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6 May 2021
Bella Vista Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Bella Vista man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Stewart Anthony Carr, 41, was stopped on or about June 3, 2019, after officers with the Lowell Police Department witnessed him run a red light while operating a moped. Officers attempted to stop Carr, but he initially refused to stop. While following Carr, officers witnessed him throw various objects into a ditch from his moving moped. Carr was stopped, arrested, and searched. During the search Officers located a small blue plastic container containing what appeared to be methamphetamine residue in his backpack. While searching the side of the road where Carr was seen dropping items, Officers located drug paraphernalia and a black case containing a large amount of suspected methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the DEA crime lab, who determined the substance was 84.2 grams of actual methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Lowell Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges prosecuted the case.
Annapolis MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering Conspiracy and to Discharging a Firearm Related to a Murder and Two Attempted MurdersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Moises Alexis Reyes-Canales, a/k/a Sicopita, age 23, of Annapolis, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, in connection with his MS-13 gang activities, including a murder and two attempted murders.
According to his plea agreement and other court documents, from about March 11, 2016, Reyes-Canales was a member and associate of MS-13, and participated in a racketeering conspiracy that included assaults, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. Specifically, Reyes-Canales admitted that he participated in the murder of a suspected rival gang member, and conspired and attempted to murder two victims in Annapolis. In addition, between January 2016 and February 2017, Reyes-Canales and other MS-13 members/associates sold marijuana to raise funds for the gang. The drug proceeds were used for, among other purposes, the purchase of more narcotics, weapons, and to send to MS-13 members and associates in other states and in El Salvador.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge James Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Office; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Chief Amal Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Chief Edward Jackson of the Annapolis Police Department; and State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess of the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Office.
“The violence perpetrated by Reyes-Canales and his fellow MS-13 members was brutal and tragic and is totally unacceptable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland and our local and state partners are working together to remove these violent gang members and to keeping our communities safe from the violent threat of MS-13,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “We continue to work with our counterparts here and abroad to bring to justice these transnational gangs. We need the continued help of members of our communities in order to carry on our work against MS-13.”
“Reyes-Canales and his co-defendants committed murder, attempted murders, and other violent crimes on behalf of MS-13, causing lasting harm to victims and the Annapolis community,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through the diligent efforts of law enforcement and department prosecutors, these defendants will no longer harm and intimidate the Annapolis community. We will continue our relentless pursuit of MS-13 gang members, both in the United States and internationally.”
“This case illustrates that gang organizations are driven by greed and profit no matter the cost to innocent lives or our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge James Mancuso for the HSI Baltimore Field Office. “It is HSI’s priority to investigate crimes related to transnational gang violence, a duty we diligently and systematically discharge with the help of our federal, state, local and international law enforcement partners.”
“ATF is committed to focusing our efforts on identifying and investigating those who use violence and firearms to intimidate and brutalize others,” said ATF Baltimore Field Division Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones. “The strong partnerships ATF has with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as prosecutors, are crucial in targeting these offenders and dismantling the violent gangs who try to take over communities.”
As part of the racketeering conspiracy, Reyes-Canales admitted that on March 11, 2016, he and other MS-13 members and associates planned and agreed to murder Victim 1, whom the gang suspected of being a rival gang member. Prior to the murder, Reyes-Canales received authorization to commit the murder from MS-13 leadership. Juan Carlos Sandoval-Rodriguez and another MS-13 member/associate lured Victim 1 to Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland, and once Victim 1 arrived at the park, members of the gang struck Victim 1 in the head with a branch or stick. Reyes-Canales, co-defendants Marlon Cruz-Flores, Fermin Gomez-Jimenez, and other members and associates of MS-13, then stabbed Victim 1 repeatedly, killing him. Reyes-Canales directed everyone during the murder. While Reyes-Canales and other members of the gang stabbed Victim 1, Co-conspirator 1 and other MS-13 members/associates stood watch outside of the park to ensure no one entered or left the park, and to watch for police presence, so that the gang could complete the murder of Victim 1. During this time, Co-conspirator 1 communicated by phone and through text messages with Reyes-Canales and Cruz-Flores inside the park, to let them know no one entered the park and they could complete the murder. After Victim 1 was killed, Gomez-Jimenez left the park to stand watch, so that other MS-13 associates could enter the park help bury Victim 1 in a shallow grave inside the park, at the direction of Reyes-Canales. Law enforcement did not locate Victim 1’s body until August 28, 2017, when it was exhumed by law enforcement
As detailed in their plea agreements, on October 23, 2016, Reyes-Canales, Gomez-Jimenez, and other members and associates of the MS-13 Hempstead clique in Annapolis, devised a plan to murder Victim 2, an unlicensed taxi driver. Reyes-Canales, Gomez-Jimenez, Cruz-Flores, co-defendant Manuel Martinez-Aguilar, and other members and associates of MS-13, met at Quiet Waters Park to discuss the plan to murder Victim 2. At the meeting, each member of the conspiracy was assigned a task to complete the murder and dispose of the evidence. The group planned to use machetes, knives, and guns to kill the victim. Reyes-Canales and Cruz-Flores each had a firearm and all the members of the conspiracy were aware that guns would be used in the murder.
A co-conspirator called Victim 2 using another member’s cell phone to arrange for an unlicensed taxi ride. Victim 2 arrived with another passenger, Victim 3. Cruz-Flores asked Victim 2 to drive to the area of the 700 block of Annapolis Neck Road in Annapolis. When they arrived, Reyes-Canales approached the vehicle and pointed a gun at the victims and Cruz-Flores also produced a gun and pointed it at the victims. Victim 3 attempted to run away and Cruz-Flores shot Victim 3 in the leg, while another MS-13 member repeatedly attacked Victim 3 with a machete. Victim 2 also tried to run. Reyes-Canales attempted to shoot Victim 2, but his gun failed to discharge. Co-defendant Martinez-Aguilar and another MS-13 member took Victim 2’s vehicle and attempted unsuccessfully to run him over with the car. Reyes-Canales, Gomez-Jimenez, and other conspirators chased Victim 2 and Gomez-Jimenez repeatedly stabbed Victim 2 with a knife. The conspirators fled when they heard police sirens. A short time later, police arrested Gomez-Jimenez nearby with Victim 2’s blood on his hands and clothes. A surveillance camera in the area captured Gomez-Jimenez assaulting Victim 2 and the attempt to run over Victim 2 with Victim 2’s vehicle. DNA subsequently confirmed that the blood on Gomez-Jimenez’ hands matched Victim 2’s blood. Both victims were transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with life threatening injuries. Both victims survived but have permanent injuries as a result of the attack.
Reyes-Canales and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Reyes-Canales will be sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for Reyes-Canales on September 17, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
Co-defendants Marlon Cruz-Flores, age 25, and Manuel Martinez-Aguilar, a/k/a “El Lunatic” and “Zomb,” age 22, both of Annapolis, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and gun charge. Cruz-Flores was sentenced to 38 years in federal prison and Martinez-Aguilar was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. Co-defendant Fermin Gomez-Jimenez, age 23, of Annapolis, Maryland pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and David Diaz-Alvarado, age 20, also of Annapolis, pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in connection with his MS-13 gang activities. Co-defendant, Juan Carlos Sandoval-Rodriguez, age 23, of Annapolis was convicted on October 31, 2019, of murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering after a nine-day jury trial for the murder of Victim 1. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. All of the defendants remain detained.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner and commended HSI, the ATF, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Annapolis Police Department, and the Anne Arundel State’s Attorney Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Lenzner and Mr. McQuaid thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig, and Trial Attorneys Matthew Hoff and Samantha Mildenberg Loiero of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting the case.
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Allen Park Tax Preparer Arrested in Scheme to Obtain Pandemic Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
An Allen Park resident was arrested today in connection with a federal criminal complaint charging him with obtaining unemployment benefits authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations, by using the personally identifiable information of others that he had unlawfully obtained, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima S. Mohsin.
Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Irene Lindow, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Sarah Kull, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Douglas Zloto, U.S. Secret Service, and Acting Director Liza Estlund Olson, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
Charged in the criminal complaint is Christopher Dominic Niebel, 43, of
Allen Park, Michigan. The affidavit supporting the complaint states that Niebel was responsible for or associated with over 100 fraudulent unemployment insurance accounts. The total amount of unemployment benefits paid through those fraudulent accounts by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) from March through August 2020 was approximately $849,000.00. Niebel was the accountholder on at least 28 of the bank accounts to which the unemployment benefits were electronically transferred. These benefits included regular unemployment benefits but were mostly pandemic-related unemployment benefits provided through the CARES Act.
The complaint affidavit also relates that Niebel held himself out as a tax preparer under the name “Tax Guy Chris” with an office in Allen Park.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hiyama. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Michigan UIA.
Alleged Bank Robber Arrested, Charged Following Fingerprint AnalysisRead the Press Release
A Dallas man has been arrested and charged with bank robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah.
Michael Wilmer Wilson, 34, was arrested by the FBI at his residence in Dallas on Thursday morning, charged via criminal complaint with bank robbery. He is slated to make his initial appearance in federal court on Friday.
According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Wilson is allegedly connected to multiple recent bank robberies across north Texas. The incidents were repeatedly caught on surveillance camera.
During a robbery at a bank in Dallas on Feb. 9, Mr. Wilson allegedly flashed a demand note that read, “This is a robbery. I have a gun.” After grabbing several thousand dollars from the frightened teller, he fled with the money and demand note -- but left a deposit slip on the counter.
Investigators lifted a latent fingerprint off of the slip. They ran the print through a police department database, but failed to turn up a match.
During another robbery at a bank in Ennis on April 29, the suspect allegedly displayed a handwritten demand note that read, “THIS IS A ROBBERY. 30K. DON’T BE A HERO.” He instructed the victim teller to place cash into a folder, then fled, on foot, towards a nearby grocery store.
Investigators collected surveillance video from the grocery store, which showed a silver Dodge Challenger pulling out of the parking lot approximately three minutes after the robbery. The footage later showed the vehicle crossing paths with a police department vehicle, which happened to record the car’s license plate on its dash cam.
A search of the license plate number in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ database revealed that the silver Dodge was registered to Mr. Wilson, whose driver’s license photo matched witnesses’ descriptions of the bank robbery suspect.
A forensic fingerprint examiner compared the latent print collected during the Feb. 9 robbery to prints collected by the Texas Department of Public Safety in March 2020 when Mr. Wilson applied for his license, and determined the prints were a match.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Wilson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Violent Crimes Taskforce conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, the Ennis Police Department, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Briggs is prosecuting the case.
36th Street Bang Squad Member Sentenced for Gang-Related Murders and ShootingsRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to multiple life sentences for his role in a gang-related racketeering conspiracy that engaged in multiple murders, attempted murders, and drug trafficking.
“As the evidence demonstrated during a seven-week trial, the defendant’s actions displayed a chilling neglect for human life, safety, and the rule of law,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our Office is grateful to our law enforcement partners and trial team, who worked for years to bring the defendant and his co-conspirators to justice and stop them from further threatening our communities with violence.”
According to court documents, Martin L Hunt, 24, along with members of the 36th Street Bang Squad gang, were involved in multiple violent crimes in Hampton and Newport News between March and June 2015. On April 6, 2015, Hunt and three other members of the 36th Street Bang Squad drew firearms and began shooting at people outside a Newport News home. Two teenagers were killed during this incident.
Casings collected from the April 2015 double-murder scene matched a 9 mm firearm that Hunt had obtained from a family member in March 2015. Those casings also matched the gun used during a March 15, 2015 shooting of P.D. and A.J. in Newport News. That shooting left both victims with serious and life-threatening injuries. Hunt bragged afterwards to other gang members that he had gone “op shopping,” which meant shooting at rival gang members.
On June 5, 2015, Hunt and co-conspirators Shaquone Ford, 26, of Newport News, Jamaree Green, 24, of Hampton, and Corey Sweetenburg, 24, of Newport News, drove to a Hampton high school looking for a rival gang member suspected of murdering a 36th Street Bang Squad member two days prior. Once at the location, other 36th Street members and associates joined the group and followed a Hampton City school bus in two vehicles, waiting for their target to get off at a stop. When the target exited the bus, the defendants and other gang members and associates chased him into an apartment complex. The defendants carried loaded firearms and planned to kill the target if he was found, which he was not.
According to court documents, Hunt used social media to taunt rival gang members, acquire firearms, and brag about the exploits of the 36th Street Bang Squad.
On December 10, 2019, after a seven-week jury trial, Hunt was convicted on eleven counts of crimes in aid of racketeering, including two murders, three attempted murders, and using a firearm in each crime. He was sentenced today to life in prison, followed by two consecutive life sentences and an additional twenty-five years.
In addition to Hunt, six co-defendants were convicted by a federal jury in the same trial for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. Those six co-defendants currently are scheduled for sentencing in the next three months from June 10 through August 2.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; Kenneth Ferguson, Interim Chief of Hampton Police; and Anton A. Bell, Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Hampton, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Brian Samuels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross from the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Chad McHenry from the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section 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. 4:17-cr-52.
5 May 2021
Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man, Evan Rockwell McEwuen, 24, of Vienna, pleaded guilty today to federal drug and gun charges.
According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at McEwuen’s residence in Vienna on August 5, 2020. McEwuen was located in the residence at the time of the search and law enforcement officers found 149 grams of methamphetamine, over $14,000 in United States currency, plastic baggies, digital scales and four firearms in the room where McEwuen was located. One firearm was loaded and was equipped with a device designed to convert the firearm into a machine gun. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the firearm was successfully converted into a machine gun and was capable of fully automatic fire. Officers also found approximately 143 grams of additional methamphetamine along with a sawed-off shotgun, plastic baggies and digital scales in a truck and construction trailer parked outside of McEwuen’s residence. In total, officers located over 2000 rounds of ammunition during the execution of the search warrant. McEwuen admitted to possessing all the evidence located in the residence and also admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others. He was not legally permitted to possess firearms due to a 2016 felony conviction in the Circuit Court of Wood County for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
McEwuen pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to being a felon in possession of firearms and faces between 15 and 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 18, 2021. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe and Joshua C. Hanks are handling the prosecution.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Vienna Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Parkersburg Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00166.
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Waubay Woman Sentenced for Federal Program TheftRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that a Waubay, South Dakota, woman convicted of Federal Program Theft was sentenced on May 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Dawn Block, age 53, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $222,801.72, with $68,569.78 being paid to the U.S. Department of Labor, and $154,231.95 being paid to the governing entities that formerly comprised the United Sioux Tribes of South Dakota Development Corporation (USTDC).
Between October 2018 and May 2019, while she was employed as an agent of USTDC, Block did embezzle, steal, obtain by fraud, and intentionally misapply property of USTDC, an organization receiving Federal funds, and intentionally misapplied property worth at least $5,000, by way of payroll advances, cash withdrawals, awards and bonuses, duplicate pay, and additional unsupported payments.
The case was brought as part of The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Block was released following sentencing but was ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on May 18, 2021.
Virginia Businessman Sentenced for Bribery of FBI OfficialRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Robert Bailey, 63, of Centreville, Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for paying a bribe to a public official, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also imposed a $100,000 fine and a term of three years of supervised release to follow Bailey’s prison sentence.
“When private individuals perform contracts for the government, they effectively become public servants who must uphold a public trust,” said Gonzalez. “Mr. Bailey breached that trust and now faces the consequences of his actions. The Court’s 18-month sentence sends the appropriate message to Mr. Bailey and other similarly-situated government contractors: take the public trust seriously or wind up behind bars.”
“Bailey bribed an FBI Contracting Officer Representative in order to gain personal advantages in the contracting process. Today’s sentencing shows that those who seek advantages through disingenuous means like bribes will be held accountable,” said Douglas B. Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office.
According to court records, in 2001, Bailey purchased L-1, a construction management and operations company located in Chantilly, Virginia. In 2008, Bailey became a business acquaintance of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employee when they worked together on an FBI construction project. The FBI employee, who held the position of Management and Program Analyst, was responsible for managing construction and services contracts for FBI buildings across the country.
According to court records, in 2017, the FBI broke ground on the construction of a data center in Pocatello, Idaho (the Pocatello Data Center project). The Pocatello Data Center project involved construction of a two-building, 140,000 square-foot complex that would accommodate data halls containing computer equipment and office space. The purpose was to consolidate multiple FBI data centers from across the country and improve efficiency and cyber-security. In 2017, the FBI employee became the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the Pocatello Data Center project. In that position, the FBI employee had management and oversight responsibilities over the construction of the Pocatello Data Center.
According to court records, in 2016 through 2018, Bailey and L-1 made payments, and gave items of value, to the FBI employee. These payments included 18 deposits totaling $120,000 into a bank account controlled by the FBI employee. From this account, the FBI employee made payments on a personal loan, home mortgage, car, credit card, and vacation travel costs, among other personal expenditures at retail stores, such as a pair of diamond earrings that cost $5,300. In addition, Bailey and L-1 provided the following items of value to the FBI employee: a fiftieth birthday party in Dallas, Texas, including first-class airfare, hotel accommodations, and tickets to a Dallas Cowboys football game; a beach house rental in Nags Head, North Carolina; first-class Amtrak train tickets; invitations to a L-1 company holiday party; and tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game, among other gratuities. The total value of the payments and gratuities was $128,128.
According to court records, Bailey and L-1 made these payments, and gave these items of value, to the FBI employee with the intent to influence the FBI employee in performing official acts at FBI to benefit L-1 on the Pocatello Data Center project. These official acts included the following: the FBI employee seeking and receiving authorization for approximately $16,000 monthly per diem payments from the FBI to Bailey for L-1 employees who stayed at Bailey’s house instead of a hotel; the FBI employee soliciting and including Bailey’s edits in the statement of work to a $12.2 million construction and services bridge contract (related to the Pocatello Data Center project) that the FBI later awarded to S-1 (as general contractor) and L-1 (as subcontractor); and the FBI employee convincing his FBI superiors to pay L-1 for its work on the bridge contract at higher Washington, D.C. metropolitan-area labor rates, rather than lower Idaho labor rates.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.
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Union County Man Charged with Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man was indicted today for illegal possession of ammunition, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Kevin Cordeiro, 34, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 27, 2021, Cordeiro fired multiple gunshots toward an occupied vehicle that was parked on Westfield Avenue in Elizabeth. Law enforcement recovered eight .45 caliber shell casings from the shooting scene. After the shooting, Cordeiro fled to Florida and was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on March 29, 2021. Cordeiro was previously convicted of second-degree robbery in New Jersey Superior Court, for which he was sentenced to six years in prison.
The charged offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Cordeiro was first charged by federal criminal complaint and had an initial appearance in the District of New Jersey before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa via video conference on April 29, 2021. He was detained without bail.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo; and the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief Giacomo Sacca, with the investigation leading to this charge. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, Jr., for their assistance with this investigation.
This case is a part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Frazer and Samantha C. Fasanello of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, May 5, 2021Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—On May 4, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. proclaimed today, May 5, 2021, as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.
The proclamation reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to solving all missing and murdered Indigenous persons cases and addressing the underlying causes of these crimes, including sexual violence, human trafficking, domestic violence, violent crime, systemic racism, economic disparities, and substance use and addition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon joins its Tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting Tribal crime victims and synthesizing investigative leads and information across government and law enforcement agencies.
“The first step in seeking justice for missing and murdered Tribal victims is acknowledging the historical indifference to and neglect of these tragic cases. A lack of data and jurisdictional gaps have caused many solvable cases to go unsolved” said Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug. “Today’s commemoration reminds us of the hard work still to be done. We must not stop until we give every missing and murdered Tribal victim a voice and bring some degree of peace and comfort to their families.”
In June 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the hiring of its first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) program coordinator. In February 2021, the office released its first annual MMIP program report, summarizing what is known about missing and murdered Indigenous people in Oregon and outlining the office’s plans and goals for the year ahead. The report was the first of its kind produced by a U.S. Attorney’s Office. Recently, the office began working with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to develop a Tribal Community Response Plan as part of a Department of Justice pilot project.
MMIP is an important and sensitive issue to Tribal communities. Addressing MMIP in Indian Country is particularly challenging due to jurisdictional issues, lack of coordination and inadequate resources. However, for the first time in U.S. history, a national federal strategy—formalized by legislation, executive order, and departmental directive—is in place to address MMIP issues.
If you or someone you know have information about missing or murdered Indigenous people in Oregon, please contact the FBI Portland Field Office by calling (503) 224-4181 or by visiting tips.fbi.gov.
If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP program coordinator Cedar Wilkie Gillette by emailing [email protected] or by calling (503) 727-1000.
U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness DayRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed a proclamation designating today, May 5, 2021, as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. The proclamation reaffirms our country’s commitment to solving missing and murdered Indigenous persons cases and addressing the underlying causes of these crimes, including sexual violence, violent crime, economic disparities, and substance use and addiction.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada joins our Tribal, state, local, and federal law enforcement partners in commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, and taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting Tribal crime victims.
“Native Americans, especially women and children, suffer from disproportionately high rates of violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to finding the missing and seeking justice for the murdered. In partnership with the FBI, community organizations, and Tribal Nations, our District — one of the first in the country to recruit a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) program coordinator — has made strides in addressing the lack of data, lack of coordination, and jurisdictional gaps that caused many cases to go unsolved. Work remains to be done but, by working together, I believe we can end the MMIP crisis and bring some degree of peace to the families of missing and murdered Tribal victims.”
If you or someone you know has information about missing or murdered Indigenous persons in Nevada, please contact the FBI Las Vegas Field Office by calling (702) 385-1281, or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP program coordinator Tom Ross by calling (775) 784-5438.
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Two New York Men Charged with Scheme to Steal Checks and Defraud BanksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two New York men were arrested today for their participation in a scheme to steal and alter checks from the mail and engage in bank fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Nigel Lynch, 19, of Yonkers, New York, and Alique Jordan Clarke, 20, of Bronx, New York, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. They are scheduled to appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Kiel.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From February 2020 to November 2020, Lynch, Clarke, and others conspired to steal checks from mailboxes in Morris, Essex, Somerset, and Passaic counties, alter the stolen checks, and deposit the altered checks into bank accounts controlled by Lynch, Clarke and their conspirators. The investigation has identified over 294 checks with a face value of over $1.3 million that have been stolen, altered, and deposited in accounts controlled by Lynch, Clarke, and their conspirators.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vijay Dewan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Cincinnati men charged federally with 2015 cold-case murderRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has charged two Cincinnati men with using a firearm to commit a murder during the commission of a crime of violence.
Jordan Wimberly, 32, and Ryan Carter, 28, allegedly killed Lerois Harris during a robbery on January 29, 2015.
Wimberly was transferred into federal custody from state incarceration on March 12, 2021; on March 18, 2021, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie K. Bowman ordered him detained pending trial. Agents of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cincinnati Police officers arrested Carter yesterday. He appeared in federal court at 1:30pm today, and his case was unsealed at that time.
A conviction for killing someone with a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and is punishable by up to life in prison or the death penalty.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley N. Brucato and Julie D. Garcia are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Three San Jose Residents Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in Automobile Resale SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court charging Seymur Khalilov, Ramil Heydarov, and Orkhan Aliyev with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
According to the complaint, between 2016 and the present, Khalilov, 32; Heydarov, 31; and Aliyev, 31, all of San Jose, conspired to purchase high-mileage vehicles, roll back the odometers, and falsify documentation to make the vehicles appear newer. The co-conspirators then allegedly sold the vehicles on Craigslist at significant profits. The complaint alleges defendants fraudulently sold at least a dozen vehicles in this way for a total of at least $300,000. In addition, the complaint states that the number of cars and amount of money at issue will likely change as the ongoing investigation into the scope and extent of the scheme continues.
The complaint describes the multiple steps taken by the coconspirators to defraud purchasers of the cars. For example, the complaint describes how defendants purchased high-mileage or old-model vehicles and then, with the assistance of other co-conspirators, rolled back the odometers of the vehicles. Further, the defendants altered documentation related to the vehicles, including titles and registrations, to reflect the lower mileage amount and other fraudulent information. The complaint alleges the fraudulent alterations were made with the goal of increasing the prospective sale price of the vehicles. In addition, when selling the vehicles, the defendants portrayed themselves as the prior owners of the vehicles, including by altering California identification cards, so that the defendants’ true names would not appear in the vehicles’ transaction history.
Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The defendants each made their initial federal court appearance earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson. Aliyev’s next court date is May 6, 2021, and Khalilov and Heydarov’s next court date is May 7, 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ankur Shingal is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk and Soana Katoa. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division in Vallejo, the San Ramon Police Department, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations.
Three Plead Guilty, Face 5-40 Years in Prison in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Three people charged in a wide-ranging FBI drug and firearm trafficking investigation face between 5-40 years in federal prison after admitting to a judge today that they participated in a conspiracy that distributed significant quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl in Woonsocket and elsewhere.
Angel Aviles, 20, of Cranston, and Juan Batista, 35, and Natalie Cassidy, 27, both of Woonsocket, are among nearly two-dozen individuals charged during an expansive investigation begun in January 2020 by the FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force targeting sources of supply for drugs and firearms. The investigation determined that Aviles, Batista, and Cassidy worked together to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to information presented to the court, Aviles often brokered the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine supplied by Batista, who, at times, brokered his own drug deals. On several occasions, Cassidy delivered crack cocaine and fentanyl purchases, collected payment from the buyer, and offered to be a point of contact for drug purchases.
Between February 26, and June 23, 2020, members of the FBI Task Force surveilled at least six occasions when drug purchases were requested from and delivered by members of the conspiracy. The transactions included deliveries of between 7.4 and 36.2 grams of crack cocaine and 5.3 grams of fentanyl, for between $360 and $1,800.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Juan Batista pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base, distribution of 28 or more grams of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl; Angel Aviles pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base and distribution of 28 or more grams of cocaine base; Natalie Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl.
At sentencing, the defendants face statutory penalties of between 5-40 years of incarceration in federal prison.
Angel Aviles, Juan Batista, and Natalie Cassidy’s guilty pleas are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine D. Lowell.
The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug Related OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Burgess, Jr., 33, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced Friday to ten years imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine and a sawed off shotgun in the hands of a convicted felon is a menacing and potentially deadly combination, and the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to making sure such dangerous criminals are sentenced appropriately,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our law enforcement partners at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office did an outstanding job in concert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to bring this armed drug trafficker to justice.”
In January of 2020, Burgess was wanted by local authorities based on outstanding warrants. Leon County Sheriff’s Deputies located and arrested Burgess at a hotel in Tallahassee. During the arrest, deputies noted the presence of drugs and obtained a search warrant for the hotel room, which led to the discovery of methamphetamine, and a sawed off 12-gauge shotgun hidden under the mattress of the bed.
After Burgess’s arrest, his case was adopted for federal prosecution by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as part of the Tallahassee Gun Violence Initiative.
“Our law enforcement partnerships play such a vital role in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Craig W. Saier, “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners is making our communities safer.”
In December of 2020, Burgess pled guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This sentencing resulted from the collaborative efforts of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Substitute Teacher Charged in “Sextortion” CaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Mitchell James Ottinger, 25, of Carver, Minnesota, was arrested yesterday on criminal charges for alleged production of child pornography related to sextortion and threats of extortion. A detention and preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 7, 2021, at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.
According to court documents, Ottinger created and used multiple Internet accounts to encourage and direct minors and an adult to create sexually explicit images and videos of themselves to send to Ottinger. Ottinger posed as a young female using aliases including “Taylor Malek” or “Rachel Meyer,” in order to obtain the images and videos. If a victim later blocked or ignored “her,” Ottinger would contact the victim—through the alias or other accounts—and threaten to publish the victim’s sexually explicit image(s) to others unless additional demands for sexually explicit images were met. This conduct is sometimes referred to as “sextortion.”
Law enforcement was alerted to the sextortion when one of the victims contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center and reported the threats. Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI Minneapolis Division at 763-569-8000.
Ottinger is charged with two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography and two counts of making extortionate threats. If convicted, Ottinger faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Dugi is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Statement of Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, 2021Read the Press Release
BILLINGS -- "Native American women and children suffer disproportionally high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault and too often go missing or are murdered. In recent years, Montana has had several tragic cases, and the Montana U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing its part to address this crisis,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
“In the last year we have continued to work closely with the Montana MMIP State Task Force to identify the root causes of this problem and to develop solutions. In April, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes announced the completion of their tribal community response plan (TCRP), which identifies how tribal law enforcement, working with local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners, will respond when someone goes missing. This work was done in partnership with my office, the FBI, local and state law enforcement agencies and community organizations as part of the Department of Justice’s MMIP Initiative. It was the first such plan completed in the United States. Currently, several other tribes have begun developing similar response plans to address missing persons in their communities.
“Although we have made marked progress in the last year, we recognize that there is still much work to do. Today, we remember all those who have been murdered or have disappeared. We remain committed to finding the missing and seeking justice for the murdered. By all of us working together, I believe we can end this crisis."
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St. Paul Man Sentenced to Prison, $12 Million in Restitution for Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.
According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct was torn down. Wolfe pushed a barrel into a fire located in the entrance of the Third Precinct headquarters, which had been set by other unidentified co-conspirators, with the intent to accelerate the existing fire. Wolfe also entered the Third Precinct building and stole several items, including a police vest, duty belt, handcuffs, earpiece, baton, knife, riot helmet, pistol magazine, police radio, police overdose kit, uniform name plates, and ammunition. Wolfe was arrested on June 3, 2020, wearing the police vest, the duty belt and carrying the tactical baton.
“Mr. Wolfe furthered the destruction that took place in Minneapolis last summer by literally adding fuel to the fire. In addition to the arson, Mr. Wolfe stole body armor, weapons, and ammunition belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “This sentence underscores the seriousness of Mr. Wolfe’s actions and holds him to account.”
“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that puts our community members and first responders at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”
“The FBI’s mission is to uphold the Constitution, which includes freedom of speech and the right to assemble,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “Branden Wolfe crossed the line and engaged in criminal activity during the evening the Third Precinct building was burned down last May. People who choose to engage in violent activity during protests may believe they are anonymous, but they are mistaken and will be held accountable for their crimes.”
On December 21, 2020, Wolfe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Wolfe was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.
Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, and Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the arson at the Third Precinct building. They will be sentenced at a later date.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Role in Large-Scale Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday for his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin and fentanyl into Springfield from New York City and the Dominican Republic.
Julian Declet, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2019, Declet pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Declet worked at AJ Buy and Sell, a pawn shop in Springfield owned by co-defendant Alberto Marte. Declet admitted to brokering several sales of heroin on behalf of Marte. The deals frequently involved at least $50,000 worth of heroin. The Marte Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic. On a monthly basis, members of the DTO transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin into the Springfield area.
Marte and 11 co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and one was convicted by a federal jury. In March 2020, Marte was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood; Chicopee Police Chief William Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil Desroches, David G. Lazarus and Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Seabrook Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas McGrath, III, 65, of Seabrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McGrath applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in February of 2011 and agreed to report any work and earnings. McGrath worked as a carpenter’s assistant from January 2015 through at least March 2020 but concealed his employment to keep his benefits. In February of 2016, the Social Security Administration informed McGrath that he could work and earn income while continuing to receive some SSDI payments through the agency’s Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. However, McGrath never took that opportunity. Due to his scheme, McGrath received almost $54,000 in SSDI benefits that he was not entitled to receive.
McGrath is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2021.
“Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “When individuals lie about their ability to work, they are stealing benefits that they are not entitled to receive. To protect the integrity of the program, we will continue to work with the Office of the Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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San Pedro Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Gardena Credit Union at Gunpoint with Employee’s HelpRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Pedro man was sentenced today to 132 months in federal prison for being the gunman in a violent, takeover-style robbery of a Gardena credit union, where an employee helped with the planning and execution of the heist.
Toyrieon Sessions, 30, a.k.a. “Phat” and “PhatStax,” was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr.
During a four-day trial in June 2019, a jury found Sessions guilty of three felonies in relation to the robbery of the Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union (NGFCU) on April 21, 2017: conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The robbery also involved two conspirators who previously have been convicted for their roles in the robbery:
- Daronnie Thompkins, 32, of the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, who recruited Sessions to be the gunman and knew the credit union’s layout; and
- Iris Lester, 28, of Inglewood, a NGFCU employee who was Thompkins’ girlfriend at the time and who assisted with the robbery.
On the day of the robbery, Sessions entered the office building in which the credit union is located and walked past NGFCU’s main entrance, entering a side hallway where the NGFCU’s bathrooms were located. Sessions waited in the men’s restroom until Lester and another NGFCU employee exited the women’s bathroom, which was the signal for the robbery to begin. At that point, Sessions left the men’s bathroom, brandished a semi-automatic handgun and used it to force Lester, who was pretending to be a victim, and the other employee to provide access to the credit union’s vault room.
Once inside the vault room, Lester and the other NGFCU employee realized they did not have the key to open the vault. Sessions allowed Lester to exit the vault room – but, instead of escaping, Lester returned with another credit union employee who was supposed to have the vault key. Lester then left the room a second time and retrieved the keys.
When Lester returned, Sessions ordered her and the two other credit union employees onto their knees while pointing the handgun at each of them – an experience that “terrorized the victims…and left them…deeply traumatized,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
Sessions stole a total of $311,300 from the credit union and placed the cash in a black trash bag before exiting the vault room and fleeing the scene in a silver Dodge Avenger.
During an August 2018 bench trial, Thompkins was convicted of conspiracy and armed bank robbery. Judge Birotte later sentenced him to nine years in federal prison. Lester pleaded guilty to criminal charges in this case. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18.
The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky and Bruce K. Riordan of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Ringleader of South Side Pittsburgh Drug Gang Sentenced to 15 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of drug trafficking charges related to a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Christopher Highsmith, age 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept the wire communications of several of the suspected members of the organization, which continued through June of 2019. In addition to identifying communications about drug trafficking between Highsmith, the leader of the organization, and many of his coconspirators, agents made numerous seizures of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs from members of the organization, as well as maintained critical physical surveillance of Highsmith’s drug-trafficking activities.
Highsmith personally engaged in the distribution activity, as well as directed lower-level members of DS44 to make drug deliveries, to collect payment, and to maintain records of drug proceeds. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and other Schedule I and II controlled substances, as well as possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl. Highsmith had at least two prior felony drug trafficking convictions.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that Highsmith was responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of opiates and the harm to the community that stems from such distribution. He offered that a 15-year term of imprisonment was appropriate given Highsmith’s criminal history and his conduct in this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal InspectionService.
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 thatthreaten communitiesthroughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agencyapproach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies againstcriminal networks.
Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska, joins with countless others across the state and the nation in recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.
“As we pause to remember the Alaska Native communities and families who are mourning a murdered or missing loved one, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms its commitment to help find lasting solutions to the MMIP challenge in Alaska,” said Acting U.S. Attorney, Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “For generations, Alaska Natives have experienced disproportionately high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. Tragically, this is not a problem of the past – it’s a problem that continues today. By working together to create strong partnerships, I am confident we can create a safer and brighter future.”
“In Alaska and across the nation, the FBI honors those whose lives have been shattered or lost from incidents of missing persons and fatal violence experienced by our American Indian and Alaska Native communities,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Today we reaffirm our commitment to address this pattern of violence with resiliency and collaboration, as we continue to support our law enforcement and tribal partners for enhanced public safety throughout Alaska.”
“The Alaska Department of Public Safety remains committed in our efforts of building and maintaining strong partnerships with all of our tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” stated Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “We work diligently to garner a better understanding of the cultural differences that make this state unique and great. The Department of Public Safety/Alaska State Troopers are committed to eliminating the scourge of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of harm that disproportionately affects our indigenous population and threatens the stability of our communities.”
“We proudly stand alongside our public safety partners as we all recognize the importance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day in Alaska,” said Acting Chief Kenneth McCoy with the Anchorage Police Department (APD).“It is imperative that we use our collective skills and working relationships to combat the violence disproportionately impacting our Alaska Native communities. We are committed to finding a solution for such an important and serious matter. Alaska must be a safe place for all. We will do our part.”
Last year the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the appointment of Ingrid Cumberlidge as the Alaska MMIP Coordinator and launched the Alaska MMIP Working Group to address the complexities of MMIP response in Alaska. The group is a multi-disciplinary team involving the collaboration and coordination of tribal representatives, federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and social and victim service providers.
Since February the Alaska MMIP Working Group has hosted the initial listening and consultation sessions for about 150 of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes in the AVCP, TCC, Kawerak, BBNA and A/PIA (scheduled) regions. During these sessions, tribal members share their stories, experiences and needs.
“Building collaboration and relationships through listening and consultation sessions is critical to increasing MMIP response and capacity in Alaska,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Wilson. He also noted that the Working Group is continuing to reach out to all of the Alaska Regions to arrange listening sessions.
Earlier this year three Pilot Projects volunteered to create model guides for how a tribal community will respond to a report of new missing or murdered person case. The Pilot Project sites include the tribal communities of Curyung Native Council (Dillingham), Native Village of Unalakleet and Koyukuk Native Village. When finished the Tribal Community Response Plans (TCRP) will be shared with tribal communities across the state who can then tailor it to the specific needs, resources and culture of their communities.
In April the National MMIP Data Working Group began analyzing existing data to develop a complete picture of MMIP cases. Additionally, the group is looking at data collection practices to identify opportunities to improve MMIP data. Also, in April Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the formation of a new Missing & Murdered Unit (MMU) within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services to provide leadership and direction for cross-departmental and interagency work involving missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.
If you know someone who is missing, it’s critical that you report it right away to 9-1-1 or your closest law enforcement. The first hours of someone missing can be vitally important. If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP Program Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 907-271-3314.
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Note for Editors:
Presidential Proclamation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, 2021
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Statement on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, 2021
The Alaska MMIP Working Group is a multi-disciplinary team led by the United States Attorney’s Office MMIP Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge, and comprised of law enforcement representatives, including:
- Alaska State Troopers and VPSOs
- FBI
- Anchorage Police Department
- U.S. Marshals,
- Fairbanks Police Department
- BIA MMU
- Kotzebue Police Department
- Nome Police Department,
- Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska VPSO supervisors
- Tanana Chief’s Conference VPSO supervisors
- Representatives from the Alaska Department of Law,
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Tanana Chief’s Conference
- Tribal representatives from Ahtna Region, Orutsararmiut Native Council, Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak
- Victim Service Provides
- Advocates from Victims for Justice
- Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center
Rap Artist “Chad Focus” Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Chad Arrington a/k/a “Chad Focus”, age 33, of Randallstown, Maryland to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 12 months of home confinement as part of three years of supervised release, for a federal wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a scheme to use a company credit card to make more than $4.1 million in unauthorized purchases. Judge Bennett also ordered Arrington to pay restitution in the full amount of the victim’s losses, totaling $4,142,435.31.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Chad Arrington illegally used a company credit card to spend more than $4 million to promote himself as a hip-hop artist and to promote his company,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “Now Arrington will spend more than two years in federal prison. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland will continue to utilize our resources to prosecute this type of costly fraud.”
According to his plea agreement, Arrington was employed by Company 1 as a Search Engine Optimization (“SEO”) Specialist from approximately 2011 to August 2018. As an SEO Specialist, Arrington was responsible for promoting and marketing Company 1’s products and services online. Company 1 assigned Arrington an American Express company credit card (the “credit card”) to be used for business expenses, exclusively.
From at least January 2015 through August 2018, Arrington, and four co-conspirators used the credit card for fraudulent purchases, including to promote his hip-hop artist alter-ego, Chad Focus, and Focus Music Entertainment, as well as to make unauthorized purchases that benefitted them each personally.
Arrington admitted that he used the credit card to purchase sound equipment, studio kits, instruments, and music technology, which he then used to create an artist alter-ego “Chad Focus,” and produce a number of hip-hop songs through the company he formed, Focus Music Entertainment LLC. Arrington then used the credit card to make additional unauthorized purchases including promotional services to increase online streaming of his songs, purchase “likes,” “followers,” “tags,” and “views” across social media and viewing platforms; to purchase services from a company that promoted mixtape videos and singles, his image, and music; and to make unauthorized payments to multiple billboard companies to display images of Arrington and his website throughout the United States and to promote Chad Focus and Focus Music Entertainment LLC. Arrington also charged the credit card over $300,000 for unauthorized international and national travel expenses, hotels, airfares, night life and other miscellaneous expenses for himself and for Co-Conspirators 1 and 2. Additionally, Arrington made over $375,000 in unauthorized purchases for Chad Focus merchandise, accessories, and purchases related to a bike-sharing business. Between May 2018 and August 2018, Arrington used the credit card to pay multiple billboard companies to create billboards for Chad Focus and Focus Music Entertainment LLC. For example, a billboard displayed the image of Arrington surrounded by stacks of cash and the words “Get to the money.” Another billboard depicted Arrington with the words “Chad Focus. I will teach you how to be rich.”
According to the plea agreement, Arrington used the credit card to make over $1.5 million in unauthorized purchases from entities and accounts controlled by Co-Conspirator 2 and Co-Conspirator 3. In turn, the co-conspirators kicked back hundreds of thousands of dollars to Arrington by funneling cash payments to Arrington and to accounts controlled by Arrington.
In order to conceal the scheme, Arrington asked Co-Conspirator 1 and Co-Conspirator 4 to use computer software to make false entries on the credit card billing statements in order to conceal the recipient of the payments from Arrington’s supervisor and Company 1. Additionally, Arrington forged the signature of his supervisor on his credit card billing statements to make it appear as though he had received approval for certain purchases when, in fact, he had not. Arrington then sent those false payment authorizations to other employees who relied on the authorizations to ultimately pay off the outstanding balance of the credit card.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary W. Setzer and Matthew Phelps, who prosecuted the case.
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Rankin Felon Indicted on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Royal Lee Griffin, 31, formerly of Rankin, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 22, 2021, Griffin possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Plummer Idaho Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE - Carlos Manuel Marquez-Pierce, 23, of Plummer, Idaho, and an enrolled member of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 23 years in federal prison for production of child pornography and sexual abuse of a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. U.S. District Judge William Fremming Nielsen, presiding in Spokane, Washington, also ordered Marquez-Pierce serve supervised release for his life following his prison sentence. Marquez-Pierce pleaded guilty to the charge on January 25, 2021. The Idaho case for sexual abuse of a minor, and the Eastern District of Washington case for production of child pornography, were consolidated for plea and sentencing.
According to court records, Marquez-Pierce committed sexual offenses against three minor victims, ages 11 and 12, over the course of nearly two years. Marquez-Pierce recorded sexually explicit conduct with one victim and distributed some of the produced images to others. As a result of his conviction, Marquez-Pierce will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Resident Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Tribal Police Departments, and the Spokane Police Department, with assistance from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Social Services. The cases were charged by the United States Attorney’s Offices in the District of Idaho and Eastern District of Washington, in cooperation with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Raymond Jones, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones 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 investigation a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which Jones 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. Jones was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about diluting, packaging, and distributing heroin. Through extensive physical surveillance, Jones was observed meeting with his co-conspirator to facilitate their heroin distribution.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2021. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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 conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Jones.
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.
Philadelphia man admits to role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyrone Kareem Thomas, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Thomas, 40, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Participate in a Racketeering Enterprise (RICO Conspiracy).” Thomas admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation spanning Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and other locations. The criminal enterprise consisted of racketeering to hide thousands of dollars in proceeds from drug sales, acts of violence, and the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride. The crime occurred in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.Thomas faces up to 20 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 FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Passaic County Man Charged for Role in Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged with the conspiring to distribute narcotics after he purchased a large quantity of fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Ruddy Manuel Santos Corcino, 32, of Passaic, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel and was released on home confinement.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 4, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance in the area of West 183rd Street and University Avenue in Bronx, New York, and observed Corcino arrive in a white Acura SUV and take a wad of currency and approach the front driver side of a black Toyota Camry. Law enforcement officers then observed Corcino hand the driver of the Camry (Individual-3) the wad of currency in exchange for a heavy-weighted reusable Shoprite bag. Law enforcement officers approached the Camry, detained both Corcino and Individual-3, and retrieved the bag from Corcino. The bag contained approximately three kilograms of suspected narcotics. Law enforcement officers also recovered the currency from Individual-3 and determined that Individual-3 was in possession of approximately $4,000. A field-test confirmed that the suspected narcotics in the bag contained a detectable amount of fentanyl.
The count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Owner of Business Providing Physical Therapy Services Pleads Guilty to Failure to Pay over to the IRS More Than $258,000 in Federal Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Harshe Shende, age 57, of Hanover, Maryland, pleaded guilty on May 4, 2021, to eight counts of failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $258,905.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Acting Special Agent in Charge Darrell J. Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to Shende’s guilty plea, he was the sole owner and resident agent of Progressive Rehab Services, LLC, formed on September 10, 2004, which employed physical and occupational therapists who went to nursing homes to render services to patients. Shende was the sole signatory on two bank accounts he opened for the corporation at separate banks in 2008 and 2013, respectively. Shende accrued large liabilities for Progressive Rehab by filing forms with the IRS which showed the amount of income tax withholding he collected from Progressive Rehab’s employees and their Medicare and Social Security withholding (collectively employment taxes) but by failing to pay the employment taxes to IRS. Shende also failed to pay the employers’ portion of employment taxes to the IRS. The IRS pursued collection activities against Progressive Rehab.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on March 16, 2006, Shende and his then wife incorporated Progressive Health Group, Inc., (“Progressive Health”) in Maryland, with the stated purpose to provide rehab to nursing homes, hospitals, assistive living and home health. Shende was listed as Executive Director on two bank accounts he opened for the corporation at separate banks in 2008 and 2012, respectively. Shende listed the same address in Columbia, Maryland, for Progressive Health as he did for Progressive Rehab.
Shende admitted that beginning in around April 2009, he caused Progressive Rehab’s employees to perform the same work, but he billed for their work using the name Progressive Health and paid their salaries using Progressive Health’s bank account. Progressive Health withheld payroll taxes from its employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare and social security (“FICA”) taxes. As he did with with Progressive Rehab, Shende filed forms with the IRS for Progressive Health showing the amount of employment taxes withheld. However, as he did with Progressive Rehab, Shende willfully chose not to pay the taxes withheld from Progressive Health’s employees’ wages to the IRS, nor did he pay the employer’s portion of the employment taxes.
As a result, Shende failed to pay to the IRS a total of $155,838.15 in employment taxes withheld in tax years 2014 and 2015 and failed to pay the IRS a total of $103,066.85, which was the employer’s share of employment taxes for tax years 2014 and 2015. .
Shende faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for failure to pay over employment taxes. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce K. McDonald, who is prosecuting the case.
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Owner of Real Estate Crowdfunding Investment Company Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Daniel Summers (68, St. Augustine) has pleaded guilty to mail fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The United States is also seeking forfeiture in the amount of $744,910, the proceeds Summers obtained as a result of the fraud. The amount of restitution due to victims will be determined at a later date.
According to court documents, Summers owned a Jacksonville-based company called Realty E Vest, a/k/a IHT Realty Group, which operated an internet crowdfunding investment platform for real estate development projects. Summers also owned E Vest Technology, which sought to develop and license the Realty E Vest crowdfunding platform to others seeking to manage their own crowdfunding efforts. Individuals invested in projects by wiring funds to Realty E Vest, where the funds were supposed to be held in escrow until the project met its crowdfunding goal. If a project failed to meet its goal, Summers promised to return the investors’ funds.
When several Realty E Vest crowdfunding projects failed to fully fund, Summers intentionally kept the investors’ money and misappropriated it to fund the ongoing operations of his companies, including paying employee salaries. Summers gave these victims the illusion that they had successfully invested in these projects by paying investors purported investment returns for the failed projects via mailed checks or wire transfers. Summers also repaid the investments of some victims who had complained after learning the crowdfunding projects had actually failed to fund. However, the money funding these payments was not derived from the real estate developers or any legitimate investment activity; instead, it was derived from victims’ principal investments in other crowdfunding ventures and equity investments Summers solicited in E Vest Technology.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Outside Facilitator in Prison Corruption Scheme Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Former Correctional Officers and Inmates at Jessup Correctional InstitutionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Chaz Chriscoe, age 40, of Owings Mills, Maryland, yesterday to 39 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy at the Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI). The conspiracy included former correctional officers, inmates, and outside “facilitators,” like Chriscoe, who paid bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband, including narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, and cell phones into the prison.
On May 3, 2021, JCI inmate Darnell Smith, a/k/a “Hook,” age 40, pleaded guilty to his role in the racketeering conspiracy.
The sentence and guilty plea were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Secretary Robert Green, of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
“Prison corruption does not just endanger the lives of correctional officers and of the inmates entrusted to their care and supervision, but of the entire community, as it allows inmates to direct criminal activity from their prison cells” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out prison corruption and prosecute correctional officers and others who facilitate and engage in criminal behavior.”
“From corrupt officials to outside facilitators, we cannot and will not accept the perpetuation of a cycle of illegal activity inside prison walls,” said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Federal, state, and local officials will continue to work together to root out those who undermine the administration of justice at our prisons.”
“Anyone—inmate, family member, community member, or employee—who tries to bring contraband into a correctional facility puts hundreds of people at risk, and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Robert Green, Secretary of Maryland's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
JCI was a maximum-security prison that housed approximately 1,800 male inmates, with approximately 423 Correctional Officers (COs).
According to their plea agreements, from at least 2017 until their arrests in 2020, Chriscoe, who also goes by the name “Cheese,” and Smith conspired with JCI COs, inmates, and outside facilitators to smuggle contraband into JCI, including narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, and cell phones, in order to enrich themselves and protect and expand their criminal operation. According to their plea agreements and other court documents, COs accepted or agreed to accept payments from facilitators and/or inmates or engaged in sexual relations with inmates as consideration for smuggling contraband into JCI. Inmates acted as both wholesalers and retailers of contraband and in the process made profits that far exceeded the profits that could be made by selling similar drugs on the street. For example, conspirator inmates could purchase Suboxone strips for approximately $3 each and sell them inside JCI for approximately $50 each, or for a profit of more than 1,000 percent.
As detailed in their plea agreements, Chriscoe maintained relationships with several inmates and COs at JCI, including CO Chanel Pierce and inmate Darnell Smith. Chriscoe acted as the primary conduit through which coconspirators would get contraband, including controlled dangerous drugs, such as Suboxone, to CO Pierce and others to smuggle into JCI and then distribute the contraband to inmates. On a nearly daily basis, Chriscoe met with other outside facilitators to gather and package contraband before meeting with a CO to provide the contraband and bribe payment.
For example, between December 30, 2018 and January 12, 2019, law enforcement intercepted communications indicating that Chriscoe was meeting with a JCI CO at the CO’s home to deliver drugs and bribe money. When the CO was arrested a few days later, Chriscoe became the primary coordinator for the smuggling conspiracy because he and Darnell Smith had a connection with another JCI CO, specifically Chanel Pierce, with whom Smith was engaged in a romantic relationship. Over the next several months, investigators intercepted daily communications between Chriscoe, Smith, Pierce and other JCI inmates and their outside facilitators to coordinate contraband drop-offs and payments. The calls showed that outside facilitators would drop contraband off with Chriscoe, who then met with and provided the contraband to CO Pierce for smuggling into JCI. Sataya Hall was Smith’s financial facilitator and sent payments to both Chriscoe and Pierce on Smith’s behalf. In addition, Hall accepted payments on Smith’s behalf from facilitators for other JCI inmates in payment for contraband Smith had sold inside of JCI.
Smith admitted that during the time of the conspiracy, he possessed a contraband cell phone inside JCI that he used to further the smuggling operation, routinely using the contraband phone to communicate with CO Pierce, Hall, and Chriscoe. In addition, there were numerous conversations in which Smith discussed the types and quantities of drugs that were to be smuggled into JCI, as well as the money that other inmates and outside facilitators would pay for them. Smith also used the phone to conduct his romantic relationship with CO Pierce, coordinate her bribe payments and facilitate her meetings with Chriscoe.
As detailed in their plea agreements, early on the morning of May 25, 2019, Chriscoe met Pierce at her home and provided her with several balloons filled with controlled substances to smuggle into JCI. Pierce then went to work and was stopped by law enforcement as she entered the facility and searched. Law enforcement recovered a concealed purple balloon containing Suboxone from Pierce’s person. A subsequent search of Pierce’s home revealed several more balloons filled with contraband that she intended to smuggle into JCI.
Smith faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy. 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 August 4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
A total of nine defendants, including Chriscoe, Smith, Pierce, and Hall, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. Six defendants are still facing charges. Former Correctional Dietary Officer Chanel Pierce, age 28, of Pikesville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant inmates Page Boyd, age 37, and Marshall Hill, a/k/a “Boosie,” age 29, pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy and were each sentenced to four years in federal prison. Co-defendant facilitators Sataya Hall, age 38, of Baltimore, and Trinesse Butts, age 37, of Parkville, Maryland also pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and were sentenced to six months in federal prison and a year and a day in federal prison, respectively.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, whose staff initiated the JCI investigation and have been full partners in this investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Perry and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig G. Fansler, who are prosecuting this case.
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Orlando Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Ricardo Silva De Oliveira (33, Orlando) to 31 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. In addition, De Oliveira was ordered to pay $190,530 in restitution.
De Oliveira had pleaded guilty on February 8, 2021.
According to court documents, De Oliveira and others installed approximately 80 credit card skimmers and multiple pinhole cameras on ATMs at various SunTrust Bank locations in Florida and Georgia. Those devices captured, among other things, customers’ account numbers and personal identification numbers. De Oliveira and his co-conspirators would then retrieve those devices and use the information from the skimmers and cameras to make unauthorized access devices (cloned cards). De Oliveira used those cloned cards causing the Bank and/or customers to lose a total of $190,530.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Terry B. Livanos and Roger B. Handberg.
Okmulgee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Glen Thomas West, age 35, of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Murder in Indian Country- Second Degree, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(a) 1151, and 1153, punishable by death or imprisonment for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation and malice aforethought, did unlawfully kill Edwin Dominic Reid, an Indian, with a firearm.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney David Youll represented the United States.
New York Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin in Western PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of New York, NY, has been sentenced in federal court to a sentence of time served on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Pedro Rosario, age 29.
According to information presented to the court, the defendant conspired to traffic 100 grams or more of heroin from New York to the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing. The defendant had already served 33 months’ imprisonment pending his sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rosario.
Neurosurgical Associates, LTD and Dignity Health, D/B/A St. Joseph's Hospital, Paid $10 Million to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Acting United States Attorney Glenn McCormick announced today that Neurosurgical Associates, LTD and Dignity Health, d/b/a St. Joseph’s Hospital, agreed to pay $10 million to resolve civil allegations that they violated the federal False Claims Act (FCA).
Dignity Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States and does business under the names of hospitals that it owns and operates, including St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Neurosurgical Associates, LTD is an Arizona corporation, located on the campus of St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The December 2020 settlement resolves allegations that St. Joseph’s Hospital and Neurosurgical Associates, LTD billed Medicare for certain doubly and triply concurrent and overlapping surgeries, in violation of applicable regulations and reimbursement policies.
“We expect health care providers participating in Medicare to bill for their services accurately and honestly,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Glenn McCormick. “Proper billing ensures fair compensation and protects Medicare dollars that are much needed for patient care.”
“With every Medicare dollar desperately needed, we simply will not tolerate the submission of false claims to this vital health care program,” said Timothy B. DeFrancesca, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Working closely with investigative and prosecuting agencies around the country, we will continue to fight for these programs and the people they serve.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in June 2018 by Dr. Bruce P. Kingsley under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery obtained.
Contemporaneous with a settlement of the FCA claims in this matter, Neurosurgical Associates, LTD entered into a corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The five-year CIA addresses the conduct at issue and requires, among other things, that Neurological Associates, LTD maintain a compliance program, implement a risk assessment program, and hire an Independent Review Organization to annually review Neurosurgical Associates’ Medicare and Medicaid claims.
The settlement is neither an admission of liability by Neurosurgical Associates, LTD, or St. Joseph’s Hospital, nor is it a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
The case was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Individuals with information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse related to Medicare or other federal programs should contact the relevant federal agency. A list of agencies and contact information can be found on our office’s website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/agency-links.
CASE NUMBER: CV-17-00692-PHX-JZB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-031_Dignity Health Settlement# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Mumford Man Going to Prison for 10 Years on Child Pornography ChargeRead 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 Justin Rosenzweig, 33, of Mumford, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2010, the defendant was sentenced to serve 60 months in jail and designated a Level III Sex Offender after he was convicted in Livingston County Court of engaging in a sexual act with a victim who was less than 13 years old. The defendant was paroled in 2014. On April 26, 2019, a NYS Parole Officer found an Apple iPod containing 290 images and one video of child pornography in Rosenzweig’s possession. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
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McKees Rocks Man Charged with Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Devon Lamont Johnson, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 22, 2021, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mary Ida Townson Appointed U.S. Trustee for Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has appointed Mary Ida Townson as the U.S. Trustee for Florida, Georgia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Region 21). Ms. Townson will assume her duties in June and will replace Nancy Gargula, who is the U.S. Trustee in Region 10 and who has served as the interim U.S. Trustee in Region 21 since April 2019.
Ms. Townson brings more than 30 years of bankruptcy experience to the position, including the past 18 years as a standing chapter 13 trustee for the Northern District of Georgia and, before that, in private practice representing debtors and creditors and serving as a chapter 7 panel trustee. She also has held various leadership positions with the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees and the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute over the past 10 years. Ms. Townson received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Auburn University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia Law School.
“Ms. Townson has committed her career to improving the bankruptcy system and we are excited to have her join our leadership team,” said U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) Director Cliff White. “We also are indebted to Ms. Gargula for her expert leadership of Region 21 over these past two years.”
The USTP is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. The USTP has 21 regions and 90 field office locations. Region 21 is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Macon and Savannah, Georgia; Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee and Tampa, Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Man Sentenced for Assaulting his Girlfriend with a Knife and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced today in federal court for cutting his girlfriend’s throat and for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell sentenced Devin Charles Staller, 24, to 70 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Staller previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Devin Staller will spend nearly six years in federal prison where he can no longer intimidate, threaten and harm this victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime. My office and our law enforcement partners support victims of domestic violence and will hold accountable their abusers in a court of law.”
In his written plea agreement, Staller admitted that he had intent to do bodily harm when he assaulted the female victim with a knife by cutting her throat on June 24, 2020.
He further admitted to being a felon in possession of a Montgomery Ward Savage 16 gauge pump-action shotgun. Staller had the firearm when police located him at an apartment in Tulsa on July 17, 2020. Staller was previously convicted of eight felonies.
The Tulsa Police Department, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Fletcher prosecuted the case. AUSA Fletcher is a prosecutor from the Northern District of Iowa. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
Malvern Residents Charged in Fraudulent Puppy ScamRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK-Two Malvern residents have been charged with fraudulently selling purebred, registered puppies that did not actually exist. Helda Verla Berinyuy and Thierry Assoueesoh Ekwelle, both 31, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 22 counts of wire fraud in an indictment handed down by a federal grand jury on May 4, 2021, that became public today.
The indictment alleges that Berinyuy and Ekwelle were Cameroon citizens who came to the United States and attended college in Arkansas, with Ekwelle eventually becoming a naturalized American citizen. According to the indictment, Berinyuy and Ekwelle were neighbors and students at Arkansas State University Three Rivers in Malvern.
Allegedly, from August 2018 through November 2020, Berinyuy and Ekwelle used websites to advertise the sale of purebred, AKC registered puppies such as French Bulldogs, Boxers, Toy Poodles, English Bulldogs, and others, when in fact, they did not have any puppies for sale.
In order to collect money from purchasers, the indictment claims, the defendants promised to deliver the puppies via airplanes. After receiving the initial purchase money, the defendants would request added fees to cover costs such as puppy crates, extra handling fees due to COVID-19, and pet insurance, among other things.
The indictment alleges that each purchaser sent the defendants an amount of money ranging from $500 to $5,000. The defendants would use various aliases to pick up the money, which was sent via Western Union and Walmart transfers at various locations throughout Arkansas. As a result of the scheme, according to the indictment, Berinyuy and Ekwelle “sold” puppies to approximately 153 victims from multiple states and received approximately $110,691.50.
Berinyuy and Ekwelle will appear for arraignment later this month before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas Ray. The FBI is conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Pat Harris is prosecuting the case.
An indictment only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Kissimmee Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Eddie Quinones Santiago (38, Kissimmee) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Quinones Santiago had pleaded guilty on December 29, 2020.
According to court documents, Quinones Santiago was part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that sold heroin in the Central Florida area. Federal, state, and local law enforcement conducted a joint investigation into the DTO. Statements by coconspirators and recorded conversations identified Quinones Santiago as a member of the DTO who was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin in Orlando and Tampa. As part of the investigation, law enforcement obtained search warrants and conducted searches of storage units, a residence, and a vehicle connected to Quinones Santiago. The searches revealed approximately 406 grams of heroin and 427 grams of cocaine in storage facilities controlled by Quinones Santiago and a coconspirator. Investigators also seized proceeds from Quinones Santiago’s drug trafficking, including approximately $332,000 in cash and $63,000 worth of jewelry.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Justice Department Issues Statement Announcing Decision to Appeal Alabama Association of Realtors v. HHSRead the Press Release
Brian M. Boynton, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division, released the following statement:
“The CDC’s eviction moratorium — which Congress extended last December and the CDC later extended through June 30, 2021 — protects many renters who cannot make their monthly payments due to job loss or health care expenses. Scientific evidence shows that evictions exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, which has already killed more than half a million Americans, and the harm to the public that would result from unchecked evictions cannot be undone.
“The Department of Justice respectfully disagrees with today’s decision of the district court in Alabama Association of Realtors v. HHS concluding that the moratorium exceeds CDC’s statutory authority to protect public health. In the department’s view, that decision conflicts with the text of the statute, Congress’s ratification of the moratorium, and the rulings of other courts.
“The department has already filed a notice of appeal of the decision and intends to seek an emergency stay of the order pending appeal.”
Jefferson County Woman Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A Nederland woman has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Keri Colleen Beck, 49, pleaded guilty on Jan. 27, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale.
According to information presented in court, on Jan. 19, 2020, the Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Beck’s Nederland residence and found approximately one pound of methamphetamine. Beck also possessed an assortment of drug trafficking paraphernalia including resealable bags and digital scales. Beck was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 4, 2020 and charged with drug trafficking violations.
“Cases like this that partner local and federal law enforcement resources significantly interrupt the destructive flow of methamphetamine into our local communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Honduran National Is Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Oscar Hernandez Maldonado, 48, a Honduran national residing in Charlotte, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for producing child pornography, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. also ordered Maldonado to register as a sex offender after his term of incarceration.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department join Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer in making today’s announcement.
Maldonado was charged via a criminal bill of information with inducing, enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of the sexual abuse. According to today’s sentencing hearing and documents filed with the Court, beginning in or about 2008, Maldonado sexually abused five minor victims, four females and one male, at various times and on multiple occasions over an eight-year period. A forensic analysis by HSI of Maldonado’s seized electronic devices revealed that Maldonado produced images depicting the sexual abuse of the minors and attempted to erase those images. In December 2019, Maldonado pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.
Maldonado is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked HSI for their outstanding investigation of the case and commended CMPD for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form.
Gulf Coast Man Sentenced to Almost Four Years in Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – A Harrison County man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2020, officers with the Biloxi Police Department stopped a vehicle that was being driven by Cameron Malik Dajon Payton, 19, of Harrison County, Mississippi. During the course of the stop, law enforcement officials found a handgun magazine and ammunition on Payton. The vehicle was subsequently searched and two handguns, one of which was stolen, were located under the front passenger seat. One of the handguns matched the magazine and ammunition found on Payton.
The investigation also revealed that Payton was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Furthermore, at the time of this offense, Payton was on bond for an aggravated assault charge out of Harrison County for allegedly shooting someone.
The FBI and Biloxi Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Jamestown Woman on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Antasia Babcock, 28, of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where an individual under 18 was present and resided. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, on October 16, 2020, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a New York State search warrant at Babcock’s Wescott Street residence. During that search, the defendant was present along with three small children. Law enforcement officers seized one pound of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $62,000 in cash.
The defendant was arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Four North Texans Sentenced for Sex Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Plano man has been sentenced for crimes involving firearms and sex offenses in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Wayne Edward Bearden, 40, pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2019, to being a felon in possession of firearms and to coercion, enticement and aiding and abetting, and was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 180 months by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant today.
“Today’s sentence takes a dangerous man off the street, and will bring a measure of closure and comfort to those he victimized,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “While this case began as a firearms investigation, due the excellent work of our federal and local law enforcement partners we were able to uncover – and dismantle – a commercial sex trafficking operation.”
“We will work relentlessly with all of our committed law enforcement partners to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking, and bring their exploiters and consumers to justice,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas. “This sentence may successfully conclude this particular operation but HSI’s efforts to eradicate sex trafficking continues.”
According to information presented in court, in August 2018, Bearden called the Plano Police Department after individuals robbed his Plano home. Responding officers observed a number of firearms in the home, and a subsequent investigation revealed that Bearden was a previously convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. During the course of the investigation, Plano detectives and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations determined that Bearden was the organizer and leader of a sex trafficking operation. Specifically, Bearden employed a “booker” who coordinated the ads for sexual services, websites, and appointments for commercial sex appointments, and used other women in managerial roles, transporting the prostituted women to locations around the United States, obtaining hotel rooms, and managing cash payments. As the leader of the operation, Bearden controlled the acts the women performed, where they worked, how often they worked, how much money they made, with Bearden controlling the proceeds the prostituted women earned. As part of his plea, Bearden admitted to persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing women to travel to other states to engage in illegal prostitution.
After his release from prison, Bearden will serve a total term of supervised release of five years. In addition to Bearden, other members of the operation were previously sentenced by Judge Mazzant for conspiracy to travel or cause another to travel in interstate commerce and to use facilities of interstate commerce to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate unlawful activity, including:
- Ashlynn Clark – sentenced on July 2, 2020 to five months in federal prison, five months home detention, and one year of supervised release;
- Shelby Holzen – sentenced on June 4, 2020 to three years of probation;
- Ashley Judith Schafer – sentenced on June 3, 2020 to six months in federal prison, six months home detention, and two years of supervised release.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations – Dallas, the Plano Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Tracey Batson.
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Fort Collins Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that Rose Horne, age 66, formerly of Fort Collins, Colorado pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and money laundering. Horne was indicted on March 11, 2014, and was a fugitive until her arrest in California in June 2020. She is now scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Denver before U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn on August 19, 2021.
According to court documents, Horne worked as a bookkeeper for a small family-run plumbing business in Fort Collins for 27 years. From at least October 2005 through June 2011, Horne devised a scheme to steal over $1 million from her employer. As part of her scheme, Horne wrote approximately 170 unauthorized checks to herself from her employer’s payroll bank account. Horne used unauthorized checks drawn on her employer’s general business accounts to pay her personal balances as well as other personal bills. Horne forged the owner’s signature on some checks or presented checks to the authorized signatories under the guise the checks were to pay business expenses. Horne attempted to conceal the theft by writing void on check stubs, falsely writing the name of an actual vendor on the check stubs, and by cutting and blacking out portions of her employer’s bank statements that included copies of the checks in question.
Mail fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of not more than $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, and restitution. Engaging in a monetary transaction with proceeds derived from criminal activity carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pegeen D. Rhyne.
Case No. 14-cr-00093-REB
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