual in Buffalo who bought seven firearms from Von Harmon for $6,000. The defendant was present during the sale, participated in price negotiations, and describing the firearms to the individual. The firearms included five pistols, a revolver, and a handgun.
In October 2009, Everett was convicted in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Attempted Assault in the Second Degree. In April 2008, the defendant was convicted in Erie County Court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. As a result, Everett is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Von Harmon was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2021, before Judge Arcara.
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Birmingham Man Sentenced for Using Stolen ID to Buy PistolsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Birmingham man for making a false statement to a firearms dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon sentenced Nasheed Kareem Hutchins, 22, to 24 months in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of pistols from two Tuscaloosa gun stores. Hutchins pleaded guilty to these charges in February.
According to the plea agreement, using the stolen identification card of another man, Hutchins purchased six pistols from Wade’s Jewelry and Pawn and two pistols from Quick Pawn Shop #9 on the same day. The ATF began an investigation after law enforcement officers in New Jersey recovered one of the guns from a felon within a short time after it was purchased in Tuscaloosa.
After security video at one of the gun stores ruled out the individual whose identification card was used, ATF agents tracked down the true purchaser, Hutchins, using contact information provided during one of the purchases and an unrelated booking video of Hutchins from the Tuscaloosa County Jail. That video showed Hutchins wearing the same distinctive shirt as the gun buyer. Hutchins later admitted using the identification card to buy the guns.
“Illegally obtained firearms are a major source of crime guns throughout the United States,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “My office is committed to prosecuting those who illegally acquire and possess firearms.”
“The partnerships with the public safety departments and the U.S. Attorney’s office were crucial in reducing the potential for violent crime in this case,” SAC French said.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted.
Birmingham Man Sentenced for Fraud against Huntsville Police Officer’s Memorial FundRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced today for a scheme to obtain money from a fund intended for the family of a fallen Huntsville Police officer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge, Houston Division, Adrian Gonzalez, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Judge Annemarie Axon sentenced Devonte Lemond Hammonds, 28, to 37 months in prison for access device fraud and wire fraud. Hammonds pleaded guilty to the charges in February.
“This sentence sends a strong message that frauds like this will be prosecuted and punished severely,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “This defendant exploited a tragedy and stole money intended for the family of an officer killed in the line of duty. Today justice was served for the victims of this egregious crime.”
“Today’s sentencing revealed that what Devonte Hammonds thought was an easy fraud scheme turned out to be an even easier trip to federal prison,” Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, Houston Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service said. “His mail fraud scheme was insidious, and it is hoped that justice being served today will help bring closure for those he affected.”
“Hammonds stole from the family of a fallen hero and has now been sentenced for his despicable crimes,” FBI SAC Sharp said. “I commend the tireless efforts of our special agents and law enforcement partners who worked jointly to bring this case to justice.”
In December 2019, Hammonds devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund. Billy Clardy was a Huntsville Police officer killed in the line of duty in 2019. After Officer Clardy’s death, a memorial fund was established to collect contributions and provide aid to his family. Hammonds used the identity of another person to open a bank account and transfer funds from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund bank account to the fictitious account for his own use. Hammonds also used the U.S. Postal Service website to fraudulently reroute mail from numerous U.S. Postal Service customers to addresses in Birmingham that he could access. He rerouted the mail to obtain more personal identifying information of those customers, and used that information to pay bills, make purchases, and open new accounts.
The FBI and USPIS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward and Michael Pillsbury prosecuted the case.
Atlanta man admits attempting to conceal firearms in overseas shipmentRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: An Atlanta man faces up to five years in prison after admitting he attempted to hide firearms in an overseas shipment of goods.
Shawn Sabi, 34, of Atlanta, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to an Information charging him with Submitting False or Misleading Export Information, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The plea subjects Sabi to a possible statutory sentence of up to five years in prison followed by two years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“With massive numbers of shipments moving daily through the Port of Savannah, our law enforcement partners perform stellar work in intercepting illegal materials moving through commerce,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “When these shipments are detected, we will hold those attempting such criminal acts accountable.”
In March, agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained Sabi’s shipment, labeled “115 pieces used household goods and personal effects,” based on discrepancies in declarations filed for the shipment. An agent from the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) reviewed the records, leading to a search of the container in which a shotgun, a rifle, and three handguns were discovered concealed inside the legs of an aluminum shelving unit, along with ammunition and other materials.
In most cases, it is illegal to export firearms to another country without a federal export license. BIS confirmed that Sabi does not possess such a license.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, Miami Field Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Customs and Border Protection; and Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer G. Solari and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron J. Hubbard.