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Wednesday 19 May 2021
Fort McCoy Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Possession of Homemade SilencerRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. has sentenced Gary Dewayne Martin (31, Fort McCoy) to 24 months in federal prison for possession of an unregistered silencer. The court also ordered Martin to forfeit the silencer and a .22 caliber semiautomatic rifle. Martin had pleaded guilty on January 6, 2021.
According to court documents, on September 20, 2019, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to Martin’s residence. Witnesses said that Martin was walking around wearing body armor and wielding a shotgun, threatening to kill himself and others. Witnesses further stated that Martin had discharged his shotgun into a nearby campfire. While investigating the campfire, deputies found the shotgun, two spent shotgun shells, and a .22 caliber rifle with an attached homemade silencer secured to the barrel. The silencer was not registered as required by federal law. Pursuant to a risk protection order, deputies then searched the residence and seized a total of 37 firearms and large amounts of ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney Karin Hoppmann coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Former coach from Pecos arraigned on charges of coercing minors onlineRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Joshua Rico, 25, of Pecos, New Mexico, was arraigned today in federal court on a five-count indictment charging him with coercion and enticement of minors. A federal grand jury indicted Rico on May 12. Rico will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 21.
According to the indictment and other court records, beginning as early as January 2018, Rico allegedly used multiple profiles on the social media platform Snapchat to coerce minor girls into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos and engage in sexual acts. Using his position as a high school basketball coach to target girls he knew, Rico allegedly used fictitious profiles under the names “Chris Lujan” and “Erik Romero” as well as a profile in his own name to threaten, coerce and manipulate at least four minor victims. Rico allegedly sent photos of his own genitalia, requested explicit photos and videos from the victims, and threatened to expose compromising photos and videos to extort sexual acts for his own gratification.
The New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory investigated this case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. PSC is an initiative designed to help law enforcement and community leaders develop a coordinated strategy to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual predators, abusers, and pornographers who target children through the internet. The ICAC program is a nation-wide network of task forces consisting of federal, state and local law enforcement dedicated to this issue and are key partners in Project Safe Childhood.
“Cases like this remind of us the importance of vigilance,” said Fred J. Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “We must stress, especially to minors, the risks of electronically sharing material of a sensitive or compromising nature. But law enforcement must also be vigilant in our duty to investigate and prosecute those who exploit new and emerging technologies to target unsuspecting victims. It is the perpetrators, not the victims, who are responsible for their crimes and manipulation.”
“Protecting our children, and ensuring they are safe is one of the most important things we do in law enforcement” said Robert Thornton, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “As access to technology increases, so does the means for those who would do harm to our kids. The New Mexico State Police is proud of our working relationship with the FBI and Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory that allows us to investigate these offenses.”
“Online predators seeking to exploit children unfortunately are becoming more common,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI hopes these charges send a warning to perpetrators there is nowhere in cyberspace they can escape justice. We also want to urge young people to be careful with their online communications and to be thoughtful about the content they share.”
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rico faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mease and Jaymie L. Roybal are prosecuting the case.
Former Senior City of Philadelphia Official Sentenced to over One Year in Prison for Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Leo Dignam, 61, of Philadelphia, PA was sentenced to 15 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine by United States District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno for a scheme to defraud the City of Philadelphia of approximately $150,000 over the course of several years.
In November 2020, Leo Dignam pleaded guilty to wire fraud and embezzlement from a program receiving federal funds. At the time of the charged offenses, the defendant was an Assistant Managing Director in the City of Philadelphia Managing Director’s Office and, prior to serving in that position, was a long-time employee of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (“PPR”) Department, having risen through the ranks to serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Programs. In these positions, he oversaw the administration of major events in the city, such as the Philadelphia Marathon, the Broad Street Run and the Mummers Parade. Mr. Dignam worked for the City of Philadelphia for approximately 38 years.
Over the course of several years, from 2012 through 2019, Leo Dignam misused two bank accounts he controlled on behalf of the City that existed to support the work of PPR, namely, recreational activities for citizens. In particular, he opened a bank account purportedly to support the activities of PPR in connection with a non-profit organization, the Junior Baseball Federation (“JBF”). The JBF partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies to raise most of its funds through the sale of tickets for Phillies games. The defendant converted funds from this account to pay for personal expenses he incurred on a credit card associated with the JBF account for purchases from retail stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, online retailers, and service providers. Dignam also admitted to misusing another account that was created for the benefit of PPR and the citizens of Philadelphia, the Program Advisory Fund Account. The defendant used this account to pay personal expenses by transferring funds directly to a personal bank account, and by using it to pay personal expenses on a Verizon wireless account.
Leo’s brother, Paul Dignam, 58, also of Philadelphia and formerly the Regional Manager for the South Region of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, also pleaded guilty in November 2020 to charges of mail fraud and embezzlement from a program receiving federal funds in connection with similar misuse of public money, and will be sentenced next week.
“This defendant abused the considerable level of trust placed in him by his superiors and the citizens of Philadelphia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “His inexcusable behavior, stealing money from public programs designed to serve city youth and Parks and Recreation supporters, has now been met with swift and serious consequences in federal court. Our Office will continue to hold public employees, especially those in leadership positions, responsible for this type of fraud.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Deputy United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Former New York City Department of Buildings Inspector Pleads Guilty in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Francesco Ginestri, a former New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Inspector, pleaded guilty to solicitation and receipt of a bribe in exchange for his agreement to ensure that DOB would not issue a fine in connection with a stop work order. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.
Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.
“With today’s guilty plea, Ginestri admits to selling his position as a building inspector in exchange for cash and to violating the public trust to ensure the safety of city construction sites,” stated Acting United States Attorney Lesko. “This Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt employees who put their official positions up for sale and endanger the safety of their communities.” Mr. Lesko thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the New York City Department of Investigation, for their investigative work on the case.
In late July 2020, Ginestri, who was employed as a New York City Department of Buildings Inspector, conducted a re-inspection of a construction site located in Queens that had received a stop work order for safety violations earlier in the month. During the re-inspection, Ginestri learned that construction had continued despite the pendency of the stop work order. Instead of seeking to impose a penalty on the company for violating the stop work order, Ginestri solicited a $1,200 cash bribe in exchange for his agreement to ensure that the DOB would not issue a $25,000 fine to the company. Ginestri resigned from the DOB on February 10, 2021, the day he was arrested.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar and Alicia N. Washington are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
FRANCESCO GINESTRI
Age: 37
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-263 (ERK)
Former Georgia Supervisory Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offenses for Assaulting InmatesRead the Press Release
A former supervisory correctional officer at the Valdosta State Prison (VSP) in Valdosta, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of two inmates during two separate incidents.
According to court documents and admissions made during the hearing, on Sept. 24, 2018, Patrick Sharpe, 30, while on duty as a correctional officer at VSP, assaulted a handcuffed inmate in retaliation for an earlier interaction between the inmate and a female officer. Specifically, while escorting the inmate across the prison grounds, Sharpe wrapped a pair of handcuffs around his fist and punched the inmate three times – twice to the inmate’s face and once to the back of his head. As a result of the assault, the inmate briefly lost consciousness and suffered lacerations to his face and head. The inmate was restrained and compliant at the time of the assault.
In the second incident, on Dec. 29, 2018, Sharpe, while on duty as a supervisory correctional officer at VSP, instructed his subordinate officers to assault a handcuffed inmate in retaliation for an earlier altercation between that inmate and a different female officer. Specifically, Sharpe, along with several other correctional officers — including officers Jamal Scott and Brian Ford, both of whom have previously pleaded guilty to federal crimes related to this incident — escorted the handcuffed inmate to an outdoor area on the grounds of the prison for the purpose of assaulting the inmate. Scott and Ford, carrying out a directive from Sharpe, took the inmate to the ground and struck him multiple times in the body. The inmate was handcuffed and compliant at the time of the assault.
“The defendants committed two retaliatory, injurious, and unjustified assaults while acting as a corrections officer,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the civil rights of all individuals are protected and will vigorously prosecute individuals who betray their oath of office and violently abuse the power entrusted to them as officers of the law.”
“Our office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, and we will prosecute all those who violate the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter Leary of the Middle District of Georgia. “Law enforcement and correctional officers will be held to the highest standard, as well they should, since they are entrusted with a great degree of authority over the liberty of those they are sworn to protect.”
“Correctional officers at prisons face difficult conditions trying to keep prisons safe for incarcerated felons and staff, but it is never acceptable for them to violate their oath by violently abusing their power,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Hacker of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “The FBI makes civil rights offenses a high priority to protect inmates against such abuse and to protect the hard-working officers who uphold their oaths on a daily basis.”
Sharpe faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Criminal Chief Michael Solis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Former Air Force Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $1.1 Million in Government FundsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Eddie Ray Johnson, Jr., age 60, of Brandywine, Maryland, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021, to the federal charge of theft of government property, in connection with a scheme to use his government-issued travel credit card to obtain more than $1.1 million in cash advances.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Brigadier General Terry Bullard of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office.
“Eddie Johnson betrayed his position of trust for his personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “Corrupt public employees rip off the taxpayers and undermine everyone’s faith in the government.”
According to his plea agreement, from January 2003 to February 2018, Johnson was a civilian Air Force employee, most recently as a travel coordinator in the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Legislative Liaison, where he planned congressional travel and reviewed and approved accounting packages submitted by trip escorts, among other duties. Johnson admitted that from March 2014 through September 2017, he used his government-issued travel credit card to obtain more than $1.1 million in cash advances, at least $774,000 of which he diverted to his own personal use.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Johnson frequently deposited the stolen funds into a non-interest bearing account opened in his name at a bank branch in the Pentagon. Employees in the Office of Legislative Liaison were instructed to open such accounts so that they could more easily deposit and withdraw government funds for official use without accruing interest. After depositing the stolen funds, Johnson wrote checks to himself, which he deposited into his personal bank accounts, and spent the money for his personal benefit, including on living expenses, a baby grand piano, loan payments for a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and family vacations. Johnson also admitted that he provided cash to his family members, including his spouse.
During execution of a search warrant at Johnson’s residence in Brandywine, Maryland on November 6, 2019, law enforcement recovered approximately $15,1740 in cash from Johnson’s residence. Johnson agrees that at least $4,000 of the funds seized were the proceeds of his offense.
In all, Johnson’s conduct caused a loss to the U.S. government of $1,157,540.69, which includes $26,506.02 in banking and service fees that the Air Force paid monthly in connection with the cash advances Johnson obtained. As part of his plea agreement, Johnson has agreed to the entry of a restitution order in the full amount of the victim’s losses.
Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for September 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the OSI, the DCIS, and the IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana J. Brusca and Elizabeth Wright, who are prosecuting the case.
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Foley Woman Sentenced for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Ashley Nicole King, 30, of Foley, Alabama, has been sentenced for her participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy which occurred in Baldwin County during 2016 through 2018. In August of 2019, King pled guilty to the conspiracy charge.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a 90 month sentence in King’s case, and ordered that King serve a five-year term of supervised release when she is released from custody. King was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. No fine was imposed.The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Baldwin County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Foley Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Christopher Ryan Snider, 37, of Foley, Alabama, was sentenced to fourteen years in prison for his participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy which occurred in Baldwin County during 2016 through 2018. In May of 2020, Snider pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and a charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a 168-month sentence in Snider’s case, consisting of 120 months on the drug charge to be served consecutively to 60 months on the gun charge. The judge ordered that Snider serve a five-year term of supervised release when he is released from custody. Snider was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $200. No fine was imposed.The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Baldwin County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Federal and State Law Enforcement in Maryland and DC Announce New Regional Carjacking Prosecution Task Force to Address Spikes in Carjackings over the Past YearRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner announced the formation of a regional carjacking task force designed to promote cross-border coordination in the prosecution of carjacking cases. Mr. Lenzner was joined in making the announcement by the other members of the prosecution task force: Acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Channing D. Phillips; Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. They were also joined by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials from agencies in Maryland and D.C. that are involved in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.
The carjacking prosecution task force was created to ensure the prosecution of individuals who engage in carjacking and robberies in multiple jurisdictions, which can create challenges to holding the perpetrators accountable for the full extent of their criminal conduct. The task force of federal and state prosecutors are working together to ensure that law enforcement agencies in the region work together to build thorough investigations that encompass all of a perpetrator’s crimes, even if they are committed in multiple jurisdictions. Through real-time collaboration, the members of the task force are able to gather evidence from multiple jurisdictions and share information about specific individuals responsible for these crimes. The federal and state prosecutors in the task force collaborate to decide the jurisdiction in which a particular defendant should be charged, in order to ensure they are adequately held accountable for their crimes. This cross-border partnership between federal and state prosecutors’ offices mirrors similar collaboration among the police departments in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Washington, D.C., and among the FBI and ATF.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lenzner also announced that a federal grand jury has returned the first federal indictments filed in Maryland resulting from the collaborative work of the new carjacking task force. The two separate indictments charge three men with committing carjacking and related firearms offenses that occurred in February 2021. The indictments were both returned on May 12, 2021, and are discussed in greater detail below.
“The regional carjacking prosecution task force will ensure that the perpetrators of these violent crimes will not escape justice when they cross jurisdictional borders,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “By working with our federal and local law enforcement partners here in Maryland and in Washington, D.C., we can coordinate our response, remove violent criminals from our communities, and obtain justice for the victims of these violent crimes. The spike in carjackings in the area is simply unacceptable, and we are all committed to working together to counter with a robust law enforcement response.”
“The crimes resulting from these carjackings pose a serious public safety danger. Our office is committed to ensuring that the residents of the District of Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions will see justice from the prosecution of the individuals who commit these alarming acts,” said Acting United States Attorney Channing D. Phillips. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uphold the law and provide a viable solution in order to make our communities safer.”
“The rise in carjackings in and around Prince George’s County and the region has become a very serious issue. This task force will enable us to address these crimes in a regional fashion and we stand ready to work with our state and federal partners to get these very serious and dangerous crimes under control,” said Prince George's County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
“Crime doesn’t stop at the border of one jurisdiction to another neither should justice. Violent criminals who commit carjackings wreak havoc all around the DMV and this joint task force will hold them accountable for their horrible acts against unsuspecting residents no matter where it happens or where they’re from,” said Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Two Carjacking Indictments Announced Today
The first indictment charges Elijah Greene-Parker, age 19, and Rashaun Onley, age 21, both of Washington, D.C., with armed robbery and with carjacking two victims on February 5, 2021, and with three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted, Greene-Parker and Onley each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery; a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for each of the two carjacking counts; and a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in federal prison for each of the three counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm. The defendants have had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court and were ordered to be detained pending trial. This case is being investigated by the FBI – Baltimore Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the City of Alexandria Police Department. Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner thanked the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan, who is prosecuting the case.
The second indictment charges Mikye Dione Speaks, age 22, of Glenarden, Maryland, with a carjacking that occurred on February 15, 2021, during which he allegedly stole a 2020 Ford Edge from a victim at gunpoint. If convicted, Speaks faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking and a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in federal prison for using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Speaks is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on May 21, 2021. He is currently detained on related state charges. The case was investigated by the Prince George’s County Police Department and FBI – Baltimore Field Office. Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner thanked the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajeev R. Raghavan, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/priorities and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Federal Grand Jury Issues Indictment in Latest Case in Investigation into DMV Employees Who Took Bribes to Issue Driver’s LicensesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted alleged “brokers” accused of scheming to illegally obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants by paying bribes to corrupt employees of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Carlos Alberto Zea Londono, 58, of Granada Hills, and Eudelia Lopez Martinez, 50, of South Los Angeles, were charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
Also charged in today’s indictment are Rogelio Zazueta, 52, of Huntington Park, and Arestakes Khachikyan, a.k.a. “Aries,” 54, of Granada Hills, who each face one count of aiding and abetting the illegal production of identification documents, which carries a 15-year statutory maximum prison sentence. The superseding indictment adds two new charges and three additional defendants to a June 2020 indictment that charged only Zazueta with the aiding and abetting count.
Today’s indictment alleges that, from April to October 2016, Londono and Lopez negotiated the price that ineligible driver’s license applicants would pay in cash to fraudulently receive passing scores on the written test and/or driving test needed to obtain a California driver’s license. The cash payments ranged from $400 to $1,400, according to the indictment.
The brokers then contacted the scheme’s ringleader – Antanacio Villegas, a.k.a. “A.T.,” 46, of Portales, New Mexico, but who previously lived in Long Beach and who worked as a license registration examiner at the DMV office in Torrance. Londono and Lopez allegedly paid Villegas cash bribes for the issuance of a validly issued California driver’s licenses without applicants taking the necessary tests to legitimately obtain it. The brokers allegedly also provided Villegas the personal identifying information for the driver’s license applicants.
Villegas then solicited the services of different California DMV employees who also took cash bribes to make fraudulent entries in the DMV’s computer database to indicate that an applicant had passed the necessary written or driving tests – even though the applicant never actually took or passed the required tests to obtain a California driver’s license. Based on the fraudulent entries, the corrupt DMV employees then unlawfully issued instructional permits or driver’s licenses to the applicants, the indictment alleges.
As a result, the California DMV prepared and mailed a California driver’s license to applicants that they were not lawfully entitled to receive. Law enforcement believes that more than 100 driver’s licenses were illegally issued because of the scheme.
Zazueta allegedly aided and abetted the unlawful production of a California identification document in July 2016 on behalf of an individual. According to an affidavit filed with a criminal complaint in this case, Zazueta told the individual that he had connections at the Torrance DMV and could get a license for the individual for $1,200. The individual was issued a driver’s permit even though the individual had not taken a written test, the affidavit states.
The indictment further alleges that Khachikyan aided and abetted the unlawful production of California identification document in July 2016 on behalf of an individual for whom a corrupt DMV employee entered passing scores on a test required for an instructional permit, then issued the permit without the individual taking or passing the required tests.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Villegas is scheduled to plead guilty on June 21 to a seven-count information charging him with honest services mail fraud. In his plea agreement, Villegas admitted that he and other DMV employees accepted cash bribes at least several times per week, and otherwise ineligible drivers would be directed to the window of a corrupt DMV employee with an “identifier” such as a red hat, in order to fraudulently obtain their licenses.
In a related case, Jovana Tameka Nettles, 44, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty on May 17 to three counts of honest services wire fraud. Nettles, a former manager at the DMV office in the Lincoln Park area of Los Angeles, admitted to fraudulently entering passing scores for applicants and issuing instructional permits for applicants who had not taken or passed the required tests in exchange for bribes. Nettles’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 23.
In another related matter, Taliesha Shunte Ratliff, 37, of Gardena, a former DMV employee in Torrance, pleaded guilty in August 2020 to a single-count information charging her with soliciting and accepting bribes. She is expected to be sentenced in the coming months.
Also, Otto Escobar, Sr., 63, of Granada Hills, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of aiding and abetting concerning programs receiving federal funds. Escobar, who formerly operated the Van Nuys-based OK Driving School, admitted in his plea agreement that, from 2015 to 2017, he charged his customers a fee for obtaining a fraudulent passing DMV score, and to facilitate the fraud, and he collected money used to bribe DMV employees to commit the fraud. Escobar’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 7, at which time he will face 10 years in federal prison.
The United States Coast Guard Investigative Service and the California Department of Motor Vehicles Office of Internal Affairs is investigating this matter. This matter is a spin-off investigation of CGIS Operation Buzzkill, an investigation to protect maritime safety and security involving the use of fraudulent identification documents by truckers to gain access to secured and restricted areas of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. That investigation resulted in 16 convictions and also resulted in the identification of several corrupt DMV employees who were fraudulently issuing California driver’s licenses.
Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda M. Bettinelli and Erik M. Silber of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section are prosecuting these cases.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for ArsonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – David Daniel Thomas was sentenced today to 71 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for arson. In addition, he received 33 months on a supervised release revocation from a prior federal conviction that is to be served at the expiration of his arson sentence. Thomas will also pay $6,000 in restitution. On February 25, 2021, Thomas pled guilty to an indictment charging him with arson.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Thomas, 24, was living with the victim in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in December 2019. In the early morning hours of December 14, 2019, the defendant and the victim began arguing. The defendant attempted to set the victim’s car on fire by inserting a rag into the fuel filler and lighting it, however, he was unsuccessful in starting a fire. The argument resulted in the victim leaving the apartment with her son and calling law enforcement. When the officers arrived, the victim came back to her apartment. The officers were unable to contact the defendant, who had left the area. The victim spoke to law enforcement and then left the apartment complex again.
After the victim and law enforcement left, the defendant returned to the apartment. He removed his belongings from the apartment and then started a fire in the closet of the victim’s bedroom. The fire quickly spread throughout the apartment and destroyed all the victim’s personal belongings. Law enforcement and fire investigators found the defendant’s belongings in a wooded area nearby and retrieved the surveillance footage of the apartment complex. The surveillance footage showed the defendant removing his personal belongings and going in and out of the apartment right before it was engulfed in flames.
The Fayetteville Fire Department was able to contain the fire to one apartment. Thankfully no one was injured during the fire. The occupants of the surrounding apartments were notified by other residents of the apartment complex and were able to get out of their homes safely.
The Fayetteville Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the fire. They determined the fire was intentionally set and originated in the closet of the master bedroom.
Thomas was arrested two days later and confessed to trying to set the victim’s car on fire. He initially denied setting the apartment fire but ultimately admitted to lighting a pair of the victim’s jeans on fire and said the fire got out of control.
At the time of the arson, Thomas was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of marijuana. Thomas’ supervised release was revoked for the new criminal conduct.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fayetteville Fire Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-374.
East Hills Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Oronde Shelton, 48, formerly of the East Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about March 17, 2021, Oronde Shelton, a convicted felon, possessed ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
At each count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 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 Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Pittsburgh Bureau of 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.
Drug User and Felon Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who illegally possessed firearms, was sentenced May 13, 2021, to more than three years in federal prison.
Yoni Duenas, 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2020, guilty plea to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and a drug user.
Evidence presented by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed Duenas unlawfully possessed two firearms on two separate occasions. Counting Duenas’ past criminal history and his instant conduct, he has been disarmed by law enforcement four times.
Duenas was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Duenas was sentenced to 40 months’ and five days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4031. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Drug Trafficker Who Caused Three Fentanyl Overdoses Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Marvin Lee Carter, Sr. (41, Tampa) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which caused serious bodily injury. Carter had pleaded guilty on March 1, 2021.
According to court documents, Carter sold fentanyl to an acquaintance, who used the fentanyl and suffered an overdose. That same day, Carter also sold fentanyl to another individual. That individual and a co-worker both used the fentanyl and also overdosed. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at Carter’s residence and found additional fentanyl. All three individuals who had used the fentanyl received medical attention and survived.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Leonard.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Covington Woman Sentenced for FEMA FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KELLY GAUTHIER, age 49, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 15 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the Bill of Information to which GAUTHIER pled guilty, she filed an application with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on or about March 14, 2016, following severe storms and flooding across Louisiana. GAUTHIER claimed that she needed assistance due to her ownership and occupancy of a home where she was living. In order to show her purported ownership of the home, GAUTHIER submitted fraudulent supporting documentation showing that she was the owner of the home when, in fact, she was not. GAUTHIER was issued a total of $29,075.56 in FEMA assistance, including assistance for home repairs, rental assistance, transportation, and personal property.
The Honorable U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced GAUTHIER to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Feldman also ordered GAUTHIER to pay restitution in the amount of $20,946.54 to FEMA.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, for its work in investigating this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh.
Convicted Impersonator Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Involving Elderly Victims and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
ST. CROIX – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Yamini Potter pled guilty today in federal court to wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343 and witness tampering/obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1512.
According to court documents, between approximately May 2019 and October 23, 2020, Potter, acting as himself, or others persons, including Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller; former Virgin Islands Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter; Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George; and former federal District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, contacted victims M.M. and P.M. and requested money to purportedly pay for lawyers and legal fees associated with various fictitious lawsuits, which Potter knew did not exist. M.M. and P.M. paid Potter via cash, check, or wire transfer for expenses associate with these non-existent lawsuits. The total amount paid to Potter by the victims was $120,650.
After Potter was arrested and incarcerated for the above-described criminal conduct, he continued to use the Bureau of Corrections’ phone to contact his victims on a recorded line. Potter pretended to be Judge Miller on four separate calls; former Judge Gomez on nine different calls; Attorney General George on 78 calls; and former Lieutenant Governor Potter on 47 calls. During the fraud scheme, and after Potter was arrested on the federal charges, he instructed victims M.M. and P.M. not to cooperate with the federal authorities in his federal criminal case. On one occasion, he advised the victims to delete text messages between himself and the victims.
Potter will be sentenced on September 17, 2021 by Senior District Judge Timothy J. Savage and faces a maximum term of not more than 20 years imprisonment per count, three years of supervised release per count and a maximum $250,000.00 fine per count. As part of his plea agreement, Potter agreed to pay $120,650 in restitution to P.M.’s estate.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alessandra P. Serano.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert encourages anyone, and especially elderly victims, who may be a victim of fraud – or of any other crime - to come forward and make a report to the FBI at (340) 777-3363.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents, Andrew Troy Tanner, 38, admitted that on September 17, 2018, he met with a confidential informant to sell methamphetamine. Tanner contacted his supplier while he was with the confidential informant to obtain the methamphetamine. Tanner admitted that he facilitated the distribution of approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant.
Tanner pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 25, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Cremeans is handling the prosecution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-0152.
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California Woman Arrested for Fraudulently Selling over $700,000 Worth of Counterfeit Retail Store CouponsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A California woman was arrested and charged with fraudulently selling over $700,000 worth of counterfeit Catalina coupons used at various retail stores across the United States for the purchase of household items, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Tong Lor, aka “Mandy Carr,” 33, of Modesto, California, is charged by criminal complaint with two counts of mail fraud. She is expected to make her initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn K. Delaney in the Eastern District of California.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2020 to May 2021, Lor was involved in a large-scale operation to produce and sell fraudulent, counterfeit Catalina coupons using the U.S. Postal Service. She printed coupons with fake bar codes and then mailed them to purchasers in New Jersey and elsewhere for use at participating retail stores for discounts on household items such as diapers, laundry detergent, and toiletries.
Lor sold the counterfeit coupons via invitation-only internet groups – associated with her businesses: Mandy’s Treasure Box, Mandys Knitting Club, and Mandy’s Treasure Chest – that were accessible via the Internet site Telegram Messenger Inc. (Telegram), a cloud-based, mobile instant communications service. The purchasers who were invited into the groups were provided with access to an order form containing a list of numerous counterfeit coupons that had associated prices and volume designations. Purchasers would electronically select the counterfeit coupons they wanted and submit the form to Lor through the Telegram application.
Lor then falsely coded and printed the counterfeit coupons and mailed them to the purchasers, almost exclusively using the USPS mail system. USPS records show that from in and December 2017 through the present, Lor mailed over 13,000 parcels using USPS.
The charge of mail fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Coppotelli and Heather Suchorsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brownsville man learns fate after attempting to smuggle drugsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 35-year-old local man has been sentenced following his conviction of attempting to deliver cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jose Isaac Martinez pleaded guilty June 2.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Martinez to serve an-84 month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
“Today’s sentence not only holds Martinez accountable for his crimes, but serves as a warning to those who are contemplating drug trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI will continue to use every resource available to identify smugglers like Martinez, who distribute this poison to the citizens throughout the United States.”
On July 7, 2019, Luigui Ortiz-Rosales attempted entry into the United States from Mexico driving a Mercury Villager minivan at the Brownsville Veterans International Bridge. During inspection, authorities removed four rectangular packages of suspected narcotics from the natural void of the rear quarter panels.
The packages field tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 4.70 kilograms with an estimated street value of $94,000.
The investigation ultimately led law enforcement to Martinez. They had observed an F-150 pickup truck circling the parking lot of a shopping center location in Brownsville. Martinez was the driver. He stopped the vehicle, exited and approached the location where law enforcement had already arrested Ortiz-Rosales. The investigation revealed Martinez was to pick up the narcotics and deliver them to a grocery store parking lot in Brownsville.
Ortiz-Rosales, 38, of Mexico, ultimately pleaded guilty and was later sentenced to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release.
Martinez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.
Birmingham Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Gabrielle Danielle Goss, 38, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced for her participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy which occurred in Baldwin County during 2016 through 2018. In May of 2020, Goss pled guilty to the conspiracy charge.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a 96-month sentence in Goss’ case and ordered that Goss serve a five-year term of supervised release when she is released from custody. Goss was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. No fine was imposed.The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Baldwin County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Armed Robber Sentenced to over 24 Years for Committing Multiple Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joshua Beason, 26, has been sentenced to 293 months in federal prison for committing multiple business robberies and brandishing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2019, Beason and two co-defendants robbed multiple Memphis-area gas stations in what was described in court as a "night of terror."
At approximately 1:10 a.m., Beason and co-defendant 1 approached a store clerk outside of the Mapco Express on Raleigh Millington Road, armed with semi-automatic handguns with extended magazines. They threatened the clerk, forced her inside, and removed money from the register.
Less than an hour later, the suspects proceeded to the Murphy Express on Summer Avenue. Beason and co-defendant 2 placed a handgun to the side of a store clerk, forced him inside the store, and threatened the lives of both store clerks. They then took money from the register and fled the scene.
Approximately thirty minutes later, the suspects robbed the Exxon on Summer Avenue. As Beason and co-defendant 2 entered the business, the clerk ran to the back of the store. While running, he heard Beason and co-defendant 2 yell "don't move or I will shoot" and "shoot, shoot." The group removed the cash drawer and fled the scene.
Minutes later, the suspects participated in a home invasion in the 2000 block of West Barbara Circle. The resident, as well as the co-defendants were shot. All three survived. Beason and his co-defendants were apprehended at a local emergency room.
On November 2, 2020, Beason pled guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
On May 14, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Beason to 293 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beason's co-defendants are scheduled for trial in July 2021.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Arizona Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Importation and Distribution of Methamphetamine from Mexico to IowaRead the Press Release
A woman who imported approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and a half pound of cocaine, over a two-year period was sentenced on May 11, 2021, to almost 9 years in federal prison.
Brisa Paniagua-Trejo, 40, from Casa Grande, Arizona, pled guilty on December 8, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Paniagua-Trejo coordinated shipments of several pounds of methamphetamine, and cocaine, from 2018 through early 2020 to the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere. On February 5, 2020, after conducting active surveillance for suspected drug activity, a Woodbury County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Paniagua-Trejo was operating. Upon conducting a search within the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 30 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, several phones, and four rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Paniagua-Trejo was previously convicted of possession with intent to manufacture/deliver methamphetamine, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, and drug possession in the Minnesota District Court for Faribault County.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Paniagua-Trejo was sentenced to 107 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Paniagua-Trejo remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she is transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4054. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Alleged Manhattan Drug Dealer Arrested for Causing Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging EDWARD NAVEDO, a/k/a “Eddy Bolsas,” with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man (the “Victim”) on or about December 19, 2020, in New York, New York. NAVEDO was arrested this morning, presented and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger this afternoon, and ordered detained. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Analisa Torres.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, Edward Navedo sold fentanyl, and a dose he sold resulted in a victim’s death. Today’s arrest is part of our ongoing commitment to confront this serious public health crisis.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today’s arrest is another example of the NYPD’s commitment to holding accountable those allegedly responsible for causing overdose deaths and our continued close partnerships with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District. Anyone who deals in illegal narcotics should understand that the nation’s best investigators will stop at nothing to fight crime and keep safe all the people we serve.
According to the allegations in the Indictment and information in the public record[1]:
On or about December 19, 2020, the Victim died due to a drug overdose and was found to be in possession of, among other things, a packet stamped with a distinctive red marking. Following an investigation, the NYPD identified NAVEDO as the dealer who sold the Victim the drugs that resulted in his death. The NYPD subsequently made several undercover purchases of additional narcotics from NAVEDO – including heroin and fentanyl – some of which NAVEDO sold in packets that bore the same distinctive red stamp as that recovered from the Victim.
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NAVEDO, 60, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress, and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod L. Schaeffer is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman Announces HIDTA Designation for Erie CountyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today that Erie County has been officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. Erie joins four other western Pennsylvania counties - Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland - in receiving dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state and local governments to fight drug trafficking and abuse.
"Through this designation, Erie County will receive critical resources and support to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the county," said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman, Erie County has been used by drug traffickers as a waypoint for the large-scale distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into Erie and the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and New York. Drug dealers exploit Erie’s easy access by train, bus and interstate highway to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago by utilizing the county as a repackaging hub for further distribution of their product and to funnel drug proceeds back through the supply line.
"The HIDTA designation and award of funds is most welcome here," said Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri. "While local law enforcement has unitized its resources efficiently fighting drug trafficking in our region, it seems like there’s always more to be done. Federal funding gives us the opportunity to increase the fight against the harm we’ve all seen done by drugs in our community."
"The Pennsylvania State Police has participated in other HIDTA designated counties in Western Pennsylvania with great success," added the Pennsylvania State Police. "Our agency looks forward to working with other local, state, and federal partners through the HIDTA program to disrupt drug trafficking organizations affecting Erie County and all of Pennsylvania."
"The Erie Police Department is pleased to learn of the Erie-area’s HIDTA designation," said City of Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny. "We have supported the application for HIDTA and look forward to the continued close cooperation of all law enforcement in our area. The extra resources that HIDTA brings to the table will help greatly."
"The designation of Erie as a HIDTA county will bring federal funding, increased sharing of intelligence, analytical support, enhanced training opportunities, and a cooperative effort between the local, state and federal partners," said Derek M. Siegle, Executive Director of the Ohio HIDTA.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman thanked Pennsylvania’s United States Senators Robert Casey and Pat Toomey, Governor Tom Wolf, Rep. Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as local law enforcement who supported and worked in concert to receive this designation.
Erie County is the most northwestern county in the Western District of Pennsylvania, with an estimated population of 280,566. The County borders Lake Erie and consists of the City of Erie, surrounding suburbs, and outlying municipalities. Erie County joins the program’s Ohio HIDTA region.
Accountant for Pizza Restaurants Sentenced for Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES G. GUERRA, 59, of Dix Hills, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first two months of which Guerra must spend in home confinement, for a felony tax offense. Judge Bolden also ordered Guerra to perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerra worked as an accountant for Bruno DeFabio, an owner of several pizza restaurants in Connecticut and New York, including Pinocchio Pizza LLC, doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan, Connecticut; Top Oven Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Wilton, Connecticut; DiFabio Brothers Pizza Corp., doing business as Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, New York; Odell Pizza, Inc., doing business as Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford, Connecticut; Nepperhan Restaurants Group, Inc., doing business as ReNapoli Pizza, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and Homefield Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Pound Ridge, New York.
DiFabio and his businesses engaged in a practice whereby cash was removed from the cash registers and not deposited into the restaurants’ operating bank accounts, and Guerra knew that DiFabio had a practice of paying his employees in cash. Although Guerra was aware that DiFabio was failing to collect required withholding taxes from his employees and, in turn, not paying over these taxes to the IRS, Guerra reviewed and approved DiFabio’s quarterly tax returns that DiFabio subsequently signed and filed with the IRS.
On January 25, 2021, Guerra pleaded guilty to one count of assisting the willful failure to collect and pay over withholding taxes.
On October 25, 2018, DiFabio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns. On May 6, 2021, he was sentenced to 30 days of imprisonment and ordered to pay $816,954 in restitution.
On September 24, 2018, DiFabio’s business partner in some of his restaurants, Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. On April 27, 2021, Cioffi was sentenced to 30 days of imprisonment and ordered to pay $122,177.59 in restitution.
On June 4, 2019, Idalecia Lopes Santos, the businesses’ bookkeeper, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. On March 30, 2021, she was sentenced to three years of probation.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Tuesday 18 May 2021
United States Marine and Brother Indicted for Attempted Carjacking of Off-Duty Police Officer in YabucoaRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 13, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging brothers Jonathan Amill Peña and Yosef Ricardo Cruz Peña with an attempted carjacking of an off-duty police officer, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to the Government’s allegations, on March 10, 2021 around 5:00 a.m., a female police officer leaving her shift stopped to assist Yosef Ricardo Cruz Peña with an apparently broken-down vehicle on a bridge in Yabucoa. Cruz Peña was a United States Marine on leave in Puerto Rico. Once the police officer stopped her car to help Cruz Peña, his brother Jonathan Amill Peña approached her car from behind with a gun. The police officer and carjacker exchanged gun fire, with over 19 shots being fired. One of the carjackers, Jonathan Amill Peña, was injured, and his cohorts fled to take him to the hospital. The police officer was not physically injured.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Valentin of the Violent Crimes and National Security Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is in charge of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants face a sentence in excess of ten years in prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two New Bedford Men Charged with Fentanyl and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two New Bedford men were indicted by a federal grand jury last week on fentanyl and firearm offenses.
David Acosta, 25, and Marquise Thompson, 34, were indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Acosta was also charged with one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime. Following an initial appearance on Friday, May 14, 2021, Acosta and Thompson were detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 19, 2021.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 22, 2020, Acosta and Thompson possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl, intending to sell those narcotics. Additionally, Acosta was allegedly in possession of a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol during and in relation to his fentanyl possession.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $4 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in relation to or in furtherance of drug trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence five years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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 Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Task Force Releases Child-Focused Video to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative operated locally by a community task force, released a public service video today to bring attention to combating violent crime. Today’s video emphasizes that, among 751 people who have been murdered in Kansas City, Missouri, in the last five years, 28 victims have been children.
“Violent crime takes a terrible toll on the families who are directly impacted and on the wider community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “The toll is heaviest when children are victims of violence. By focusing on children, this public service video underscores the need for our community to work together for safer neighborhoods.
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force hopes that this video will be widely seen and shared over social media, and will inspire its viewers to action against violent crime,” Moore added, “because every kid deserves to be a kid.”
The public service video can be viewed online at:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/video/project-safe-neighborhoods
The video will also be promoted through the social media accounts of task force members.
“The unacceptable level of violence in our city is hurting our children and so many others,” said Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith. “We work closely with federal and community partners to hold accountable those who carry out violent acts. Every Kansas Citian - especially children - deserves to feel safe.”
“Every person should be able to live where they feel safe and free from harm and our children deserve to have the opportunity to grow, learn and play without fear of violence,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Kansas City Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together to combat violent crime, to protect our community, protect our children and protect our future.”
“Our children deserve safe streets, parks and playgrounds, free from the constant threat of gun fire,” said Frederic Winston, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division. “While every day, ATF uses our expertise to battle gun violence, it is only with the community’s help that law enforcement can make every neighborhood a safer place to live, work and play.”
Today’s public service video promotes the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline. The anonymous TIPS Hotline is operated by the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, a member of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force and the fiscal agent to channel federal funding for the public service video and other initiatives of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
“Since the inception of the TIPS Hotline, over 159,250 anonymous tips have been taken by our program and more than $1.5 million in cash rewards paid,” said Barry Mayer, vice president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission. “Tips have resulted in over 11,450 felony arrests, 25,462 cases cleared, $36,555,571 in recovered property and narcotics, 3,899 fugitives arrested, and 1,848 firearms recovered.
“Our program is credited with 662 solved homicides,” Mayer added. “Included in that is 20 homicides in Kansas City, Mo., that have been solved since we increased our KCMO homicide reward to $25,000 on June 21, 2019.”
Tips can be submitted 24/7 via phone (816-474-8477), mobile app and web at www.KCCrimestoppers.com. Tips are completely anonymous. The identity of a tipster has never been discovered. Rewards are also paid completely anonymously.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a Department of Justice initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement with community partners to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In addition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, members of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force include the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Independence Police Department. Federal partners on the task force include the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Tacoma woman sentenced to 6 years in prison for molesting child left in her care and making a video for her boyfriendRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 52-year-old Tacoma resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 6 years in prison for distribution of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Gail Lynn Burnworth, 53, and her boyfriend Michael Kellar, 59, were arrested in August 2017, after an alert passenger on a July 31, 2017, flight to San Jose, California, noticed disturbing texts between Kellar, who was on the plane, and Burnworth, who was in Tacoma. The investigation revealed the two had produced and shared sexually explicit images of children placed in Burnworth’s care. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “You exercised your free will and ultimately put your needs ahead of the needs of children.”
“This defendant committed unspeakable acts, claiming to be under the evil influence of her boyfriend,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The harm she inflicted to those left in her care is deserving of prison and supervision that keeps her away from children.”
According to records filed in the case, after the witness reported her concerns to the airline flight attendants, the flight crew arranged for law enforcement to meet the plane. Kellar was questioned by police and ultimately arrested. A review of his electronic devices showed graphic explicit exchanges with Burnworth discussing drugging and raping the children in her care.
The Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force was alerted and obtained a Court-authorized search warrant for Burnworth’s residence and electronic devices. Investigators found sexually explicit images on Burnworth’s devices and found several hundred images of child pornography on Kellar’s laptop.
Writing to the court, prosecutors noted that Burnworth’s claims that she acted under the sick control of Kellar does not mean she should be returned to the community. Burnworth “is no different than a loaded firearm sitting on a counter: in the wrong hands, something terrible could happen. And like that firearm, Burnworth lacks both the ability and the fortitude to intercede to prevent that harm. Just as the safest place for a loaded weapon is a locked safe, the safest place for Burnworth is a prison,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
“Protecting children is one of the FBI's most noble missions. In this case, the mission included local partners as well as a vigilant private citizen which led to the rescue of two children from unspeakable abuse. Thanks to this work, Ms. Burnworth will be able to reflect on her choices from behind bars,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Seattle Field Division.
On September 25, 2019, Kellar pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. In February 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Following his prison term, he will be on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Burnworth will be on 10 years of supervised release following her prison term and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests in August 2017.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the San Jose, California, Sheriff’s Office and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Hampton and Marie Dalton.
St. Louis man arrested in sting operation pleads guilty to federal firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Leonard Elliston Thomas, 36, of St. Louis Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Thomas appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk.
In February 2020, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information, from a source, Thomas and a co-defendant were attempting to purchase fully automatic firearms. The co-defendant was a Bureau of Prisons inmate at the time.
Thomas and his co-defendant negotiated a deal to purchase multiple firearms and Glock switches from undercover ATF agents in exchange for cash and methamphetamine. The co-defendant arranged a deal via telephone and Thomas met with agents. Both were arrested and multiple firearms and drugs were seized.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Behrens is handling the case.
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Sanford Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine—A Sanford woman was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby sentenced Jennifer Adams, 40, to 12 years in prison and four years of supervised release. Adams pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019.
According to court records, between August 2017 and April 2018, Adams and others acquired fentanyl in Massachusetts for distribution in York County. Two people who received fentanyl from members of the conspiracy died and another person suffered serious bodily injury.
On April 11, 2018, law enforcement officers seized approximately 150 grams of fentanyl from members of the conspiracy. A later search of Adams’ residence resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, a digital scale, approximately $2,500 in cash and a “finger press” designed to compress fentanyl for further distribution.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Biddeford and Sanford Police Departments.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Sanbornville Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Coughlin, 38, of Sanbornville, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Coughlin conspired with individuals in California to have quantities of “ice” methamphetamine shipped to him at his Sanbornville residence. During the investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing approximately 460 grams of “ice” methamphetamine intended for Coughlin. In 2019, an individual who was cooperating with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force made seven controlled purchases of “ice” methamphetamine from Coughlin at his Sanbornville residence. On January 14, 2020, federal and state law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Coughlin’s residence and seized approximately 61 grams of “ice” methamphetamine, cash, firearms, and ammunition. Because Coughlin previously had been convicted of a felony, it was unlawful for him to possess the firearms and ammunition.
Coughlin previously pleaded guilty on February 4, 2021.
“Methamphetamine trafficking poses a significant risk to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The risk to public safety is further heightened when drug traffickers are armed. Thanks to the hard work of a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, this individual will no longer be able to endanger the citizens of the Granite State.”
“Coughlin presented a danger to the public in many forms, the Court’s sentence ensures he will not be able to continue his crimes”, said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “We credit the strong commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire and our numerous local, state, and federal partners for their contributions to this investigation.”
“Drugs and guns are a deadly combination,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA is committed to bring to justice methamphetamine traffickers like Mr. Coughlin. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit and Mobile Enforcement Team, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force the Dover Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and the York, Maine Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Retired Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Illicit Trafficking of Protected Reef CreaturesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Justice Department announced that a Puerto Rico man was sentenced to two months in federal prison for felony violations of the Lacey Act that involved the trafficking and false labeling of protected reef creatures as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican laws designed to protect coral reef organisms.
Luis Joel Vargas Martell (Vargas), a resident of San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to export smuggling and two felony violations of the Lacey Act for collecting, purchasing, falsely labeling, and shipping protected marine invertebrate species as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican law designed to protect corals and other reef species.
After retiring from the Puerto Rico Police Department, Vargas opened an online aquarium business from his home. During 2014 through 2016, Vargas was the co-owner of the saltwater aquarium business, Carebbean Reefers (spelling error intentional) that also operated online through the EBay store “Redragon1975”. A large part of the business was devoted to the sale of native Puerto Rican marine species that are popular in the saltwater aquarium trade.
Vargas sent illegally collected live specimens to customers in the mainland United States and foreign countries by commercial courier services. One of the most popular items that Vargas and his business sent off-island was an organism from the genus Ricordea. These animals are known as “rics,” “polyps,” or “mushrooms” in the aquarium industry. Members of the genus form part of the reef structure and spend their adult lives fastened in place to the reef. These animals are colorful in natural light, but what makes them particularly interesting to aquarium owners is that they “glow” under the UV lights that are typically used in high-end saltwater aquariums.
It is illegal to harvest Ricordea, zoanthids, and anemones in Puerto Rico if the specimens are going to be sent off-island or otherwise sold commercially, nor is there a permit available to do so. Vargas personally collected much of the Ricordea and other reef creatures that he sold off-island. On multiple occasions, he would accompany his business partner, and they would snorkel from the shoreline in search of Ricordea. Because Ricordea are attached to the reef substrate, the pair would utilize a chisel to break off the animals, and in doing so, take chunks of the reef with them. This was detrimental to the marine environment as it caused physical degradation of the underlying reef structure.
In order to cover up the nature of his shipments and to avoid detection from governmental inspection authorities, the scheme included falsely labelling many of the live shipments as inanimate objects. From January 2014 to March 2016, Vargas sent or caused to be sent at least 40 shipments of marine species that were illegally harvested in the waters of Puerto Rico. While there is some variation in the price of Ricordea depending on coloration, size, and other factors, the aggregate retail value of illegal Ricordea shipped by Vargas was worth at least $90,000.
In addition to the prison time, Vargas was sentenced to a supervised release term of three years and three hundred hours of community service. The court also banned Vargas from collecting or procuring marine life, shipping marine life off-island and scuba diving and snorkeling in Puerto Rico. He was also required to surrender his fishing permits and to pay a criminal fine of $10,000 and restitution of $15,000. In a related matter, in December 2020, Raymond Torres was sentenced to five years of probation with similar bans on marine activity, 300 hours of community service, and financial penalties of $35,000.
This case was investigated as part of Operation Rock Bottom and Operation Borinquen Chisel by Special Agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with support from the USFWS Inspectors. The case is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Marquez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
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Red River Army Depot Officials Charged in Bribery and Conspiracy SchemeRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Four individuals, including two Red River Army Depot (RRAD) officials, have been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Jimmy Scarbrough, 69, of Hooks, was an RRAD supervisor and is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to defraud the United States and 36 counts of bribery. Scarbrough made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven today.
Jeffrey Harrison, 43, of Texarkana, and Justin Bishop, 50, of Clarksville, both RRAD vendors, are pleading guilty today to bribery charges.
Devin McEwin, 41, of Avery, an RRAD official, has also been charged with bribery and is scheduled to plead guilty.
“The Red River Army Depot is a key component of our nation’s defense infrastructure and is the lifeblood of the surrounding community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Scarbrough, Harrison, Bishop, McEwin, and others exploited the public trust in order to line their own pockets, and undermined the warfighting mission of the Depot in the process.”
“These guilty pleas are a direct reflection of the tenacity and teamwork by MPFU special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said SA Ray Rayos, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Southwest Fraud Field Office, Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU), U.S. Army CID. “Bribery and other fraud schemes have no place in the government contracting system and those who attempt it will be caught.”
“Today’s announcement highlights a successful collaboration among partner agencies as we collectively hold these defendants accountable for allegedly creating a fraudulent and deceptive scheme against the government and the people of the United States. We remain committed to the aggressive pursuit of those who selfishly leverage government programs for their own personal gain,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge, Matthew J. DeSarno.
According to information presented in court, Scarbrough was the Equipment Mechanic Supervisor at the RRAD in Texarkana, Texas, a position he held from November 2001 until May 2019. Scarbrough is alleged to have directed more than $7 million in purchases from RRAD to Harrison and Bishop through the government purchase card (GPC) program. In order to manipulate the GPC program, which is designed to ensure a competitive bidding process, Scarbrough told the vendors what to bid, including the item, the quantity, and the price. By collecting fake bids from multiple vendors, Scarbrough was able to direct RRAD purchases to his select vendors, in this case Harrison and Bishop, while maintaining the appearance of a competitive bidding process. Scarbrough also defrauded the United States by falsely certifying that he had received the purchased items, therefore causing the RRAD to pay his select vendors. However, the reality was that Scarborough instructed the vendors not to deliver certain RRAD-purchased items.
Scarbrough demanded hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from his selected vendors. Scarbrough accepted bribes in various forms, including receiving at least $116,000.00 in U.S. Postal Service money orders from Harrison. Scarbrough also had Harrison and Bishop purchase at least $135,000.00 in car parts or services for his hot rod collection, which included a red and black 1936 Ford Tudor, an electric green 1932 Ford Coupe, a cherry red 1951 Ford F-1 truck, and more. Scarbrough received more than $27,000.00 worth of firearms from Bishop, including rare Colt handguns and Wurfflein dueling pistols. Finally, Scarbrough directed at least $32,000.00 in donations to the Hooks Volunteer Fire Department while he was the Capitan of Operations. In total, Scarbrough received more than $300,000.00 in bribe payments from Harrison and Bishop.
Scarbrough is not the only official at RRAD who accepted bribes. Devin McEwin accepted more than $21,000.00 in bribes from Harrison, including hunting trips, donations directed to the Annona Volunteer Fire Department, and the refurbishment of his 1964 Ford truck.
Under federal statutes, the defendants each face up to 15 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. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Dallas Division, Tyler Resident Agency, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Criminal complaints, informations and indictments are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Rob 3 Banks in 2018Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court related to a series of bank robberies that occurred in West Mifflin, McCandless, and Penn Hills, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Donna Poremski, 44, pleaded guilty to four counts before Senior United States District Nora Barry Fischer.
The Court was informed that Poremski and her co-defendant, Parrish, who previously worked together in the home healthcare industry, conspired to rob three PNC banks between June and October of 2018.
During the first bank robbery, on June 23, 2018, Parrish and Poremski entered the PNC Bank, located in West Mifflin, and attempted to conceal their identities by dressing in traditional Middle Eastern attire, including wearing hijabs that covered their faces. As a part of their disguises, and to aid in the commission of the offense, Poremski rolled a suitcase into the bank and Parrish carried a cane and wore a surgical mask over her face with a tube that connected to an oxygen tank. The women approached the teller station and handed one of the tellers a note as well as threatened that they had a bomb. The Court also was further informed that Poremski brandished what appeared to be a firearm, and that the two women then directed the bank employees to empty their cash drawers and enter the bank vault where the bank employees were forced to put the money into the suitcase. In all, the women stole $61,124.00 from this bank.
Poremski further admitted, in connection with her guilty plea, that during the second and third bank robberies, on September 6, 2018, and October 18, 2018, the two women wore disguises and Parrish entered the banks, located on McKnight Road in McCandless, and on Rodi Road in Penn Hills, to scope the banks out prior to Poremski entering the banks and robbing them.
During the September bank robbery, the Court was also informed that Poremski brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money from the tellers. After obtaining the money from the teller’s cash drawer, Poremski directed the bank employees into the bank vault where the bank employees were forced to put money into Poremski’s bag. While the bank robbery was underway, Parrish was observed driving Poremski’s vehicle near the bank. In all, the women stole $35,500.00 from the McCandless PNC Bank.
During the October bank robbery, at the Penn Hills PNC, the Court was further informed that Poremski demanded money from the tellers and threatened to use a firearm but never brandished one. In all, the women stole $350.00 from the Penn Hills PNC Bank.
A total of $97,004.00 was taken from the West Mifflin, McCandless and Penn Hills PNC banks, during these robberies.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM. As to each of the armed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. As to each of the unarmed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Additionally, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both, for the conspiracy offense. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Poremski remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, the McCandless Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Robert Howard, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Howard conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from June of 2019 through December of 2019. In 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which Howard was a member. Beginning in July of 2019 and continuing through August of 2019, the FBI initiated a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Howard was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about acquiring quantities of heroin, prices of heroin, and the purity of the heroin. Through extensive physical and electronic surveillance, Howard was observed meeting with his codefendant to conduct heroin transactions. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Howard’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howard.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Painted Post Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge After Offering Images to an Undercover Investigator OnlineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jordan Sowersby, 27 of Painted Post, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possessing child pornography depicting prepubescent minors, after having sustained a prior child pornography conviction. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in January and February 2021, an undercover FBI Special Agent located the defendant offering child pornography for download on the internet. The undercover agent downloaded child pornography directly from Sowersby, which enabled the FBI to determine the defendant’s location in Painted Post. Subsequent investigation revealed that Sowersby is a registered sex offender as a result of a prior New York State child pornography conviction.
On February 26, 2021, the FBI, accompanied by members of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s home and seized multiple digital devices. A forensic analysis recovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Corning, NY, Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Allard; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2021, at 10:00 am before Judge Siragusa.
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Oxford Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – An Oxford man was sentenced yesterday to 169 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Jaleel Duncan, 29, was a passenger in a car that was the subject of a traffic stop by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) in Oxford, North Carolina. When the car stopped, Duncan jumped and ran from the vehicle carrying a bag. An ALE agent chased Duncan through a neighborhood and saw him throw several items from the bag as Duncan ran. Duncan then threw the entire bag over a fence. ALE agents eventually apprehended Duncan and recovered the bag, which contained a loaded 9mm pistol and marijuana. Along Duncan’s flight path, agents found heroin laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and quinine, as well as quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana. On February 2, 2021, Jaleel Duncan, pled guilty to the charges.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-202-M.
Owner of Company Providing Prosthetics and Orthotics Materials to Walter Reed National Military Center Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Maryland for Paying GratuitiesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Bruce Thomas, age 53, of Germantown Maryland, pleaded guilty late on May 14, 2021, to paying gratuities to a public official in exchange for official acts. Thomas is the owner and operator of Pinnacle Orthopedic Services, Inc., also located in Germantown.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, from at least 2012 to 2019, Pinnacle provided prosthetics and orthotics materials to the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Walter Reed), the largest joint military medical center in the United States, in return for payments from the government. Walter Reed provides health services to military families and individuals serving on active duty, individuals returning from war, veterans, and elected officials. The Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics Department provided a full range of prosthetic and orthotic services, including state of the art prosthetic limbs, and nationwide support of wounded warriors. From about 2011 to 2017, Thomas and Pinnacle received more than $20 million in payments from the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed for prosthetics and orthotics materials.
From about 2009 until May 2019, David Laufer (Laufer) was a public official and civilian employee of the Department of Defense, working as the Chief of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed. As such, Laufer represented Walter Reed in ordering and purchasing prosthetics and orthotics materials, including purchases made from Thomas and Pinnacle.
Thomas admitted that from about 2012 to 2017, he gave and promised things of value to Laufer for, and because of, official acts performed by Laufer. Specifically, Thomas provided Laufer with cash, airlines flights, meals, entertainment, and other benefits because of Laufer’s official acts as the Chief of the Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, and Laufer’s official acts in connection with the purchase of prosthetics and orthotics materials from Pinnacle.
As detailed in the plea agreement, from 2010 until May 2019, the Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics department used Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) to order and purchase prosthetics and orthotics materials. This allowed the department to obligate funds to purchase materials so that employees could order materials without charging a credit card each time or engaging in a formal contract for each purchase of materials. Thomas regularly interacted with Laufer about Pinnacle’s business with Walter Reed, including the award of BPAs, future BPA funding, orders charged against the BPAs, and fulfillment of orders. Pinnacle was awarded multiple BPAs by Walter Reed, which the Prosthetics and Orthotics department used to order and purchase prosthetics and orthotics materials from Pinnacle.
Thomas admitted that between 2012 and 2016, he provided Laufer with things of value, including cash gratuities on a regular basis, totaling at least $20,000; food, drinks, and other financial benefits; airline travel; lodging benefits; and entertainment tickets. In exchange, Laufer undertook official acts in connection with the gratuities including sending multiple purchase requests obligating at least $14.75 million to Pinnacle for prosthetics and orthotics materials and personally ordering and causing to be ordered prosthetics and orthotics material from Pinnacle.
Laufer also restricted the availability of BPAs to some of the manufacturers and distributors from whom Pinnacle purchased products, thereby inhibiting those companies from doing business directly with Walter Reed, and actively encouraged and directed those companies to sell to Walter Reed through Pinnacle. As detailed in Laufer’s plea agreement, Laufer knew that having the other companies sell to Walter Reed through Pinnacle would result in a higher price to the government.
Thomas faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison for paying a gratuity to a public official, in exchange for an official act. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On October 20, 2020, David Laufer, age 63, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty to acceptance of gratuities by a public official, and faces a maximum of two years in federal prison. He is awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DCIS, HHS OIG, and the FBI for their work in the investigation and thanked the Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, DOD Cyber Crimes Center Defense Cyber Forensics Laboratory, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency for their assistance. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Dana Brusca, who are prosecuting the case.
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Omaha Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Ismael Zambrano-Tirado, Sr., 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2021 in federal court in Omaha after his arrest in a drug trafficking operation. Zambrano, Sr. was convicted of one count of maintaining a drug involved premises at the El Catrin Restaurant. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. to 24 months’ imprisonment. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. will serve a 1-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
In November 2017, the FBI began investigating a suspected drug trafficking ring operating out of the El Catrin restaurant located at 6500 Railroad Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. From November 1, 2017 to July 17, 2019, the El Catrin, while operating as a restaurant with a bar, also served as a property where narcotics distribution occurred.
Several FBI confidential sources made numerous buys of cocaine from employees of the El Catrin restaurant. These buys occurred within the El Catrin restaurant and also in its parking lot. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. was present in the El Catrin restaurant when several of these controlled buys of cocaine took place. A search warrant at his home resulted in the seizure of $13,570 in cash, which was derived either directly or indirectly as a result of the offense conduct.
The United States also seized the El Catrin restaurant, the currency found at Zambrano-Tirado’s home, as well as several vehicles used to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics.
On January 27, 2020, Santiago Garcia-Sanchez was sentenced to 46 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On June 8, 2020, Fernando Gamon was sentenced to 27 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On February 22, 2021, Eduardo Jimenez was sentenced to 12 months and a day on each of his four counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On April 5, 2021, Samuel Garcia was sentenced to 60 months each for one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine, to be served concurrently, and followed by 1 year and 5 years supervised release for each count, respectively, to be served concurrently.
On April 26, 2021. Alonso Cervantes-Garcia was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for three counts of distribution of cocaine followed by 3 years supervised release.
On May 3, 2021, Ismael Zambrano, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 60 months for one count of distribution of methamphetamine to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ohio man sentenced for selling heroinRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Erick Lamont Stanback Singleton, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Singleton, also known as “Gotti,” age 26, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Singleton admitted to selling heroin near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in February 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Find related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit an Attack at a Toledo-Area SynagogueRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Damon M. Joseph, aka Abdullah Ali Yusuf, 23, of Holland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, aka ISIS, and attempting to commit a hate crime, for planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo, Ohio area.
“Damon Joseph was inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate," said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division. "He planned to target innocents at a Toledo-area synagogue based on their religion and hoping that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear. His actions would have been an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear. We will continue to make every effort to prevent such attacks from occurring. I commend the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“The defendant’s attempt to cause significant harm to members of the Toledo, Ohio, Jewish community constitutes both a federal hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who use violence to attack our religious communities.”
“This investigation highlights the continued threat of violence to our communities posed by ISIS-inspired terrorists – in this case, at a place of worship. With today’s plea, we will be one step closer to seeing justice served,” said Acting Assistant Director Patrick Reddan, Jr. of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “I’m grateful for our partnerships with faith-based communities and with our law enforcement partners on the JTTF for their work on this case, which ultimately prevented this plot from becoming a tragedy.”
“Today, Damon Joseph pleaded guilty for attempting to support ISIS through violent attacks on Jewish congregants while they worshipped,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan for the Northern District of Ohio. “It is difficult to conceive of a more heinous plot, let alone reconcile that this plot involved violating our country's solemn obligation to protect the civil rights of every person as a means of supporting a foreign terrorist organization. We will continue to root out and bring to justice those who support terrorists and those who seek to violate the civil rights of our families, friends and neighbors.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph progressed from a self-radicalized, virtual jihadist to planning an actual attack on fellow Americans,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “Mr. Joseph has now accepted responsibility for his actions. In the name of ISIS, Joseph planned a mass-casualty attack against citizens simply wanting to attend their desired houses of worship, which were two Toledo-area synagogues. Joseph's terroristic actions are antithetical to a just and free society, and he will serve a lengthy sentence as a result. The FBI would like to remind the public to remain vigilant so we can continue to thwart these types of threats together."
In 2018, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS.
Beginning in September 2018, Joseph engaged in a series of online conversations with several undercover FBI agents where he repeatedly stated and affirmed his support for ISIS and produced propaganda he believed was to be used for ISIS recruitment efforts.
Over the next few weeks, Joseph stated to an undercover agent that he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2, 2018, Joseph forwarded a document to the agent that laid out his plans for such an attack on “Jews who support state of Israel.” Joseph then stated that he did not necessarily see this as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues in the greater Toledo as potential targets and discussed the types of weapons he believed would inflict mass casualties. Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47, Glock handguns, and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph again met with an undercover agent to discuss his plans. Joseph stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi and wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur and stated that he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he had purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location, where Joseph took possession of a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
Joseph is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, comprised of over 50 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerome Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorneys Alexandra Hughes and Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, as well as AeJean Cha of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Man Admits Trafficking Kilos of Cocaine to Washington CountyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident New Jersey pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
James Vance, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Mr. Vance was indicted and charged with drug trafficking following a months-long wiretap investigation targeting narcotics trafficking activity in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Mr. Vance’s criminal conduct was detected through a wiretap investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police beginning in April 2020. Through judicially authorized wiretaps utilized by members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Washington County, PA, along with extensive physical surveillance in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, agents gathered evidence showing that Mr. Vance met with and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine, and quantities of heroin-fentanyl mixtures, to alleged codefendants, which were then transported back to Washington County, PA and redistributed.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Vance. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF") investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
New Bedford Man Charged with Firearm and Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on charges of illegally possessing a firearm and selling cocaine.
Khyron Thompson, 32, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 13, 2020, Thompson allegedly possessed a loaded .32 caliber Hi-Point pistol firearm. It is further alleged that Thompson sold a quantity of cocaine on that same date. Federal law prohibits Thompson from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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 Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Navajo man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Felix Curtis, 26, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 14 in federal court to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
A grand jury indicted Curtis on Aug. 11, 2020. According to the indictment and other court documents, Curtis committed this offense on Sept. 14, 2019 in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation. Curtis was driving while intoxicated when he caused an accident that killed a man, identified in court records as John Doe. Curtis admitted to operating the vehicle without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life when he knew and should have known that his conduct imperiled the lives of others.
Curtis remains out of custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled at this time. He faces up to eight years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock Office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cowen is prosecuting the case.
Morriston Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jeffrey Lutz, 56, of Morriston, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in federal prison, following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
Lutz entered a guilty plea in January. He is a sexual offender, previously convicted in January 2020 of possession of child pornography. The evidence showed that in June 2020, Lutz was on State sex offender probation. While executing a warrant for violation of sex offender probation, investigators located a laptop computer registered in Lutz’s name. Forensic examination of the laptop revealed 22 videos and 1 image of child pornography. Further examination revealed that Lutz had begun downloading child pornography just two days after being released from jail on his prior child pornography convictions.
"Within hours of being released for prior convictions of possessing child pornography, this predator was found to be downloading additional illegal content," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. "We will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to steal the innocence of a child. I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for removing this dangerous recidivist from our community."
Lutz’s prison sentence will be followed by lifetime supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“This child predator is a repeat offender who did not learn the first time,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to HSI and our partnership with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, this child predator will be returning to prison for a significant amount of time, making or communities, and our children, that much safer.”
“I am extremely proud of the professional law enforcement representatives who worked efficiently to investigate this heinous crime that led to a successful prosecution and conviction,” said Levy County Sheriff McCallum. “This dangerous person has been removed from our community and parents can now rest easy knowing their children cannot be harmed by him. This is a job well done by the Detectives of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal team members who made this possible for our citizens.”
The case was investigated by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Montgomery Banker Pleads Guilty to Disclosing Existence of Grand Jury SubpoenaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Charles Gregory Hardy, Jr., 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing a criminal investigation as an officer of a financial institution, announced Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court documents, during the spring of 2020, Hardy was an employee of Valley National Bank. In April of that year, the bank received a grand jury subpoena from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking records pertaining to the accounts of one of the bank’s customers.
Grand jury subpoenas are confidential documents and bank employees are, in most cases, prohibited by federal law from disclosing a subpoena’s existence to the customer whose records are being sought.
As a bank employee, Hardy learned about the subpoena. Afterwards, Hardy sent a text message to the customer named in the subpoena that read, “I got a subpoena for your financial records.” A few days later, Hardy went to the customer’s office and, while there, sent a photo of a part of the grand jury subpoena from his personal telephone to the customer. By sending the subpoena to the customer, Hardy informed the customer of the existence of an otherwise confidential federal grand jury investigation.
At some date in the coming months, Hardy will be scheduled for a sentencing hearing where he faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, as well as monetary penalties.
“Every day, across the country, law enforcement agents and prosecutors rely on bank employees to maintain the utmost discretion when dealing with grand jury subpoenas for financial records,” stated Acting United States Attorney Stewart. “Such financial records can provide valuable evidence of criminal activity. However, disclosure—like that which occurred here—can cause targets to destroy evidence or, even worse, threaten witnesses I hope that this case is a reminder of the duty of secrecy that is placed on all bank employees who receive grand jury subpoenas.”
“This investigation has shown the unfortunate reality that people in all professional positions can become involved in criminal activity,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James. “People who commit such crimes will be held accountable.”
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad investigated this case, with assistance from the Shelby County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Alice S. LaCour are prosecuting the case.
Minnesota Woman Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pader Yang, 30, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced Friday, May 14 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Yang pleaded guilty to this charge on February 18, 2021.
On July 15, 2020, law enforcement officers were investigating an anonymous complaint that Kong Vang and his girlfriend, Pader Yang, were selling large quantities of methamphetamine out of their residence in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Officers began to conduct surveillance on the residence and observed people arriving, going in and out of the garage, and then immediately returning to their cars or bicycles.
Based on their observations, and the fact that Kong Vang was on state supervision for prior convictions involving methamphetamine trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, law enforcement searched Vang and Yang’s residence. During the search of a bedroom shared by Vang and Yang, officers located a safe containing four loaded handguns, eight bags of methamphetamine, and just under $12,000. Officers found a fifth loaded firearm elsewhere in the bedroom, and additional drugs, paraphernalia, and ammunition throughout the residence, the garage, and in a vehicle recently driven by Yang. In total, officers found approximately 254 grams of “ice” methamphetamine and over 250 grams of marijuana.
Law enforcement officers later searched Vang and Yang’s cell phones and located many conversations relating to sales of significant quantities of methamphetamine. Based on the evidence in the case, officers believed Yang was picking up and carrying multiple pounds of methamphetamine across state lines from Minnesota to Wisconsin.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley emphasized the severity of Yang’s conduct given the substantial quantity of drugs she was making available in the community.
Kong Vang pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by Judge Conley on April 29, 2021.
The charge against Yang was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Mineral County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Mark Tillotson, of Burlington, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Tillotson, 24, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” “Possession of Stolen Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.” Tillotson, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is accused of having a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, believed to be stolen, in January 2021 in Mineral County.
Stumps faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican national indicted for transporting people that resulted in deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has charged a 23-year-old non-citizen unlawfully residing in Laredo with conspiracy to transport 12 undocumented citizens resulting in death, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jesus Martinez-Villela is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges Martinez-Villela attempted to flee authorities by driving off-road near Encinal April 22.
Law enforcement later located Martinez-Villela’s abandoned truck with an injured person on the ground, according to the charges. They also allegedly located another man who was unresponsive in the bed of the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the allegations.
Multiple other undocumented citizens were allegedly transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.
If convicted, Martinez-Villelafaces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.