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30 June 2021
Plaquemines Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERIC METZ, age 38, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was charged June 24, 2021 in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
The defendant had his initial court appearance on June 25, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, METZ faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, METZ faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, METZ faces a minimum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Myers.
Philadelphia Man Admits Years-Long Sexual Abuse of Eight-Year-Old Victim, Including Manufacturing PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Herbert Smith, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to seven counts of manufacturing child pornography. Smith was indicted as a result of his extended sexual abuse for more than two years of a child who was just eight years old when Smith began molesting her.
The defendant’s sexual abuse of this child victim came to light when Philadelphia Police served an arrest warrant for Smith for his sexual assault of a different nine-year-old victim. When Police arrested the defendant, officers discovered him lying in bed with that victim. Police seized Smith’s electronic equipment, and the subsequent forensic analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed hundreds of images of Smith’s horrific sexual assaults against an eight-year-old child, including rape and other sexual abuse of the child after she was given medication to make her sleep. Smith recorded his abuse of the child victim, saved the images and videos on his electronic equipment, and in some cases, uploaded the images to his online storage account.
Smith was taken into custody by Philadelphia Police in August 2019. He has been detained in federal custody since he was indicted federally in September 2019. As a result of his conviction on seven counts of manufacturing child pornography, he faces up to 210 years in prison, which includes a mandatory minimum 15 years, five years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,750,000, and special assessments of up to $35,700. Smith must also register as a convicted child sex offender under state law.
“Smith is a predator of young children and has been for years,” said Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “With this conviction, and Smith now facing up to 210 years in prison, his victimization of our most vulnerable citizens has finally come to an end. Thank you to all of our agency partners who remain determined to identify, prosecute and convict child predators like this defendant.”
“Herbert Smith admits inflicting repeated horrific sexual assaults on a little girl, and recording the abuse so he could savor it whenever he wanted,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “His actions are unconscionable and the harm he’s done, immeasurable. It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect our community’s children from depraved predators like Smith.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Ottumwa Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On June 30, 2021, an Ottumwa man was sentenced to 19 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in violation of federal law. In February 2021, following a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant guilty of the two firearm charges. Defendant had previously pleaded guilty to the drug charges.
According to court documents and proceedings, Hector Ramon Iglesias Tovar of Ottumwa, age 35, was involved in trafficking over 1.5 kilograms of “ice” methamphetamine, in Ottumwa and elsewhere. He possessed an Anderson AR 15 rifle and a Springfield XD .45 handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Because defendant was unlawfully in the United States his possession of these firearms was also a violation of federal law.
Iglesias’ co-defendant, David Lemley, also of Ottumwa, was sentenced in May 2021 to 84 months in prison for his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, the Ottumwa Police Department, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Onondaga Reservation Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Printup, age 36, a resident of the Onondaga Reservation in Onondaga County, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute marijuana and launder drug proceeds, and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Gregory S. Oakes, Oswego County District Attorney.
As part of his guilty plea, Printup admitted that between February 2017 and July 2017, he received bulk quantities of marijuana from a source of supply who illegally imported marijuana from Canada to northern New York. Printup distributed the marijuana he received to customers in the Syracuse area and sent some of the proceeds back to his source of supply. In pleading guilty, Printup admitted he distributed at least 241 kilograms (approximately 530 pounds) of marijuana.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2021, before Senior District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Printup faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, with a maximum of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division, and the Oswego County Drug Task Force, comprised of Special Agents of HSI, members of the City of Oswego Police Department, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators from the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, the SUNY Oswego Police Department, and Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting Murder of Lincoln MotherRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dante Williams, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 55 years in federal prison on June 29, 2021 for his role in a home invasion that resulted in the death of Jessica Brandon of Lincoln on July 31, 2018. His co-defendants, who discharged firearms during the home invasion, each received a life sentence, plus 240 months in federal prison for their roles in the felony murder. Dante Williams was sentenced to 45 years for aiding and abetting the murder and 10 additional years, to be served consecutively, for participating in two attempted robberies in connection with the same crime. Williams took a baseball with him to Brandon’s home on the first attempted robbery on July 30, 2018, and he helped his brother, Damon Williams, zip tie children and one elderly women in their beds during the home invasion. Williams also received 5 years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lincoln Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MARCEL STEWART, 27, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On November 2, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm. On March 8, 2021, Stewart plead guilty to the Indictment.
Public records reflect that, on April 24, 2020, law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call involving Stewart and his girlfriend. When officers arrived, Stewart was found in possession of a 9mm pistol. Stewart was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. During the investigation, it was discovered that a toddler was present during the domestic altercation. Before April 2020, Stewart served an Oklahoma state prison sentence for shooting a former girlfriend and repeat offenses for illegal possession of a firearm.
On June 29, 2021, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Stewart to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In support of this sentence, Judge Wyrick cited the nature of the crime and Stewart’s previous criminal history.
This case is the result of investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. The local implementation of these initiatives in the Western District of Oklahoma is through "Operation 922" which prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Ohio Woman Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Conneaut, Ohio has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on June 8 and unsealed today, named Jennifer Glasscock, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about November 30, 2020, Glasscock possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, a quantity and mixture of a substance containing LSD, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing oxycodone. The Indictment further charged Glasscock with possessing a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. The Indictment finally alleged that Glasscock, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 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.Norfolk Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal KidnappingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced Ramon Simpson, 51, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Simpson to life imprisonment on each count. Simpson was convicted by a jury in March following a 7-day jury trial.
Phyllis Hunhoff regularly traveled from her home in Yankton, South Dakota to her mother’s home in Utica, South Dakota. Her regular practice was to call her mother upon returning to Yankton. On November 4, 2018, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Phyllis Hunhoff left her mother’s residence, alone, to drive home to Yankton. She did not call her mother as she did not make it home. Having not heard from Phyllis, her mother began repeatedly calling her phone to determine her whereabouts. All calls were unanswered.
Simpson, Joseph James, and other men were near Phyllis Hunhoff’s mother’s residence as she was leaving. James and Simpson encountered Phyllis Hunhoff outside of the residence and got into her car with her inside. Simpson and James kidnapped Phyllis Hunhoff and took Hunhoff and her vehicle to Norfolk, Nebraska, arriving at about 11:00 p.m. When they arrived in Norfolk, James remained in the vehicle and Simpson exited the vehicle with James’s cellular phone. James drove Phyllis Hunhoff’s vehicle, with her inside, to the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation in Knox County, Nebraska. Simpson proceeded to delete communications and location data from James’s phone detailing their travels and activities on November 4, 2018.
Video from a gas station on the Santee Reservation showed James driving Hunhoff’s vehicle and putting gasoline into her vehicle. Later, James returned in the same vehicle to the gas station and pumped gasoline into a soda bottle. James then drove to an isolated location on the Santee Reservation where he set fire to Hunhoff’s body and her vehicle to conceal evidence of the murder and kidnapping. James abandoned the body and vehicle and left the area.
On November 8, 2018, Phyllis Hunhoff’s body was located inside of her vehicle on the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation. Hunhoff had been killed by strangulation and stab wounds. Hunhoff’s body and vehicle were set on fire.
Law enforcement officers investigated the murder and obtained evidence, including surveillance footage of James at the gas station during the early morning hours of November 5, 2018. Santee Police recovered the shirt James was wearing when he killed Phyllis Hunhoff. Her DNA was on James’ shirt. James’s DNA was on clothing Phyllis Hunhoff was wearing when he killed her.
When contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Simpson repeatedly lied about his and James’s whereabout on November 4 and 5, 2018.
James pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country on February 5, 2020, and on July 15, 2020, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Judge Buescher noted during the sentencing that the evidence and testimony in this case “will remain with us for the rest of our lives and will remain with the 12 jurors.” Judge Buescher also noted that on the day of sentencing he wanted to remember the victim, Phyllis Hunhoff, stating “she didn’t deserve what happened to her… the end that she came to is tragic.”
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp stated, “Phyllis Hunhoff was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She was active in her faith and volunteered in her community. Her death was a tremendous loss to her family and her community. We hope today’s sentence brings some small bit of closure to the Hunhoff family knowing that Joseph James and Ramon Simpson will spend the rest of their lives in prison and not be in a position to harm anyone again.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel added, “Ramon Simpson’s participation in the kidnapping of Phyllis Hunhoff led to her brutal death. Today’s life sentence demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to bring justice to the families who have lost loved ones to senseless, violent crime.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jody Mullis and Sean Lynch.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nebraska State Patrol, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Police, Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, Yankton Police Department (South Dakota), Norfolk Police Department, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and the Lincoln Police Department.
New York Man Admits Role in Scheme to Traffic in Millions of Dollars’ Worth of Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme to traffic in contraband cigarettes, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Obadah Saleh, 39, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Most states, including New Jersey, require a stamp to be placed on packs of cigarettes indicating the appropriate state tax has been paid. From October 2014 to October 2019, Saleh worked with conspirators to buy and sell millions of dollars’ worth of untaxed, contraband cigarettes, which they believed were stolen from large cigarette shipments from cigarette manufacturers. Saleh and his conspirators often made these purchases with large sums of cash. Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
The charge to which Saleh pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly and Joshua L. Haber of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced to Theft of More Than $280,000 in Federal Student AidRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that ASHLY HOWARD (“HOWARD”), age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 24, 2021 to five (5) years probation in federal court before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7).
According to court documents, beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2019, HOWARD fraudulently submitted Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or Master Promissory Notes (MPN) in individual’s names in an effort to obtain federal financial aid. HOWARD facilitated the submission of thirty (30) applications for admission to Nunez Community College in Chalmette, Louisiana in these individuals’ names. HOWARD facilitated the creation of debit cards in these individuals’ names so that the student loan proceeds could be disbursed. HOWARD accepted the grants and student loans and used the federal financial aid funds under the names of these individuals. Some of the financial aid were used with the knowledge and consent of these individuals and some were used without. Accordingly, HOWARD fraudulently received approximately $280,000 in Department of Education funds to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
New Haven Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD WALKER, 48, of New Haven, with two counts of production of child pornography.
According to indictment, in June and July 2019, Walker knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing two videos of that conduct.
Walker is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in the Southern District of Florida.
If convicted of the new charges in the District of Connecticut, Walker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, on each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
New FBI Undercover Operation Snares SixRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Six more men from Missouri and Illinois are facing federal charges for attempting to engage in sexual activity with minors.
Eric E. Hamilton, II, 22, of Maryland Heights, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor and traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Godfrey C. Hubbard, 52, of Sorento, Illinois, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
Justin Schneider, 33, of Edwardsville, Illinois, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
Christopher M. Simmons, 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, is charged with attempted commercial sex trafficking of a child, attempted enticement of a minor, and traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.Michael James Smith, 39, of Barnhart, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
James Tiroch, 37, of Florissant, Missouri, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
The cases are the result of an FBI-led operation involving multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies aimed at rooting out internet users attempting to meet children for sex. All six men have been charged by federal complaint. The crimes allegedly occurred in the Southern
District of Illinois.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI-Springfield Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox made the announcement.“Children are vulnerable to sexual exploitation across the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft.
“That’s why we are continually updating our investigative techniques and casting a wide net over a variety of online applications and other internet platforms where children are at risk. To anyone who would prey on our kids, know this: law enforcement is watching, and you will be caught.”“The FBI works tirelessly in collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to shut down child predators in hopes of preventing what could be a lifetime of trauma for victims,” said SAC Cox. “Children tend to be trusting online and will befriend strangers of any age or gender. Offenders take advantage of this naivety and target children who openly engage others online or who have a strong social networking presence. Parents and guardians are the first line of defense in preventing access to their children. Talk to your children, know what they’re doing online, and if you suspect suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to report it to the FBI.”
All six defendants are accused of using the internet to entice someone under 17 years old to engage in unlawful sexual activity and traveling to a specific location to engage in sexual acts with a minor. Some of the defendants allegedly traveled across state lines and/or offered to pay for sex, leading to additional charges. Several of them allegedly had items with them when they were arrested, including alcohol, sex toys, condoms, and candy. No actual minors were harmed during the two-day operation.
If convicted, the defendants each face at least 10 years in prison and could receive as much as life behind bars. Traveling across state lines to have sex with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. All of the offenses also carry a possible lifetime term of supervised release and fines of up to
$250,000.Pending trial, all six defendants will be held without bond or released on electronic monitoring and other strict conditions, as required by federal law for these offenses.
A complaint is merely a charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of the charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
These cases fall under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in
2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”The investigation was led by FBI-Springfield, with assistance from FBI-St. Louis, U.S. Air Force
Office of Special Investigations, the Collinsville Police Department, the Edwardsville
Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois
University-Edwardsville Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison
County States Attorney’s Office, the Alton Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s
Office, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the
Carlyle Police Department.The cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karelia Rajagopal and Ali Burns.
[An earlier version of this press release inadvertently omitted the Macoupin County Sheriff’s
Office.]
Navajo man sentenced to 30 years in prison for 2017 murder of tribal police officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kirby Cleveland, 37, of Prewitt New Mexico, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, was sentenced on June 28 in federal court to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder for killing Houston James Largo, a tribal police officer for the Navajo Nation. Cleveland pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2019.
In his plea, Cleveland admitted to killing Largo with callous and wanton disregard for human life on March 11, 2017, in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. According to court records, Cleveland became drunk and angry while at home with his children and his common law wife, who called the police. When Officer Largo responded to the home, Cleveland shot Officer Largo in the head, killing him. Cleveland then fled the scene. State, local, and tribal law enforcement conducted a large-scale search for Cleveland and located him the next morning hiding under a rock about a mile and a half away.
“Kirby Cleveland’s murder of Officer Houston Largo was a cowardly, hateful act,” said Fred J. Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “But the response of law enforcement upon learning that Officer Largo had been senselessly killed while he was bravely serving the people of the Navajo Nation and New Mexico, exemplifies the concern that all law enforcement officers in our state have for those who risk their lives while protecting the public. Within minutes of learning of the shooting, dozens of officers from different departments converged on the tragic scene to look for the killer. Officer Largo’s service and sacrifice in the line of duty were exemplary, and the public should know that law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will spare no resource in the investigation and prosecution of anyone who takes the life of an officer in New Mexico.”
“All too often, law enforcement officers are called upon to sacrifice their lives to protect their communities,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “While the loss of Houston James Largo is a tragedy that affects us all, his courage and devotion to duty should be an inspiration to everyone who wears the badge. The FBI hopes this lengthy prison sentence will provide some measure of justice and peace for Officer Largo's family and co-workers.”
“Officer Largo will always be remembered as a frontline warrior who devoted his life to serving and protecting our Navajo people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “Our prayers are with his family, his fellow officers and his community as they continue on the path of healing. I appreciate the support and commitment of Police Chief Francisco, Mr. Delmar and Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie for Officer Largo’s family and all of our Navajo Police Officers. We will continue to pray for strength, comfort and healing for the Largo family.”
“Officer Houston James Largo was an outstanding officer who went above and beyond his duty to help our community and the people we serve, said Navajo Chief of Police Philip Francisco. “Houston was young and ambitious and I have no doubt he would have become a great leader within our department. It is heartbreaking to think of how young he was and all that he could have done but we will keep his memory alive and remember his courage, his character, and the light he brought to the Navajo Police Department.”
“Justice was administered to its extent according to the guidelines provided to the court,” said Jesse Delmar, Director of the Navajo Division of Public Safety. “We appreciate all those who were instrumental in bringing justice for Houston and his family. Officer Largo was a young man who had the potential to become one of the best for this department and the Navajo Nation, and it is painful to know he was taken at such a young age. He had so much to offer as an officer, and it is just unfortunate this happened to our people. We will continue to stand with Houston's family in prayers and comfort.”
Cleveland also pleaded guilty to violating the terms of his supervised release from a previous assault conviction involving an attack on a woman with a baseball bat. Cleveland failed to abstain from alcohol and complete a residential reentry program as ordered by the court.
Upon his release from prison, Cleveland will be subject to four years of supervised release.
The FBI and the Crownpoint, Shiprock and Chinle offices of the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, the Albuquerque Police Department and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Jeremy Peña prosecuted the case.
Mountaintop Woman Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sierra Benninger, age 26, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to time served of 8 ½ months by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for providing false statements to purchase a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benninger pleaded guilty and admitted that she provided false statements to purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun, which she was prohibited from possessing as a person who used and was addicted to a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Montz, La Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a Montz, La. man pleaded guilty on June 15, 2021 to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, USC Section 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and 846, distribution of fifty grams of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, USC 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, USC Section 922(g).
According to court documents, JABARIOUS EUGENE, 40 years old, pled guilty to all three counts of a federal indictment that was pending against him. In Count 1 EUGENE was charged with conspiring to distribute over five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. In Count 2, EUGENE was charged with distributing fifty grams of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). In Count 3, EUGENE was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
EUGENE is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2021. As to both Counts 1 and 2, EUGENE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty of life in prison, supervised release for a period of not less than 5 years to life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000.00 and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Count 3, EUGENE faces up to 10 years in prison, a period of supervised release not to exceed 3 years, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing is set for September 22, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Montana man arraigned on hate crime, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Montana man accused of firing a gun into an individual’s house and threatening the individual with violent, homophobic slurs was arraigned on Tuesday on federal hate crime and firearm charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
John Russell Howald, 44, of Basin, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2020, in Basin, Howald attempted to injure an individual because of their actual and perceived sexual orientation by discharging a firearm into the individual’s house, stating that he wanted to “get rid of the lesbians [and] gays.” The offense included an attempt to kill the individual.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Howald faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Howald was detained pending further proceedings.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy of the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
PACER case reference. 21-04.
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Mississippi Prison’s Deputy Warden Charged with Civil Rights Offense for Beating InmateRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced yesterday that a federal grand jury indicted Melvin Hilson, 49, currently a deputy warden at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, for repeatedly striking an inmate and knocking him to the ground, resulting in injury to the inmate.
The indictment charges Hilson with a felony civil rights offense for assaulting the inmate in 2016, when Hilson was a member of the K-9 Unit at the prison, which is also known as Parchman. The indictment also alleges that Hilson wrote a false report to conceal his unlawful assault and, later, lied to investigators from the Mississippi Department of Corrections when questioned about the assault.
Yesterday’s indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi and FBI Jackson Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Division of the FBI. Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Baltimore County Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell,III sentenced Tony Lee Bauer age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland to 110 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III also sentenced co-defendant Rondell Ronald Hackett, age 43, of Middle River, Maryland to 138 months in federal prison for the same charge.
The sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Bauer and Hackett’s plea agreements, in December 2017 HSI and the Baltimore County Police Department were investigating a drug trafficking organization in Baltimore County, Maryland. Bauer was identified as a member of the organization, along with Rondell Ronald Hackett, Aaron Kenith Waller, Gary Gaines-Hidalgo, Adrian Gilberto Herrera-Diaz, and Carlos Alejandro Castro-Castro.
In December 2017, Gaines arranged to purchase kilograms of cocaine for $26,500/kilogram from a confidential source (CS), who was working with law enforcement. Thereafter, Gaines arranged to resell the cocaine to Herrera for $28,000/kilogram. Gaines and Castro arranged to have 10 kilograms of cocaine delivered to them in Baltimore.
As detailed in their plea, on January 26, 2018, Gaines and Castro entered the United States from Mexico, then traveled to Baltimore. Gaines and Castro agreed to sell three kilograms of cocaine to Herrera, Bauer, and Waller, with additional sales of kilograms of cocaine to follow the initial purchase. Gaines agreed to meet the CS in the parking lot of a Baltimore hotel, and told Herrera, Bauer, and Waller to also meet him there.
Three cars arrived at the agreed-upon location, one driven by the CS. Hackett drove one vehicle with Herrera in the front passenger seat and Gaines in the driver’s side rear passenger seat. Waller drove the third vehicle, with Bauer in the front seat and Castro in the rear passenger seat. Bauer, Herrera, and Gaines exited their vehicles and met with the CS. The CS then opened the trunk of his car, which contained two kilogram-shaped packages, one of powder cocaine and one kilogram of “sham,” or fake narcotics. Gaines placed his hand in the bag containing the packages and members of HSI and the MSP Tactical Team approached. Hackett and Waller attempted to drive away, but were stopped. In Hackett’s car, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the center console and a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the rear passenger-side floor of the vehicle. On the rear seat was a vinyl bank bag containing bank-banded cash and a white bag containing cash. A search of Bauer also recovered banded-up amounts of cash. Bauer and Hackett knowingly possessed the .45 caliber firearm to advance the objectives of the conspiracy. In all, law enforcement recovered $129,583 in cash from the defendants, their vehicles, and their residence.
Gary Gaines-Hidalgo, age 28, and Carlos A. Castro-Castro, age 36, both of Baja California, Mexico, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.
Aaron Kenith Waller, age 52, of Crofton, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
Adrian Herrera-Diaz, age 29, of Baltimore County, Maryland is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III on July 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the HSI, Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland State Police Department, and the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano who prosecuted the case.
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McHenry Man Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Prison for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dexter Kimsey, 26, of McHenry, was sentenced today to 141 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transporting images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Staton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
Kimsey was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $14,000 and an assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
In June, 2019, HSI Gulfport and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office executed a state search warrant at a McHenry residence where electronic devices belonging to Dexter Kimsey were recovered. Kimsey’s on-line account and cell phone were found to contain still and video format child exploitation visual depictions.
Kimsey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2020. He pled guilty on March 31, 2021 to transporting images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Manhattan Man Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM BAZEMORE, a/k/a “Yaya,” a/k/a “Nudie,” a/k/a “Jack,” was sentenced to 327 months in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. BAZEMORE previously pled guilty to that offense, and was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “William Bazemore used violence and coercion to prey on female victims suffering from drug addiction, and he forced a woman to engage in commercial sex for his own financial gain. His predatory conduct had an irreparable impact on the lives of his victims. Today, William Bazemore was justly sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his crimes.”
According to the Indictment, as well as statements made during BAZEMORE’s plea and sentencing proceedings:
In or about 2017, BAZEMORE was the leader of a criminal enterprise (the “Organization”) involved in various criminal acts, including drug distribution and sex trafficking, in and around New York City, Maine, and Connecticut. Members and associates of the Organization, including BAZEMORE and codefendant Warren Bryant, transported heroin and crack cocaine between New York, Connecticut, and Maine, at times using women suffering from drug addiction as drug couriers to secrete drugs on their persons and transport drugs and drug proceeds in vehicles controlled by the Organization, and to trade sex for access to drugs. In addition, BAZEMORE and other members and associates of the Organization used force, threats of force, and coercion to cause a female drug customer (“Victim-1”) to engage in commercial sex for their financial gain, and took actions to prevent Victim-1 and others from cooperating with law enforcement against the Organization.
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In addition to today’s prison sentence, BAZEMORE, 41, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Codefendant Warren Bryant was sentenced by Judge Torres on September 22, 2020, to 125 months in prison for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and a narcotics conspiracy related to the same scheme.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline Kelly and Danielle Sassoon are in charge of the prosecution.
Man Sentenced for Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – A Cuban National was sentenced on June 16, 2021 to five years in prison for conspiring to sell a kilogram of cocaine to a federal confidential informant, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court documents, PABLO PEDRO MORALES-CURBELO, age 63, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was previously indicted on August 29, 2019 by a Federal Grand Jury in a two count indictment, charging him in Count 1 with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In Count 2 MORALES-CURBELO was charged with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On December 4, 2019, MORALES-CURBELO pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment, a violation of 21 U.S.C. 846, and he faced a minimum statutory sentence of five years to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison. MORALES-CURBELO’s sentencing was postponed numerous times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These charges stemmed from an investigation by Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office into the illegal activities of MORALES-CURBELO.
At sentencing, Federal District Court Judge Lance Africk ordered that the five-year mandatory minimum sentence be served consecutively to another five-year sentence that MORALES-CURBELO was serving for a supervised release revocation, which also stemmed from a prior federal drug conviction. In total, he was sentenced to serve 10 years in federal prison, four years of supervised release following imprisonment, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Carjacking MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Argenis Bruzón-Velázquez to life in prison for the carjacking murder of David Dubique on April 14, 2017, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to the facts admitted during the change of plea hearing, on the evening of April 14, 2017, Argenis Bruzón-Velázquez, Candy Cedeño-González, Tatiana Yari Giusti Saldaña, Ariel González-Almestica, and an adult male whose alias is “Cachete” were socializing at the El Prado Public Housing Project, and discussed the possibility of committing a robbery. Giusti-Saldaña mentioned that she knew people in Condado could have money. Bruzón-Velázquez, his co-defendants and Cachete then traveled to Condado in González-Almestica’s vehicle, a red Dodge Caliber. Upon arriving in Condado, Cedeño-González and Giusti-Saldaña exited the Dodge Caliber and went to the Stop and Go bar located on Magdalena Avenue.
At the Stop and Go bar, Cachete and Bruzón-Velázquez remained in the vicinity, observing as Cedeño-Gonzalez and Giusti-Saldaña spoke to several men. At one point, Cedeño-Gonzalez and Giusti-Saldaña walked with one of the men with whom they had been speaking—David Dubique—across the street from the Stop and Go bar. Bruzón-Velázquez followed Giusti-Saldaña and Dubique. Once Giusti-Saldaña and Dubique arrived at Dubique’s vehicle, a Ford Transit, Bruzón-Velázquez and Cachete forced Dubique into his vehicle at gunpoint, departed the area in the Ford Transit and drove to a desolate area in Aguas Buenas. There, Bruzón-Velázquez forced Dubique to exit the Ford Transit and shot him multiple times with a .40 caliber Glock pistol.
After shooting and killing Dubique, Bruzón-Velázquez drove the Ford Transit to a location a short distance away; Cachete rode in the Ford Transit with Bruzón-Velázquez. González-Almestica, Giusti-Saldaña, and Cedeño-González followed the Ford Transit inside the Dodge Caliber; then abandoned the Ford Transit and returned to the El Prado Public Housing Project in the Dodge Caliber.
In a separate incident, on June 21, 2017, Bruzón-Velázquez brandished a rifle and another individual brandished a handgun while attempting to dispossess an adult male of his Mercedes Benz in Barrio San Antonio de Caguas. When confronted with an armed individual who attempted to intervene, Bruzón-Velázquez discharged the rifle he was carrying. Bruzón-Velázquez and the individual he was with then fled the scene. Judge Besosa imposed a 15-year sentence to be served consecutively to the life sentence he imposed in connection with the incident involving the murder of Dubique.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation was in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Alum and Jenifer Y. Hernández prosecuted the case.
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Man Convicted in Manhattan Federal Court for Scheme to Steal over $1.5 Million from New York City’s Human Resources AdministrationRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SALIFOU CONDE was found guilty of bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud on June 29, 2021, in connection with his involvement in a years-long scheme to steal over $1.5 million from New York City’s Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), following a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Salifou Conde was a key participant in a scheme to steal more than 2,400 rent supplement checks worth over $ 1.6 million to the HRA, an agency that provides critical assistance to New Yorkers in need of rental assistance. A Manhattan jury of his peers has found Conde guilty, and he now awaits sentencing for callously targeting a much-needed support system for low income New Yorkers.”
As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial:
HRA is an agency of the City of New York responsible for administering certain of the City’s public assistance programs. Among other things, HRA provides rental assistance to low income New Yorkers. For individuals who qualify, HRA provides rental assistance by sending monthly rent supplement checks to landlords or social services organizations that provide housing or residential treatment to cover a portion of the cost of documented expenses such as rent or storage costs.
During the period charged in the Indictment, HRA rent supplement checks that were undeliverable were sent back to the same P.O. Box at a United States post office in New York, New York. From there, couriers took the undeliverable checks from the post office and delivered the checks back to HRA. CONDE worked as one of the couriers and stole checks out of the mail.
Between approximately 2016 and 2019, CONDE and his co-conspirators were responsible for stealing a total of over 2,400 HRA rent supplement checks worth more than $1.6 million, and fraudulently depositing them into more than 40 bank accounts. CONDE was a key member of the scheme. He helped to steal undeliverable HRA rent supplement checks, deposit the checks into a network of bank accounts, and then quickly withdraw the stolen cash.
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CONDE, 31, of New Jersey, was convicted of one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case 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 New York City Department of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle Kudla, Elizabeth Espinosa, Nicholas Folly, and Kedar Bhatia are in charge of the prosecution.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Dog FightingRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of an animal for use in an animal fighting venture.
According to court documents, beginning as early as June 22, 2017, Clay Turner, 61, of Loranger, possessed and trained dogs for the purpose of having them participate in animal fighting ventures. On telephone calls obtained via court-authorized wiretaps, Turner and others discussed gambling on dog fights, arranging and participating in dog fights, sponsoring and exhibiting dogs in dog fights, training and housing dogs for the purposes of dog fighting, commerce in and transport of fighting dogs and the promotion of dog fights. Turner also stated he would give the dogs “dex,” referring to Dexamethasone—a substance that causes bowel evacuation—to achieve proper weight for the dog fights.
On or about Oct. 24, 2017, a federal law enforcement team consisting of agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies, executed a search warrant on Turner’s residence in Loranger. During the search, 33 dogs were found on the property, many of which had injuries, scarring, and/or wounding consistent with dog fighting activities. Law enforcement also recovered a large collection of dog fighting paraphernalia.
“Our system of justice does not tolerate the torment and death of animals in this blood sport for personal entertainment or financial gain,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Beyond the harm imposed on these dogs, animal shelters, nonprofit organizations, and the taxpayers pay the price for caring for the dogs once they are no longer useful to the dog fighters. We will aggressively pursue and prosecute individuals who engage in animal fighting of any kind.”
Turner pleaded guilty to possession of an animal for an animal fighting venture. Turner is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 28 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Trial Attorneys Matthew D. Evans and Christopher Hale of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Dog FightingRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of an animal for use in an animal fighting venture.
According to court documents, beginning as early as June 22, 2017, Clay Turner, 61, of Loranger, possessed and trained dogs for the purpose of having them participate in animal fighting ventures. On telephone calls obtained via court-authorized wiretaps, Turner and others discussed gambling on dog fights, arranging and participating in dog fights, sponsoring and exhibiting dogs in dog fights, training and housing dogs for the purposes of dog fighting, commerce in and transport of fighting dogs and the promotion of dog fights. Turner also stated he would give the dogs “dex,” referring to Dexamethasone—a substance that causes bowel evacuation—to achieve proper weight for the dog fights.
On or about Oct. 24, 2017, a federal law enforcement team consisting of agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies, executed a search warrant on Turner’s residence in Loranger. During the search, 33 dogs were found on the property, many of which had injuries, scarring, and/or wounding consistent with dog fighting activities. Law enforcement also recovered a large collection of dog fighting paraphernalia.
“Our system of justice does not tolerate the torment and death of animals in this blood sport for personal entertainment and glorification or financial gain,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Beyond the harm imposed on these tormented dogs, animal shelters, nonprofit organizations, and the taxpayers pay the price for caring for the dogs once they are no longer useful to the dog fighters. We will aggressively pursue and prosecute individuals who engage in animal fighting of any kind.”
Turner pleaded guilty to possession of an animal for an animal fighting venture. Turner is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 28 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Trial Attorneys Matthew D. Evans and Christopher Hale of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Longtime, International Criminal Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years for U.S. Bank FraudRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Romanian national, who resided in California, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud using a device to steal credit card information in a process known as skimming. He is also required to pay $57,713.53 in restitution to his known victims.
According to court documents, Marcus Rosu, 40, became the subject of a federal investigation in February 2020 when the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted a package containing hundreds of fraudulent bank cards containing customers’ card information. The cards were backtracked to more than 70 banking institutions in southern California and some were traced to fraudulent transactions in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. Through the course of the investigation, Rosu was identified as the suspected mailer of the package.
Following the investigation on a report of ATM skimming at a Matanuska Valley Family Credit Union in Willow, Alaska, law enforcement arrested Rosu at a rental car company at Ted Stevens International Airport in July 2020. After his arrest, law enforcement searched Rosu’s hotel room and found more than 1,000 magnetic strip cards, a laptop computer and a magnetic strip reader-encoder hidden in the ceiling tiles.
In February 2021, Rosu pled guilty to bank fraud. In the plea he admitted to installing skimming devices on ATMs which he used to record customer information encoded on the magnetic stripe of customers’ ATM cards. Using a magnetic strip writer, Rosu copied the stolen account information onto his own magnetic stripe cards producing hundreds of counterfeit cards. He then used the falsified magnetic strip cards and customer PINs, to access customers bank accounts and steal their money.
According to Interpol and other agencies, Rosu was previously convicted of similar offenses in the United Kingdom and Australia. Their records indicate he used at least 12 aliases and eight different dates of birth. He is also a suspect in a similar skimming scheme in Connecticut and Michigan.
“Theft of personal financial information is a serious problem which damages the credit of too many unsuspecting Alaskan citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “We encourage everyone to visually and physically inspect ATMs or other payment stations for any obvious signs of tampering prior to using their debit or credit cards.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our commitment to investigate any criminal use of the U.S. Mail,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “The defendant perpetuated their ATM skimming not just in Alaska but across the United States just as they have previously done overseas. The removal of this defendant from the streets ensures our continued efforts to secure the U.S. Mail and protect the Postal Service from criminal attack and misuse. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“Identity theft and fraud affects far too many Alaskans each year, and the Alaska State Troopers along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate anyone that victimizes Alaskans,” said Captain Andrew Gorn, Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “After committing similar crimes across the multiple states and countries, it was the efforts of Alaska’s law enforcement community that finally held Mr. Rosu accountable for his actions.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Alaska State Troopers with the support of the Anchorage Airport Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw of the District of Alaska prosecuted the case.
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Lebanon, Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Lebanon, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to using the online messaging application KIK to distribute images of child pornography to undercover law enforcement officers.
According to court documents, Matthew Thompson, 40, used KIK, an application where individuals create usernames and can send messages online, to communicate with others he believed to be interested in trading images of child pornography.
In June 2020, undercover law enforcement officers located in Wisconsin identified Thompson’s KIK username, “gbrown20201,” as being responsible for distributing child pornography by posting such materials onto a KIK chatroom messaging board frequented by individuals interested in child pornography images.
In July 2020, law enforcement officials in Texas identified the “gbrown20201” username as being an active member of two known child pornography chatgroups and serving as an administrator for one of the groups. The Texas investigation revealed that Thompson distributed at least nine images of child pornography between the dates of July 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020, and received additional child pornography materials.
Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing one or more visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct that has been mailed or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2021 and faces an agreed upon sentence of between 60 to 72 months in prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Virginia State Police, and Russell County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Violent Rochester Drug Ring Convicted by Federal Jury of Drug Conspiracy, Gun Charge and MurderRead 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 a federal jury convicted Carlos Javier Figueroa a/k/a Javi, a/k/a Big Bro, 43, of Rochester, NY, of narcotics conspiracy, possession and discharge of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and murder while engaged in narcotics conspiracy. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
“The drug trafficking and violence inflicted on the streets of Rochester by this defendant and his co-conspirators is similar to the violence the city is experiencing today,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Let this conviction of Carlos Javier Figueroa and his co-defendants serve as a warning, ‘we took down their organization, prosecuted its members and convicted them, and we will do the same to any other criminal engaging in similar behavior.’”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Marangola, Cassie M. Kocher, and Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the defendant was the leader of a Rochester-based drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing many kilograms of cocaine in the City of Rochester. The organization was involved in the transportation and sale of cocaine and was also responsible for acts of violence in furtherance of the organization’s drug trade. These acts of violence included the September 12, 2016, shooting death of Walter Ross at the corner of Burbank Street and North Clinton Avenue. The Government presented evidence at trial that Figueroa provided the 9mm handgun that co-defendant Jonathan Cruz-Carmona used to murder Walter Ross. The gun was also used by co-defendant Obed Torres Garcia to shoot at police officers on Burbank Street when they attempted to raid Figueroa’s residence on January 29, 2018.
Various locations throughout Rochester were utilized to receive, store, and sell the supply of illegal narcotics. Figueroa coordinated shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico, which were sent to locations in Rochester via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Once the packages arrived in Rochester, the cocaine was broken down and packaged for sale. On January 29, 2018, during the execution of state search warrants, investigators seized more than $700,000 in cash, six assault rifles, three loaded handguns, over four kilograms of cocaine, and a quantity of suspected heroin and fentanyl.
A total of 12 defendants were charged in this case, 11 have been convicted. The final defendant, Xavier Torres a/k/a Pistolita, is scheduled to go to trial on October 12, 2021. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), under the direction of Lieutenant Robert Hill; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Andrew P. Forsythe; and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent Andrew Scharnweber.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 7, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. who presided over the trial of the case.
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Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Hundreds of Child Pornography Images and Videos via Instant Messaging AppRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to trading over 600 child pornography images and videos using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging application on mobile devices.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Cyrus Orlando Ortega, 27, distributed those child pornography images and videos to other Kik Messenger users, in exchange for child pornography from those users. The images and videos depicted underage victims — some as young as toddlers — being sexually exploited.
Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison, and a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kinston Felon Sentenced After Repeat Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Anthony Jamaal Lee, 32, of Kinston was sentenced today to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. On March 25, 2021, Lee pled guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and statements made during hearings, on July 11, 2019, a Goldsboro Police Department patrol officer spotted a white Cadillac tailgating another car on the Highway 70 service road in Goldsboro. As the Cadillac turned into a Days Inn parking lot, the officer saw that its brake lights were not functioning. He initiated a traffic stop and could smell marijuana as he approached. The driver was identified as defendant Anthony Lee.
Lee was questioned about the marijuana and admitted to having smoked in the car earlier in the day. The officers then searched the car and found a Taurus 9mm handgun in a small compartment near the rear central armrest, along with a bag that contained marijuana. Lee was prohibited from possessing the handgun due to felony state convictions in 2013 and 2014 for carrying concealed firearms.
Later in 2019, Lee became the subject of a drug investigation in Kinston. On November 21, 2019, a confidential informant fitted with a video recording device conducted a controlled purchase of marijuana and ecstasy from Lee at Lee’s Kinston home. The informant reported to law enforcement that Lee had a black gun on his hip when he came to the door. A short time later, Lee left the house in his white Cadillac and was pulled over and taken into custody. Officers executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered a black Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, as well as some marijuana and ecstasy.
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 Terrence W. Boyle. The Kinston Police Department, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, Goldsboro Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-0087-BO.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with the City of Killeen, Texas to Improve Access for Individuals with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced a settlement with the City of Killeen, Texas, to provide equal access in its programs, services, facilities and activities to individuals with disabilities, including veterans. The agreement is part of the department’s commitment to ensuring that civic institutions comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Killeen has a large population of veterans, active duty military service members, retirees and their families.
Under the agreement, the City of Killeen will remove barriers to access in buildings such as City Hall, police stations, libraries, technology centers, community centers and places of recreation. The agreement requires the City to make changes to its facilities so that parking, routes into the buildings, entrances, restrooms, signage, service counters and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities, and that auditoriums and arenas have the required wheelchair and companion seating. The agreement also requires the City to provide aids and services to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing disabilities, establish accessible emergency shelters and services, assure that its websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities and implement a plan for the accessibility of sidewalks and curb cuts within the City.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that individuals with disabilities have equal access to civic programs, services and facilities," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that cities and other public entities eliminate physical and communication barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully in community life. We commend the City of Killeen for its commitment to working with the Civil Rights Division to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, including veterans.”
“The City of Killeen has committed to removing barriers to civic participation for individuals with disabilities, including the many veterans who call our district home,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “Our office remains dedicated to supporting efforts to improve access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.”
This matter was handled by the Disability Rights Section of the department’s Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the ADA website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/.
Justice Department Opens Application Period for Program to Enhance Tribal Access to National Crime Information DatabasesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information, which provides federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes.
“The Department of Justice is committed to improving public safety in Tribal communities and the Tribal Access Program (TAP) is a key component in achieving this goal,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “TAP provides a means for federally recognized Tribes to effectively access critical criminal justice information to improve public safety and protect Tribal communities. This program has helped improve police officer safety, apprehend fugitives, register convicted sex offenders, enforce domestic violence protection orders, and protect children. With this opening of the application period, more Tribes will be able to protect their communities by participating in this successful program.”
The program provides training as well as software and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems. There are currently 99 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP. The department will accept TAP applications from July 1 through Aug. 31, 2021. Tribes selected to participate will be notified in September.
“TAP is a positive resource for criminal and non-criminal justice organizations of our tribal nation,” said Program Supervisor Orlando Bowman of the Navajo Nation Police Department, Information Management Section. “We continue to coordinate and communicate on potential uses and applications.”
“The Tribal Access Program (TAP) has become an indispensable tool in providing vital law enforcement information to our officers in the field as well as providing 21st century policing techniques for our community,” said Chief of Police Dana Norton of the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. “The TAP has allowed our nation to flourish and succeed every day since launching with our department.”
For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities throughout July and August, beginning on July 1. Webinars will be offered on the following dates: July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 23, 26 & 29, and Aug. 2, 6, 12, 13, 17 & 19.
Using TAP, Tribes have shared information about missing persons; registered convicted sex offenders; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; run criminal histories; identified and arrested fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.
The department offers TAP services through one of the following two methods:
- TAP-LIGHT: Provides software that enables full access (both query and entry capabilities) to national crime information databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Interstate Identification Index (III), and the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets) for criminal justice purposes.
- TAP-FULL: In addition to the basic access capabilities of TAP-LIGHT, provides a kiosk workstation that enables the ability to submit and query fingerprint-based transactions via FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system for both criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes.
Because of the program’s funding sources, eligible Tribes must have — and agree to use TAP for — at least one of the following:
- A Tribal sex offender registry authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act;
- A Tribal law enforcement agency that has arrest powers;
- A Tribal court that issues orders of protection; or
- A Tribal government agency that screens individuals for foster care placement or that investigates allegations of child abuse/neglect.
TAP is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART); the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS); the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC); and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). TAP is co-managed by the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ).
For more information about TAP, including our webinar dates, time and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.
Jury Convicts Three Defendants of Stealing Jewelry and Cash from Vault Business and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted three defendants who worked for a Las Vegas private vault business of stealing cash, jewelry, and watches from safe deposit boxes and private vaults, as well as laundering those illegal proceeds.
“Yesterday’s verdict reflects that the defendants used their inside knowledge of the business’ security measures to take advantage of victims — including victims who were reluctant to come forward even after they were stolen from,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office is grateful to the jury for fulfilling its civic duty, and to our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication in investigating the inside jobs.”
2012 Robbery. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Phillip D. Hurbace (74, of Calpine, California) was a former contractor for the private vault business and Sylviane Della Whitmore (aka “Sylviane Cordova,” 69, of Las Vegas) was an employee of the business. They met and conspired to rob the business using information they knew. On April 14, 2012, conspirators entered the business through an adjoining vacant suite, restrained an employee using handcuffs and duct tape, and used the crawl space above the ceiling to pass over walls.
Once inside, conspirators drilled into safe deposit boxes and private vaults. They stole cash and personal property, including coins, jewelry, and watches. Whitmore subsequently deposited more than $250,000 of stolen money into her bank account, and Hurbace attempted to sell a stolen watch worth several hundred thousand dollars.
2014 Break In. In 2014, after the private vault business went into bankruptcy, Whitmore and Larry Anthony McDaniel (61, of Las Vegas) planned another heist. They broke into safe deposit boxes and private vaults, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. Afterwards, McDaniel opened new bank accounts using nearly $700,000 in cash, and Whitmore deposited $190,000 into a trust account in her mother’s name.
Hurbace was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; one count of interference with commerce by robbery; and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. McDaniel was found guilty of one count of fraudulent transfer of property; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property; and 11 counts of money laundering. Whitmore was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; one count of interference with commerce by robbery; seven counts of money laundering; one count of fraudulent transfer of property; and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for September 28, 2021. The statutory maximum penalties faced by each defendant are: Hurbace — 50 years of imprisonment and a $750,000 fine; McDaniel — 135 years of imprisonment and a $3.5 million fine; and Whitmore — 115 years of imprisonment and a $2.75 million fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Lopez and Mina Chang are prosecuting the case.
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Jury Convicts Career Criminal on Gun, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A federal jury convicted an Albany, Georgia, resident with a lengthy criminal history on various gun and drug charges this afternoon.
Robert Scott Kennedy, 37, of Albany, was found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a three-day trial that began on Monday, June 28 in Albany federal court. Kennedy is facing a mandatory minimum five years up to life imprisonment for his crimes. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner has not been scheduled. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed criminals who continually disregard the law and disrupt the safety and peace of our communities will face the possibility of federal prosecution,” said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat criminals accountable and bring them to justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kennedy was taken into custody on August 21, 2020, on multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Kennedy was found in possession of a .40 caliber Glock 23 pistol and a distribution amount of heroin. Kennedy also swallowed a quantity of heroin and required medical attention at the scene. Kennedy has a significant criminal history including felony convictions for burglary, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and obstruction of an officer.
The case was investigated by FBI, GBI, DEA and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Judge sentences man studying abroad from China for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Zetian Liu to 60 months in prison today. In March of this year, the 25-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
On August 11, 2019, a detective with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s City Cyber Crimes Unit identified a specific IP address from a computer being used to extend an offer to participate in the distribution of child pornography through the use of a file sharing network. An investigation ensued which led to the discovery of computer files containing numerous depictions of child pornography and the arrest of Liu.
The investigation developed in the following manner: officers were able to determine that the IP address was connected to Liu’s residence in St. Louis. On September 12, 2019, officers executed a federal search warrant at this residence. Liu, a Chinese citizen, who was attending school here, was interviewed with the help of an interpreter. Liu told investigators that although he initially downloaded child pornography inadvertently, he later began to download it intentionally. He told investigators the child pornography could be found on his laptop and a flash drive. Officers were able to download files from the laptop and flash drive containing numerous videos and pictures depicting child pornography.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case.
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Judge sentences St. Louis taxpayer for tax fraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Tiffany McAllister to 37 months in prison today and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $902,854. The 44-year-old Florissant, Missouri resident pleaded guilty in March to three counts of tax fraud.
McAllister began operating a tax preparation service in 2009 and continued the business through the 2019 tax year.
During that period, McAllister registered two companies with the Missouri Secretary of State and obtained employer identification numbers for them through the Internal Revenue Service, even though she never transacted business nor employed anyone through either company. Nevertheless, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, McAllister prepared fraudulent tax returns claiming that she and some of her clients received wages and had taxes withheld with respect to the fictitious companies.
McAllister also knowingly prepared tax returns for clients that fraudulently claimed wages and withholdings from other fictitious businesses, self-employment business losses, and educational expenses, in order to increase the federal tax refunds her clients received.
An investigation by the Internal Revenue Service revealed McAllister received payment for assisting in the fraudulent preparation of 39 tax returns for the tax years of 2014 through 2017.
McAllister admits her false representations for the tax years of 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 created tax losses to the Internal Revenue Service totaling $920,854.
“For many years, Ms. McAllister abused her position as a return preparer to cheat the U.S. tax system as well as her client’s trust,” said Amanda Prestegard, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “Now, Ms. McAllister faces severe consequences including imprisonment and substantial restitution to the IRS.”
The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling this case.
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Judge sentences St. Louis men for their illegal possession of a firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – On Wednesday, United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey accepted pleas of guilty from Deandre Scott and Morocco Thompson-Bey for the crimes of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a felon in possession of ammunition, respectively. Immediately after their guilty pleas, Scott was sentenced to a 24-month term of imprisonment. Thompson-Bey received a sentence of 18 months. Scott, 32, and Thompson-Bey, 24, are both St. Louis residents.
On June 3, 2020, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report that businesses were being looted in the area of Kingshighway and Chippewa. When they arrived, they spotted several vehicles. The police began a rolling surveillance. The vehicles eventually stopped in the middle of the street, where the occupants began unloading items. When the police approached, a BMW, occupied by Scott and Thompson-Bey, sped off.
Although the officers were able to disable the BMW, with the aid of spike strips, the vehicle continued to flee from the officers. Thompson-Bey (the driver), and Scott abandoned the BMW and ran from the officers. Scott dropped a firearm during his flight. Both Scott and Thompson-Bey were apprehended a short distance away. The firearm (a loaded .40 caliber pistol) was seized. A search of the BMW resulted in the recovery of a bag containing .45 caliber and 9mm caliber ammunition belonging to Thompson-Bey.
Prior to June 3, 2020, both Scott and Thompson-Bey were each convicted of at least one felony crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case.
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Judge sentences St. Louis man on drug and weapon chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Corey Clark to 50 months in prison today. The 52-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty in March to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In January 2020, Carter made four separate sales of fentanyl to an individual during the course of an undercover police operation. Carter was arrested on January 28, 2020, as a result of his illegal drug sales.
At the time of Carter’s arrest, Carter was in possession of approximately 20 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement also recovered a loaded firearm from Carter’s vehicle. Prior to January 28, 2020, Carter was convicted of at least one felony crime.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
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Jefferson County Felon Guilty of Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
George Broussard, also known as Man, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.
“Today’s guilty plea is another victory for the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program and our effort to help make Beaumont a safer community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “My office, along with the Beaumont Police Department and our other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, will never stop working to keep firearms out of the hands of violent criminals.”
According to court documents, on March 9, 2021, Broussard was observed by law enforcement officers driving a vehicle without a front license plate in the 3700 block of Magnolia in Beaumont. When officers began to follow the vehicle, Broussard tossed a firearm from the vehicle and sped off. Broussard was apprehended and the firearm was recovered. Further investigation revealed that Broussard had an extensive criminal record including felony convictions for burglary of a building; unauthorized use of a vehicle; evading arrest with a vehicle; theft from a person; aggravated robbery; and two convictions for possession of a controlled substance, all in Jefferson County, Texas. As such, Broussard is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Broussard was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 27, 2021. He faces up to 10 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 prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
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Iowa Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Joseph Rauber, 51, of Pisgah, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rauber to imprisonment for a term of 180 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In March of 2020, Omaha Police Department narcotics investigators received information that Rauber was distributing methamphetamine and that he was being supplied by a female, later determined to be Almendra Escobedo-Orozco. On May 14, 2020, investigators obtained a warrant to search a residence in Omaha frequented by Escobedo-Orozco. On May 19, 2020, while executing the warrant, investigators arrested two residents. During the search, investigators seized drug ledgers, packaging material, 8,677 grams of marijuana, $4,336.00, Mexican passports, and various identity documents. Escobedo-Orozco, who had just left the residence, was stopped driving a minivan and found with two pounds of methamphetamine. Another residence in Omaha frequented by Escobedo-Orozco was searched. There, officers seized $7,800.00, a box for a digital scale, and 6 grams of methamphetamine.
On May 28, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Rauber’s residence in Iowa. The search yielded approximately 83.8 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 3.6 grams of cocaine, 7 long guns, 11 handguns, ammunition, stolen property, digital scales, and $55,035.00 in drug proceeds. Rauber was not at the residence at the time the warrant was executed. He was later arrested on July 30, 2020. All currency seized in this case will be forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by Omaha Police Department and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Inmate at USP Lee Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing A WeaponRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – An inmate at USP Lee in Jonesville, Virginia pleaded guilty yesterday to unlawfully possessing a weapon inside the prison.
According to court documents, Andrew Bryant, 35, was subjected to a search while being escorted within the prison and a weapon was found inside his right shoe. The weapon was approximately 4-and-one-half inches long and appeared to be made from locker metal and was sharpened to a point on one end with a handle made of duct tape with bed linens on the other end.
Bryant pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of possessing contraband in a prison, that contraband being a weapon. Bryant will be sentenced on September 27, 2021, and according to a plea agreement, faces up to an additional 42 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons are investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Luckie is prosecuting the case.
Indiana Man Pleaded Guilty to Disorderly Conduct in Yellowstone National ParkRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that KYLE F. CAMPBELL, age 31 of Fairmont, Indiana, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident that occurred on June 21, 2021, in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Campbell appeared for arraignment and sentencing before United States Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman in Mammoth, Wyoming, on June 23, 2021.
On June 21, 2021, Campbell was with a group of individuals who had been scheduled for a guided kayak trip at the Grant Marina in YNP. The guide refused to take the group as he thought they were too intoxicated. Campbell and his group became upset and created a disturbance that led the kayak guide to call security officers and park law enforcement rangers. During the encounter, Campbell made threatening comments and gestures toward the officers. He also exhibited signs of being intoxicated and refused to obey officers’ orders. Campbell continually struggled and kicked at the rangers, resisting arrest, and later injuring himself while banging his head in the patrol car.
Campbell pleaded guilty to several criminal charges: disorderly conduct; threatening, resisting, and intentionally interfering with a government employee; violating the lawful order of a government employee; being under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance to a degree that may endanger oneself or others; and contempt of court for refusing to comply with Magistrate Judge Carmen’s warrant to collect a blood sample.
Campbell was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment, a five-year term of unsupervised probation, and banned from YNP for five years. He was also ordered to pay $1,550 in fines and a $50 special assessment fee.
“We understand that people are eager to get out this summer and enjoy our national parks; however, this type of behavior is unacceptable. Thanks to the quick actions taken by park rangers and the park vendor’s security officers, no one was seriously harmed,” said Acting United States Attorney, Bob Murray. “Stay sober, because unruly and intoxicated behavior will only earn you a spot with the jailbirds rather than enjoying the beauty and adventure of Yellowstone.”
This incident was handled by rangers of the National Park Service and security officers of Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Hambrick prosecuted the case.
For questions relating to Yellowstone National Park, please contact Public Affairs Specialist, Morgan Warthin 307.344.2015 or [email protected].
Husband and Wife Sentenced to 4 Years for Staged Automobile Accident Resulting in $4.7 Million SettlementRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY ROBINSON (“A. ROBINSON”), age 67, and AUDREY HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 54, of New Orleans, were sentenced today for participating in a scheme to defraud a trucking company and their insurer by staging an automobile accident with a tractor-trailer on October 13, 2015. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced A. ROBINSON and HARRIS each to 48 months in prison.
According to documents filed in Federal Court, A. ROBINSON admitted to paying Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) $2,000.00 in cash to participate in a staged accident on October 13, 2015. A. ROBINSON arranged for his wife, HARRIS, his daughter, Keishira Robinson (“K. Robinson”), and his friend and neighbor, Jerry Schaffer (“Schaffer”), to go for a ride in A. ROBINSON’s vehicle. Prior to the accident, A. ROBINSON pulled over, exited his vehicle, and allowed Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”) to take the driver’s seat and intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Alvar Street and France Road in New Orleans. Hickman, who previously tendered a guilty plea, acted as the “slammer” in this staged accident. After causing the collision, Hickman exited the vehicle and was picked up from the accident site by Labeaud, who acted as the “spotter” and who also previously pled guilty to his role in the larger scheme. A. ROBINSON, who had been in Labeaud’s vehicle during the intentional collision, then got behind the wheel of his own vehicle to make it appear that he had been driving at the time of the staged accident.
After the accident, A. ROBINSON, HARRIS, K. Robinson, and Schaffer were referred to an attorney who paid Labeaud and Hickman to stage accidents. Attorneys then referred A. ROBINSON and HARRIS to medical providers for treatment, and A. ROBINSON and HARRIS both underwent extensive medical treatment, including chiropractor treatment, injections, and eventually both neck and back surgeries. A. ROBINSON and HARRIS understood that agreeing to more medical treatment would increase the value of their lawsuit. Attorneys filed fraudulent civil lawsuits on behalf of A. ROBINSON, HARRIS, Schaffer, and K. Robinson, and they all provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit.
As a result of the lawsuit, the victim trucking and insurance company paid out a total of approximately $4.7 million for the fraudulent claims associated with this staged accident. Specifically, the victim trucking company and its excess insurer paid out approximately $1,500,000.00 for A. ROBINSON’s claim. A. ROBINSON received approximately $534,983.33 of that total amount, in addition to approximately $35,700.00 in loans or advances on his settlement from the law firms representing him. The trucking company’s insurer paid out approximately $2,100,000.00 for HARRIS’s claim. HARRIS received approximately $675,000.00 of that total amount, in addition to approximately $14,600.00 in loans or advances on her settlement from the law firm representing her.
Judge Lemelle sentenced the defendants for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, A. ROBINSON was sentenced to 48 months and HARRIS was sentenced to 48 months. Judge Lemelle also sentenced A. ROBINSON and HARRIS each to three years of supervised release. Additionally, both ROBINSON and HARRIS must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Regarding restitution, Judge Lemelle ordered that A. ROBINSON, HARRIS and their co-conspirators be held jointly and severally liable for restitution in the total amount of $5,073,358.25. The restitution amount includes the total settlement paid by the victim trucking company and their excess insurer, as well as attorneys’ fees incurred by the trucking company in the course of defending against the fraudulent civil lawsuit stemming from the staged accident. Additionally, Judge Lemelle entered a preliminary order of forfeiture ordering the unlawfully-obtained proceeds by A. ROBINSON and HARRIS from the fraud scheme to be forfeited to the Government.
Judge Lemelle previously sentenced Schaffer to 30 months in prison for his role in this accident and Keishira Robinson has previously pled guilty before Judge Lemelle for her role in this accident.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera. Assistant U.S Attorney Alexandra Giavotella and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andre J. Lagarde handled the forfeiture aspects of the case.
Hunterdon County Man Admits Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Hunterdon County, New Jersey, man today admitted receiving and possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Daniel Murphy, 48, of Lebanon, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Jan. 1, 2017, through Nov. 20, 2019, Murphy received and possessed images of minors being sexually abused.
The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Hawaiian Non-Profit Executive Sentenced to 46 Months of Imprisonment for Embezzling over $500,000 from AmeriCorps and for Agreeing to Receive a Bribe for Approving $845,000 in CARES Act GrantsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hanalei Aipoalani, 42, of Waianae, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment for embezzling more than $500,000 from AmeriCorps and for agreeing to accept a bribe for the administration of grants under the CARES Act.
The announcement was made by Channing D. Phillips, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia; Deborah Jeffrey, Inspector General of AmeriCorps; and Steven B. Merrill, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Honolulu Field Office.
Hanalei Aipoalani, who pleaded guilty in March 2021 to embezzlement from AmeriCorps and agreeing to take a bribe related to CARES Act funds, was sentenced today by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to 46 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $532,730 in restitution to AmeriCorps and a $527,000 money judgment.
“The defendant’s greed greatly cost the people of Hawaii, depriving them of the valuable services that AmeriCorps members provide,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips. “Were it not for the investigators here, Hanalei Aipoalani would also have deprived a qualifying organization of $845,000 in much-needed support under the CARES Act. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning that the United States Department of Justice will prosecute those who abuse their positions of power to enrich themselves at the expense of the American people.”
“Hanalei Aipoalani stole AmeriCorps funds from his neighbors in vulnerable communities to buy luxury goods and take lavish vacations. Holding him accountable for these contemptible actions should deter anyone tempted to do likewise,” said Deborah Jeffrey, Inspector General of AmeriCorps.”
“AmeriCorps trusted Hanalei Aipoalani with their mission in the State of Hawai’i and were ultimately betrayed. Today’s sentencing marks the end of Aipoalani’s betrayal of the Hawai’i community" said Honolulu FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven B. Merrill. “The FBI would like to thank AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia for their cooperation and dedication to the pursuit of justice.”
AmeriCorps is a federally funded network of national service programs that address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more. AmeriCorps’ national service members commit to service for a set period of time, usually a year, in exchange for a living allowance, funding to be used for college tuition, and other benefits.
From December 2014 through May 2019, Hanalaei Aipoalani embezzled more than $527,000 from a non-profit that hosted an AmeriCorps program, by submitting false claims for payments to AmeriCorps members and directing those payments into his own bank accounts and by creating fraudulent invoices from non-profits for reimbursement by AmeriCorps. As part of his embezzlement, Hanalaei Aipoalani used at least nine inactive or former AmeriCorps’ members’ names, without their knowledge or consent, to fraudulently claim living allowances and other payments, which he then diverted to his own use.
As part of his guilty plea, Hanalaei Aipoalani admitted to conspiring to enroll his wife, Angelita Aipoalani, as an AmeriCorps member, even though she did not perform AmeriCorps service activities, and to cause a second non-profit to pay Angelita Aipoalani more than $69,000 for no compensable work. Hanalaei Aipoalani also admitted to engaging in a scheme to fraudulently obtain AmeriCorps education awards for Angelita Aipoalani, even though she had not performed the required service. Angelita Aipoalani, 42, of Waianae, Hawaii, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 1, 2021, to conspiring with Hanalei Aipoalani to embezzle more than $69,000 from AmeriCorps and to fraudulently obtaining more than $11,000 in AmeriCorps education grants, and is pending sentencing.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in or about March 2020, provided financial relief to individuals, businesses, states, and localities suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other relief programs, the CARES Act created a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”) to be distributed to states, localities, and tribal governments to support expenditures incurred due to COVID-19. Government entities that received money from the CRF could use the funds, among other things, to make grants to small businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures and to provide economic relief for those suffering employment interruption.
In August 2020, Hanalaei Aipoalani was hired to serve as Honolulu City and County’s Department of Community Service’s CARES Program Administrator and was responsible for administering CRF programs. In that capacity, Hanalaei Aipoalani agreed to accept a financial benefit from an applicant who filed two fraudulent applications for CARES Act Funds under the agreement that Hanalaei Aipoalani would influence the approval of the grant applications and would receive a financial benefit in return for the approvals.
The FBI, the Inspector General for AmeriCorps, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who defraud the AmeriCorps program and programs under the CARES Act. If you are aware of fraud, waste, or abuse affecting AmeriCorps or any of its programs, contact the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-452-8210 or [email protected].
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Inspector General Jeffrey, and Special Agent in Charge Merrill commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Office of the Inspector General for AmeriCorps and the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Goemaat and Peter Lallas of the Fraud Section; Amanda Vaughn of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Forde; and Paralegal Specialists Mariela Andrade, Stephanie Frijas, and Joseph McClanahan who worked on the case.
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Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
La Crosse Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography
Thomas J. Hook, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with 6 counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on six occasions in March and July 2020, Hook used a cellular phone to produce a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Hook faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Coulee Region Children’s Internet Protection Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Illinois Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes
John Woodward, 32, Oregon, Illinois, is charged with two counts of knowingly accessing a file containing a visual depiction of child pornography. The indictment alleges that he accessed the files on June 27 and August 10, 2020, and that the visual depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Woodward faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the investigation.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Methamphetamine
Steven S. McCurdy, 63, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on November 30, 2020 and March 1, 2021, and that he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 1, 2021.
If convicted, McCurdy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The charges against McCurdy are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse and Campbell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Kyle Parker, 35, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that on April 3, 2021, he possessed 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
If convicted, Parker faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Waupaca Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Justin M. Baumgardt, 36, Waupaca, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on May 26, 2021.
If convicted, Baumgardt faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Barron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the prosecution.
Minnesota Man Charged with Possessing Cocaine for Distribution
Lashawn M. Bennett, 50, Saint Paul, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine on March 17, 2021.
If convicted, Bennett faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Getaway Driver to Serve Prison Time for RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 60 months in prison for his role as getaway driver in an armed gas station robbery. In April 2021, Jeremiah Urias, 19, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of Robbery.
According to court documents, Urias was charged in connection with the robbery of an EZ Trip gas station in Newton, Kansas, in February of 2020. Urias waited in the vehicle while two accomplices entered the business and demanded money from the clerk at gunpoint. After Urias and his accomplices drove away from the scene, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper spotted the vehicle and a high-speed chase ensued. The chase ended when Urias’ vehicle was involved in an accident with another vehicle. Urias then fled on foot. The two accomplices remained in the vehicle after the accident and were arrested, and Urias was eventually captured by law enforcement.
“We want to make it clear to all persons who willingly participate in crimes that they can be subject to prosecution no matter their role,” said Acting U.S Attorney Duston Slinkard. “Although the defendant may not have personally entered the business or pointed a gun at the employee, he was still responsible for participating in the robbery, and the Court held him accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Newton Police Department, Salina Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department (FBI Task Force Officer) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger prosecuted the case.
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Four Individuals Arrested for Producing and Trafficking Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four defendants were arrested today and charged in connection with operating a prolific drug trafficking organization that allegedly supplied counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl to suppliers on the North Shore of Massachusetts. A fifth defendant currently in state custody was charged with firearm and drug offenses. It is alleged that the defendants possessed a pill press capable of generating up to 15,000 pills per hour, which they used to produce counterfeit Percocet pills, containing fentanyl.
Vincent Caruso, 26, a/k/a “Fatz” and “Big Boy,” and Ernest Johnson, 33, a/k/a “Yo Pesci,” both of Salem, were charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of conspiracy to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate commerce involving the proceeds of dealing in a controlled substance; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Vincent Caruso was also charged with one count of conspiracy to possess a tableting machine to manufacture a controlled substance.
Laurie Caruso, 51, of Lynn, and Nicole Benton, 45, of Saugus, were with one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate commerce involving the proceeds of dealing in a controlled substance.
Cesar Rivera, 22, of Revere, was charged separately with one count of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of conspiracy to possess and use a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Vincent Caruso, Johnson, Laurie Caruso and Benton were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances via zoom in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, operates a large drug trafficking organization with co-defendants Johnson, Laurie Caruso (Vincent’s mother) and Benton, among others, to sell counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl to street gangs for further distribution on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Vincent Caruso allegedly possessed multiple pill presses, which can generate thousands of pills per hour, to produce counterfeit pills designed to resemble Percocet pills, but in fact contained fentanyl. According to the charging documents, a counterfeit fentanyl pill retails at prices between $10-$20, thereby generating millions of dollars in retails sales. It is alleged that Caruso possessed multiple pill presses, including one described as being capable of producing 15,000 pills per hour and weighing 1,000 pounds.
It is further alleged that Vincent Caruso and Johnson possessed and used firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. Vincent Caruso and Johnson posted and messaged photos and videos using social media that depicted firearms (including an AR15), fentanyl pills, cash and high-end jewelry. In a number of videos, Johnson allegedly described his involvement in shootings, beatings and drug trafficking and identified people he believed to be a “rat” or a “snitch.”
In addition, it is alleged that Benton and Laurie Caruso conducted cash transactions in order to launder portions of the illegal proceeds of the drug trafficking operation by placing sports bets at a New Hampshire casino.
The charge of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate commerce involving the proceeds of dealing in a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. The charge of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy involving a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to possess a tableting machine to manufacture a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorneys’ Offices; Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County Sheriffs’ Departments; Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Saugus, Somerville and Revere Police Departments; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Bolton (ME), Bangor (ME), Portland (ME) and Westbrook (ME) Police Departments; and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Owner of Florida Produce Business Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion in federal district court in Fort Lauderdale.
According to court documents, Alejandro Gomez, of Broward County, operated Fleischmann’s Produce, a company that imported fresh herbs for wholesale distribution. Gomez spent approximately $896,951 in 2014 and $1,051,213 in 2015 gambling at a Broward County casino. In March 2015, Gomez filed a false 2014 corporate tax return for Fleischmann’s with the IRS that overstated total business expenditures by falsely reporting the $896,951 in gambling expenditures as cost of goods sold. The next year, Gomez caused a false 2015 corporate tax return to be filed that again falsely characterized his gambling expenditures as cost of goods sold. Because the false items reported on Fleishmann’s 2014 and 2015 corporate returns artificially reduced the income that Gomez received from Fleischmann’s, Gomez also substantially underreported his personal income for both years. In total, Gomez caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $545,000.
Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Grace Albinson and David Zisserson of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Former Bank Vice President and Friend Charged in Insider Trading Securities Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Former Silicon Valley Bank vice president Mounir Gad has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of securities fraud in connection with a scheme to profit by sharing material non-public information regarding the acquisition of companies. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
The Office of the United States Attorney filed an information earlier today charging Gad, 34, of San Jose, and Nathan Guido, 38, of San Jose, with the crimes. According to the information, Gad was a trained investment banking professional who repeatedly received training and guidance about the proper use of material non-public and confidential information. Gad also allegedly received and knew about the prohibitions against the improper use of such information including how the use of such information for personal gain may violate the insider trading laws. According to the information, Gad nevertheless violated the insider trading laws on two occasions. Specifically, in April of 2015 and again in August of 2016, Gad obtained material non-public information through his employer when the bank advised clients about financial matters related to the acquisition of certain companies; Gad allegedly shared the non-public information with Guido, who used the information to execute securities transactions. The information alleges Gad and Guido both personally benefitted from the transactions and shared the profits from the illegal trades.
The information charges Gad and Guido with two counts each of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and 78ff, 17 C.F.R. §§ 240.10b-5, 240.10b5-1, and 240.10b5-2, 18 U.S.C. § 2.
At an arraignment earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu, Gad pleaded not guilty to the charges but informed the court he has signed a written agreement pursuant to which his plea would change to guilty. Gad further informed the court that he is seeking to have the court accept his guilty plea. A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for August 4, 2021, before the Hon. Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge.
Guido also pleaded not guilty to the charges and acknowledged that he entered into an agreement with the government whereby his prosecution by the government will be deferred if he complies with the terms of the agreement.
An information contains allegations only. Gad and Guido are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for each count of securities fraud is 20 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. The court also may order additional terms of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a separate enforcement action against Gad and Guido. The announcement of that action can be viewed here.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Griswold is prosecuting this case with assistance from Jessica Leung. The case was investigated by the FBI.