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Thursday 29 April 2021
Las Vegas Woman Sentenced for Unemployment Benefits SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for fraudulently applying for and receiving nearly $23,000 in unemployment benefits debit cards, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region.
According to court documents, Deandra Michelle Smith, 36, used another person’s personal identification information — without that person’s consent — and fraudulently applied for unemployment insurance benefits with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). Around February 2017, Smith falsely claimed that the victim had been laid off, when in fact the victim was employed. Smith also listed her own address on the benefits application, so she would receive the benefits debit card issued by DETR. In carrying out her fraudulent scheme, Smith used the same victim’s personal information to renew the unemployment claim several times. Between March 2017 and August 2018, Smith used the DETR-issued unemployment benefits debit cards in multiple states, including Nevada, California, Texas, and Hawaii. In total, Smith fraudulently received $22,490 from DETR.
Smith pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of mail fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Smith to three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Judges sentences St. Louis man to nearly 20 years for brandishing firearms and armed robberiesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Lonzo Patrick to 228 months in prison today. The 56-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in September 2019, to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in connection with the armed store robberies committed in October 2017.
During the evening of October 21, 2017, Patrick entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts located in the 1100 block of N. Kingshighway. After inquiring about purchasing items, Patrick pointed a firearm at the store clerk and instructed the clerk to open the cash register. Patrick took money from the register drawer.
During the evening of October 25, 2017, Patrick entered the Phillips 66 located in the 4200 block of Lindell Boulevard. He approached the store clerk in order to purchase an item. When the cash register drawer opened, Patrick reached over the counter to remove money from the drawer. When the clerk attempted to close the register drawer, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the clerk. Patrick then took money from the register drawer.
During the afternoon of October 30, 2017, Patrick entered the Walgreens store located in the 2900 block of S. Kingshighway. Patrick approached the counter to purchase some candy. During the transaction, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the store clerk. The clerk ran from behind the counter, and Patrick took money from the cash register.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John Bird is handling the case.
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Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Mississippi – A Jackson man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Ledrick Simmons, 38, had been charged in Madison, Mississippi, for felony fleeing law enforcement. On January 29, 2020, Madison Police Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Simmons. Officers were able to locate Simmons, in a vehicle, at the intersection of President and Amite Street, in downtown Jackson. When officers approached Simmons, he attempted to evade arrest and rammed another vehicle with his car. Officers recovered a handgun from Simmons’s waistband during the arrest. At the time of the arrest, Simmons was a convicted felon and has multiple felony convictions in Hinds County.
Simmons pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department, the Madison Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and the United States Marshal Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Inmate Gets More Than 15 Years Tacked onto Sentence for Attacking BOP EmployeeRead the Press Release
A prison inmate has been sentenced to more than 15 additional years in federal prison for attacking a Bureau of Prisons employee, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Following a two-day trial in January, a jury found 44-year-old William Lee Terrell guilty of assault of a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. He was sentenced today to 188 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
According to evidence presented at the trial, Mr. Terrell was convicted in 2010 of bank robbery and ordered to serve his 235-month sentence at FCI Big Spring. On March 23, 2019, Mr. Terrell, who was on suicide watch, was placed under the observation of Human Resource Specialist Krista Coccozza.
As HR Specialist Coccozza attempted to retrieve trash from a meal he had just eaten, Mr. Terrell reached through the food slot in the door, grabbing Specialist Coccozza. He struggled with her, attempting to free the keys to the cell attached to her belt.
Additional guards responded to Coccozza’s calls for help and they were able to free the keys from Terrell and secure his cell.
Specialist Coccozza suffered a bruised lung, bruised ribs, sprained wrist, sprained elbow, sprained fingers, skin abrasions, pain, and redness on her body, and was unable to return to work for a period of time due to her injuries.
Per the Court, Mr. Terrell will serve the 188-month sentence handed down today consecutive to the 235 month sentence he received in the bank robbery case for a total of 423 months, or a little over 35 years.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam and Stephen Rancourt are prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix presided over the trial.
Individual Indicted for Price GougingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico filed an Information charging Tonatiuh Antonio Leal-Matos with two counts of violating the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. § 4512) in relation to price gouging personal protective equipment (“PPE”), face masks and disinfecting wipes, during the COVID-19 national public health emergency, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
According to the Government’s allegations, from approximately April to July 2020, Tonatiuh Antonio Leal-Matos sold PPE face masks and disinfecting wipes at a substantial markup and at prices in excess of the prevailing market price. Leal-Matos operated the online Facebook profiles “Pide Que Hay”, “COVID Plaza”, “Miami Collection PR”, and “Club Gafas” which were used to advertise and sell PPE. The defendant accumulated over 5,000 face masks that covered the user’s nose and mouth. Some of the face masks that the defendant accumulated offered protection from particulate materials at an N95 filtration efficiency level while others did not. The defendant sold the masks that he acquired for between $10 and $35 per mask; these sales prices were at least two times his acquisition cost.
Tonatiuh Antonio Leal-Matos also sold most of the clinical grade disinfecting wipes he accumulated in several transactions. The defendant purchased containers of clinical grade disinfecting wipes for $6.95 per container and subsequently sold those disinfecting wipes for approximately $39 per container, at an approximately 461% markup. The manufacturer’s price for each container was approximately $6.75 to $8.45.
“The defendant knew that the price he charged for face masks and disinfecting wipes exceeded prevailing market prices. He saw the devastating COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to make illegal profits on needed PPEs,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Federal and State law enforcement authorities will continue to intervene whenever profiteers and scammers break the law by capitalizing on the public’s fear to enrich themselves.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy of the Financial Fraud and Corruption Unit is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted of both counts, the defendant faces up to two (2) years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000.
The U.S. Department of Justice created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by Rachael A. Honig, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, who is coordinating efforts with the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys across the country wherever illegal activity involving protective personal equipment occurs.
To learn more about the department’s COVID response, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For further information on the Criminal Division’s enforcement efforts on CARES Act fraud, including court documents from significant cases, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/cares-act-fraud. For further information on the Civil Division’s enforcement efforts, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/civil.
To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An information contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge.
According to court documents, Deshawn Derese Nelson, 51, admitted that he possessed more than 18 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of fentanyl on December 26, 2018 on Broadway Avenue in Parkersburg. Officers with the Parkersburg Police Department stopped Nelson for speeding and found the drugs hidden in the leg of his pants when they arrested him for a capias issued by the Cabell County Circuit Court.
Nelson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on August 11, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is prosecuting the case.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-0062.
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Heroin Dealer Who Caused the Death of a Young Woman Convicted After Three-Day TrialRead the Press Release
A Chicago man who distributed heroin to a person who died from using it, was convicted by a jury today, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Eric DeAngelo Griggs, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of one count of distribution of heroin that resulted in the death of a young Cedar Falls woman on August 31, 2018, one count of using Facebook Messenger to facilitate the heroin distribution, and one count of using a cellular telephone to facilitate another heroin distribution on September 1, 2018. Griggs was found not guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin for heroin seized from a vehicle in which he was traveling on September 1, 2018. The verdict was returned today following about nine hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Griggs was a source of supply of heroin for some individuals in Waterloo, Iowa, area during the summer of 2018. On August 31, 2018, Griggs arranged to distribute $100 worth of heroin to a young Cedar Falls woman via Facebook messenger. She subsequently returned to a residence in Cedar Falls, used the heroin, and then died of acute heroin intoxication. Within a few hours after her body was found, officers were able to text Griggs using her phone to set up another heroin transaction. Griggs came to the location agreed upon with the undercover officer and was identified as the same person who had communicated with the young woman the day before.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Griggs remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Griggs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Waterloo Police Department, the Cedar Falls Police Department, the Tri-County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-02062.
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Hendersonville Man Is Sentenced to 22 Years for the Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Jeffrey Allen Buley, 58, of Hendersonville, N.C., to 22 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting U.S. Attorney William T. Stetzer. Judge Reidinger also ordered Buley to serve a lifetime of supervised release, to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison, and to pay $7,602.23 as restitution to his victim.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, and Chief C. Blair Myhand of the Hendersonville Police Department join Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, law enforcement learned that Buley was using the Discord messaging app to communicate with a minor male. Court records show that the communications were sexual in nature, and, on at least one occasion, Buley instructed the minor to transmit live video of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On July 30, 2019, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Buley’s residence, seizing Buley’s cell phone and other electronic devices. A forensic analysis of the devices revealed that Buley used the internet to distribute and receive child pornography and to engage in sexually explicit online chats concerning minors. On June 22, 2020, Buley pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
Buley is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
In making todays’ announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked HSI and the Hendersonville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Violent RobberiesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ISAIAH HALLIDAY, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing violent robberies that victimized several individuals who sought to purchase items over mobile classifieds web apps.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September and November 2017, Halliday and others committed several robberies in Hartford during they lured would-be customers with real or nonexistent items posted to mobile classifieds web apps, such as Offer Up, Letgo and Craigslist, through the use of a fake account. Upon arrival, the customers were robbed of money and cell phones. On each occasion, Halliday threatened the victims with a handgun or what appeared to be a handgun.
On November 11, 2017, Hartford Police officers responded to a location on Blue Hills Avenue in response to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, the victim stated that he had traveled to Mansfield Street in Hartford to meet with an individual he contacted on Offer Up to purchase an iPhone. When he arrived, Halliday approached the front passenger door of his vehicle and pointed a black handgun at him. After the victim attempted to drive away, Halliday fired one round at him, striking him in the right forearm.
Also, in September 2017, three victims were shot at as they fled the scene of a robbery. During a robbery in October 2017, Halliday put a gun, or what appeared to be a gun, to a victim’s chest and demanded the victim’s money and cell phone.
Halliday has been detained since his arrest on November 17, 2017. On February 16, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL JONES, also known as “Wolf,” 32, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September and October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, along with state and local law enforcement officers, conducted an operation in response to a recent spike in drug-related violence in Hartford’s North End. Jones was identified during the operation as an active drug seller.
On October 7, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Jones on a state arrest warrant and observed him at a gas station on Albany Avenue in Hartford engaging in what appeared to be drug transactions. As task force officers approached Jones, Jones ran and discarded a black leather shoulder bag. Jones was apprehended after a short chase. A search of Jones’ person revealed approximately eight grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, and the discarded shoulder bag contained a loaded .22 caliber Ruger semiautomatic handgun.
The handgun has been reported stolen in North Carolina in July 2020.
Jones’ criminal history includes state convictions for drug, firearm, robbery and larceny offenses.
Jones pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2021.
Jones, who was released on bond in this federal case, was arrested on state narcotics charges on April 9, 2021, after he was again observed making drug sales in Hartford. He has been detained since his arrest.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Gunfight over fake meth deal sends Billings man to prison for 10 years on trafficking, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who admitted to drug trafficking crimes after a fake methamphetamine deal led to a gunfight at the seller’s residence was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
James Armstrong Higgins, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 3, 2019, co-defendant Gregg Johnson introduced Higgins to a man in a Billings Walmart parking lot. Higgins paid the man $3,000 for a package wrapped in black plastic, which the seller said was meth. Everyone went their separate ways. Instead of meth, the seller had provided Higgins with a brick of rock salt.
When Higgins realized he had been cheated, he, a friend and Johnson went to the seller’s house to recover the money. Higgins, Johnson and the friend all were carrying firearms. No one answered when they pounded on the door. Higgins’ friend went to a rear door and as he began to enter, the shooting started. The friend and Johnson both fired their weapons. Several people were shot and wounded. There was no evidence Higgins brandished or fired his gun. Johnson was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison for conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Grovetown, Ga., man sentenced to federal prison for possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Grovetown, Ga., man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after admitting to possession of child pornography.
Johnathan Malone, 23, of Grovetown, was sentenced to 68 months in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. He also was ordered to pay a total of $21,000 in restitution to victims in the case. After completion of his prison sentence, Malone will be required to serve 25 years of supervised release, and register as a sex offender.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Protection of our most vulnerable citizens is essential for a safe and secure society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our law enforcement partners perform outstanding work in monitoring cyber networks to protect children from exploitation – and hold accountable those who do them harm.”
As described in court documents and testimony, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led to the execution of several search warrants. Agents found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on devices belonging to Malone.
“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent child victims of online exploitation,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. “We are grateful for the relationships we maintain with our federal partner agencies to bring these offenders to justice.”
The cases were investigated by the GBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara Lyons.
Georgia Man Charged with Sending Anonymized Emails Threatening Violence Against Executive Officer of New Jersey CompanyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia man was arrested today on charges that he made interstate threats to an executive officer of a New Jersey based company, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Alan Wallace, 58, of Cumming, Georgia, is charged by criminal complaint with two counts of making interstate threats. He is scheduled to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard in Atlanta federal court.
According to the complaint:
From January 2021 to March 2021, Wallace, a former employee of Company-1, sent threatening email communications to Victim-1, an executive officer of Company-1, a publicly traded company with headquarters in New Jersey. Victim-1’s Company-1 email account received the emails every few days beginning on Jan. 11, 2021, and continuing through early March 2021, with more sporadic emails arriving thereafter. The emails were sent to Victim-1 from an anonymous email service.
The emails threatened violence to Victim-1 and to Victim-1’s family if Company-1’s stock did not exceed a certain share value within 30 days. The threats contained ominous subject lines such as, “Gun or Knife,” “Blood Bath,” and “You about sealed your family’s fate,” and content consistent with those subject lines. For example, an email received on Jan. 31, 2021, read: “[Victim-1] - you are about to lose family due to your actions hurting others and inaction to elevate the stock price. Weep and remember.”
The counts of making interstate threats each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.
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 and Special Agent in Charge Chris Hacker in Atlanta, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David W. Feder and Anthony P. Torntore of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gary Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Lamont Coleman, age 39, of Gary, Indiana, was convicted after a jury trial in the Hammond District Court of conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Bell.
U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio presided over this three-day jury trial.
The evidence at trial showed that from November 2017 and continuing into 2018, Coleman conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute heroin from a property owned by him in the 4100 block of Madison Street in Gary. On August 28, 2018, law enforcement executed search warrants on multiple properties associated with Coleman and recovered heroin, three firearms including a loaded firearm under the mattress of Coleman’s bed, and approximately $20,000 in cash.
According to documents in the case, Coleman has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance in 2012 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Four other members of the conspiracy have been convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in this case.
Coleman’s sentencing is set for August 12, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porter County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Molly Kelley.
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Fresno Woman Who Managed Her Husband’s Orthodontics Practice Charged with Tax and other Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment today against Pilar Rose, 58, of Fresno, charging her with tax evasion, obstructing an IRS tax audit, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Rose, who managed her husband’s orthodontics practice, evaded over $400,000 in taxes in 2014 and 2015. She then altered and produced financial records to the IRS during an audit to make personal expenses appear to be deductible business expenses.
In addition, Pilar Rose committed bank fraud by submitting false financial information to obtain a $1.4 million home refinance and a loan for a BMW. She committed aggravated identity theft by using an acquaintance’s Social Security number for the latter loan.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of evading taxes, Rose faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of obstructing an IRS audit, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of bank fraud, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, she faces a penalty of two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence she may receive and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Youth Director at Fort Leonard Wood Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former soldier in the Army National Guard pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually abusing four minors over several years while he was director of the youth ministry at Fort Leonard Wood U.S. Army Base.
David J. McKay, 42, of Waynesville, Missouri, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and four counts of sexually abusing a minor.
McKay, at the time an Army National Guard First Sergeant, was the youth ministry director for the Religious Services Office at Fort Leonard Wood. McKay is not currently serving as a member of the National Guard. By pleading guilty today, McKay admitted that he sexually abused four victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old, on dozens of occasions from 2010 to 2017.
According to today’s plea agreement, the sexual abuse occurred at Fort Leonard Wood and various other locations within Pulaski County, Mo. The victims also reported being abused during the youth group’s ski trips to Colorado and on camping trips at Fort Leonard Wood.
Under federal statutes, McKay is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant 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 United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base, the Pulaski County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office, and the Waynesville, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former West Virginia Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Federal Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in West Virginia returned an indictment Tuesday charging a former West Virginia police officer with a civil rights offense against an arrestee.
According to court documents, Everett Maynard, 44, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Charleston for using excessive force against an arrestee while Maynard was a police officer with the Logan, West Virginia, Police Department.
The indictment charges Maynard with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The indictment alleges that Maynard used unreasonable force when he assaulted arrestee R.W., resulting in bodily injury to R.W.
The count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Charleston Resident Agency of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office with the support of the West Virginia State Police and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kathryn E. Gilbert of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nowles Heinrich.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Shreveport Police Department Officer Indicted for Assaulting an ArresteeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Genck, announced that a federal grand jury in Shreveport has returned an indictment charging former Shreveport Police Department officer Dylan Hudson, 34, of Shreveport, with assaulting an arrestee in Caddo Parish. The indictment charges Hudson with willfully depriving an individual of his right to be free from the use of unreasonable force during an arrest.
The indictment alleges that on August 5, 2019, Hudson, while acting in his official capacity as an officer of the Shreveport Police Department, used unreasonable force against an arrestee by punching him in the face and head, kneeing him in the stomach, tasing him in the neck and head, pistol-whipping him in the head, slamming his head into the ground, and kicking him in the face. The indictment further alleges that Hudson’s assault caused bodily injury to the arrestee, and that the assault involved the use of dangerous weapons (a Taser, a pistol, and a shod foot).
Hudson made his initial appearance in the Western District of Louisiana today and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick and DOJ Civil Rights Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson.
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Former School Bus Driver from Oswego Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Frederick J. Haresign, age 61, of Oswego, New York, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
The criminal complaint alleges that in or about 2017 Haresign, a school bus driver, provided a minor child who rode on Haresign’s bus with nicotine, cash, and other gifts in exchange for the child taking sexually explicit self-images and videos and providing those to Haresign. The company that employed Haresign removed him from active service as a driver upon receiving notice of the investigation and has now terminated his employment.
The charge against Haresign carries a minimum sentence of 15 and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, and registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a Judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Haresign appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric for an initial appearance today and was detained pending further proceedings. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Individuals who believe they have information relevant to this investigation should contact the New York State Police at 315-366-6000 (Inv. Lazarek).
Haresign’s case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and by the New York State Police: Fulton Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Troop D Computer Crimes Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian in coordination with Oswego County District Attorney Gregory Oakes as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Sacramento Resident Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison for Identity Theft Involving a Rancho Cordova Veterinary ClinicRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rose Marie Segale, 42, of San Jose, formerly of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Segale used her employment at a veterinary clinic and her pet‑sitting work to obtain clients’ personal and financial information. She provided that information to Marie Antoinette Alcanter, 49, of Sacramento, who used it to make purchases and withdrawals using victims’ accounts, as well as to open new accounts using victims’ identities. One of the credit card numbers that Segale gave to Alcanter belonged to a client who used it to pay for euthanasia and cremation of a dog. Between December 2016 and March 2018, Alcanter obtained over $40,000 worth of items and cash using victims’ identities some of which she provided to Segale.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miriam R. Hinman and Mira Chernick prosecuted the case.
On Sept. 24, 2020, Alcanter was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Former National Guard Member Pleads Guilty to Using the Internet to Commit Sexual Exploitation Offenses While Stationed in QatarRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jaziz Jesahias Cea, 23, formerly of Galt, pleaded guilty today to transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Cea used internet communications platforms and social media to commit the offenses. In particular, on May 13, 2018, Cea uploaded to his YouTube channel child pornography videos showing prepubescent girls being abused by adult males. Cea also separately used his Skype account to receive child pornography videos depicting prepubescent minor females being sexually exploited, to share links to such material, and to communicate with others about his interest in sexually exploiting children.
Between September 2017 and July 2018, Cea was a member of the California National Guard serving on active duty with the United States Army in Qatar. He was discharged from the California National Guard on July 23, 2020, under other than honorable conditions.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Galt Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne Rust and Christina McCall are prosecuting the case.
Cea is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. on July 22. The two counts to which Cea pleaded guilty carry a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Former Louisiana Police Officer Indicted for Assaulting an ArresteeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Shreveport, Louisiana, returned an indictment charging a former Shreveport police officer with assaulting an arrestee in Caddo Parish.
According to court documents, on Aug. 5, 2019, defendant Dylan Hudson, 34, while acting in his official capacity as an officer of the Shreveport Police Department, used unreasonable force against an arrestee by punching him in the face and head, kneeing him in the stomach, tasing him in the neck and head, pistol-whipping him in the head, slamming his head into the ground, and kicking him in the face. The indictment further alleges that Hudson’s assault caused bodily injury to the arrestee, and that the assault involved the use of dangerous weapons (a Taser, a pistol, and a shod foot).
The one-count indictment charges Hudson with willfully depriving an individual of his right to be free from the use of unreasonable force during an arrest.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana and FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Genck made the announcement.
If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Former Insurance Broker Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Insurance Companies and Individual Investors Out of More Than $1-MillionRead 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 Brian Bartz, 39, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a mandatory minimum term of 2 years imprisonment and a maximum of 22 years imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between January 2015, and January 2020, the defendant was employed as an insurance broker at several different life insurance companies, selling and servicing policies and receiving commissions and bonuses for selling such policies. In connection with his employment, Bartz submitted approximately 105 fraudulent policy applications in various individuals’ names without their knowledge, utilizing actual names, social security numbers, and dates of birth. As a result, life insurance policies were issued, and the defendant was paid a total of $382,740.63 in commissions and bonuses he was not entitled to receive. Bartz also used approximately $70,579.83 that he fraudulently withdrew from various bank accounts of unsuspecting clients in order to pay policy premiums on the fraudulent life insurance policies he obtained.
In addition, Bartz defrauded his insurance clients and potential clients by falsely claiming to also be an investment advisor, persuading individuals to invest funds that he never invested nor intended to invest. Rather than investing such funds on behalf of his clients, Bartz used them for himself, by gambling with them or paying back prior investors. To prevent victims from inquiring about their investments, Bartz issued fake account statements. The victims included a widow who “invested” a $332,500 payout from her deceased husband’s life insurance policy with the defendant. Bratz stole all but $10,000 of that widow’s investment.
In total, the loss amount for Bartz’s schemes is approximately $1,026,668.46.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2021, before Judge Siragusa.
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Former City of Chicago Alderman Charged with Using Money from Political Fund to Pay Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury today indicted former City of Chicago Alderman RICARDO MUNOZ on fraud charges for allegedly using money from a political fund to pay personal expenses.
A 16-count indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that while serving as Alderman of the 22nd Ward in Chicago, Munoz used money from a political action committee formed by the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus (CPRC) to pay a relative’s college tuition and other personal expenses, including jewelry, clothing, cell phones, vacations, sports tickets, and airline tickets. Munoz obtained the money through cash withdrawals and debit card charges from the CPRC’s bank account or by transferring funds from CPRC to another political fund he controlled – Citizens for Munoz (CFM) – and then on to his personal checking account, the indictment states. Munoz attempted to conceal the fraud scheme by making materially false representations to the Illinois State Board of Elections and staff members and contractors of the CPRC, the indictment states.
CPRC was a political organization whose voting membership consisted of certain Aldermen in the Chicago City Council. Munoz, who was a member of the City Council from 1993 to 2019, served as chairman of the CPRC and performed the duties of its treasurer. Public officials were prohibited by law from receiving payments from the CPRC for personal expenditures.
Munoz, 56, of Chicago, is charged with 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morris Pasqual and Jared Hasten.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while the money laundering count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Former Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzling More Than $1,000,000 from Charleston Real Estate CompanyRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett Dehart announced today that Karen Rhett, 58, of Mount Pleasant, pled guilty to federal charges involving the embezzlement of over $1,000,000 from Simmons Realty Company and its owners, while Rhett served as the Charleston real estate company’s bookkeeper.Evidence presented in court showed that, from the mid-1990s, Rhett managed and controlled the finances, payroll, and tax preparation for Simmons Realty and all related entities. During the course of her employment, Rhett engaged in a complex embezzlement scheme – starting by falsifying the business ledgers to move money to her personal accounts and evolving into augmenting her salary, stealing directly from other employee’s paychecks, and stealing from the other Simmons Realty related entities.
According to a review by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of bank records, checks, and other financial documents, including the hard drive Rhett used during the course of her employment, Rhett stole more than $1 million from Simmons Realty Company, its owners, and related entities. On the hard drive, agents recovered detailed spreadsheets Rhett maintained regarding the amount of money she was stealing, where the money came from, and how she falsified the business ledgers.
In addition to the money stolen with the embezzlement scheme, evidence presented showed that Rhett never reported the income on her taxes and failed to pay more than $380,000 in taxes during the course of the scheme.
Rhett faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison on the charges and potential financial penalties. With the guilty plea, Rhett has also agreed to forfeit over $640,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case.
Federal Search Warrant Executed in Treynor, IowaRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On Thursday, April 29, 2021, a federal search warrant was executed at a home on the 100 block of Ehrig Avenue in Treynor, Iowa. The search at this residence was an official law enforcement action involving agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are unaware of any safety risk to the public.
This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released at this time.
Federal Judge Sentences Suburban Chicago Man to Nine Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Numerous FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for illegally possessing a semi-automatic rifle and numerous semi-automatic handguns.
MARIO PRADO, 28, illegally possessed the firearms on Feb. 14, 2019, in his residence in South Elgin, Ill. Law enforcement on that date conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and discovered the rifle and eight handguns. Prado had previously been convicted of a felony firearm offense in the Circuit Court of Kane County and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Prado pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020, to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman imposed the nine-year sentence Monday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Brendan F. Kelly, Director of the Illinois State Police. The government was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Niranjan Emani.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Federal Charges Brought Against Four Madera Men for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury indicted three Madera residents today, charging Emilio Hernandez Yesca, 27; Jorge Perez, 24; and Jorge Luis Hernandez Gonzalez, 30, with trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
An associate of the trafficking ring, Eli Quiroz Hernandez, 26, also of Madera, was indicted in a related case on April 1.
According to court documents, the charges arose out of a months-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization. At the center of the organization were Hernandez and Perez. Between October 2020 and March 2021, the two conspired to distribute thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine. As part of their plan, they sold 1,400 fentanyl pills in two separate drug deals in October and November 2020. Then, in February 2021, they sold a pound of methamphetamine. On March 2, law enforcement stopped the drug-dealing partners in a vehicle on their way to deliver 5,000 fentanyl pills and 3 pounds of methamphetamine. A loaded firearm was found under the driver’s seat of the car. The two other defendants are charged with selling methamphetamine: Eli Quiroz Hernandez sold a quarter pound of methamphetamine on December 10, 2020, and Jorge Gonzalez distributed a pound of methamphetamine in February 2021.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Chowchilla Police Department, the Madera Police Department, and the Madera Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Perez, Hernandez and Gonzalez each face a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Eli Quiroz Hernandez faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison up to 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Couple sentenced for laundering over $500,000 on behalf of India-based phone scammersRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Husband and wife Mehulkumar Manubhai Patel and Chaitali Dave have been sentenced for laundering over $500,000 on behalf of India-based phone scammers.
“International call centers continue to victimize the elderly and most vulnerable members of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “The defendants worked with call centers to prey on and steal from these vulnerable victims. This case exists as an example of our commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who facilitate foreign-based scams. Citizens are reminded never to provide money or personal information to callers they don’t know and trust.”
“These convictions should stand as a warning that my office will aggressively investigate and work to hold those accountable who collect and transmit money from Social Security imposter scam victims,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I want to thank the U.S Attorney’s Office for its leadership in bringing scam perpetrators and facilitators to justice, and our law enforcement partners who provided valuable assistance throughout this investigation.”
“We applaud all of the people who investigated and prosecuted this scam case,” said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security. “Never provide money or personal information to unknown callers when you receive a suspicious call. Just hang up and then go online to https://oig.ssa.gov/ to report these scams to Social Security.”
“We are duty bound to combat fraud schemes that victimize the public,” said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Steven Baisel. “Efforts to purposely target the elderly are particularly heinous. We take great pride in working collaboratively to catch these kinds of offenders.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges, and other information presented in court: Criminal India-based call centers defraud U.S. residents, including the elderly, by misleading victims over the telephone utilizing scams such as Social Security and tech support scams.
As part of their Social Security scam, India-based callers posed as federal agents in order to mislead victims into believing their Social Security numbers were involved in crimes. Callers threatened arrest and the loss of the victims’ assets if the victims did not send money. The callers directed victims to mail cash to aliases used by other members of the fraud network, including Patel and Dave.
As part of the tech support scam, callers induced victims to send money in exchange for supposed technical support for their computers. The callers then provided nothing in return. At times, callers misled the victims into providing remote access to their computers and the callers would access the victims’ bank accounts. The callers routinely misled the victims by making it appear as though the caller added money to the victims’ bank accounts. The callers then instructed the victims to mail cash to aliases used by other members of the fraud network, including Patel and Dave.
Based on misrepresentations made during the calls, the victims, including Georgia residents, mailed money to a network of individuals that laundered funds on behalf of the overseas fraud network. From on or about May 2019, to on or about January 2020, Patel and Dave laundered over $500,000 sent by dozens of scam victims.
- Chaitali Dave, 36, of Lamar, South Carolina, was sentenced on April 28, 2021, to one year, eight months to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $320,550 in restitution.
- Mehulkumar Manubhai Patel, 36, of Lamar, South Carolina, was sentenced on December 1, 2020, to two years, six months, to be followed by two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $259,217 in restitution.
The Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, El Dorado Task Force (New York), Aiken Department of Public Safety (South Carolina), Naperville Police Department (Illinois), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (South Carolina), Rocky River Police Department (Ohio), Polk County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) and Henrico County Police Division (Virginia).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schulman prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolee Porter, the former Elder Justice Coordinator previously prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include romance scams, phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes. For further information on these scams, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert.
The public should exercise caution with any caller who claims to be a government employee. Government agencies will never threaten you with immediate arrest or other legal action if you do not send cash, retail gift cards, wire transfers, or internet currency. They will also never demand secrecy from you in resolving a debt or any other problem. If you need to send a payment to Social Security, SSA will send a letter with payment options and appeal rights. If you suspect you have received a Social Security scam call, report it at https://oig.ssa.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
- Chaitali Dave, 36, of Lamar, South Carolina, was sentenced on April 28, 2021, to one year, eight months to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $320,550 in restitution.
Couple Indicted for Possessing Machinegun That Was Fired in Front of Police Officer’s Residence in UtuadoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Joshua Meléndez-Rivera and Joyce Torres-Vivas with the possession of a machinegun, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is in charge of the investigation.
According to the Government’s allegations, Joshua Meléndez-Rivera and Joyce Torres-Vivas parked in front of a police officer’s residence in Utuado on April 26, 2020. When the officer asked if they needed anything, the occupants of the car—Meléndez-Rivera and Torres-Vivas—responded angrily and Meléndez-Rivera pointed a gun. After the officer withdrew into her house, shots were fired. Meléndez-Rivera and Torres-Vivas were subsequently detained in the car and a pistol modified to be fully automatic was found inside.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Valentin of the Violent Crimes Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Correctional officer sentenced for sexual abuse of a ward, accepting bribes and smuggling contraband into the Northeast Ohio Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Barbara Davis, 47, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to five months imprisonment and five months of home confinement by U.S. Judge Sara Lioi. Davis, a former Northeast Ohio Correctional Center (NEOCC) correctional officer, pleaded guilty in January of 2021 to sexual abuse of a ward, accepting bribes and providing a cell phone and tobacco to an inmate.
“Exploiting a position of trust by sexually abusing an inmate and receiving bribe payoffs for smuggling contraband into a correction center threatens to undermine the public’s trust in our criminal justice system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Let this matter be a reminder to the public that anyone who seeks to harm and exploit inmates or detainees can and will be held accountable.”
"This sentence demonstrates those that are criminally responsible are held accountable," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith "Ms. Davis, a former corrections officer, will now be on the other side of the incarceration bars for her deviant unlawful behavior."
“Davis sexually abused an inmate and accepted bribes for smuggling contraband into a federal prison. Today’s sentencing shows that when correctional officers abuse their authority, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will ensure they are held accountable,” said William J. Hannah, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Chicago Field Office.
According to court documents, from on or about November 13, 2017, to November 7, 2018, Davis engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate at the NEOCC. During this same time, Davis smuggled contraband, specifically a cell phone and tobacco, to the inmate at the NEOCC. In return, Davis received payments made from other parties through a mobile payment application.
This investigation was conducted by the Cleveland Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.
Convicted Felon and Gang Member Plead Guilty in Firearm CasesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Two convicted felons with lengthy criminal histories, one of whom is a validated gang member, pleaded guilty in separate illegal possession of firearms cases, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jermichael Bellamy, 28, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Clay Land today. On Monday, April 26, Maurice Toney, 47, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both defendants face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat violent criminals and gang members who disregard federal law by illegally possessing firearms will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the most egregious offenders creating havoc in the Columbus community and bring them to justice.”
“Gang members like Bellamy continue to plague our communities even after being charged and convicted of serious crimes,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “That’s why federal law provides for serious prison time for criminals who refuse to learn from their mistakes and continue to possess firearms and endanger others. And that’s why we continue to work with our state and local partners to make sure these criminals get the stiffest sentences.”
“Convicted felons who traffic firearms pose a serious risk to public safety,” said John Schmidt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Atlanta Field Division. “ATF will continue to aggressively pursue those individuals who have little regard for the law. The federal prosecution of these crimes demonstrates ATF’s dedication to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to ensure violent individuals like Toney are deprived of the ability to terrorize our community.”
“I am pleased to see the successful prosecution of these violent repeat offenders. As we continue to work with our federal partners, I look forward to seeing these types of cases even more,” said Freddie Blackmon, Police Chief of the Columbus Police Department.
According to court documents, Bellamy was arrested on outstanding warrants on October 15, 2020. Inside Bellamy’s vehicle, law enforcement located a loaded pistol and four loaded magazines, as well as cocaine and a digital scale. Investigators also found poster boards with “ABG,” “852” and gorilla images drawn on them. Bellamy was also wearing a “852” necklace and a “852” tattoo. Bellamy is a member of local hybrid gangs Alleyboy Gang and 852. Bellamy is also a validated member of the Gangster Disciples. Bellamy has prior convictions of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, gang act violation and aggravated assault in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia.
Toney was under investigation by ATF in August and September 2020 for trafficking firearms and methamphetamine in the Columbus area. In a recorded controlled buy operation, Toney sold methamphetamine and three firearms to a confidential informant (CI). The firearms were a 20-guage pump-action shotgun, a .38SPL revolver and a semi-automatic rile with one magazine and fifteen rounds of ammunition. Toney was previously convicted of multiple felonies in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia and the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, including two separate convictions of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Bellamy case was investigated by FBI and the Columbus Police Department.
The Toney case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting both cases.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession after Drunken Car CrashRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Omar Fair, 31, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the guilty plea today.
According to the information presented in court, on April 20, 2019, at 3:30 a.m., Memphis Police officers received a "man down" call at Walnut Grove and Humphreys Blvd. The officers and paramedics approached the vehicle and knocked repeatedly on the windows. When Fair awoke, he saw the officers and sped away in the vehicle. As the officers attempted to chase him, Fair struck two other vehicles and crashed in the median.
Again, the officers approached Fair; he got out of the car, smelled of intoxicants and spoke incoherently. The defendant was detained. Law enforcement inventoried his vehicle prior to towing and recovered a Rossi .357 Magnum revolver from the driver's side door. Fair was on probation.
Fair had previously been convicted of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor domestic violence involving physical injury, as well as three prior DUI charges. As a result of his prior convictions, Fair is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where he faces up to ten years in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Convicted Camden County Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Eight FirearmsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man today admitted illegally possessing eight firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig announced.
Kareem McCargo, 38, of Camden, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 31, 2018, Camden County Police officers encountered McCargo as he exited his vehicle. Upon seeing the officers, McCargo fled, but was ultimately apprehended. A search of McCargo’s vehicle revealed eight firearms and over 400 rounds of ammunition. McCargo admitted to knowingly possessing all eight firearms and ammunition. He further admitted that at the time he possessed these firearms, he knew that he was a convicted felon.
The charge of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2021.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; and the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
Chicago Attorney Charged with False Statement and Tax Offenses in Connection with Funds Received from Failed Chicago BankRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago attorney was indicted today on false statement and tax charges in connection with funds he received from Washington Federal Bank for Savings.
PATRICK D. THOMPSON, 51, is charged with five counts of willfully filing a false income tax return and two counts of knowingly making a false statement to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., according to an indictment returned in U.S. District in Chicago. Arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jay N. Lerner, Inspector General of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General; Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Catherine Huber, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Sally Luttrell, Assistant Inspector for Investigations of the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General; Joseph M. Ferguson, City of Chicago Inspector General; and Kathryn B. Richards, Chicago Housing Authority Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Netols, Michelle Petersen, Jeremy Daniel, and Nicholas Eichenseer.
According to the charges, Thompson from 2011 to 2014 received $219,000 from Chicago-based Washington Federal via a purported loan and other unsecured payments. He made one re-payment on the loan but then stopped making payments, and he failed to pay interest on the funds he received, the indictment states. Washington Federal was shut down in 2017 after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency determined it was insolvent and had at least $66 million in nonperforming loans. When the FDIC, as successor in interest to Washington Federal, attempted to obtain repayment from Thompson in 2018, he falsely stated that he owed only $110,000 and that those funds were for home improvement, when Thompson knew he had actually received $219,000 and that $110,000 of it was paid by the bank to a law firm as Thompson’s capital contribution, the indictment states.
The tax charges accuse Thompson of falsely representing on five years of income taxes that he paid interest on money he received from Washington Federal, even though he knew he did not pay interest in the amounts reported on the returns.
Ten other defendants, including several high-ranking former bank employees, were previously charged as part of the ongoing federal criminal investigation into the failure of Washington Federal.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each false statement count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, while each tax count is punishable by up to three years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Carjacking defendant who fled after bench trial sentenced to more than 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A Dayton man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 150 months in prison for using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, carjacking and conspiring to commit carjacking.
A. Philip Thomas Christian Daugherty, 26, also known as “Fetty Too Federal,” pleaded guilty to the carjacking crimes but contested the firearm charge. Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose found Daugherty guilty of the firearm charge following a bench trial.
Daugherty appeared in court for his final bench trial session on June 17, 2020, and fled from the federal courthouse after having his bond revoked and being told to turn himself in to the United States Marshals.
He was a fugitive for more than four months until he was apprehended in October 2020 in a private residence in Columbus by the U.S. Marshals Service’s special fugitive apprehension team (SOFAST).
According to court documents and trial testimony, Daugherty was one of four co-conspirators convicted federally for taking part in an armed, violent carjacking in Dayton on July 6, 2018.
Daugherty was originally indicted by a grand jury in November 2018 and pleaded guilty to the carjacking crimes prior to his bench trial on the gun charge.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller is representing the United States in this case.
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California Man Sentenced to 121 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jim Pham, 36, of Rowland Heights, California, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Pham met a drug trafficker from New Hampshire via the internet on the dark web. The trafficker purchased shipments of highly-pure methamphetamine from Pham, which he received in New Hampshire via Federal Express and other means. The drugs were distributed throughout New Hampshire and New England and the proceeds were used to purchase additional methamphetamine from Pham. Pham was typically paid by the trafficker using cryptocurrency. During the conspiracy, Pham shipped at least 30 kilograms of methamphetamine to the trafficker in New Hampshire.
“Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that is jeopardizing the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the interstate drug traffickers who are shipping methamphetamine to New Hampshire. Methamphetamine traffickers who do business in the Granite State should understand that they will face substantial federal prison terms for their conduct.”
“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s significant sentence not only holds Mr. Pham accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Browning man sentenced to prison for sexual abuse of a minor on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man convicted of sexual abuse of a minor on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on April 28 to 21 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Austin Kade Goings, 23, pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2020 to sexual abuse of a minor.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in November 2017, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was between the ages of 12 and 16, was driving around with Goings and others on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The group was drinking alcohol. At some point, Goings and the victim exited the vehicle and went to an abandoned trailer house. The victim alleged Goings hit her and forced her to have sexual intercourse. The victim reported the sexual assault, was examined and treated. Goings denied using force but admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey K. Starnes and Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Boston Man Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with receipt and possession of child pornography.
Robinson Alberto Baez-Nova, 37, of Jamaica Plain, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance, Baez-Nova was detained pending a detention hearing schedule for May 5, 2021.
According to the charging documents, on Nov. 5, 2020, police received 13 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline reports associated with a Google account and email addresses linked to Baez-Nova. These reports indicated that the Google account uploaded suspected child pornography to Baez-Nova’s Google Photos between Nov. 14, 2018 and Aug. 27, 2020. A subsequent search of Baez-Nova’s cellphone revealed images and videos of child pornography. Specifically, Baez-Nova allegedly received child pornography on a WhatsApp group message on March 14, 2019.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court 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; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Nashua Police Department; Hillsborough County (N.H.) District Attorney’s Office; and Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Billings man sentenced to prison for meth trafficking, illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm was sentenced today to six years in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Calvin Tyrone Bowens, 40, pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 7, 2020, Montana State Probation and Parole officers searched Bowens’ residence after law enforcement stopped him earlier and he admitted to possessing a firearm and narcotics at his home. Bowens was on state probation for felony convictions at the time and was prohibited from possessing firearms. During a search of Bowens’ residence, officers found a .45-caliber, semi-automatic pistol, numerous rounds of ammunition and 15 to 20 grams of meth. Bowens admitted in an interview with a federal agent to selling about one pound of meth. The investigation further determined that Bowen met with other known drug dealers in the Billings area. In a subsequent search of his residence, agents found meth and two loaded pistol magazines.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Arizona Man Arrested and Charged for Sexual Abuse of a Minor During a Flight to AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – A Mesa, Arizona, man was indicted in Alaska today for abusive sexual contact with a minor female passenger on a flight from Phoenix to Anchorage on April 26.
The indictment alleges that Kepueli Talaiasi, 58, intentionally engaged in sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl who was seated next to him during the evening flight. According to court documents, the girl pushed his hand away several times and tried to move away from him in her seat. The minor, who was travelling with her father, wrote a note to him on her phone about Talaiasi touching her. The father immediately called the flight attendants, who quickly intervened to separate Talaiasi from the girl. Alaska Airport Police met the flight upon arrival at the gate and detained Talaiasi, who was later arrested by the FBI.
If convicted, Talaiasi faces a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison, followed by five years to lifetime supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anchorage Airport Police and Fire Department conducted the investigation leading to the charges and indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Vandergaw and James Klugman are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Massachusetts Man Who Obtained Grenades and Weapons as Part of Murder PlotRead the Press Release
CONCORD- The First Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a former resident of Malden, Massachusetts who raised multiple challenges to his conviction for obtaining weapons and grenades as part of a plot to kill his ex-wife’s husband, a federal judge in Boston, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.
Edward McLarnon, 72, was found guilty by a jury following six-day trial in January of 2018. Evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2015, McLarnon made contact with a person he believed to be an arms dealer (who was actually an undercover FBI agent) for the purpose of buying illegal weapons. McLarnon negotiated with the undercover agent at a store in Chichester, New Hampshire and paid a total of $700 in cash to obtain the weapons. On November 6, 2015, the defendant took possession of a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer, an AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, and two hand grenades containing high explosives at a rest stop in Seabrook. He was taken into custody shortly after taking possession of these items. The evidence further showed that McLarnon intended to use the weapons to kill his ex-wife's husband, as well as a Boston federal judge, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.
The First Circuit rejected all of McLarnon’s arguments on appeal and affirmed his conviction. He is serving a 300-month prison sentence.
“This defendant’s dangerous plot could have resulted in multiple deaths,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Now that his appeal has been unsuccessful, he will remain incarcerated where he can no longer pose a danger to the community.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Matthew T. Hunter.
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Albuquerque investment broker indicted for mail and wire fraud, money laundering and failure to file tax returnsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard Kessler, 49, of Albuquerque, who allegedly stole investment funds from his clients, was arraigned April 28 in federal court on an indictment for mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and failure to file tax returns. A federal grand jury indicted Kessler on March 12.
According to the indictment and other court records, Kessler allegedly failed to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017. Kessler operated as a financial advisor and investment broker under the business name Guardian Group Investments, LLC. From on or about Feb. 26, 2016, to Aug. 23, 2016, Kessler allegedly used his position to induce investors into providing him access to investment funds that he diverted to his own benefit and use. Kessler allegedly placed investors’ funds into a business savings account, which is specifically prohibited by New Mexico securities regulations. On several occasions, Kessler moved funds from that account into his personal checking account.
Kessler allegedly fraudulently converted over $123,000 from four victims. Kessler allegedly did not provide the victims with documentation of their investments that would have shown that their money had not been invested as they were told. Kessler allegedly used money from certain victims to pay others to conceal the fraud.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Kessler faces up to 20 years in prison.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied is prosecuting the case.
12 Members and Associates of ‘Harlem World/12th Avenue’ Street Gang Charged in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Twelve people have been charged for their roles as members and associates of “Harlem World/12th Avenue,” a Paterson, New Jersey-based street gang involved in the distribution of drugs, including cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Michael Booker, 38; Kenron Boyd, 28; Ronald Hammond, 53; Damir Horne-Casper, 28; Marcell Jackson, 26; Roger Jacobs, 25; Damond King, 31; Naquis Martin, 24; Korri Muckle, 40; Troy Taylor, 35; and Shamir Thompson, 26, all of Paterson, New Jersey; and Tahj Smith, 20, of Haledon, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base.
King, who is already in custody on state charges, is additionally charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Booker, Jackson, and Taylor are at large. The remaining eight defendants who were arrested today will appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants are members and associates of the Harlem World/12th Avenue street gang, which operates primarily around 12th Avenue and East 23rd Street in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of drugs, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone records, the investigation uncovered evidence that from February 2020 through April 26, 2021, the defendants conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
Harlem World/12th Ave derives its name from a reference to an area in Paterson on
and around 12th Avenue. An individual is eligible to join Harlem World/ 12th Avenue if he resides within the gang's turf and is willing to participate in street level narcotics sales. Members of the gang distribute decks of heroin that are almost always stamped or labeled with various “brand names” in colored ink to allow dealers and purchasers alike to differentiate and market batches of heroin. For example, on various occasions, glassine envelopes were stamped “Coca Cola,” “Larry Bird,” “Kobe Bryant,” “Paid in Full,” “Best Buy,” and “K.O.,” and have since October 2020 been linked to over 10 fatal overdoses.
The count of conspiracy to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin and fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million. The count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim M. Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with the case.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wednesday 28 April 2021
Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 27, 2021, Michael Jones, Jr, age 40, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that between December 2020 and March 14, 2021, Jones conspired with others to traffic at least 280 grams of crack cocaine and 40 grams of fentanyl. On March 14-15, 2021 Jones also possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that on March 14-15, 2021, Jones possessed a stolen firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, and he is a person prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty in $2.5 Million Scheme to Steal then Resell Mining EquipmentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Beckley, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to five thefts of specialized mine equipment that occurred in Indiana and Armstrong Counties, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Eudell Dickerson, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that five break-ins and thefts occurred in and around February 2017 through May 2017, at mining sites located in the Indiana and Armstrong counties, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Dickerson admitted, in conjunction with his guilty plea, that he and other individuals, including his co-defendant David Stanley, stole high-value mining equipment, valued in excess of $2.5 million, from these sites and sold it to a company in the business of selling new and/or used mining equipment in Beckley, West Virginia. Special agents, the court was informed, located some of the stolen equipment at the reseller’s facility and also identified trucks operated by Dickerson and Stanley as those involved in the thefts. Dickerson also admitted that he, and other individuals, were involved in additional thefts at mining sites in Virginia and Kentucky.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Aug. 25, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this case.
Warrior Man Indicted for Making a ThreatRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment yesterday charging a Warrior man with engaging in conduct with the intent to convey false and misleading information regarding the use of a weapon of mass destruction, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
According to the indictment, Brian Steven Vest, 50, of Warrior, falsely reported that he had placed a bomb by a statue in Birmingham’s Linn Park on June 1, 2020.
If convicted, Vest faces a maximum of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI, Birmingham Police Department, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office worked in partnership investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Cornelius is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Virginia Attorney Charged with Sex Trafficking Minors and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Arlington man with sex trafficking of minors, production of child pornography, and other commercial sexual exploitation offenses involving young adults.
“The defendant allegedly used his money and power to sexually exploit minors,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who prey on and victimize children, and to seeking justice for society’s most vulnerable members.”
“Erausquin allegedly exploited and abused underage girls without regard for the impact on his victims,” said Albert Murray III, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children. Together with our partners on the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these crimes.”
As alleged in court documents, Matthew Erausquin, 46, was a frequent commercial sex customer of six underage girls and three other young adults from June 2017 through at least August 2020. Erausquin met some of the girls on a “sugar daddy” website and a dating app, and in at least one instance pretended to be an 18 or 19-year-old teenager. Erausquin lured the girls into commercial sex arrangements, paying the girls between $500 to $800 each per sexual encounter and offering to pay at least $1,000 for threesome sexual activity. In addition to these payments, Erausquin gave the girls marijuana and expensive gifts, such as Tiffany’s purses.
As alleged in court documents, Erausquin secretly recorded some of the underage girls while he engaged in sexual activity with them. He also continued to engage in commercial sex with some of the girls after they turned 18 years old. After one victim moved out of state, he flew her back to Virginia for the holidays and paid her for sex.
Erausquin is charged with six counts of sex trafficking of minors, one count of production of child pornography, one count of transporting a person across state lines for purposes of prostitution, and three counts of coercion and enticement to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution. If convicted, Erausquin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum penalty of life. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Albert Murray III, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and David M. Rohrer, Fairfax County Interim Chief of Police and Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen C. Cain and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Kramer are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Significant assistance in this matter was provided by the Fairfax County Police Department.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-49.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Two Texas Men Plead Guilty in Odometer Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Texas men pleaded guilty today to for their roles in an odometer tampering scheme.
According to court documents, Nepthali Luna, 61, of San Antonio, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false odometer statements and commit securities fraud, while his son, Devon Luna, 36, also of San Antonio, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false odometer statements and two counts of securities fraud.
As part of their plea agreements, the defendants admitted that between 2016 and 2018, they engaged in a scheme to sell high-mileage, used vehicles with false, low mileage readings entered on the vehicles’ odometers, titles and odometer disclosure statements. According to court filings, Devon Luna purchased high-mileage vehicles through his company, Pioneer Auto Finance. The defendants then caused the vehicles’ odometers and titles to reflect false, low mileages, and they sold the vehicles for inflated prices to unwitting consumers.
“The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to protect consumers against deceptive practices, including odometer fraud schemes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Consumers are entitled to truthful information about the vehicles they purchase, including the amount of miles that a used vehicle has been driven.”
In pleading guilty, the Lunas admitted that they caused at least 225 vehicles to be sold with “rolled back” odometers. The defendants admitted that the scheme resulted in consumer losses of more than $550,000.
Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3, 2021. Nepthali Luna faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. Devon Luna faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the securities fraud charges and three years on the false odometer statement charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA), assisted by the San Antonio Police Department, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Arturo DeCastro of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch is prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx.
Two Inglewood Women Get Prison Sentences for Health Care Fraud and Fraudulently Billing Medi-Cal for Substance Abuse CounselingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inglewood woman and her mother-in-law, who both ran a South Los Angeles drug-and-alcohol abuse treatment program, were sentenced today to federal prison for scheming to defraud Medi-Cal out of over $500,000 for services to clients who did not medically need substance abuse treatment and for services that were never provided.
Mesbel Mohamoud, 48, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, who also sentenced Mohamoud’s mother-in-law, Erlinda Abella, 66, also of Inglewood, to one year and one day in federal prison. Each woman was ordered to pay $260,101 in restitution.
Mohamoud and Abella pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of health care fraud.
Mohamoud was the owner and executive director of The New You Center Inc. (TNYC), located in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Abella, who co-founded TNYC with Mohamoud in 2005, was the company’s program director. TNYC was authorized to provide medically necessary substance abuse treatment services through the Drug Medi-Cal program to adults and teenagers in Los Angeles County.
From January 2009 to December 2015, TNYC submitted false and fraudulent claims for counseling sessions that were not conducted at all, were not conducted at authorized locations, or did not comply with Drug Medi-Cal regulations regarding the length of sessions or the number of clients.
Mohamoud and Abella also caused TNYC to bill for clients who did not have a substance abuse problem, to falsify documents related to services supposedly provided to clients, and to forge client signatures on documents such as sign-in sheets.
In September 2013, TNYC submitted a fraudulent claim for Medi-Cal reimbursement in the amount of $62.15 for a three-hour counseling session for a client on August 17, 2013 – the same day when the client was hospitalized and did not receive any counseling from TNYC.
In her plea agreement, Mohamoud admitted she knew that Abella directed TNYC counselors to enroll clients in TNYC’s substance abuse treatment program even if the clients had used drugs or alcohol only occasionally or even just once.
TNYC submitted approximately $527,313 in false and fraudulent claims for group and individual substance abuse counseling services and was paid $260,101 on those claims.
The FBI, the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Cathy J. Ostiller of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.