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18 May 2021
Retired Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Illicit Trafficking of Protected Reef CreaturesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Justice Department announced that a Puerto Rico man was sentenced to two months in federal prison for felony violations of the Lacey Act that involved the trafficking and false labeling of protected reef creatures as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican laws designed to protect coral reef organisms.
Luis Joel Vargas Martell (Vargas), a resident of San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to export smuggling and two felony violations of the Lacey Act for collecting, purchasing, falsely labeling, and shipping protected marine invertebrate species as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican law designed to protect corals and other reef species.
After retiring from the Puerto Rico Police Department, Vargas opened an online aquarium business from his home. During 2014 through 2016, Vargas was the co-owner of the saltwater aquarium business, Carebbean Reefers (spelling error intentional) that also operated online through the EBay store “Redragon1975”. A large part of the business was devoted to the sale of native Puerto Rican marine species that are popular in the saltwater aquarium trade.
Vargas sent illegally collected live specimens to customers in the mainland United States and foreign countries by commercial courier services. One of the most popular items that Vargas and his business sent off-island was an organism from the genus Ricordea. These animals are known as “rics,” “polyps,” or “mushrooms” in the aquarium industry. Members of the genus form part of the reef structure and spend their adult lives fastened in place to the reef. These animals are colorful in natural light, but what makes them particularly interesting to aquarium owners is that they “glow” under the UV lights that are typically used in high-end saltwater aquariums.
It is illegal to harvest Ricordea, zoanthids, and anemones in Puerto Rico if the specimens are going to be sent off-island or otherwise sold commercially, nor is there a permit available to do so. Vargas personally collected much of the Ricordea and other reef creatures that he sold off-island. On multiple occasions, he would accompany his business partner, and they would snorkel from the shoreline in search of Ricordea. Because Ricordea are attached to the reef substrate, the pair would utilize a chisel to break off the animals, and in doing so, take chunks of the reef with them. This was detrimental to the marine environment as it caused physical degradation of the underlying reef structure.
In order to cover up the nature of his shipments and to avoid detection from governmental inspection authorities, the scheme included falsely labelling many of the live shipments as inanimate objects. From January 2014 to March 2016, Vargas sent or caused to be sent at least 40 shipments of marine species that were illegally harvested in the waters of Puerto Rico. While there is some variation in the price of Ricordea depending on coloration, size, and other factors, the aggregate retail value of illegal Ricordea shipped by Vargas was worth at least $90,000.
In addition to the prison time, Vargas was sentenced to a supervised release term of three years and three hundred hours of community service. The court also banned Vargas from collecting or procuring marine life, shipping marine life off-island and scuba diving and snorkeling in Puerto Rico. He was also required to surrender his fishing permits and to pay a criminal fine of $10,000 and restitution of $15,000. In a related matter, in December 2020, Raymond Torres was sentenced to five years of probation with similar bans on marine activity, 300 hours of community service, and financial penalties of $35,000.
This case was investigated as part of Operation Rock Bottom and Operation Borinquen Chisel by Special Agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with support from the USFWS Inspectors. The case is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Marquez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
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Red River Army Depot Officials Charged in Bribery and Conspiracy SchemeRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Four individuals, including two Red River Army Depot (RRAD) officials, have been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Jimmy Scarbrough, 69, of Hooks, was an RRAD supervisor and is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to defraud the United States and 36 counts of bribery. Scarbrough made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven today.
Jeffrey Harrison, 43, of Texarkana, and Justin Bishop, 50, of Clarksville, both RRAD vendors, are pleading guilty today to bribery charges.
Devin McEwin, 41, of Avery, an RRAD official, has also been charged with bribery and is scheduled to plead guilty.
“The Red River Army Depot is a key component of our nation’s defense infrastructure and is the lifeblood of the surrounding community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Scarbrough, Harrison, Bishop, McEwin, and others exploited the public trust in order to line their own pockets, and undermined the warfighting mission of the Depot in the process.”
“These guilty pleas are a direct reflection of the tenacity and teamwork by MPFU special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said SA Ray Rayos, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Southwest Fraud Field Office, Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU), U.S. Army CID. “Bribery and other fraud schemes have no place in the government contracting system and those who attempt it will be caught.”
“Today’s announcement highlights a successful collaboration among partner agencies as we collectively hold these defendants accountable for allegedly creating a fraudulent and deceptive scheme against the government and the people of the United States. We remain committed to the aggressive pursuit of those who selfishly leverage government programs for their own personal gain,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge, Matthew J. DeSarno.
According to information presented in court, Scarbrough was the Equipment Mechanic Supervisor at the RRAD in Texarkana, Texas, a position he held from November 2001 until May 2019. Scarbrough is alleged to have directed more than $7 million in purchases from RRAD to Harrison and Bishop through the government purchase card (GPC) program. In order to manipulate the GPC program, which is designed to ensure a competitive bidding process, Scarbrough told the vendors what to bid, including the item, the quantity, and the price. By collecting fake bids from multiple vendors, Scarbrough was able to direct RRAD purchases to his select vendors, in this case Harrison and Bishop, while maintaining the appearance of a competitive bidding process. Scarbrough also defrauded the United States by falsely certifying that he had received the purchased items, therefore causing the RRAD to pay his select vendors. However, the reality was that Scarborough instructed the vendors not to deliver certain RRAD-purchased items.
Scarbrough demanded hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from his selected vendors. Scarbrough accepted bribes in various forms, including receiving at least $116,000.00 in U.S. Postal Service money orders from Harrison. Scarbrough also had Harrison and Bishop purchase at least $135,000.00 in car parts or services for his hot rod collection, which included a red and black 1936 Ford Tudor, an electric green 1932 Ford Coupe, a cherry red 1951 Ford F-1 truck, and more. Scarbrough received more than $27,000.00 worth of firearms from Bishop, including rare Colt handguns and Wurfflein dueling pistols. Finally, Scarbrough directed at least $32,000.00 in donations to the Hooks Volunteer Fire Department while he was the Capitan of Operations. In total, Scarbrough received more than $300,000.00 in bribe payments from Harrison and Bishop.
Scarbrough is not the only official at RRAD who accepted bribes. Devin McEwin accepted more than $21,000.00 in bribes from Harrison, including hunting trips, donations directed to the Annona Volunteer Fire Department, and the refurbishment of his 1964 Ford truck.
Under federal statutes, the defendants each face up to 15 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Dallas Division, Tyler Resident Agency, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Criminal complaints, informations and indictments are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Rob 3 Banks in 2018Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court related to a series of bank robberies that occurred in West Mifflin, McCandless, and Penn Hills, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Donna Poremski, 44, pleaded guilty to four counts before Senior United States District Nora Barry Fischer.
The Court was informed that Poremski and her co-defendant, Parrish, who previously worked together in the home healthcare industry, conspired to rob three PNC banks between June and October of 2018.
During the first bank robbery, on June 23, 2018, Parrish and Poremski entered the PNC Bank, located in West Mifflin, and attempted to conceal their identities by dressing in traditional Middle Eastern attire, including wearing hijabs that covered their faces. As a part of their disguises, and to aid in the commission of the offense, Poremski rolled a suitcase into the bank and Parrish carried a cane and wore a surgical mask over her face with a tube that connected to an oxygen tank. The women approached the teller station and handed one of the tellers a note as well as threatened that they had a bomb. The Court also was further informed that Poremski brandished what appeared to be a firearm, and that the two women then directed the bank employees to empty their cash drawers and enter the bank vault where the bank employees were forced to put the money into the suitcase. In all, the women stole $61,124.00 from this bank.
Poremski further admitted, in connection with her guilty plea, that during the second and third bank robberies, on September 6, 2018, and October 18, 2018, the two women wore disguises and Parrish entered the banks, located on McKnight Road in McCandless, and on Rodi Road in Penn Hills, to scope the banks out prior to Poremski entering the banks and robbing them.
During the September bank robbery, the Court was also informed that Poremski brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money from the tellers. After obtaining the money from the teller’s cash drawer, Poremski directed the bank employees into the bank vault where the bank employees were forced to put money into Poremski’s bag. While the bank robbery was underway, Parrish was observed driving Poremski’s vehicle near the bank. In all, the women stole $35,500.00 from the McCandless PNC Bank.
During the October bank robbery, at the Penn Hills PNC, the Court was further informed that Poremski demanded money from the tellers and threatened to use a firearm but never brandished one. In all, the women stole $350.00 from the Penn Hills PNC Bank.
A total of $97,004.00 was taken from the West Mifflin, McCandless and Penn Hills PNC banks, during these robberies.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM. As to each of the armed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. As to each of the unarmed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Additionally, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both, for the conspiracy offense. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Poremski remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, the McCandless Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Robert Howard, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Howard conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from June of 2019 through December of 2019. In 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which Howard was a member. Beginning in July of 2019 and continuing through August of 2019, the FBI initiated a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Howard was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about acquiring quantities of heroin, prices of heroin, and the purity of the heroin. Through extensive physical and electronic surveillance, Howard was observed meeting with his codefendant to conduct heroin transactions. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Howard’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howard.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Painted Post Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge After Offering Images to an Undercover Investigator OnlineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jordan Sowersby, 27 of Painted Post, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possessing child pornography depicting prepubescent minors, after having sustained a prior child pornography conviction. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in January and February 2021, an undercover FBI Special Agent located the defendant offering child pornography for download on the internet. The undercover agent downloaded child pornography directly from Sowersby, which enabled the FBI to determine the defendant’s location in Painted Post. Subsequent investigation revealed that Sowersby is a registered sex offender as a result of a prior New York State child pornography conviction.
On February 26, 2021, the FBI, accompanied by members of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s home and seized multiple digital devices. A forensic analysis recovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Corning, NY, Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Allard; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2021, at 10:00 am before Judge Siragusa.
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Oxford Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – An Oxford man was sentenced yesterday to 169 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Jaleel Duncan, 29, was a passenger in a car that was the subject of a traffic stop by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) in Oxford, North Carolina. When the car stopped, Duncan jumped and ran from the vehicle carrying a bag. An ALE agent chased Duncan through a neighborhood and saw him throw several items from the bag as Duncan ran. Duncan then threw the entire bag over a fence. ALE agents eventually apprehended Duncan and recovered the bag, which contained a loaded 9mm pistol and marijuana. Along Duncan’s flight path, agents found heroin laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and quinine, as well as quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana. On February 2, 2021, Jaleel Duncan, pled guilty to the charges.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-202-M.
Owner of Company Providing Prosthetics and Orthotics Materials to Walter Reed National Military Center Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Maryland for Paying GratuitiesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Bruce Thomas, age 53, of Germantown Maryland, pleaded guilty late on May 14, 2021, to paying gratuities to a public official in exchange for official acts. Thomas is the owner and operator of Pinnacle Orthopedic Services, Inc., also located in Germantown.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, from at least 2012 to 2019, Pinnacle provided prosthetics and orthotics materials to the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Walter Reed), the largest joint military medical center in the United States, in return for payments from the government. Walter Reed provides health services to military families and individuals serving on active duty, individuals returning from war, veterans, and elected officials. The Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics Department provided a full range of prosthetic and orthotic services, including state of the art prosthetic limbs, and nationwide support of wounded warriors. From about 2011 to 2017, Thomas and Pinnacle received more than $20 million in payments from the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed for prosthetics and orthotics materials.
From about 2009 until May 2019, David Laufer (Laufer) was a public official and civilian employee of the Department of Defense, working as the Chief of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Walter Reed. As such, Laufer represented Walter Reed in ordering and purchasing prosthetics and orthotics materials, including purchases made from Thomas and Pinnacle.
Thomas admitted that from about 2012 to 2017, he gave and promised things of value to Laufer for, and because of, official acts performed by Laufer. Specifically, Thomas provided Laufer with cash, airlines flights, meals, entertainment, and other benefits because of Laufer’s official acts as the Chief of the Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, and Laufer’s official acts in connection with the purchase of prosthetics and orthotics materials from Pinnacle.
As detailed in the plea agreement, from 2010 until May 2019, the Walter Reed Prosthetics and Orthotics department used Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) to order and purchase prosthetics and orthotics materials. This allowed the department to obligate funds to purchase materials so that employees could order materials without charging a credit card each time or engaging in a formal contract for each purchase of materials. Thomas regularly interacted with Laufer about Pinnacle’s business with Walter Reed, including the award of BPAs, future BPA funding, orders charged against the BPAs, and fulfillment of orders. Pinnacle was awarded multiple BPAs by Walter Reed, which the Prosthetics and Orthotics department used to order and purchase prosthetics and orthotics materials from Pinnacle.
Thomas admitted that between 2012 and 2016, he provided Laufer with things of value, including cash gratuities on a regular basis, totaling at least $20,000; food, drinks, and other financial benefits; airline travel; lodging benefits; and entertainment tickets. In exchange, Laufer undertook official acts in connection with the gratuities including sending multiple purchase requests obligating at least $14.75 million to Pinnacle for prosthetics and orthotics materials and personally ordering and causing to be ordered prosthetics and orthotics material from Pinnacle.
Laufer also restricted the availability of BPAs to some of the manufacturers and distributors from whom Pinnacle purchased products, thereby inhibiting those companies from doing business directly with Walter Reed, and actively encouraged and directed those companies to sell to Walter Reed through Pinnacle. As detailed in Laufer’s plea agreement, Laufer knew that having the other companies sell to Walter Reed through Pinnacle would result in a higher price to the government.
Thomas faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison for paying a gratuity to a public official, in exchange for an official act. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On October 20, 2020, David Laufer, age 63, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty to acceptance of gratuities by a public official, and faces a maximum of two years in federal prison. He is awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DCIS, HHS OIG, and the FBI for their work in the investigation and thanked the Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, DOD Cyber Crimes Center Defense Cyber Forensics Laboratory, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency for their assistance. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Dana Brusca, who are prosecuting the case.
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Omaha Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Ismael Zambrano-Tirado, Sr., 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2021 in federal court in Omaha after his arrest in a drug trafficking operation. Zambrano, Sr. was convicted of one count of maintaining a drug involved premises at the El Catrin Restaurant. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. to 24 months’ imprisonment. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. will serve a 1-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
In November 2017, the FBI began investigating a suspected drug trafficking ring operating out of the El Catrin restaurant located at 6500 Railroad Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. From November 1, 2017 to July 17, 2019, the El Catrin, while operating as a restaurant with a bar, also served as a property where narcotics distribution occurred.
Several FBI confidential sources made numerous buys of cocaine from employees of the El Catrin restaurant. These buys occurred within the El Catrin restaurant and also in its parking lot. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. was present in the El Catrin restaurant when several of these controlled buys of cocaine took place. A search warrant at his home resulted in the seizure of $13,570 in cash, which was derived either directly or indirectly as a result of the offense conduct.
The United States also seized the El Catrin restaurant, the currency found at Zambrano-Tirado’s home, as well as several vehicles used to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics.
On January 27, 2020, Santiago Garcia-Sanchez was sentenced to 46 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On June 8, 2020, Fernando Gamon was sentenced to 27 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On February 22, 2021, Eduardo Jimenez was sentenced to 12 months and a day on each of his four counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On April 5, 2021, Samuel Garcia was sentenced to 60 months each for one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine, to be served concurrently, and followed by 1 year and 5 years supervised release for each count, respectively, to be served concurrently.
On April 26, 2021. Alonso Cervantes-Garcia was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for three counts of distribution of cocaine followed by 3 years supervised release.
On May 3, 2021, Ismael Zambrano, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 60 months for one count of distribution of methamphetamine to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ohio man sentenced for selling heroinRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Erick Lamont Stanback Singleton, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Singleton, also known as “Gotti,” age 26, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Singleton admitted to selling heroin near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in February 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Find related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit an Attack at a Toledo-Area SynagogueRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Damon M. Joseph, aka Abdullah Ali Yusuf, 23, of Holland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, aka ISIS, and attempting to commit a hate crime, for planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo, Ohio area.
“Damon Joseph was inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate," said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division. "He planned to target innocents at a Toledo-area synagogue based on their religion and hoping that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear. His actions would have been an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear. We will continue to make every effort to prevent such attacks from occurring. I commend the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“The defendant’s attempt to cause significant harm to members of the Toledo, Ohio, Jewish community constitutes both a federal hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who use violence to attack our religious communities.”
“This investigation highlights the continued threat of violence to our communities posed by ISIS-inspired terrorists – in this case, at a place of worship. With today’s plea, we will be one step closer to seeing justice served,” said Acting Assistant Director Patrick Reddan, Jr. of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “I’m grateful for our partnerships with faith-based communities and with our law enforcement partners on the JTTF for their work on this case, which ultimately prevented this plot from becoming a tragedy.”
“Today, Damon Joseph pleaded guilty for attempting to support ISIS through violent attacks on Jewish congregants while they worshipped,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan for the Northern District of Ohio. “It is difficult to conceive of a more heinous plot, let alone reconcile that this plot involved violating our country's solemn obligation to protect the civil rights of every person as a means of supporting a foreign terrorist organization. We will continue to root out and bring to justice those who support terrorists and those who seek to violate the civil rights of our families, friends and neighbors.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph progressed from a self-radicalized, virtual jihadist to planning an actual attack on fellow Americans,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “Mr. Joseph has now accepted responsibility for his actions. In the name of ISIS, Joseph planned a mass-casualty attack against citizens simply wanting to attend their desired houses of worship, which were two Toledo-area synagogues. Joseph's terroristic actions are antithetical to a just and free society, and he will serve a lengthy sentence as a result. The FBI would like to remind the public to remain vigilant so we can continue to thwart these types of threats together."
In 2018, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS.
Beginning in September 2018, Joseph engaged in a series of online conversations with several undercover FBI agents where he repeatedly stated and affirmed his support for ISIS and produced propaganda he believed was to be used for ISIS recruitment efforts.
Over the next few weeks, Joseph stated to an undercover agent that he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2, 2018, Joseph forwarded a document to the agent that laid out his plans for such an attack on “Jews who support state of Israel.” Joseph then stated that he did not necessarily see this as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues in the greater Toledo as potential targets and discussed the types of weapons he believed would inflict mass casualties. Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47, Glock handguns, and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph again met with an undercover agent to discuss his plans. Joseph stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi and wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur and stated that he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he had purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location, where Joseph took possession of a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
Joseph is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, comprised of over 50 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerome Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorneys Alexandra Hughes and Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, as well as AeJean Cha of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Man Admits Trafficking Kilos of Cocaine to Washington CountyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident New Jersey pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
James Vance, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Mr. Vance was indicted and charged with drug trafficking following a months-long wiretap investigation targeting narcotics trafficking activity in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Mr. Vance’s criminal conduct was detected through a wiretap investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police beginning in April 2020. Through judicially authorized wiretaps utilized by members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Washington County, PA, along with extensive physical surveillance in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, agents gathered evidence showing that Mr. Vance met with and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine, and quantities of heroin-fentanyl mixtures, to alleged codefendants, which were then transported back to Washington County, PA and redistributed.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Vance. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF") investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
New Bedford Man Charged with Firearm and Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on charges of illegally possessing a firearm and selling cocaine.
Khyron Thompson, 32, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 13, 2020, Thompson allegedly possessed a loaded .32 caliber Hi-Point pistol firearm. It is further alleged that Thompson sold a quantity of cocaine on that same date. Federal law prohibits Thompson from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Navajo man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Felix Curtis, 26, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 14 in federal court to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
A grand jury indicted Curtis on Aug. 11, 2020. According to the indictment and other court documents, Curtis committed this offense on Sept. 14, 2019 in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation. Curtis was driving while intoxicated when he caused an accident that killed a man, identified in court records as John Doe. Curtis admitted to operating the vehicle without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life when he knew and should have known that his conduct imperiled the lives of others.
Curtis remains out of custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled at this time. He faces up to eight years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock Office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cowen is prosecuting the case.
Morriston Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jeffrey Lutz, 56, of Morriston, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in federal prison, following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
Lutz entered a guilty plea in January. He is a sexual offender, previously convicted in January 2020 of possession of child pornography. The evidence showed that in June 2020, Lutz was on State sex offender probation. While executing a warrant for violation of sex offender probation, investigators located a laptop computer registered in Lutz’s name. Forensic examination of the laptop revealed 22 videos and 1 image of child pornography. Further examination revealed that Lutz had begun downloading child pornography just two days after being released from jail on his prior child pornography convictions.
"Within hours of being released for prior convictions of possessing child pornography, this predator was found to be downloading additional illegal content," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. "We will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to steal the innocence of a child. I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for removing this dangerous recidivist from our community."
Lutz’s prison sentence will be followed by lifetime supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“This child predator is a repeat offender who did not learn the first time,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to HSI and our partnership with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, this child predator will be returning to prison for a significant amount of time, making or communities, and our children, that much safer.”
“I am extremely proud of the professional law enforcement representatives who worked efficiently to investigate this heinous crime that led to a successful prosecution and conviction,” said Levy County Sheriff McCallum. “This dangerous person has been removed from our community and parents can now rest easy knowing their children cannot be harmed by him. This is a job well done by the Detectives of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal team members who made this possible for our citizens.”
The case was investigated by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Montgomery Banker Pleads Guilty to Disclosing Existence of Grand Jury SubpoenaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Charles Gregory Hardy, Jr., 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing a criminal investigation as an officer of a financial institution, announced Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court documents, during the spring of 2020, Hardy was an employee of Valley National Bank. In April of that year, the bank received a grand jury subpoena from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking records pertaining to the accounts of one of the bank’s customers.
Grand jury subpoenas are confidential documents and bank employees are, in most cases, prohibited by federal law from disclosing a subpoena’s existence to the customer whose records are being sought.
As a bank employee, Hardy learned about the subpoena. Afterwards, Hardy sent a text message to the customer named in the subpoena that read, “I got a subpoena for your financial records.” A few days later, Hardy went to the customer’s office and, while there, sent a photo of a part of the grand jury subpoena from his personal telephone to the customer. By sending the subpoena to the customer, Hardy informed the customer of the existence of an otherwise confidential federal grand jury investigation.
At some date in the coming months, Hardy will be scheduled for a sentencing hearing where he faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, as well as monetary penalties.
“Every day, across the country, law enforcement agents and prosecutors rely on bank employees to maintain the utmost discretion when dealing with grand jury subpoenas for financial records,” stated Acting United States Attorney Stewart. “Such financial records can provide valuable evidence of criminal activity. However, disclosure—like that which occurred here—can cause targets to destroy evidence or, even worse, threaten witnesses I hope that this case is a reminder of the duty of secrecy that is placed on all bank employees who receive grand jury subpoenas.”
“This investigation has shown the unfortunate reality that people in all professional positions can become involved in criminal activity,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James. “People who commit such crimes will be held accountable.”
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad investigated this case, with assistance from the Shelby County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Alice S. LaCour are prosecuting the case.
Minnesota Woman Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pader Yang, 30, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced Friday, May 14 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Yang pleaded guilty to this charge on February 18, 2021.
On July 15, 2020, law enforcement officers were investigating an anonymous complaint that Kong Vang and his girlfriend, Pader Yang, were selling large quantities of methamphetamine out of their residence in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Officers began to conduct surveillance on the residence and observed people arriving, going in and out of the garage, and then immediately returning to their cars or bicycles.
Based on their observations, and the fact that Kong Vang was on state supervision for prior convictions involving methamphetamine trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, law enforcement searched Vang and Yang’s residence. During the search of a bedroom shared by Vang and Yang, officers located a safe containing four loaded handguns, eight bags of methamphetamine, and just under $12,000. Officers found a fifth loaded firearm elsewhere in the bedroom, and additional drugs, paraphernalia, and ammunition throughout the residence, the garage, and in a vehicle recently driven by Yang. In total, officers found approximately 254 grams of “ice” methamphetamine and over 250 grams of marijuana.
Law enforcement officers later searched Vang and Yang’s cell phones and located many conversations relating to sales of significant quantities of methamphetamine. Based on the evidence in the case, officers believed Yang was picking up and carrying multiple pounds of methamphetamine across state lines from Minnesota to Wisconsin.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley emphasized the severity of Yang’s conduct given the substantial quantity of drugs she was making available in the community.
Kong Vang pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by Judge Conley on April 29, 2021.
The charge against Yang was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Mineral County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Mark Tillotson, of Burlington, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Tillotson, 24, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” “Possession of Stolen Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.” Tillotson, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is accused of having a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, believed to be stolen, in January 2021 in Mineral County.
Stumps faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican national indicted for transporting people that resulted in deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has charged a 23-year-old non-citizen unlawfully residing in Laredo with conspiracy to transport 12 undocumented citizens resulting in death, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jesus Martinez-Villela is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges Martinez-Villela attempted to flee authorities by driving off-road near Encinal April 22.
Law enforcement later located Martinez-Villela’s abandoned truck with an injured person on the ground, according to the charges. They also allegedly located another man who was unresponsive in the bed of the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the allegations.
Multiple other undocumented citizens were allegedly transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.
If convicted, Martinez-Villelafaces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Man from the Congo found guilty in smuggling attemptRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 24-year-old non-citizen residing in Houston for attempting to transport an alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for less than four hours before convicting Bakunduwukize Desire following a two-day trial of attempting to transport an alien to Houston on Dec. 8, 2019.
Testimony revealed Desire arrived at the Falfurrias Checkpoint claiming he had a fight with his girlfriend and needed a ride back to Houston. His friend offered him a vehicle in exchange for driving the alien to Houston. He also accepted $800 as payment.
The jury heard Desire picked up the alien at a stash house in the valley and coached him to act like he was asleep once they got to the checkpoint.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that he did not know the alien was illegally present in the United States. They did not believe those claims and found Desire guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton presided over trial and set sentencing for Aug. 12. At that time, Desire faces up to five years of imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Desire was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara J. De Pena and Amanda Gould prosecuted the case.
Man Who Crashed Truck Carrying Undocumented Immigrants After Police Chase Charged with Transportation of Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
An Austin man who crashed a truck full of undocumented immigrants following a high-speed police chase has been federally charged, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah.
Adrian Vargas-Ladinos, 20, was arrested on May 15, charged via criminal complaint with transportation of illegal aliens. He will make his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Parker on May 18.
According to the complaint, a police officer stopped Mr. Vargas-Ladinos for speeding in Sutton County, Texas on May 15. During the stop, the officer called for backup, at which point Mr. Vargas-Ladinos allegedly sped away, leading police on a chase that lasted almost eight minutes.
He crossed several medians before crashing the truck, causing it to roll over with passengers still in both the cab and bed.
Ten of the passengers – including one woman who was rushed to the ICU with head injuries and two men who were hospitalized with serious injures – were identified as citizens of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador in the United States unlawfully. The hospitalized passengers were treated and have been stabilized.
Mr. Vargas-Ladinos initially claimed he was merely helping a few immigrants he had encountered in Eagle Pass, Texas during a visit to a friend. He told investigators he could not recall the friend’s name.
He later admitted, however, that a smuggler offered to pay him $25,000 to transport undocumented immigrants to Austin, Texas. A search of his cell phone allegedly confirmed that he was involved in human smuggling.
Mr. Vargas-Ladinos allegedly told law enforcement that based on directions provided by the smuggler, he drove to an abandoned home in Eagle Pass, honked the horn, and allowed the undocumented immigrants into his truck. He then allegedly drove them around a Border Patrol checkpoint in Eagle Pass.
One of his undocumented passengers told law enforcement that when Mr. Vargas-Ladinos realized he was being pulled over, he told the immigrants that he was going to bail out of the vehicle. Two passengers told law enforcement that they were scared during the police chase.
Mr. Vargas-Ladinos allegedly admitted to law enforcement he felt sorry for the undocumented immigrants who were hurt during the crash, but stated that he told them to run away so that they could get to Austin and he could get paid.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Vargas-Ladinos is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the transportation charge. He has also been charged by Sutton County with evading arrest, which carries a penalty of 10 years in state prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs & Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Sonora Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Redd is prosecuting the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit an Attack at a Toledo-Area SynagogueRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Damon M. Joseph, aka Abdullah Ali Yusuf, 23, of Holland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, aka ISIS, and attempting to commit a hate crime, for planning an attack on a synagogue in the Toledo, Ohio area.
“Damon Joseph was inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate," said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division. "He planned to target innocents at a Toledo-area synagogue based on their religion and hoping that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear. His actions would have been an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear. We will continue to make every effort to prevent such attacks from occurring. I commend the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“The defendant’s attempt to cause significant harm to members of the Toledo, Ohio, Jewish community constitutes both a federal hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who use violence to attack our religious communities.”
“This investigation highlights the continued threat of violence to our communities posed by ISIS-inspired terrorists – in this case, at a place of worship. With today’s plea, we will be one step closer to seeing justice served,” said Acting Assistant Director Patrick Reddan, Jr. of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “I’m grateful for our partnerships with faith-based communities and with our law enforcement partners on the JTTF for their work on this case, which ultimately prevented this plot from becoming a tragedy.”
“Today, Damon Joseph pleaded guilty for attempting to support ISIS through violent attacks on Jewish congregants while they worshipped,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan for the Northern District of Ohio. “It is difficult to conceive of a more heinous plot, let alone reconcile that this plot involved violating our country's solemn obligation to protect the civil rights of every person as a means of supporting a foreign terrorist organization. We will continue to root out and bring to justice those who support terrorists and those who seek to violate the civil rights of our families, friends and neighbors.”
“In a matter of months, Damon Joseph progressed from a self-radicalized, virtual jihadist to planning an actual attack on fellow Americans,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “Mr. Joseph has now accepted responsibility for his actions. In the name of ISIS, Joseph planned a mass-casualty attack against citizens simply wanting to attend their desired houses of worship, which were two Toledo-area synagogues. Joseph's terroristic actions are antithetical to a just and free society, and he will serve a lengthy sentence as a result. The FBI would like to remind the public to remain vigilant so we can continue to thwart these types of threats together."
In 2018, Joseph drew the attention of law enforcement by posting photographs of weapons and various messages in support of ISIS on his social media accounts, as well as a photograph originally distributed by the media wing of ISIS.
Beginning in September 2018, Joseph engaged in a series of online conversations with several undercover FBI agents where he repeatedly stated and affirmed his support for ISIS and produced propaganda he believed was to be used for ISIS recruitment efforts.
Over the next few weeks, Joseph stated to an undercover agent that he wanted to participate in an attack on behalf of ISIS. On Dec. 2, 2018, Joseph forwarded a document to the agent that laid out his plans for such an attack on “Jews who support state of Israel.” Joseph then stated that he did not necessarily see this as “a martyrdom operation” as his plan accounted for an escape and potential combat with law enforcement.
On Dec. 4, Joseph met with an undercover FBI agent and discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue. Joseph identified two synagogues in the greater Toledo as potential targets and discussed the types of weapons he believed would inflict mass casualties. Joseph made written notes about the firearms he wanted and provided them to the undercover agent, stating he wanted AR 15s, AK 47, Glock handguns, and ammunition.
On Dec. 6, Joseph again met with an undercover agent to discuss his plans. Joseph stated specifically that he wanted to kill a rabbi and wrote the name and address of the synagogue where the attack was to occur and stated that he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present.
Later that day, the undercover agent told Joseph that he had purchased rifles for the attack. The two met on Dec. 7 at a predetermined location, where Joseph took possession of a black duffel bag containing two semi-automatic rifles, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers so that they posed no danger to the public. Joseph was then arrested.
Joseph is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, comprised of over 50 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerome Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorneys Alexandra Hughes and Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, as well as AeJean Cha of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Lengthy & On-Going Investigation Results in Four Houston Area Men Charged in Mid-State ATM TheftsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Four Houston, Texas men are facing federal charges after a lengthy investigation by the FBI into a series of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) thefts in middle Tennessee and elsewhere, announced U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Elijah Diaz, 19; Troy Alan Parker, 18; Willie Charles White, 21; and Abraham Woods, 32, were arrested on the morning of April 26, at a hotel in Holladay, Tennessee, and charged with conspiracy and bank larceny, following the theft from an ATM machine in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, hours earlier.
According to the criminal complaint, for more than a year, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force in Nashville has been investigating ATM thefts. Typically, the method of these thefts involve crews of individuals who steal a heavy duty capacity pickup truck, obtain large J-hooks and an industrial chain and then scout a free-standing ATM to target. These crews then use the stolen truck and approach the ATM in the early morning hours, wearing hoodies and masks. The shell of the ATM is then pried open and the J-hooks are attached to the safe and to the truck. The truck is then used to pull open the safe door, allowing access to the cash inside. After travelling to a pre-determined location, the crews offload the cash into other vehicles and abandon the stolen truck to avoid detection and apprehension.
On April 4, 2021, an ATM theft occurred at a Wilson Bank & Trust in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Video surveillance shows two suspects wearing dark clothing and ski masks arriving at the bank at 1:14 a.m. driving a Chevrolet 2500 pickup. The suspects then pried open the shell of the ATM and used the chain and hooks to force open the safe, before taking the cash and fleeing.
The investigation determined that the Chevrolet truck used in this theft had been stolen earlier in the evening on April 3rd. A review of the surveillance footage in the hours preceding the theft, identified a black Dodge Durango with a Texas license plate and the driver appeared to have been casing the machine. The FBI has also been coordinating the ATM theft investigations with the FBI Houston Office and the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Criminal Apprehension Team. The video was shared with Houston law enforcement and Willie White was quickly identified as the driver of the black Dodge Durango. Investigators also determined that the Murfreesboro Police Department had conducted a traffic stop of the Durango on April 2, 2021 and identified Elijah Diaz and Troy Parker as the occupants. Officers also noticed crowbars and chains in the rear of the vehicle.
On April 25, 2021, Houston law enforcement informed the Nashville FBI that White and others were in Nashville and were preparing for an ATM theft. At 2:27 a.m. on April 26th, an ATM theft occurred at the Wilson Bank & Trust in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Surveillance cameras captured the theft where an individual in a hooded sweatshirt pried open the shell of the machine while another individual positioned a stolen pickup truck, attached hooks to the safe and drove forward, ripping open the safe. Both individuals then fled the scene with the cash from the ATM. The stolen pickup truck was found abandoned in Wilson County and contained several money cartridges from an ATM, scattered $20 bills, and crowbars. A review of the surveillance video preceding the theft also showed a black dodge Durango which appeared to be casing the ATM at 9:35 p.m. the previous evening.
Later in the morning on April 26th, the Dodge Durango was located at the Days Inn Hotel, near Interstate 40 in Holladay, Tenn. Shortly thereafter, the four defendants were arrested and investigators recovered more than $88,000 in cash. Investigators had also determined that the four had stayed at the Westin Hotel when they arrived in Nashville before carrying out the ATM theft and recovered several surveillance photos of the defendants and the vehicles used, including the Dodge Durango.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.
The FBI continues to investigate ATM thefts across the region. If you have any information related to the thefts, please contact the Nashville FBI Office at 615-732-7500.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Las Vegas Business Owner Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal Prison for Orchestrating $13 Million Fraud Upon the North Carolina Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Latisha Harron, a Las Vegas resident, was sentenced today to 170 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $13,396,921.64 in restitution to the North Carolina Medicaid Program on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A; and (5) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h). The court also sentenced Harron to forfeit various assets as a part of her case. Court documents reflect that forfeitable items include up to $13,396,921.64 in cash, a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A Aircraft, a 2017 Aston Martin DB 11 sports car; a 2016 Ford F-150 Super-Crew pickup truck; real property held in the name of Assured Healthcare Systems in Hertford County, North Carolina; real property located in Charles County, Maryland; as well as various other items of designer jewelry and luxury items seized from the defendant’s penthouse condominium in Las Vegas.
Acting United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III, stated, “This case demonstrates the resolve of this office to bring healthcare fraud artists to justice – wherever they are found; pandemic or no pandemic. The ultimate reward of fraud is not a life of luxury, but years of life lost to federal prison.”
According to court documents, Harron, also known as Latisha Reese Holt, 44, originally from Eastern North Carolina, admitted to conspiring with her husband to carry out a massive fraud upon the North Carolina Medicaid Program (“NC Medicaid”) by billing the government for fictitious home health services. Harron admitted to then working with her husband to launder the proceeds of the fraud into, among other things, a private jet, luxury jewelry and clothing, and properties in Ahoskie and Rich Square, North Carolina.
According to the charges, Harron created, and was operating, Agape Healthcare Systems, Inc. (“Agape”) an alleged Medicaid home health provider, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. As charged, to enroll Agape as a Medicaid provider, Harron fraudulently concealed her prior felony conviction for Identity Theft. In 2012, Harron moved out of North Carolina to Maryland. Despite that move, Harron continued to bill NC Medicaid as though Agape was providing home health services to North Carolina recipients.
As charged, in May of 2017, Harron moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with codefendant Timothy Mark Harron, and that the two were married in 2018. The indictment alleges that Timothy Harron was also a previously convicted felon, and that this fact was concealed from the NC Medicaid on enrollment documents. Latisha Harron pleaded guilty to allegations that Harron and her husband then worked together to expand the Agape fraud upon NC Medicaid, by fraudulently billing the program for more than $10 Million, just in the period between 2017 and 2019.
As charged, Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud by exploiting an eligibility tool that was entrusted only to NC Medicaid providers. Specifically, Harron and her husband searched publicly available sources, such as obituary postings on the internet by North Carolina funeral homes, to locate recently deceased North Carolinians. Harron admitted that the two would then extract from the obituary postings certain personal information for the deceased, including their name, date of birth, and date of death. Then, utilizing the extracted information, the defendants would then query the NC Medicaid eligibility tool to determine whether the deceased individual had a Medicaid Identification Number. If the deceased North Carolinian had a valid Medicaid Identification Number and was otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage during their life, the defendants would use that individual’s identity to “back-bill” NC Medicaid, through Agape, for up to one year of fictitious home health services that were allegedly rendered prior to the death of the individual. NC Medicaid then disbursed millions to Agape, all of which flowed into accounts controlled by the Harron and her husband.
Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud via the internet from locations around the globe, including their corporate office building in Las Vegas, their penthouse condominium in Las Vegas, a corporate office in North Carolina, and from various hotels and luxury resorts in and outside of the United States.
Harron further pled guilty to laundering the proceeds of the Agape fraud into various luxury items. These expenses included a $900,000 wire for the purchase of a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A private jet, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Tiffany & Co. and Brioni clothing and jewelry, thousands of dollars on Eastern North Carolina business properties, and thousands of dollars in gym equipment.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II announced the sentence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Investigations Division, all investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore served as the prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Harris represented the United States with respect to forfeiture aspects of the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00005-M-1.
Lancaster man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for attempting to sexually coerce a minorRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A prior sex offender who was on parole supervision at the time of his latest offense was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 186 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to sexually coerce a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
According to court documents, in May 2020, officers with the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force were conducting undercover online chats to identify individuals who were attempting to solicit and engage in illegal sexual activity with minors.
An officer posing as a juvenile on a social media application received a message from Larry Richard Dickerson, 56, and the two became in regular contact. Dickerson requested nude photos of the purported teenager. In one instance, he asked her to send a shirtless picture with the name “Rick” written across her chest so that he could be sure she was not a “cop.”
In a phone call with the undercover officer, Dickerson asked numerous questions about the supposed 15-year-old’s sexual history and preferences. The defendant asked the undercover officer to describe what her pubic region looked like. The two made a plan to meet to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Dickerson and the officer decided to meet first in public before going somewhere private to engage in sex. Law enforcement observed Dickerson arrive at the designated meeting place and he was subsequently arrested.
Dickerson has two prior child sex offense convictions. In 2002, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison in the District of South Carolina on a child pornography charge. In 2018, he was convicted in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas with three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, based on his communications with a 13-year-old girl via MeetMe, and his subsequent meeting with and sexual abuse of the child.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Franklin County ICAC partnering agencies announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill is representing the United States in this case.
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La Habra Man Who Led Police on High-Speed Chase with 75 Pounds of Cocaine in His Car Sentenced to 15½ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man who led police on a high-speed car chase with more than 75 pounds of cocaine stashed in his vehicle was sentenced today to 186 months in federal prison.
Anthony Martinez, 40, of La Habra, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. Martinez pleaded guilty on January 15 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Martinez is one of eight defendants charged in an indictment alleging a conspiracy to traffic cocaine throughout Southern California.
On July 25, 2019 in Whittier, Martinez received two boxes from a co-defendant that contained 75.2 pounds (34.1 kilograms) of cocaine, placed the boxes in his car and drove off. When Whittier Police officers attempted to pull Martinez over, he initially pulled over, then sped away, refusing to stop, and led police on a car chase in which Martinez veered into oncoming traffic and drove on the wrong side of the road, the plea agreement states.
“In so doing, [Martinez] recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to individuals in the community and law enforcement by fleeing from officers,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
When police finally pulled Martinez over for good in Fullerton, they discovered the box of cocaine.
Martinez also possessed 132.6 pounds (60.2 kilograms) of cocaine, separately wrapped in one kilogram “bricks” located in a storage locker, and 52.9 pounds (23.98 kilograms) of cocaine located inside a duffel bag.
In total, Martinez admitted to possessing 260.6 pounds (118.2 kilograms) of cocaine.
This case’s lead defendant, Jesus Manuel Landeros-Cisneros, 51, of Covina, pleaded guilty in August 2020 to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He is serving a 174-month federal prison sentence for that offense.
Three other defendants in the case – Ryan Alexander Fischer, 23, a.k.a. “Flaco,” of Covina; Manuel Angel Landeros-Lopez, 43, of Covina; David Elgrably, 51, of Suisun City, California – are scheduled to go on trial on July 27. Three defendants – Harnidhan Bhangu, 30; Harmanjot Singh, 29; and Gurpreet Chahal, 41; all Canadian nationals – are fugitives.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. The investigation was conducted with the support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). As to these seizures, substantial assistance was provided by the South Gate Police Department, the Brea Police Department, and the West Covina Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Kent man charged with flying an airplane without a valid pilot certificateRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on Thursday, May 13, charging Delbert Garfield Stewart, 70, of Kent, Ohio, with flying an airplane without a valid airman’s certificate.
According to court documents, on June 20, 2019, July 5, 2020 and March 8, 2021, the Defendant knowingly and willfully piloted a Bellanca Model 17-30A single-engine aircraft without a valid airman’s certificate. Court records state that the Defendant obtained an airman certificate in 1978 and purchased the single-engine aircraft in 2010.
In February of 2014, court records state that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspended the Defendant’s airman certificate, citing numerous FAA regulation violations. In response to the suspension, the Defendant claimed that the FAA did not have authority over him as a private individual not engaged in commerce, according to court records. It is alleged that the Defendant continued to operate the aircraft, despite the 2014 suspension. Stewart’s airman certificate was later revoked.
On June 20, 2019, it is alleged that the Defendant piloted the aircraft from Portage County Regional Airport (KPOV) in Ravenna, Ohio, and landed at the Warsaw Indiana Airport (KASW) in Warsaw, Indiana. While in Indiana, the Defendant allegedly flew the aircraft on multiple flights, with passengers on board.
On July 5, 2020, it is alleged that an FAA official and an Ohio State Trooper attempted to investigate the Defendant and the aircraft when the aircraft landed at Portage County Regional Airport (KPOV), Ravenna, Ohio. The indictment states that the Defendant was the pilot of the aircraft, and an adult passenger was also on board. The FAA official advised the Defendant that his airmen certificate was revoked, and the airworthiness certificate for the aircraft was also suspended.
On March 8, 2021, it is alleged that the Defendant flew from Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (KPUJ) in Georgia to KPOV in Ravenna, Ohio. During this flight, it is alleged that the Defendant failed to activate the transponder for the aircraft until he was in close proximity to the KPOV airport. As a result, the Defendant’s aircraft was unable to be tracked by the FAA until the transponder was turned on shortly before landing.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the Defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and Ohio State Highway Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Brad Beeson.
Jury convicts valley resident on meth chargesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 49-year-old Mission resident for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before convicting Eugenio Perez Jr. following a two-day trial which included three witnesses.
According to the testimony, authorities discovered 1.6 kilograms of meth while investigating a drag racing incident that resulted in a two-car collision.
At trial, the jury heard from a local police officer who explained how Perez crashed into an SUV pulling out of a parking lot. The officer approached Perez after observing him pull a bag from his truck’s cab and place it into the bed of the truck. He instructed Perez not take anything from the vehicle.
Perez’s daughter arrived on the scene. At that time, she took the bag from the bed of the truck and placed it in her car, according to testimony.
The officer further testified that he stopped her from leaving the area and asked her to show him what was inside the bag. The daughter opened the bag which was found to contain approximately 1.6 kilograms of meth.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that law enforcement had rushed to judgment and did not perform an adequate and thorough enough investigation to convict Perez. The jury disagreed and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane presided over trial and set sentencing for July 27, 2021. At that time, Perez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
Previously released on bond, Perez was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Palmview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Mitchell and M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Judges sentences St. Louis County man arrested with drugs, a weapon and ammunitionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge E. Richard Webber sentenced Jordan Perry to 60 months in prison today. The 32-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 9, 2019, officers from the St. Louis County Police Department tried arresting Perry because he was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants. Perry fled and led officers first on a vehicle pursuit and then on a foot chase. While fleeing from police, Perry drove through a backyard causing an officer to take immediate action to avoid being struck. During the vehicle pursuit, Perry drove at high rates of speed and failed to stop at multiple stop signs. A tire on Perry’s vehicle eventually deflated, so Perry abandoned the vehicle and ran from police. Officers eventually caught and arrested Perry.
Officers saw on the passenger seat of Perry’s vehicle, a.22-caliber High Standard Double-Nine revolver and three bags containing cocaine base. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located a fourth clear bag containing a cocaine base and 91 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition.
Prior to July 9, 2019, Perry was a convicted of a felony.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling the case.
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Jefferson County man indicted for failing to registerRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick Allen Darlington, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was indicted today on a failure to register charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Darlington, 42, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Darlington, a person required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction, is accused of traveling across state lines without updating his sex offender registration from August 2020 to March 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
Darlington faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Inmate admits to contraband chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Quadiri Ayodele, an inmate at FCI Gilmer in Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of additional prison time after admitting to a contraband charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Ayodele, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of “Attempt to Introduce a Prohibited Object (Tobacco).” Ayodele admitted to trying to bring in tobacco to the prison in April 2019 in Gilmer County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Human Resources Manager Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Employer Through Payroll and COVID-19 Testing SchemesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Douglas Wold, 48, of Meridian, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of money laundering based on schemes to defraud his employer, Fry Foods, Inc., during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., today. Sentencing is set for August 27, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
According to court records, Wold worked as a Human Resources Manager for Fry Foods, Inc. in Ontario, Oregon, and executed two separate schemes.
First, beginning in at least May 2020 and continuing through August 2020, Wold committed wire fraud by submitting fraudulent payroll requests for individuals who never worked at Fry Foods or who no longer worked at Fry Foods at the time of the payroll requests. Payroll checks were processed based on Wold’s requests. Wold then deposited these fraudulent payroll checks into his own bank accounts.
Second, Wold committed mail fraud with respect to a COVID-19 testing program at Fry Foods’ Weiser, Idaho location in May 2020. Wold issued a fraudulent invoice to Fry Foods in the name of his business, Hala Lallo Health, for $39,995 when, in fact, the testing was provided by another entity and at a greatly lower cost. When Fry Foods paid Hala Lallo Health for the testing, Wold deposited the funds into a bank account he controlled and the company that actually provided the testing was not paid.
Wold committed the offense of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity by transferring $69,116.48 in proceeds from his frauds for the purchase a speedboat and trailer.
Wire fraud and mail fraud carry a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Money laundering carries a penalty of up to ten years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office.
For information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop illegal COVID-19-related activity, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites.
The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline by phone at (1-866-720-5721) or via an online reporting form available at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Hoover Criminal Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A known Hoover Criminal Gang member and resident of Portland pleaded guilty today to federal gun and drug charges for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Aumontae Wayne Smith, 22, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and testimony, Smith and an unnamed accomplice conspired with one another to distribute counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in and around Portland. Investigators seized six firearms from Smith and his accomplice with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Further investigation revealed Smith purchased 16 firearms that were linked to 17 different shootings in the Portland area between April and December 2020.
On April 6, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Smith with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 16, 2021, he voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement.
With continued and early acceptance of responsibility, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join Smith in jointly recommending a sentence of 70 months in prison when he is sentenced on August 9, 2021 before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Marco A. Hernandez.
This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau, FBI, and ATF. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Opioid abuse affects communities across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2019, its most recent data, there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Opioids and synthetic opioids were alone responsible for 49,860 overdose deaths or nearly 71% of all overdoses. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of injury or death in the United States.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male.
The availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has presented public safety and health officials with a host of new challenges, including a dramatic increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Oregon have doubled between 2016 and 2019.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 8am and 11pm Pacific Time daily.
Hawaii couple indicted in tax fraud schemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Honolulu, Hawaii, returned an indictment on May 13 charging a Hawaii husband and wife with conspiring to defraud the United States and filing a false tax return. The husband was also charged with five counts of money laundering.
The indictment charges that from 2015 to 2021, Michael Chock and Brigida Chock of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, along with an unnamed co-conspirator, prepared and filed a Form 1099-MISC reporting bogus tax withholdings, as well as a false 2014 amended individual income tax return that requested a refund of $225,327, based on those fraudulent withholdings. After receiving the false return, the IRS allegedly issued a refund to the Chocks. Later, when the IRS initiated collection activity, the Chocks allegedly took steps to prevent the IRS from retrieving the fraudulently obtained refund. The indictment further alleges that Michael Chock laundered the fraudulently obtained refund through a series of financial transactions using banks located in the District of Hawaii.
The defendants were arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield of the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.
If convicted, Michael Chock faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. The Chocks each face a maximum sentence of three years for filing a false tax return and a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Judith A. Philips for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Valerie G. Preiss of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii 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.
Hawaii Couple Indicted in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Honolulu, Hawaii, returned an indictment on May 13 charging a Hawaii husband and wife with conspiring to defraud the United States and filing a false tax return. The husband was also charged with five counts of money laundering.
The indictment charges that from 2015 to 2021, Michael Chock and Brigida Chock of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, along with an unnamed co-conspirator, prepared and filed a Form 1099-MISC reporting bogus tax withholdings, as well as a false 2014 amended individual income tax return that requested a refund of $225,327, based on those fraudulent withholdings. After receiving the false return, the IRS allegedly issued a refund to the Chocks. Later, when the IRS initiated collection activity, the Chocks allegedly took steps to prevent the IRS from retrieving the fraudulently obtained refund. The indictment further alleges that Michael Chock laundered the fraudulently obtained refund through a series of financial transactions using banks located in the District of Hawaii.
The defendants were arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield of the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.
If convicted, Michael Chock faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. The Chocks each face a maximum sentence of three years for filing a false tax return and a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Judith A. Philips for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Valerie G. Preiss of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii 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.
Harrison County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Porter Critchfield, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Critchfield, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Critchfield, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in February 2016 in Harrison County.
Critchfield faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grand Jury indictment charging six individuals with various drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IOWA – A federal grand jury in Davenport returned a 19-count Indictment last week charging six individuals with various drug and firearms charges announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal.
According to court documents, Taylor Christopher Graeber, age 23; Joshua John Paarmann, age 30; Karley Ann Smith, age 27; Joshua Steven Ennis, age 38; Donnie Wayne Robinson, Jr., age 34; and Robert Stanley Nelson III, age 40; are each charged in a Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine that started by at least July 1, 2020, and continued until March 29, 2021. The conspiracy involved the possession of numerous firearms, multiple pounds of methamphetamine, and continued distribution of methamphetamine throughout the Quad Cities area during the conspiracy’s duration.
Graeber is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. If convicted, Graeber faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Paarmann is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. If convicted, Paarmann faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Smith is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Ennis is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Robinson is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Nelson is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Following a finding of guilt, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors for each individual defendant.
The Davenport Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa is prosecuting the case.
Georgia woman admits participation in scheme to obtain fraudulent reimbursements for medical equipment and genetic testingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Georgia woman has admitted taking part in a nationwide telemedicine kickback scheme that led to fraudulent Medicare reimbursements for durable medical equipment and genetic testing.
Robin Darnell, known to some of her co-conspirators as “Nurse Robin,” 57, of Dallas, Ga., pled guilty in U.S. District Court to an Information charging her with one count of Conspiracy, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The plea agreement subjects Darnell to a possible statutory sentence of up to five years in prison and substantial financial penalties and restitution, followed by up to three years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Telemedicine has played an increasingly important role in providing accessible healthcare, particularly during the pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work diligently to identify and shut down those who would attempt to use technology and deceit to defraud taxpayer funded safety net programs.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Darnell admitted that from June 2018 through September 2020, she and other conspirators took part in a nationwide telemedicine kickback scheme in which she recruited physicians and other medical professionals to sign orders for durable medical equipment and genetic testing. Darnell claimed to have a team of nurses who would contact patients to conduct exams via telemedicine on behalf of the physicians, in exchange for the health care professionals ordering medical equipment and expensive genetic testing for those patients. In fact, Darnell had no such team of nurses, despite claiming otherwise to the physicians she recruited. Darnell processed thousands of orders, which Darnell knew contained medical histories, conditions, diagnoses, or examinations that Darnell knew were false.
Darnell’s conspirators then used these orders to bill Medicare for thousands of dollars each. Medicare beneficiaries were located in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere.
“Telemedicine has become a valuable tool for delivering health services in this time of pandemic. However, bad actors are abusing these tools to commit health care fraud,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “When marketing and so-called telehealth services are misused, alleged violators can expect aggressive investigation and swift prosecution.”
“Darnell took advantage of a system that was set up to help healthcare patients get much-needed government assistance during a pandemic,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Her actions not only affect those patients, but every citizen whose tax dollars support programs like Medicare. The FBI is determined to hold her accountable and anyone who would commit such fraud.”
The Southern District of Georgia has now charged 33 defendants as part of the nationwide crackdown on fraudulent genetic testing, and prescribing of orthotic braces and pain creams, identifying more than $1.5 billion in losses to Medicare and Medicaid for defendants charged in the Southern District alone.
This investigation is ongoing. As telemedicine becomes an increasing part of our healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilance in ensuring that fraud and kickbacks do not usurp the legitimate practice of medicine by electronic means is more important than ever. If you are aware of any fraud or kickbacks relating to telemedicine, including COVID-19 fraud, please call the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Porter.
Georgia Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Georgia man was sentenced on May 13, 2021 in federal court in Boston for illegal possession of a semi-automatic pistol.
Herbert Palmer, 39, of Decatur, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 32 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Jan. 15, 2021, Palmer pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Aug. 12, 2020, police were dispatched to an apartment in New Bedford following a report of a disturbance where a man had a gun and was pointing it to a woman’s head. After police arrived, the man, later identified as Palmer, exited the apartment and told police that he had a knife on his person. A search of Palmer revealed he had a folding knife and firearm magazine loaded with four rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, which Palmer claimed to be carrying because it did not fit his BB gun, although he denied having a gun.
A witness informed police that Palmer had pointed a small black gun at individuals while inside the apartment that evening and that when Palmer manipulated the firearm, the magazine dropped out of the firearm and fell to the floor. Palmer picked up the magazine and then proceeded to the second floor to change his clothing.
Police searched the apartment and located a Lorcin, Model 380. .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in a second floor bedroom. Authorities confirmed the ammunition recovered from Palmer’s person was the same caliber as the firearm.
Palmer was convicted in 2010 of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gainesville Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jeremy Astrologo, 42, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to ten years in federal prison following his conviction for possessing child pornography. Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
Astrologo, a multi-convicted sexual predator, entered a guilty plea last November. The evidence showed that in November 2019, Astrologo was under investigation for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Investigators located Astrologo at an area motel, where he was found in possession of a cell phone which contained over 80 images of child pornography.
“Crimes against children are among the most heinous types of offenses and deserving of the most significant sentences,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content, which is robbing so many of our children of their innocence and their very childhood.”
Astologo’s prison sentence will be followed by lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“Obviously he did not learn the first time, as this child predator is a repeat offender and will be returning to prison thanks to the law enforcement partnership between HSI and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips.
The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 190 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Fitzgerald, age 83, of the Town of Waverly, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 190 months in prison for possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
In pleading guilty, Fitzgerald admitted that between February and April 2018, he videorecorded himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor, and that he possessed these videos on August 9, 2019.
This case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shira Hoffman and Katherine Kopita as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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.
Four men illegally crossing the Rio Grande indicted for claiming to be minorsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned four indictments against non-citizen adults for falsely claiming they were under the age of 18, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.
The separate, but similar indictments charge Fernando Antonio Flores-Galvez, 19, Jose Alfredo Sandoval-Hernandez, 23, Osmin Trochez-Miranda, 24, all from Honduras; and Sergio Galindo Chun-Cucul, 23, Guatemala. Originally charged by complaint and in custody, they are expected to make appearances before a magistrate judge in the near future.
Each of the charges indicate the men had illegally crossed the Rio Grande. They then allegedly claimed to be minors so they could be released into United States. The charges further allege each man had used false documents with incorrect birth dates in an attempt to convince authorities they were under the age of 18.
Flores-Galvan and Sandoval-Hernandez were arrested as they attempted to enter the United States April 21, while law enforcement took Trochez-Miranda and Chun-Cucul into custody April 28 and May 3, respectively.
If convicted, each face up to five years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Paxton Warner is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Four Charged with Trafficking Oxycodone and Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that four men were arrested today on federal charges related to the distribution of oxycodone pills, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, and other drugs in the Hartford area.
Each of the following individuals is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances:
REY URENA, also known as “Rueben,” 21, of Waterbury
YAN REYES, 34, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Hartford
RAMON VARGAS, 20, of Hartford
JOSE LORA, 27, of HartfordReyes, Vargas and Lora are also charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances. The four defendants are in custody and detention hearings are scheduled, beginning May 21.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad and the FBI Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force have been investigating the distribution of oxycodone pills, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, and other drugs from neighborhood grocery stores in New Britain and Hartford. Between January 2020 and March 2021, investigators made several controlled purchases of illegal pills at the Washington Market, formerly located at 453 Washington Street in Hartford; JZ Tobacco, located at 25 New Britain Avenue in Hartford, and Prestige Market, located at 23 New Britain Avenue in Hartford. Urena supervised the illegal enterprise, Reyes and Vargas sold pills from JZ Tobacco and Prestige Market, and Lora served as a runner and lookout for the organization.
It is further alleged that, on December 20, 2020, investigators stopped a vehicle registered to Urena and found approximately 4,000 oxycodone pills and $51,000 in cash in a hidden “trap” beneath the front passenger seat of the car.
In connection with today’s arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants. It is alleged that a search of an apartment on Colonial Street in Hartford that was used by the drug trafficking organization revealed approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine, approximately one kilogram of suspected fentanyl or heroin, more than 5,000 real and counterfeit oxycodone pills, approximately 2,000 xanax pills, items used to process and package narcotics, and two handguns. A search of Urena’s residence in Waterbury revealed approximately $54,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, Meriden, New Britain, West Haven and Watertown Police Departments. The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Former Chesapeake OB/GYN Sentenced to 59 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former Chesapeake doctor was sentenced today to 59 years in prison after a jury convicted him on 52 counts of health care fraud and other charges arising from his performance of irreversible hysterectomies, improper sterilizations, and other medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures on his patients over a decade.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial and at sentencing, Javaid Perwaiz, approximately 71 years old, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) who practiced in Hampton Roads since the 1980s, executed a scheme to defraud health insurance programs between at least 2010 and 2019. During that period, Perwaiz caused approximately $20.8 million dollars in losses to private and government health care insurers for irreversible hysterectomies and other surgeries and procedures that were not medically necessary for his patients. In many instances, Perwaiz would falsely tell his patients that they needed the surgeries because they had cancer, or to avoid cancer, in order to induce them to agree to the surgeries. Many of the surgeries occurred within days of the false diagnoses.
“Motivated by his insatiable and reprehensible greed, Perwaiz used an arsenal of horrifying tactics to manipulate and deceive patients into undergoing invasive, unnecessary, and devastating medical procedures,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These fraudulent and destructive surgeries caused irreversible damage to the victims. In many instances, the defendant shattered their ability to have children by using fear to remove organs from their bodies that he had no right to take. Despite having to endure immeasurable physical and emotional pain, the victims showed resilience, strength, and courage by speaking out and sharing their stories to hold the defendant accountable for his heinous crimes. While no prosecution can undo the lifelong trauma that Perwaiz cruelly inflicted on his patients, today’s sentence ensures that the victims and their families have the last word.”
“This individual not only defrauded our healthcare system out of millions of dollars, he did so by performing unnecessary surgeries on women and putting their health and safety at risk,” said Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia. “Doctors should never take advantage of the trust that their patients put in them, and those who do should be held accountable. I want to thank my team for their hard work on this case and I also want to thank our local, state, and federal partners for their ongoing collaboration and partnership on this and other important cases.”
“Today’s sentence is a significant step toward justice for the women Perwaiz preyed upon and harmed through his deception, betrayal, and greed,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The FBI is committed to stopping predators like Perwaiz who abuse their position of trust, but this outcome was ultimately made possible by the brave victims and nurses who deserve our gratitude for coming forward and exposing his horrible criminal conduct.”
“When unscrupulous healthcare providers such as Perwaiz put greed above patient care, they not only violate public trust, they stain the profession.” said Christopher W. Dillard, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS is committed to working alongside our investigative partners in rooting out criminal malpractice and bringing to justice those who put the public and community at risk.”
The evidence also demonstrated that Perwaiz falsified records for his obstetric patients so that he could induce their labor early, prior to the recommended gestational age that minimizes risk to the mother and baby, to ensure he would be reimbursed for the deliveries. Perwaiz also violated the 30-day waiting period Medicaid requires for elective sterilizations by submitting backdated forms to falsely make it appear as if he had complied with the waiting period. Perwaiz billed insurance hundreds of thousands of dollars for diagnostic procedures that he only pretended to perform at his office.
The witnesses at trial included more than 25 former patients, some of whom testified to the complications they continue to endure as a result of the unnecessary surgeries Perwaiz performed. In addition, the Court received over 60 Victim Impact Statements and the FBI received hundreds of tips through its hotline concerning Perwaiz’s actions. Witnesses also included nurses who worked at the hospitals where Perwaiz performed his surgeries, who testified that they repeatedly complained about his practices to their supervisors.
On November 9, 2020, a federal jury convicted Perwaiz of 52 counts of health care fraud and false statements. In total, Perwaiz was responsible for $20.8 million worth of false and fraudulent billings for both himself and the hospitals where he performed the surgeries.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Chris Dillard, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Yusi, E. Rebecca Gantt, and John F. Butler prosecuted the case.
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. 2:19-cr-189.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty last week in federal court in Springfield to tax offenses.
Cory Kizer, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and eight counts of theft of public money. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2021.
Kizer admitted to obtaining personal identifying information for the purpose of filing false federal tax returns and obtaining unwarranted tax refunds. The tax returns contained false addresses, wages and salaries, employers, dependents, business and loss information. The false returns generated a total of over $550,000 of unwarranted tax refunds.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of theft of public money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex J. Grant and Catherine Curley of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Five Members of a Violent Austin Area Criminal Faction Sentenced to Federal Prison for RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A federal judge in Austin today sentenced five individuals, including ringleader Beronica Rodriguez, aka Black Widow, Queen B and Baby B, to federal prison for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, carjacking, kidnapping, home invasion robberies, identity theft and drug trafficking.
U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel issued the following sentences:
- Beronica Rodriguez, age 42, received 336 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release;
- Leon Castillo, aka Big Moe, age 34, received 276 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release;
- Thomas Cisneros Jr., aka T, age 27, received 360 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release;
- Gloriana Vega, aka Baby G, age 23, received 108 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release; and
- Jacqelynn Aleman, aka Jackie, age 24, received 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
“This opportunistic group used any means at their disposal to prey on our community for their own personal enrichment. The streets and homes of central Texas are safer now that these callous and violent offenders have been held accountable for their criminal enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We hope these federal prison sentences will bring a certain measure of justice for the victims.”
All five defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute. According to court records, the defendants were part of a group responsible for numerous violent crimes in the Austin area to include an armed home-invasion robbery in Georgetown on October 18, 2016, during which several firearms were stolen. One of the stolen firearms was used in the assault, kidnapping and murder of an individual on October 30, 2016. The murder victim’s body and vehicle were then set on fire.
In November 2016, members of the group were responsible for a string of crimes that included an attempted carjacking wherein a woman and her small child were shot at; an armed home-invasion robbery of an elderly woman; another armed home-invasion resulting in a woman being restrained and assaulted; and a carjacking at gunpoint of a man who was restrained and robbed by members of the group.
“The FBI would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bastrop, Travis and Williamson County Sheriffs’ Offices for their partnership and unyielding dedication to work the long, hard hours required for this very complex investigation,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division. “As a result of our collective efforts, members of this criminal organization will no longer plague and terrorize our communities in central Texas with their brazen acts of violence, drug trafficking, and kidnapping.”
The FBI, Austin Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office investigated this RICO case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Harding, Keith Henneke, Dan Guess and Robert Almonte prosecuted this RICO case.
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Federal jury convicts defendant on gun, drug charges in Southern District’s first post-COVID-19 trialRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: In the first post-pandemic jury trial held in the Southern District of Georgia, a previously convicted felon has been found guilty on gun and drug charges.
Michael Venetez McRae, 36, of Augusta, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall on charges of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Cocaine, said Acting David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The conviction exposes McRae to a possible statutory penalty of more than 10 years in prison, followed by a period of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“During the precautionary partial shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, our office and our law enforcement partners continued to investigate and prosecute cases in the Southern District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “As key health indicators have improved, we welcome the return of jury trials as a vital part of the judicial process.”
The first jury in the Southern District to meet since the March 2020 start of COVID-19 restrictions found McRae guilty on all counts of the September 2019 indictment in which he was charged. Jurors deliberated for less than 30 minutes to convict McRae, who acted as his own attorney during the trial.
Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrested McRae on Jan. 5, 2019, during a call for a domestic disturbance at an Augusta residence. Deputies found McRae in possession of a bag of powder cocaine and a bag of “crack” cocaine, along with a loaded magazine and a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol. As a previously convicted felon, McRae is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
McRae will be sentenced at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara M. Lyons and Jennifer A. Stanley, with assistance from Litigation Technologist Dean Athanasopoulos.
Eight Brooklyn Individuals Charged with Multi-Million Dollar Covid-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Bryan Abraham, Carlos Vazquez, Angel Cabrera, Armani Miller, Johan Santos, Gianni Stewart, Andre Ruddock and Seth Golding with conspiracy to commit access device fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in unemployment insurance benefits funded, in whole or in part, by COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs. Six defendants were arrested this morning and will make their initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes. Miller and Santos remain at large.
Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS); Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Region (DOL-OIG); and Roberta Reardon, Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the defendants not only fraudulently obtained $2 million in pandemic-related unemployment benefits using information from third-party victims, they audaciously displayed the proceeds of their fraud – large amounts of stolen cash – on social media,” stated Acting United States Attorney Lesko. “This Office will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against defendants who would pocket public funds that are intended to alleviate the hardship of others.” Mr. Lesko also expressed his grateful appreciation to the New York City Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
“Unfortunately, as the government rolled out various CARES Act programs, fraudsters were ‘At the Ready’ to take full advantage of these programs through a variety of fraud schemes, ripping off the American public of millions in taxpayer dollars, and clogging the system for those who honestly are in need. These arrests are an example of the commitment of law enforcement to bring those to justice for scamming the system” stated USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Bartlett.
“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations relating to pandemic-related unemployment benefits. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated DOL-OIG Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Splagounias.
“There is never an excuse to knowingly commit fraud and steal from a system that was designed to help New Yorkers in a time of need,” stated NYS DOL Commissioner Reardon. “However, it’s even more despicable when these thieves steal a lifeline from New Yorkers in the midst of a public health pandemic. We have no tolerance for criminals, and if you break the law, you will be held accountable. I commend our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all levels of law enforcement for their commitment to helping us fight Unemployment Insurance fraud.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has enacted laws to establish programs and provide additional funding for unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed persons. These include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law on March 27, 2020, which created programs for pandemic unemployment assistance and federal pandemic unemployment compensation.
As alleged in the complaint, between June 2020 and April 2021, the defendants submitted fraudulent claims to the New York State Department of Labor for unemployment insurance benefits. They used the personal identifying information of third-party victims to fraudulently receive unemployment insurance benefits funded, in whole or in part, by COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs. The defendants’ scheme allegedly resulted in approximately $2 million in unemployment benefits being distributed to the defendants and others. Cabrera, Golding, Stewart and Vazquez posted photos of themselves on social media in which they were holding and fanning out large sums of cash.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Tara McGrath is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Brendan G. King of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section.
The Defendants:
BRYAN ABRAHAM
Age: 18
Brooklyn, New YorkCARLOS VASQUEZ
Age: 20
Brooklyn, New YorkANGEL CABRERA
Age: 18
Brooklyn, New YorkARMANI MILLER
Age: 24
Brooklyn, New YorkJOHAN SANTOS
Age: 19
Brooklyn, New YorkGIANNI STEWART
Age: 19
Brooklyn, New YorkANDRE RUDDOCK
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkSETH GOLDING
Age: 18
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-MJ-593
Dominican National Sentenced for Stealing Government Benefits and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national, formerly residing in Lynn, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for theft of government money and making a false statement on an application for Social Security benefits.
Rafael Bautista Abreu, 63, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Bautista Abreu was also ordered to pay restitution of $15,840 to MassHealth and of $12,222 to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Bautista Abreu will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
In February 2021, Bautista Abreu pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government money and one count of making a false statement on an application for Social Security benefits.
Bautista Abreu unlawfully used the identity of a U.S. citizen for at least 12 years, during which time he fraudulently received public assistance benefits to which he was not entitled. He stole approximately $15,840 in MassHealth benefits from October 2008 to July 2016, and $12,222 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (previously known as Food Stamps) from September 2009 to July 2016. Additionally, in July 2019, Bautista Abreu used the stolen identity when he applied for benefits with the Social Security Administration.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican Congressman Charged with International Cocaine Trafficking Arrested at Miami International AirportRead the Press Release
Miami, FL – Last night, federal law enforcement officers arrested a foreign elected official charged in the United States with drug trafficking, following the official’s international flight from the Dominican Republic to Miami.
Fifty-eight-year-old Miguel Andres Gutierrez Diaz, of Santiago, is an elected member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic. According to the indictment returned by a Miami federal grand jury on March 11, 2021, from about 2014 to 2017, Congressman Gutierrez Diaz was part of a transnational drug ring that operated in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and the United States. The federal indictment charges Gutierrez Diaz and others with three counts: conspiring to distribute cocaine, knowing that it would be imported into the United States; conspiring to import cocaine into the United States; and conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Gutierrez Diaz faces up to life imprisonment.
Gutierrez Diaz will make his initial federal court appearance today at 2:00 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes, who sits in Miami.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and La Verne J. Hibbert, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, announced the charges and arrest.
DEA Miami investigated the case, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, DEA Santo Domingo Country Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Miami Office of Field Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Getchell and Ellen D’Angelo of the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section in the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal partners commend the Office of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic and the Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD) for their cooperation in this investigation.
This prosecution is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
An indictment merely contains allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
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Doctor’s Employee Admits Role in $24.8 Million Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – The employee of a Jersey City, New Jersey, doctor today admitted her role in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks and bribes from individuals associated with a Union City, New Jersey pharmacy, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Yudelka “Vicky” Ayala, 42, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging her with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.
The information alleges that Ayala conspired with six individuals associated with Prime Aid Pharmacy, three of whom were previously charged by superseding indictment: Samuel “Sam” Khaimov and Yana Shtindler, both of Glen Head, New York; and Ruben Sevumyants, of Marlboro, New Jersey. Ayala’s other alleged conspirators included Igor Fleyshmakher, of Holmdel, New Jersey, and Alex Fleyshmakher, of Morganville, New Jersey, who each previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy; and Eduard “Eddy” Shtindler, of Paramus, New Jersey, who previously pleaded guilty in a related kickback conspiracy. Their respective sentencings are pending.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ayala worked at a doctor’s office in Jersey City and developed a long-standing and illegal kickback relationship with several individuals associated with the Prime Aid Pharmacies – now closed – which operated as “specialty pharmacies” in Union City, New Jersey, and Bronx, New York. As “specialty pharmacies,” they processed expensive medications used to treat various conditions, including Hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Khaimov was a co-owner of Prime Aid Union City and the lead pharmacist of Prime Aid Bronx. Khaimov’s wife, Yana Shtindler, was Prime Aid Union City’s Administrator, and Sevumyants was Prime Aid Union City’s operations manager. Eddy Shtindler, Yana Shtindler’s brother, was a Prime Aid Union City employee. Alex Fleyshmakher worked at Prime Aid Union City and was an on-paper owner of Prime Aid Bronx. His father, Igor Fleyshmakher, was the other co-owner of Prime Aid Union City.
In order to obtain a higher volume of prescriptions from the doctor’s office where Ayala worked, Khaimov, Yana Shtindler, Igor Fleyshmakher, Alex Fleyshmakher, Sevumyants, Eddy Shtindler, and other Prime Aid employees paid Ayala kickbacks and bribes to induce her to steer prescriptions to Prime Aid Union City. From 2008 to August 2017, these bribes included expensive meals, designer bags, and payments by cash, check, and wire transfers. In total, Ayala accepted bribes and kickbacks totaling at least $219,060. The prescriptions that were steered to Prime Aid Union City as part of the scheme resulted in Medicare and Medicaid payments to the pharmacy of approximately $24.8 million.
The conspiracy to which Ayala pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark; special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and the N.J. Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of Acting Comptroller Kevin Walsh, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the information pertaining to Khaimov, Yana Shtindler, and Sevumyants are merely accusations, and those three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.