Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 11 March 2021
Stratford Man Admits Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWARD GALPIN, 39, of Stratford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to offenses related to the sexual exploitation of multiple children.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Galpin was an administrator of a private Kik messaging app chat group that provided a forum for members to discuss their sexual interest in young children and exchange images and videos of child sexual abuse. As a group administrator, Galpin distributed child pornography, requested it from other group members, and removed from the group certain members who did not share child pornography. Galpin possessed and shared a significant amount of child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors and content portraying sadistic and masochistic conduct and the sexual abuse of toddlers.
The investigation also revealed that Galpin used Instagram to identify young girls for the purpose of soliciting or producing child pornography. In one instance, Galpin arranged to meet with a 17-year-old girl, picked her up at her house, and engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her. Galpin recorded the sexual encounter and then shared images and videos on Kik. In another instance, Galpin identified a 15-year-old girl via Instagram and enticed her to send him sexually explicit images of herself. The victim did so using Instagram’s “self-destruct” feature, which automatically deletes an image after a short time. However, Galpin recorded video of his conversation with the victim so he could retain the images he received. In a third instance, Galpin contacted an eighth-grade girl via Instagram direct message and subsequently received from her a video and other images of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Galpin also used spy cameras to record videos of women and girls while they were undressing. Galpin then distributed the videos, including video of a minor girl, via Kik.
In June 2020, Galpin contacted a Kik account operated by an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. Galpin asked the “girl” when her “mom” would be away from home and arranged to meet the “girl” at a coffee shop in Connecticut. On June 25, 2020, after Galpin arrived at the scheduled time and place, law enforcement approached him and seized his iPhone. He was arrested later that day and has been detained since his arrest.
Galpin was originally charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was then transferred to the District of Connecticut.
Galpin pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count, and two counts of distribution of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2021.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven and Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Police (D.C.) Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Sarala V. Nagala in the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney April Russo in the District of Columbia.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Statement from Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma on Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeal’s Ruling in Bosse v. OklahomaRead the Press Release
"Today, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the judgment and sentence of Shaun Michael Bosse and remanded the case to the state district court with instructions to dismiss. The court ruled that the State of Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the defendant because the historical boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation were never disestablished and the victims were Indian. This decision generally expands federal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes involving Indian offenders or Indian victims arising within the Chickasaw Nation Reservation. Since last year’s Supreme Court decision in McGirt, we have been working closely with our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prepare for today’s decision and to protect those living within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. Our office will continue the ethical, vigorous, fair, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States for the benefit of our communities." - Robert J. Troester, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison in Connection with Bank Robbery and ShootingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Melik Petersen was sentenced to 12 years in prison for assault with the intent to commit robbery.
According to court documents filed in the case, on the morning of September 11, 2019, Ranger American Armored Services guards were attempting to pick up $951,000 from a Scotia Bank branch in the Altona area St. Thomas. Petersen and another unidentified individual, both armed, attempted to rob the guards of the money and a gunfight ensued, during which one of the guards suffered a bullet wound in his leg. The two assailants and the getaway driver then fled the scene after failing to steal the money.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Sleeper and Nathan Brooks.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – King Bob Leonard, 28, of St. Thomas, entered a guilty plea to the charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today.
According to court documents, in January and February of 2018 the defendant conspired with others to distribute cocaine. He operated through a number of text messages that were seized as part of the investigation. Further, the investigation revealed that the defendant and others coordinated the delivery of between 400 and 500 grams of cocaine in St. Thomas, USVI.
The offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to twenty years, a maximum fine of up to $1,000,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of up to six years. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Virginia Maldonado, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni who scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2021. Maldonado was charged in December 2018.
Co-conspirator William Coleman previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and nine counts of sex trafficking and was sentenced to 186 months in prison in September 2020.
Maldonado conspired with Coleman who operated a prostitution business that used violence and the drug addictions of female victims to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts with paying customers. The victims were typically required to turn over all of their earnings to Coleman and were subject to his tight control over their daily lives. Most of the women were not allowed to keep any of the money they earned, and they were only to obtain the drugs they needed from Coleman. In most cases, the victims were addicted to heroin.
Maldonado admitted that she agreed to help manage the business for a 30-day period while Coleman was serving a short jail term, and that she took instructions from Coleman while he was in jail. Maldonado also admitted that she took pictures of some of the female victims to be used in prostitution advertisements.
Co-conspirator Shannon Yelinek, 36, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case is the result of the efforts of the Western Massachusetts Human Trafficking Working Group, which was established in August 2015 to investigate and prosecute crimes involving commercial sex trafficking.
South Korean National Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud U.S. Department of DefenseRead the Press Release
A South Korean national pleaded guilty today to participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio, Hyun Dong Jo of the Republic of Korea was the designated manager under a Defense Logistics Agency contract to provide hazardous waste removal, testing, disposal, and related services to U.S. military installations in South Korea. In that position, Jo participated in a scheme to falsify laboratory reports submitted under this hazardous waste contract.
From at least as early as February 2015 until at least June 2018, Jo submitted hundreds of falsified or materially altered laboratory reports, misrepresenting to U.S. military officials that laboratory testing and analysis had been performed on samples taken from U.S. military installations located in South Korea, when, in many cases, no such testing was performed. As part of the scheme, Jo emailed the forged laboratory reports and invoices seeking payment for those reports to the Department of Defense, causing the Defense Financial Accounting Service to wire more than $280,000 in payments.
“This charge reflects the Antitrust Division’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars spent overseas,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard Powers of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. “Individuals who cheat the U.S. military in the performance of contracts will be held accountable. We hope this guilty plea will serve as a deterrent for other contractors who contemplate obtaining illicit gains through engaging in fraud while providing services for the U.S. military domestically or abroad.”
“The defendant forged lab results and falsely reported them to the Department of Defense,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vipal J. Patel for the Southern District of Ohio. “Not only is this unsafe for the U.S. Forces installations in Korea where hazardous waste was not actually tested, but it also defrauded the Department of Defense out of $280,000. This office takes Jo’s conduct seriously and will continue to hold accountable anyone who attempts to defraud the government in this way.”
“Taking advantage of the DoD contracting system for one’s own enrichment is a clear violation of the law,” said Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “Our agents and our law enforcement partners will steadfastly pursue this type of scheme and all fraud that erodes the rule of law and the trust between the DoD and the contracting community.”
“This case should serve as a cautionary tale for those who seek enrichment by way of deceit,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Stanley A. Newell of the Transnational Operations Field Office for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “Anyone who attempts to defraud the Department of Defense with bogus and doctored invoices will be held to account. The special agents of the DCIS along with our investigative partners from the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Command, are dedicated to protecting the integrity of U.S. military procurements around the globe; and ensuring that American taxpayers get what they pay for.”
Jo pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if that amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and Defense Logistics Agency’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Washington Criminal II Section is prosecuting the case. Special thanks are extended to Deputy Criminal Chief Brenda Shoemaker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation or other schemes affecting the U.S. military’s procurement process should call the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section at 202-598-4000 or the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
Sex, Money, Murder Gang Member Sentenced to 12 Years for Six Robberies in RaleighRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for robbing three Subways and three gas stations in Raleigh in 2019.
According to court documents, an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of local law enforcement officials in Raleigh, North Carolina, revealed that from June 20, 2019, to June 24, 2019, Khaliq Roberto Miranda, 28 years old and a validated member of the Sex, Money Murder sect of the United Bloods Nation, robbed multiple Raleigh businesses to include three Subways and three gas stations.
On June 20, 2019, Miranda entered the Subway on Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh and approached the counter where two employees were working. Miranda shoved one of the employees in the throat to move the employee toward the cash register. Miranda then grabbed the other employee and pushed her toward the cash register. Miranda then placed what appeared to be a firearm to the back of one of the employees while instructing the other employee to empty the register. Miranda fled the scene once provided with the register money, $300.
On June 21, 2019, Miranda entered the Subway restaurant on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. He jumped over the counter and demanded money from two restaurant employees. One of the employees denied seeing a firearm; however, noted that Miranda was holding the waistband of his pants in a manner to insinuate he possessed a firearm. Once provided with the money, $662, Miranda forced one of the employees to the back of the business to unlock the back door so he could flee. Also, on June 21, 2019, video surveillance showed Miranda enter the BP Gas Station on Louisburg Road in Raleigh. Miranda grabbed the clerk by the neck while he brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded the employee open the safe. After the clerk provided him with the money, $80, Miranda pushed the clerk to the ground and exited the business.
On June 23, 2019, Miranda ran into the Subway restaurant located on Western Boulevard in Raleigh, jumped the counter, and demanded money from two employees. After the clerks gave him the money, $434, Miranda had the employees lead him to the back door, through which he exited.
On June 24, 2019, Miranda once again robbed the BP Gas Station on Louisburg Road. Miranda came upon an employee who was outside smoking. Miranda grabbed the employee by the neck and forced her into the gas station. Miranda, who was holding what appeared to be a firearm, then demanded money from the employee stating, “Don’t make me shoot you with this 9.” After receiving $115 from the employee, Miranda directed the employee to lie down on the ground and then fled the business.
Later, on June 24, 2019, Miranda entered the Circle K Gas Station on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. Miranda walked behind the counter and placed his knuckle to the back of the clerk’s neck, insinuating he possessed a firearm. Miranda then told the clerk, “You know what time it is.” The clerk emptied the register and gave Miranda a plastic bag containing $250. Miranda then ran out of the business.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-00260-BO
Serial Cell Phone Store Robber Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
A federal jury has convicted a Long Beach, California man of committing a spree of violent cell phone store robberies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
After around two hours of deliberations, a jury on Wednesday found 49-year-old Edward Eugene Robinson guilty of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, two counts of interfering with commerce by robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to evidence presented at trial—which included eyewitness testimony, store surveillance videos, and evidence obtained from search warrants—Mr. Robinson was the leader of a robbery crew that committed at least 15 armed robberies of cell phone stores across North Texas and Southern California in the spring and summer of 2019.
The evidence showed that during the robberies, Mr. Robinson and his accomplices would threaten store employees with guns and tasers and demand that they open the store safes where the phones and other equipment were stored. The robbers would then restrain the employees using zip-ties or cell phone chargers.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Mr. Robinson stole over $600,000 of inventory, including cell phones, tablets, and watches.
Mr. Robinson faces a minimum of 14 years and up to life in federal prison for his crimes. A sentencing date has been set for July 8. He also faces additional charges in the Central District of California.
“Mr. Robinson and his coconspirators embarked on a multi-state spree of violent robberies, putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shah. “We are grateful to the prosecutors and law enforcement partners across Texas and California who worked tirelessly to bring this criminal actor to justice.”
“The FBI focuses its investigative resources on suspects who pose the greatest safety threats to the public, including violent serial offenders who cross jurisdictional boundaries,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “In addition to stealing over $600,000 of merchandise, Mr. Robinson and his accomplices threatened dozens of employees who were in fear for their lives long after the robberies ended. The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and our partners will continue to seek justice for victims of violent crime.”
The other defendants in the case—Aaron Hardrick, 33, and Ncholeion Hollie, 30, both of Fort Worth, Texas—previously pleaded guilty. Mr. Hardrick pleaded guilty in 2019 to multiple federal robbery and firearms charges in North Texas and Southern California. He was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison. Ms. Hollie pleaded guilty in 2020 to one federal robbery charge in North Texas and was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, Fort Worth Police Department, Hurst Police Department, and Bedford Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Weybrecht and Nancy Larson of the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case. They received substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry C. Yang and Peter H. Dahlquist of the Central District of California, who also prosecuted other California members of the robbery crew.
Richland Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to 6 Months in Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jonathon F. Schumann, age 49, of Richland, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on November 5, 2020, to three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false income tax returns. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Schumann to a 6-month term of imprisonment, to run concurrent to a 1-year term of court supervision. Judge Mendoza ordered Schumann to pay $195,202 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and to pay $50,000 of that amount no later than March 25, 2021.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Schumann operated a tax return preparation business under the name J’s Income Tax out of his residence in Richland, Washington. Through J’s Income Tax, Schumann prepared false tax returns for clients in Washington and Las Vegas, Nevada claiming fraudulent and inflated itemized deductions, including charitable contributions, personal property taxes and unreimbursed employee business expenses. By including these false items, Schumann’s clients received tax refunds from the IRS in excess of what they were entitled to receive. The fraudulent claims resulted in a loss of $195,202 to the IRS.
Acting United States Attorney Harrington said, “Schumann undermined the American tax system and the trust of taxpayers relying on his expertise. Tax preparers have a responsibility to legally and accurately prepare tax returns on behalf of their clients. The sentence imposed by the Court reflects the serious nature of his conduct. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington works closely with our partners at IRS Criminal Investigation to protect the law-abiding American public and the treasury by stopping this fraud.”
“While most return preparers provide excellent service, Mr. Schumann filed false and fraudulent returns that defrauded his clients, the tax-paying public, and the government,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven M. Slazinik. “Return preparer fraud continues to be a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation and if you suspect fraudulent activity from your return preparer, you can report it at www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity”
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Repeat Fraudster Sentenced for COVID-19 Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A previously convicted felon was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for engaging in a COVID-19 related loan fraud scheme with losses of nearly $200,000.
“During a global pandemic, the defendant took advantage of aid programs intended to provide critical relief for hardworking members of our communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our Office will continue to hold accountable individuals who exploit and disadvantage others in order to unlawfully enrich and advantage themselves.”
According to court documents, Joseph Cherry, 40, of Norfolk, engaged in a scheme to obtain COVID-related loan benefits through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and affiliated lenders. In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act, which was signed into law in March 2020, established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Such programs include the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
“Exploiting programs meant to help businesses in need during a global pandemic is appalling. Today, Cherry learned his actions have repercussions,” said Kelly R. Jackson, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “We will continue to prioritize COVID-19 fraud investigations on those who essentially rob struggling businesses of the assistance they truly need.”
In March and April 2020, Cherry submitted multiple applications for PPP and EIDL loans. Cherry provided false information on the loan applications related to his claimed businesses, income, employment, and criminal record. As a result of these false applications, Cherry fraudulently obtained $196,900 in loan proceeds from the U.S. Treasury. In a brief period of time in April 2020, Cherry withdrew over $100,000 in the form of cash and a cashier’s check and made various purchases inconsistent with the purposes of the PPP and EIDL programs.
Cherry previously was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2009 for an extensive fraud, money laundering, and identity theft scheme involving losses of over $1.5 million. He has been convicted of over a dozen felony charges in federal and state courts since 2002, and he was under terms of supervision in both federal and state courts when he committed these additional fraud offenses in 2020.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels 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. 4:20-cr-27.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Vance Allan Warthen, age 31, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Warthen will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The conviction stems from Warthen sexually exploiting an underage female in August 2019 at Rapid City by producing images of child pornography. He remained in possession of the images thereafter.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Warthen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Poachers of 93 Protected Sea Turtle Eggs Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Bruce Wayne Bivins and Carl Lawrence Cobb, both of Riviera Beach, Florida, will serve federal prison terms after pleading guilty to poaching federally-protected sea turtle eggs.
U.S. District Court Judge Rodolfo A. Ruiz II sentenced Bivins to a seven-month term of imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release for his role in violating the Endangered Species Act, a federal law designed, in part, to protect imperiled species.
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth A. Marra sentenced Cobb, Bivins’ co-conspirator, to a nine-month term of imprisonment followed by one year of supervised released for his role in violating the Endangered Species Act.
Florida Fish and Wildlife investigators caught Bivins and Cobb on the evening of May 24, 2020, while conducting a surveillance operation and observed Cobb (who was on Federal Supervised Probation for his January 26, 2018 conviction at the time), driving a green Ford Truck in the vicinity of 5060 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida. Cobb dropped Bivins off, and investigators observed Bivins digging in the sand, probing the sand with a stick, and placing his hand in and out of a dark-colored bag. Investigators later observed Bivins enter a vehicle, also driven by Cobb, with the now- heavily laden dark-colored bag. According to court records, after investigators stopped the two men, it was determined that the dark-colored bag contained freshly harvested, Federally- and State-protected sea turtle eggs.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and Law Enforcement Director Colonel Curtis Brown of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, made the announcement.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney John McMillan is prosecuting it.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-cr-80091.
Images taken by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Sea Turtle nest chamber which eggs were removed from.
Images taken by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Dark colored bag containing illegally harvested Sea Turtle eggs.
Images taken by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Image of seized Loggerhead Sea Turtle eggs.
Images taken by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Image of seized Loggerhead Sea Turtle eggs.###
Pierre Men Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that two Pierre, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearm.
Guillermo Arceo-Estrada, age 23, and Eduardo Velasquez-Padilla, a/k/a Eduardo Velazquez-Padilla, age 30, were indicted on January 12, 2021. Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 9, 2021, and both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 5, 2020, in Pierre, Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla, then being aliens illegally and unlawfully in the United States, did knowingly possess several firearms.
The charges are merely accusations and Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Owner of Mental Health Services Agency Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALI MUHAMMAD, 45, of Branford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of health care fraud.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2010 to 2019 Muhammad owned and operated Happy Family Clinical Services LLC (“Happy Family”), a mental health and social services agency. At various times, Happy Family’s office was located in East Haven and Branford, before moving to New Haven in 2014.
From 2013 through 2019, Muhammad engaged in a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients. The claims were for occasions and dates of service when no psychotherapy services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims. The claims also were submitted using the names and identities of licensed clinical social workers and other licensed health care providers who purportedly worked for Happy Family, and represented that the psychotherapy services were personally rendered by the licensed providers, when, in fact, the licensed providers had not personally rendered the services, had not supervised the services that were billed, and were unaware that Muhammad was billing or causing the services to be billed as if the providers had personally rendered the services. When services were provided, they were usually rendered by unlicensed individuals and billed as licensed psychotherapy.
Muhammad is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on June 23, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. As part of his plea, Muhammad agreed to pay $574,034 in restitution to Medicaid.
This case has been investigated by Special Agents of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), and Police Inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle also thanked the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for their assistance in the investigation.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Owner of Erie Fresh Meat Market Pleads Guilty to Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Laith Kadhem, 36, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around March 2016 to in and around September 2017, Kadhem, who was the owner and operator of Anwar Fresh Meat Market in Erie and a co-defendant, Haydar Al-Kofi, who was the manager and partner working at Anwar Fresh Meat Market, conspired to defraud the United States by filing an application containing false information for a license to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and accepting food stamps for cash, and ineligible items.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Kadhem on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated as part of the Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigrations benefit applications and petitions, financial fraud, criminal work-site enforcement, and public benefits fraud. The Pittsburgh DBFTF consists of the following agencies: Homeland Security Investigations, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, US Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service, US Department of Agriculture- Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Labor- Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
Ohio Man Facing Federal Charges for Carroll County BombingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Clayton Alexander McCoy, age 30, of Chesterland, Ohio, with transporting explosives with intent to injure and with with using, carrying, or possessing a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with a bombing in Manchester, Maryland on October 30, 2020. The criminal complaint was filed on March 3, 2021 and unsealed today. McCoy will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Ohio on March 12, 2021. McCoy will be transported to Maryland for an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date.
The federal charges were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci; Carroll County Sheriff James T. DeWees; and Carroll County State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on October 30, 2020, a victim sustained serious injuries and burns consistent with an explosion, after opening a package. Another resident of the home found the package, which was addressed to the victim, on the front porch of the home that morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., after the victim had left for work. The resident brought the package into the house and placed it in the kitchen to await the victim’s return. At approximately 5:30 p.m., the victim returned home and saw the cardboard box that was addressed to him. He opened the cardboard box and observed a smaller white box with a red ribbon inside. The victim took both boxes into his bedroom to open in private. According to the victim, as he opened the smaller white box, a small nail that appeared to be inserted into the white box was pulled outward. When he removed the nail, the victim heard a whistling or hissing sound followed by an explosion. The victim was struck in the front of his body by shrapnel and sustained injuries to his chest, legs, and front of body. He was transported to the hospital where he was treated for injuries caused by the shrapnel and explosion. The victim was released from the hospital on November 17, 2020 and is continuing with rehabilitation. Investigation revealed that the explosive device was likely a type of pipe bomb containing shrapnel.
The victim’s girlfriend advised law enforcement of a recent interaction with McCoy, with whom she had been friends for approximately seven years. As detailed in the affidavit, the victim, his girlfriend, and McCoy were all friends through their participation in Dagorhir, a live action role-playing battle game with full contact melee fighting and ranged combat as its primary focus. Sometime in early October 2020, McCoy told the victim’s girlfriend that he had feelings for her. She advised McCoy that she did not feel the same way and that she was in a relationship with the victim. She and McCoy agreed to remain friends.
Search warrants obtained by law enforcement found that in the very early morning of October 30, 2020, a device associated with McCoy and located at his residence allegedly searched for and obtained directions to the victim’s home address. McCoy’s cell phone then allegedly traveled from his home to the victim’s home, and a pickup truck, similar to a pickup truck registered to McCoy’s mother, was seen in front of the victim’s home and was depicted on home security video taken that day from a neighbor’s security camera. In addition, a review of McCoy’s online accounts revealed that a week before that the bombing, McCoy allegedly searched for the gas tank capacity of a 1994 Toyota pickup, the same make and year of the pickup truck registered to McCoy’s mother.
If convicted, McCoy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for transporting explosives with intent to injure and a mandatory minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for using, carrying, or possession of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence. 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.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Bridget M. Brennan and her office, and the ATF Columbus Field Division for their assistance with the searches and arrest. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Northern California Man Indicted for Distributing and Possessing Fentanyl in Solano and Stanislaus CountiesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Leobardo Gerardo Anaya, 28, of Richmond, charging him with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 26, 2020, Anaya sold approximately 100 counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills to a confidential source who was working with law enforcement. The blue pills were stamped with “M30.” Subsequent testing revealed that these pills were laced with fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance. On Jan. 13, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped Anaya’s vehicle in Stanislaus County for speeding. Approximately 2,000 more M30 pills, which also tested positive for fentanyl, were found in his vehicle.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, Anaya faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, Anaya faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nigerian National Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for a Money Laundering Conspiracy Related to a Romance Scam and Other Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm today sentenced Nigerian national Seun Banjo Ojedokun, age 37, to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a money laundering conspiracy related to a romance scam and other fraud schemes. Judge Grimm also ordered Ojedokun to pay $325,100 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner stated, “I hope that this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who, like Ojedokun and his co-conspirators, take advantage of vulnerable and elderly victims across the United States, defrauding them through lies and laundering the funds internationally. These heartless fraudsters left their victims heartbroken, embarrassed, and financially devastated. Bringing to justice fraudsters who prey upon the elderly is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. We will continue our outreach efforts to make the public aware of scams and frauds targeting elderly victims. I encourage anyone who believes they or someone they know who may be a victim to contact the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).”
According to the evidence presented at his six-day trial, between 2013 and March 2015, Ojedokun conspired with Gbenga Benson Ogundele, Mukhtar Danjuma Haruna, a/k/a “Mukky,” and others to use money deposited into bank accounts by fraud victims to engage in financial transactions in order to promote the fraud scheme and conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the fraud proceeds. Ojedokun was in Nigeria when he was committing these crimes. Law enforcement was able to arrest him when he came to the United States to attend school here.
According to evidence presented at trial, members of the conspiracy searched online dating websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable men and women. They phoned, e-mailed, texted and used Internet chat messenger services to form romantic relationships with the victims, who lived throughout the United States.
Specifically, witnesses testified that members of the conspiracy used false stories and promises to convince the many victims to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses, and foreign taxes. Ogundele and other conspirators opened bank accounts, called “drop accounts,” in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims. Testimony at trial showed that victims provided money to the conspirators as a result of the false stories and promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the conspirators, or by checks sent to the conspirators. The loss to the eight victims who testified at trial was well over $1 million and the overall total loss was substantially higher.
In addition, the evidence at trial showed that the conspirators engaged in other types of fraud, including a fraudulent employment scam in which the victim was led to believe she had been hired by a company, and was instructed to deposit the proceeds of a fraudulent check into a drop account controlled by the conspirators.
According to the evidence, Ojedokun, Ogundele, Haruna, and their co-conspirators laundered money received from the fraud victims by buying used cars and shipping them to Nigeria, among other methods. As part of the fraud schemes, Ojedokun and his co-conspirators transmitted and used images of financial transactions, including bank deposit receipts and wire transfer forms, as proof that a deposit of fraud money had been made by a victim.
Ogundele, age 61, formerly of Laurel, Maryland, was convicted in 2016 after a 17-day trial, of conspiracies to commit money laundering and wire fraud, as well as aggravated identity theft, and was sentenced to 234 months in federal prison. Haruna, age 46, of Nigeria, remains a fugitive and charges against him are still pending. In addition to Ogundele, eight other defendants were convicted for their roles in the fraud scheme and were sentenced to between a year and a day and 234 months in federal prison.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.
# # #
New Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Charges Added to Non-Profit CEO’S Previous Federal Indictment Charging Her with Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A newly filed federal superseding indictment adds bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges against Glenda Hodges, age 69, of Clinton, Maryland, who was already facing wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges in connection with the misuse of federal funds and other fraud related to non-profit and for-profit entities that Hodges operated. The new bank fraud charges relate to a fraud allegedly committed while Hodges was on pretrial release for the wire fraud charges. The superseding indictment was returned on March 10, 2021. At a hearing today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Hodges was ordered to be detained pending trial for violating the conditions of her pre-trial release.
The superseding indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Kenneth R. Dieffenbach of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Fraud Detection Office; Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to the 12-count superseding indictment, between October 9, 2020 and October 21, 2020, while on pretrial release, Hodges allegedly defrauded her fourth victim by claiming she would monitor the victim’s finances while the victim prepared to move out of state. Hodges assured the victim that she would return the funds once the victim was settled in her new location. Hodges drove the victim to her financial institution and procured a check for $71,731.85, which Hodges deposited into her own bank account. Hodges then allegedly spent the victim’s money on personal expenditures, without the victim’s authorization, and failed to repay the victim.
According to the superseding indictment, Hodges owned and was the Chief Executive Officer of Still I Rise Incorporated, a non-profit entity which purported to provide services and resources to minority survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; Still I Rise Comprehensive Support & Training Services LLC (“CSST”), a for-profit entity; and the Women’s Wellness Center (WWC), a for-profit medical weight loss clinic operated under the umbrella of CSST. Between 2010 and 2017, Hodges was awarded more than $2 million in grants from the United States Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) Office of Violence Against Women (“OVW”) and Prince George’s County to implement a violence against women program through Still I Rise.
The three grants that DOJ OVW awarded Hodges and Still I Rise were authorized only for the stated purpose of implementing Still I Rise’s non-profit program to address violence against women. Specifically, Hodges represented that the funds would be used to provide community services related to violence against women, including crisis intervention, support groups, financial and employment counseling, material assistance, job training, advocacy, court and medical accompaniment, language services, and transportation. Hodges allegedly represented that she would accept only a $12,000 stipend each year as the Director of Still I Rise. However, the superseding indictment alleges that Hodges converted funding from the grant awards to her personal benefit and to pay WWC payroll and other WWC expenses. By 2016, Hodges had exhausted the grant funding and her companies were financially distressed. The superseding indictment alleges that Hodges then used fraudulent means to inject additional funding into WWC and Still I Rise.
Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that on October 9, 2015, Hodges caused $134,800 to be stolen from Victim 1—a mutual fund in Pennsylvania—and wired into a bank account associated with Still I Rise, and then used the stolen funds for expenditures at WWC and for her personal benefit. In addition, on April 8, 2016, Hodges deposited a $72,938 altered business check related to a federal cancer research grant that had allegedly been stolen from Victim 2, a prominent university in Texas, into a different bank account opened in the name of Still I Rise and over which Hodges was the sole authorized signer.
Further, the superseding indictment alleges that between March 10 and August 26, 2016, Hodges fraudulently opened credit accounts at two financial institutions using the identifying information of Victim 3, an elderly volunteer at Still I Rise, without the victim’s knowledge or permission, accumulating at least $45,000 in debt. According to court documents, to secure one of the lines of credit, Hodges had Victim 3 medically transported to a nearby bank. When Victim 3 was brought to the bank, Victim 3 was in pain and in a wheelchair, and had an antibiotic catheter line running to her heart.
Finally, the superseding indictment alleges that, as the owner of WWC, and to preserve the medical clinic’s capital, Hodges directed her medical practitioners to inject saline solution into patients rather than Lipo-C, a weight-loss injection therapy requested by patients, and issued nonsufficient funds checks to her employees..
If convicted, Hodges faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of three counts of bank fraud and seven counts wire fraud. Hodges also faces a mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for each of two counts of aggravated identity theft. 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. Hodges is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, but no date has been scheduled.
A superseding indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by superseding indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, and the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, who is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Nebraska Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Stealing and Selling Employer’s Confidential InformationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Nebraska man was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for engaging in fraudulent activity that exposed his employer’s confidential information, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Timothy Young, 50, of Moorefield, Nebraska, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with wire fraud. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Young was employed at a data analytics and risk assessment firm based in New Jersey. The company serves customers worldwide, including entities providing insurance and financial services as well as government entities. The company maintains a network that houses, among other things, significant amounts of personally identifiable information.
Without the firm’s approval, Young obtained confidential, non-public information that belonged to the firm. The information included names, logon names, passwords, email addresses, and telephone numbers for some of the company’s clients. Young then attempted to sell the information.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Young to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $296,370.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and task force officers from the N.J. State Police, Jersey City Police Department, Ocean City Police Department, and Federal Protective Service, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the FBI’s Omaha Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Kristi Koons Johnson, for its role in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Mounds Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Lloyd Jack, Jr., age 57, of Mounds, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(6), 2, 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about September 29, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, Richard Lloyd Jack, Jr., an Indian, did assault G.W. resulting in serious bodily injury.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Missoula CPA sentenced to two years in prison, fined for filing false tax returnsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Missoula certified public accountant convicted of filing false tax returns for a couple’s businesses was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and fined $10,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
After a four-day trial, a jury convicted Daniel Brian Burke, 64, on Nov. 5, 2020 of six counts of aiding and assisting to subscribing to a false document.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen ordered Burke to self-report to prison.
“As with all tax preparers, Mr. Burke had a responsibility to ensure that his clients complied with the tax laws. Instead, Burke actively helped them cheat on their taxes by hiding income, inflating expenses, and manipulating depreciation. With tax season under way, I hope this case will encourage tax preparers and taxpayers to think twice before committing tax fraud. If they commit fraud, they will be investigated and prosecuted,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“Today's sentencing of Daniel Burke is a direct result of the excellent partnership the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have in combating violations of federal law,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “This sentence is a strong message to all CPAs and tax preparers everywhere who are contemplating abusing or exploiting the tax system. IRS CI is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who abuse our tax system.”
In court documents filed in the case and evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that Burke signed false tax returns along with co-defendants and clients, Traci and Joseph Baumgardner, owners of AJB, Inc. and JZ Contracting, Inc., for years 2011 to 2013. In total, the Baumgardners reported gross receipts of $5,001,374 and paid federal taxes totaling $10,066 for the time. Traci and Joseph Baumgardner each pleaded guilty to a conspiracy count and were sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $89,918 restitution.
The government alleged that through AJB and JZ Contracting, Inc., the Baumgardners operated two businesses, Splash Car Wash, in Missoula and Hamilton, and Pro Sweeps Plus, an industrial maintenance service. Burke, a certified public accountant, owned and operated Burke and Company, P.C., and prepared corporate and individual tax returns for the Baumgardners.
Prosecutors further alleged an undercover investigation by the IRS showed that Burke instructed the Baumgardners not to deposit cash in the bank or report it as income as required, to deduct personal expenses as business expenses and to improperly depreciate assets. An undercover IRS agent met with Burke and in a recorded interview, Burke agreed to file false tax returns for the undercover agent. At one point, Burke asked the agent, “You're not an undercover agent from the IRS or anything?” The agent responded no. Burke told the agent how to avoid taxes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the IRS.
XXX
Memphis Businessman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Henly Dolmon, Jr., 38, has been sentenced to 15 months for filing a false federal income tax return. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Dolmon, the former owner of Simple Tax Solutions, failed to report most of the income he derived from Simple Tax Solutions on his 2012 federal income tax return.
On March 10, 2o21, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Dolmon to a total of 15 months imprisonment, ordering Dolmon to serve 8 months in federal prison to be followed by 7 months of home detention. Dolmon was also ordered to serve 1 year of supervised release after his in-custody sentence. He will also be required to pay $124,000 in restitution to the IRS. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony R. Arvin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
McKeesport Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $43KRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Larita Jenkins, 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2017 until October 2017, Jenkins embezzled $43,161.03 from her employer, Selavy, Ltd. d/b/a candyfavorites.com. Jenkins embezzled the funds by accessing the company’s credit card software numerous times and issuing fraudulent refunds, causing company funds to be issued to both her and her husband’s bank accounts.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 13, 2021 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted Jenkins to remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jenkins.
Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Creates Civil Rights Unit to Prosecute Hate Crimes and Violations of Federal Law and to Address Discrimination in Housing, Education, and Other SectorsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner announced that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has established a Civil Rights Unit to enhance the Office’s focus on the enforcement and protection of the civil and constitutional rights of all Maryland residents, including the most vulnerable members of our communities.
In announcing the new Civil Rights Unit, Acting United States Attorney Lenzner stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has always enforced federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status and citizenship. We are making it a priority to have the capabilities to address all forms of discrimination that may exist in any sector or community. It is important that our focus and capabilities in the area of civil rights be well known throughout all Maryland communities. The establishment of the Civil Rights Unit to vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws will help foster a community where individuals live free from unlawful barriers and ensure equal opportunity to all citizens regardless of any protected status.”
Specifically, the Civil Rights Unit will investigate and prosecute violations of criminal statutes, including hate crimes and deprivation of rights made under the color of law, and will bring civil cases to address patterns or practices of discrimination in housing, education, health care and employment, among other areas. The Unit will also coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Section on allegations and investigations related to domestic terrorism to ensure that civil rights statutes, including those related to hate crimes and racially motivated offenses, are considered and employed, as appropriate.
To accomplish its goals, the Civil Rights Unit will be staffed by assistant U.S. Attorneys from both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, who will work together to ensure that a full arsenal of statutes and remedies are employed to address all forms of discrimination. The Civil Rights Unit will develop working relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland that are focused on enforcing civil rights, and will increase outreach efforts to public, private, and not-for-profit entities. The Office will also continue to partner and coordinate with the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as assist county and municipal jurisdictions in Maryland to identify and seek grants and other funding and training opportunities administered by the Department of Justice.
Through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s prioritization and strengthened partnerships, civil rights violations in Maryland will be investigated and as appropriate, prosecuted by federal or state prosecutors. To report suspected violations of civil or criminal civil rights statutes, you may contact the FBI at 410-265-8080 or [email protected].
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
# # #
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Keith Robertson, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2019, Robertson was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Barnstead Police for a defective headlight. During the stop, the officer determined that Robertson was the subject of an arrest warrant and placed him under arrest.
The driver subsequently consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, the officer found evidence of drug use and a scale, as well as a bag containing a drug ledger, approximately $1,600 in cash, and Robertson’s identification card.
After being transported to the police station, Robertson admitted that he had methamphetamine concealed on his person and removed a bag from his pants containing over 132 grams of methamphetamine.
Robertson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that can cause serious health problems or death,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “In order to protect the community, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against the drug traffickers who are distributing this dangerous substance. Thanks to good police work, this methamphetamine dealer has been put out of business.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Barnstead Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
###
Man on Probation for Fresno County Second Degree Robbery Conviction Charged Federally with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Fausto Piña, 31, a Mexican national residing in Fresno, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, after Piña was arrested on outstanding warrants, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his apartment. That search yielded 97.17 pounds (41.8 kilograms) of methamphetamine, 2.42 pounds (1.1 kilograms) of cocaine, 1.3 pounds (.58 kilograms) of heroin, three firearms, loaded and unloaded large capacity magazines, and ammunition. A search of Piña’s person and vehicle yielded nearly $24,000 in cash. Because Piña is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Multi‑Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of felon in possession of a firearm, Piña faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Piña faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine or heroin, Piña faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison up to a maximum of up to 40 years prison, and a fine of up to $5 million on each count. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, Piña faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison consecutive to the sentence on his drug conviction(s). Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY PATTERSON, also known as “AP” and “Antonio,” 42, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for attempting to traffic narcotics while he was on supervised release after a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 14, 2014, Judge Underhill sentenced Patterson to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Patterson’s criminal history also includes a conviction for conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the death of a 32-year-old man in Norwalk in 2001.
In 2018, while he was serving his 60-month federal sentence, Patterson approached a fellow inmate to find a person who could help him import narcotics from Mexico into the U.S. In 2019, after his release from prison and while on supervised release, Patterson travelled to Texas with another convicted felon and negotiated the purchase of five kilograms of cocaine with an undercover DEA agent and a confidential informant. Patterson was arrested on November 13, 2019, after he met with the undercover agent at a hotel in Connecticut to pick up a kilogram of cocaine.
Patterson has been detained since his arrest. On November 19, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Karen L. Peck.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Almost 22 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Montrecus Jaworski Campbell, 40, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 262 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). Campbell was also ordered to pay a $10,000.00 fine.
In June of 2020, DEA Special Agents discovered that Campbell received shipments of methamphetamine at his home in Louisiana before providing the methamphetamine to co-conspirators to distribute in the Southern District of Mississippi. Agents were able to intercept one of the packages and determine that it contained nearly 3 kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine.
Campbell was indicted on August 11, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 24, 2020.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Las Vegas woman pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana in St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Rita Aramyan of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Aramyan appeared today before United States District Court Judge Ronnie L. White.
Beginning in April 2013 and ending around May 2019, Aramyan was part of a drug trafficking organization that conspired to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of marijuana from sources of supply based in California and launder the proceeds. In total, the organization distributed more than 3,000 kilograms of marijuana to various cities across the United States, including St. Louis, and laundered more than $1.5 million in drug proceeds.
During the course of the conspiracy, Aramyan couriered between 700 and 1,000 kilograms of bulk marijuana from Las Vegas to various cities including St. Louis, Missouri. The marijuana was smuggled in luggage carried on to commercial flights. In one instance, Aramyan was arrested in Fresno, California in possession of approximately 100 pounds of bulk marijuana obtained from the source of supply and destined for the organization. Aramyan also stored bulk cash and marijuana at her residence in Las Vegas for the organization. During a search warrant at her residence in March 2018, investigators located two money counters and $140,000 in cash. Finally, Aramyan utilized “Vanilla Visa” credit cards purchased with marijuana proceeds to buy flights for other couriers to deliver marijuana and proceeds.
Aramyan also aided in laundering marijuana proceeds for the organization. Aramyan collected proceeds from various cities, including St. Louis, and delivered them back to the organization in Las Vegas. The cash was smuggled inside luggage carried on to commercial airlines. In September 2017, investigators seized $50,000 of marijuana proceeds from Aramyan’s luggage as she attempted to board a plane in St. Louis destined for Las Vegas. The organization laundered marijuana proceeds through purchases of real estate, luxury vehicles (such as a Lamborghini Aventador), and a business among other means. Aramyan acted as a “straw” purchaser for two residential properties in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Casey is handling the case.
#####
Las Vegas man pleads guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Gregory Simms, 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Simms appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Ronnie L. White.
On June 13, 2020, St. Charles County police stopped Simms for driving a vehicle 80 miles per hour in a 60 miles per hour zone on eastbound Interstate 70 between Bryan Road and Highway K.
A subsequent search of Simms’ vehicle revealed 377 grams of methamphetamine. Simms admitted to the officer he was transporting “ice,” a slang term for crystal Methamphetamine, to St. Louis.
Simms faces a maximum of 40 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of five years.
This St. Charles County Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
#####
Laredoan admits to transporting conspiracy causing deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy which resulted in the death of an undocumented alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On Nov. 5, 2020, law enforcement attempted to pull over David Valadaz, but he fled. He then crashed into the fence of a local business before fleeing on foot. Three undocumented aliens were in the vehicle, one of whom was in the trunk.
The individual in the truck of the vehicle was deceased when authorities found him. Another had suffered serious bodily injury requiring surgery to his elbow.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 17 before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Valadaz faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Valadez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Brown and April Ayers-Perez are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Jacksonville Man of Attempted Enticement to Produce Child Sex Abuse Images and Videos on Motherhood Blog Websites and Possessing Child Exploitation MaterialsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppman announces today that a federal jury has found Colum Patrick Moran, Jr. (42, Jacksonville) guilty of attempting to entice minors to produce images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and also of possessing materials depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Moran face a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 110 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. A sentencing hearing is set for July 12, 2021. Moran was arrested on March 6, 2019, and has been in custody since that date.
According to court documents and evidence and testimony presented during the three-day trial, between 2015 and late 2018, Moran, using the name “Emily lover,” made numerous postings to several internet motherhood blog websites. These blog websites were designed and intended to share and exchange information about motherhood, childcare, useful commercial products, and other topics related to family life. During this period, Moran repeatedly posted sexually explicit comments that targeted mothers and their young children by name on these blogs. Further, Moran intentionally posted graphic comments requesting that several mothers produce and post images and videos of their children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
On March 6, 2019, FBI agents and other officers executed a search warrant at Moran’s apartment and seized several smart phones and computers that contained more than 1,000 images and videos depicting young children, including infants and toddlers, being sexually abused. One of the smart phones had been used by Moran to access numerous motherhood blog websites and contained images of sexually explicit postings made by Moran with usernames “Emily lover” and “Anonymous.” Agents also discovered a plastic storage bin in a bedroom closet that contained two dozen pairs of little girls’ underwear, as well as several firearms, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest with Velcro law enforcement identification patches.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Los Angeles, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Alexandria, Virginia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jennings Man Sentenced to 20+ Years in Federal Prison in Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Christopher Morvant, 48, of Jennings, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 280 months (23 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography.
According to documents introduced in court, in May and June 2017, Morvant convinced his co-defendant to film a video of the co-defendant performing a sexual act on a toddler-aged child. Morvant’s co-defendant sent this video to him using the internet and Morvant saved the video on his personal computer.
The Department of Homeland Security – Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. Forrest Phillips and J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
# # #
Irvine Man Sentenced to 9½ Years in Federal Prison for Role in Robbery Spree of Cell Phone Stores Across Southern CaliforniaRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – An Orange County man who was part of a crew that committed a series of armed robberies at Southern California cell phone stores has been sentenced to 114 months in federal prison, the Justice Department announced today.
Anthony Wimbley, 28, of Irvine, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal. Wimbley pleaded guilty in September 2020 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Wimbley’s sentencing was announced today after a federal jury in Fort Worth, Texas late Wednesday convicted another member of Wimbley’s crew – Edward Eugene Robinson, 49, of Long Beach – of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, two counts of interfering with commerce by robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Robinson also faces criminal charges in Wimbley’s federal case in Riverside.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on May 21, 2019, Wimbley, brandishing a handgun and accompanied by three co-conspirators, robbed an AT&T Wireless store in Fullerton, stealing $23,339 worth of electronic devices and cell phones. During the robbery, one of the conspirators pointed a gun at employee’s abdomen and forced her to go to the back of the store after she said she was scared, according to court documents. Law enforcement later found the robbers in a parked car and found nearby the handgun and stolen goods.
A federal grand jury in October 2019 charged Wimbley, Robinson and four other men in an indictment that alleged a conspiracy to rob cellular phone stores in Chino, Fullerton, Long Beach, Victorville, and Beaumont. The defendants targeted cell phones that did not contain tracking devices, and, in total, stole approximately $191,053 worth of cell phones and electronic devices, and approximately $2,434 in cash, according to the indictment.
Three other defendants in this case – Wimbley’s cousin, Robert Wimbley, 28, of Pomona; Wimbley’s brother, Darron Wimbley, 29, of Fontana; and Djovonte Lewis, 23, of Pomona – each pleaded guilty in August 2020 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a violent crime. Robert Wimbley was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison, and Darron Wimbley is serving a 100-month federal prison sentence for his crimes. Lewis is expected to be sentenced on April 19.
The indictment’s lead defendant, Aaron Tremmell Hardrick, 33, of Fort Worth, Texas, also was transferred to the Northern District of Texas, where some of crewmembers committed additional robberies. Hardrick pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and a firearms offense, admitted to committing the robberies in Southern California, and was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison.
This matter was investigated by the FBI, the Redlands Police Department, the Rialto Police Department, the Glendora Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the Chino Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Beaumont Police Department, and the Pomona Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry C. Yang, Chief of the Riverside Branch Office, and Peter H. Dahlquist, also of the Riverside Branch Office. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas is providing substantial assistance by prosecuting the cases against Hardrick and Robinson, which were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Weybrecht and Nancy Larson.
Incarcerated Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon currently serving a federal prison sentence for crimes committed in Missouri has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in Georgia, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jalen Ortez Gude, 27, of Hillsboro, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self on Tuesday, March 9. Gude faces a maximum 20 years in prison to be followed by a minimum of five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Gude will be sentenced at 10:00 a.m. on June 1, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gude was sentenced to serve 81 months in federal prison on January 22, 2018 for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in the Western District of Missouri. During the course of the investigation into the crimes for which he is currently imprisoned, investigators executed a search warrant on March 17, 2015 at his Hillsboro residence, recovering an iPhone and a 64GB thumb drive. The drive contained 18 photos and three videos of child pornography, including images and video that involved a minor under the age of 12.
“Prosecuting crimes against children is a top priority in the Middle District of Georgia. This defendant will be held accountable with additional federal prison time, without parole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the FBI for their pursuit of justice for our most vulnerable citizens—our children.”
“Each time pornographic images of innocent children are created and shared, they are victimized again,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our message to child predators is that we are committed and working hard to bring them to justice by getting them the toughest penalties of the law.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Hawthorne Man Sentenced to 212 Years in Prison for Scheming to Collect Insurance Proceeds by Intentionally Killing His ChildrenRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Hawthorne man was sentenced today to 212 years in federal prison for intentionally driving his ex-wife and two disabled sons off a wharf at the Port of Los Angeles into the ocean – drowning the boys who were trapped in the car – to collect on accidental death insurance policies he had taken out on their lives.
Ali F. Elmezayen, 45, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who, in imposing the maximum sentence allowed by law, noted Elmezayen’s “evil and diabolical scheme” as well as the “vicious and callous nature of his crimes.”
“He is the ultimate phony and a skillful liar…and is nothing more than a greedy and brutal killer,” Judge Walter said. “The only regret that the defendant has is that he got caught.”
Judge Walter also ordered Elmezayen to pay $261,751 in restitution to the insurance companies that he defrauded.
During a nine-day trial in October 2019, a federal jury found Elmezayen guilty of four counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and five counts of money laundering.
“Mr. Elmezayen conceived a cold-blooded plan to murder his autistic sons and their mother, then cash in on insurance policies,” said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. “He now has ample time to reflect – from the inside of a federal prison cell – on where his greed and self-interest took him. We continue to grieve for those two helpless boys who deserved better from their father, who will never again walk among us as a free man.”
“Fathers are supposed to protect their children but instead, Elmezayen drove his boys straight to their certain death in exchange for cash,” said Kristi Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The defendant maliciously planned the death of his autistic sons and gave them virtually no chance of survival. The investigation that led to today's sentencing won’t give them their lives, but affords them justice in death.”
From July 2012 to March 2013, Elmezayen bought from eight different insurance companies more than $3 million of life and accidental death insurance policies on himself and his family. Elmezayen paid premiums in excess of $6,000 per year for these policies – even though he reported income of less than $30,000 per year on his tax returns. Elmezayen began purchasing the insurance policies the same year he exited a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding.
After purchasing the policies, Elmezayen repeatedly called the insurance companies – sometimes pretending to be his ex-wife in whose name he had obtained some of the policies – to verify that the policies were active and that they would pay benefits if his ex-wife died in an accident. Elmezayen also called at least two of the insurance companies to confirm they would not investigate claims made two years after the policies were purchased. These telephone calls were recorded and were played for the jury.
On April 9, 2015, 12 days after the two-year contestability period on the last of his insurance policies expired, Elmezayen drove a car with his ex-wife and two youngest children off a wharf at the Port of Los Angeles. The site of the crash was a loading dock and worksite for commercial fishermen.
Elmezayen swam out the open driver’s side window of the car. Elmezayen’s ex-wife, who did not know how to swim, escaped the vehicle and survived when a nearby fisherman threw her a flotation device. Two of the couple’s three sons, who were 8 and 13 and who were both severely autistic, were strapped into the car and drowned. The couple’s third son was away at camp at the time and was not in the car at the time his father drove it into the water.
Elmezayen then collected more than $260,000 in insurance proceeds from Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance and American General Life Insurance on the accidental death insurance policies he had taken out on the children’s lives. He used part of the insurance proceeds to purchase real estate in Egypt as well as a boat.
“[Elmezayen] murdered his disabled children and attempted to murder his ex-wife for money,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum. “After years of physically and emotionally abusing his ex-wife and neglecting the children, [Elmezayen] bought $3.4 million in insurance on their lives, waited for two years so the insurance companies would not contest his claims, and then drove them into the ocean, leaving them to drown. That was [Elmezayen’s] fraudulent scheme. It was also premeditated murder.”
In addition to posing as his ex-wife in communications with the insurance companies without her knowledge, following the crash, Elmezayen repeatedly lied to law enforcement officers and insurance companies. He also lied in subsequent civil litigation he filed concerning the crash – about the extent of the insurance he had purchased on his family, and specifically about whether he had insured his disabled children’s lives. He also attempted to persuade witnesses to lie to law enforcement and say he had given the insurance proceeds to charity.
FBI agents arrested Elmezayen in November 2018 and he has been in federal custody ever since.
“Today Ali Elmezayen was held accountable for his actions, which directly led to the tragic death of his two sons. It is unthinkable that any father would jeopardize the lives of his family for his own financial gain,” stated Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner of IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to help bring some closure to this horrifying scheme.”
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Port Police, and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office provided substantial assistance in this case.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander C.K. Wyman of the Major Frauds Section and David T. Ryan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Guyanese National Sentenced to Time Served for Illegal Re-Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney, Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Warren Michael Whyte, a citizen of Guyana, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being ordered deported and removed.
According to Court documents, on March 14, 2020, an ICE Deportation Officer received information from a credible source of information (SOI) that an individual who was previously deported from the United States was working in the Smith Bay area in St. Thomas, V.I. at an auto repair shop called "Auto World". Criminal and immigration records checks were completed and revealed that on June 18, 2002, Warren Whyte was ordered removed from the United States by the Immigration & Naturalization Service to his native country of Guyana as an aggravated felon due to his prior felony conviction.
Court records show that on March 17, 2020, at approximately 7:00 am, an ICE officer observed an individual who appeared to be the person identified in the picture as Warren Whyte. Officer Williams conducted a vehicle stop on VI Route 40 of the vehicle the individual was driving. During the encounter, Whyte freely admitted that his name was Warren Whyte. Mr. Whyte was taken into custody and transported to the ICE office where his fingerprints resulted in a positive match to his prior record of deportation.
During the Sentencing Hearing, United States District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy stated that Mr. Whyte’s prior conviction was almost 20 years ago, and that Whyte had been on home incarceration since March 17, 2020. Judge Molloy sentenced Mr. Whyte to time served. Mr. Whyte will be deported from the United States as a result of his conviction.
This case was investigated by the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan A. Albino.
Gulf Coast Gang Member Sentenced to Almost 3 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Joseph Benjamin Posey, Jr., 19, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Posey was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On September 2, 2020, Biloxi Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Posey was a passenger. As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen. Posey subsequently admitted that he obtained the guns three days before the traffic stop. He also admitted that he was a member of local gang and that he used marijuana daily.
Posey was indicted on October 6, 2020, and he pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on December 8, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Gary Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Antonio Walton, 44, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 360 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release following his conviction at trial for conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
According to documents in this case, from July 2015 through November 2016, Walton conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. As part of the conspiracy, cocaine was cooked into crack cocaine, packaged for sale, and distributed by members of the conspiracy in Gary’s Glen Park neighborhood, with some individuals serving as security for the twenty-four hour a day drug operation. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at five separate locations and recovered approximately 300 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, packaging materials, money, and a 33-page drug ledger. Walton provided most of the crack cocaine sold by the members of the conspiracy, and it is estimated that gross drug sales ran into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Walton has prior felony convictions for dealing in cocaine, distribution of marijuana, and possession of ammunition as a felon.
To date, eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary, Hobart, and Lake County Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.
###
Gang Activity in White County Results in Dozens of Federal ArrestsRead the Press Release
SEARCY, ARKANSAS—Seventeen individuals were arrested Thursday morning as part of a sweeping law enforcement operation that targeted associates of a drug organization responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine in Searcy and the White County area.
The investigation, named Operation Central Sweep, began in April 2020 to combat the growing violent crimes associated with gang-related activity traced to the “Gangster Disciples,” a drug distribution organization operating in the Searcy area. Numerous indictments, which were returned by a Grand Jury on March 5, 2020, and unsealed today, named 33 defendants who are charged with various drug and firearm offenses. Law enforcement officers arrested 17 individuals, and eight defendants were already in state custody prior to today’s operation. Eight defendants are currently considered fugitives (see defendant list).
Prior to today’s arrests, the investigation had resulted in the seizure of 105 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.3 pounds of cocaine, and 44 firearms. During arrest operations on Thursday, agents recovered four additional firearms.
“Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs like the Gangster Disciples,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “The arrests today are an example of DEA’s relentless pursuit to target individuals and organizations that plague and pollute our communities with their drug trafficking and violence. DEAs continued pledge to the people of Arkansas is to continue to continue to work with all our law enforcement partners to pursue these violent criminals and drug traffickers.”
“The focus is on the community,” said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service Fort Worth Division. “It is fulfilling to see an array of departments working together to take criminals, drugs, and guns off the streets, but the real reward is restoring a sense of safety to the community. It is an honor to have worked with so many towards that end, and we thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their commitment to seek the maximum prosecution for criminals who have posed such grave danger to our towns.”
“As today’s operation demonstrated, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with our state and federal law enforcement partners, continues to enhance our ability to disrupt deadly narcotics and weapons trafficking,” said HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Jack Staton. “This operation sends a strong message to drug dealers that HSI will use every available resource to prevent and dismantle the flow of dangerous and addictive substances into our communities.”
ATF is proud to stand with our state, federal and local partners against violent drug and gang crime in our communities,” said William McCrary, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “This case is a great example of cooperative law enforcement at its best. We will continue to work together to address these serious crimes.”
The investigation was conducted jointly with DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Searcy Police Department, 17th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, White County Sheriff’s Office; and the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force.
Additional agencies assisting in the arrest operation included Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police, Arkansas Department of Corrections, Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Unit, 20th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, Prairie County Sheriff’s Office, White County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Probation Office.
The charges in today’s unsealed indictments include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.
The maximum penalty for the drug charges is not less than 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime is not less than five years in prison and up to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for being a felon or an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm is 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The defendants arrested today will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe on March 15, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. for plea and arraignment. Defendants who were already in custody will have arraignments scheduled later. Trial dates will be announced at plea and arraignment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields. The defendants charged include:
Juan Ahumada, 26, Searcy (*)
Christopher Barefield, 28, Conway
Cory Birdwell, 34, Searcy (*)
Rodney Bishop, 46, Judsonia (&)
Benjamin Blue, 44, Searcy (*)
Dennis Boatman, 29, Searcy (&)
Albert Cates, 57, Searcy (&)
Aaron Cromwell, 29, Searcy (*)
Justice Cunningham, 23, Searcy (%)
Athena Delancey, 40, Augusta
Sigmond Donelson, 47, Searcy
Kayla Haggins, 26, Helena-West Helena (*)
Kenny Isom, 32, McRae (*)
Keith Johnson, 38, Helena-West Helena (*)
Lyron Johnson, 57, Searcy
Timothy Johnston, 58, Searcy (*)
Rickey Jones, 34, Searcy (&)
Christopher Koser, 19, Judsonia
Earl Lockhart III, 44, Augusta
Felicia Mason, 25, Searcy
Michael Matthews, 39, Bald Knob (*)
Anthony Miles, 55, Judsonia (*)
Donald Patterson, 33, Helena-West Helena (*)
Branden Priddy, 29, Searcy (&)
Cynthia Rainey, 35, Searcy (*)
John Rayburn, 30, Searcy (*)
Roderick Roberson, 43, Searcy
Andre “Smoke” Smith, 21, Searcy (*)
Nathaniel Stipes, 28, Judsonia (*)
Marcus Trouten, 35, Searcy (*)
Terry White, 26, Searcy
Keith Williams, 47, Augusta (&)
Evander Young, 32, Searcy (*)
* arrested Thursday
& in state custody
% fugitive
An indictment contains only allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
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
GBK Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms Law ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jaimon Woods, age 30.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boys Killas (GBK) street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. During the investigation, on December 7, 2017, Jaimon Woods was observed driving a gold BMW, with expired inspection and emissions stickers and windows tinted in excess of code, on Ohio River Boulevard in Avalon Borough, PA. An Avalon Borough police officer conducted a traffic stop, but Woods and the passenger of the vehicle both fled. The officer chased Woods and was able to apprehend him. The officer searched Woods’ gold BMW and recovered two firearms, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, and a Smith and Wesson 44 magnum revolver. Both guns were loaded and had been stolen. Woods’s fingerprint was found on the revolver. Because Woods had previously been convicted of felony offenses, he was prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Avalon Borough Police Department in conducting the traffic stop which led to the arrest of Woods and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration, joint leaders of the multi-agency wiretap investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jaimon Woods.
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.
Forrest County Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Oliver McNair, 30, of Petal, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). McNair was also ordered to pay a $5000 fine.
On August 31, 2019, McNair was found in possession of over 60 grams of methamphetamine in Petal. Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be approximately 97% pure. McNair also had a firearm at the time of his arrest.
Prior to the instant offense, McNair had previously been convicted of two armed robberies in and around Hattiesburg. As a result of his criminal history, he was sentenced as a career offender.
McNair was originally indicted for this offense on January 15, 2020. He pled guilty on October 21, 2020.
Jason Denham, Resident Agent in Charge of the ATF Gulfport Field Office, provided the following statement in response to McNair’s sentencing: “This investigation just illustrates how the partnership between federal and local law enforcement can be effective at removing a violent, career offender from a community and provide an immediate impact to public safety.”
Connie Keene, Captain of the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigative Division, stated as follows: “The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is committed to working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as a participant in Project EJECT to ensure that violent habitual offenders are brought to justice as exhibited by the sentence imposed on Mr. Oliver McNair. In the present case, at his arrest Mr. McNair was not only a convicted career criminal at that time, but in possession of distribution-level methamphetamine, and a stolen firearm as further evidence as to the extreme danger he presented to the community. The FCSO is committed to continuing to seek out, investigate and bring to justice career criminals as part of Sheriff Charlie Sims’ commitment to serve the citizens of Forrest County courteously, respectfully and professionally in order to prevent crime and enhance safety.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Former President of Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market Charged with Stealing $7.8 Million from His EmployerRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Caesar DiCrecchio, 60, of Voorhees, NJ, was charged by Information with two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of aggravated identity theft, and four counts of tax evasion, all of which allegedly caused more than $7.8 million in losses to the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market in South Philadelphia. Separately, Thomas Del Borrello, 42 of Sewell, NJ, was also charged by Information with eight counts of aggravated false filing of a currency transaction report and one count of aggravated failure to file a currency transaction report.
The Information alleges that DiCrecchio, the former President and CEO of the Produce Market, exercised control over every aspect of the Market, including expenditure of funds, and was required to report on the Market’s finances to its Board of Directors. The defendant defrauded the Market by using company funds to pay $1.9 million in rent on his Stone Harbor, New Jersey shore house; converting into cash $1.1 million in checks drawn on the Market’s bank account and using the cash for his own benefit; causing $1.7 million in checks to be issued from the Market operating account payable to his friends or relatives; causing the Market to pay for the defendant’s personal credit card expenditures; converting $320,000 in checks that were payable to the Market and cashing them for his own benefit; skimming $2.6 million in cash from the pay gate at the Market’s parking lot, which he used to pay Market employees ‘under the table’ while keeping a substantial portion for his own use; and using Market funds to provide a $180,000 loan to a Market vendor, which the vendor repaid directly to DiCrecchio. The defendant concealed these expenditures in the Market’s books and records by directing that these payments be reflected as legitimate business expenditures, for example: notated as maintenance, snow removal, insurance, legal fees and other false expenditure entries.
The Information also alleges that DiCrecchio committed aggravated identity theft by cashing checks at a currency exchange using the name of an unwitting victim as the payee. Further, it is also alleged that the defendant conspired to engage in money laundering by agreeing with two unnamed individuals to conduct repeated money laundering transactions by converting Market funds into money orders at a currency exchange so that he could pay the rent at his shore house. In total, DiCrecchio laundered approximately $319,736 by purchasing money orders at the currency exchange using Market funds.
According to the second Information, Del Borrello was a supervisor at United Check Cashing on South Broad Street in Philadelphia and was responsible for compliance with regulations governing cash transactions, including the preparation and filing of Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs). DiCrecchio regularly caused groups of checks to be delivered to, and cashed at, United Check Cashing. These checks were each made out for less than $10,000, but when cashed as a group generated in excess of $10,000 in United States currency. For these cash transactions in excess of $10,000, regulations require the currency exchange to file a CTR, recording the identity of the person who presented the transaction. Del Borrello allegedly caused the filing of false CTRs which hid DiCrecchio’s identity, or caused United Check Cashing to fail to file a CTR altogether. On some occasions, DiCrecchio directed Del Borrello, or others at United Check Cashing, to convert the proceeds of the checks into separate money orders which were used to pay the monthly rent for DiCrecchio’s Stone Harbor house.
Lastly, the Information alleges that DiCrecchio willfully attempted to evade federal income tax over several years, by failing to report more than $2.1 million in income for tax years 2014 through 2017. DiCrecchio failed to report as income the proceeds of his fraud on the Market, as well as a car allowance, a pension allowance, and consulting income that he received from the Market.
“Complexity will not hide crime from law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Further, and as alleged here, ‘nickel and dime’ theft – skimming small amounts here and there over many years – is just as illegal as stealing one large lump sum. The charges announced today reflect our Office’s commitment to uncovering and prosecuting complicated financial frauds.”
“Caesar DiCrecchio stands charged with a massive theft from the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Stealing business funds for personal use is fraud, plain and simple, and anyone padding their paycheck like this can expect a whole lot of attention from the FBI.”
“Willfully evading one’s tax liability is a violation of federal tax law,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Mr. DiCrecchio stands accused of evading taxes on millions of dollars’ worth of income, while Mr. Del Borrello is alleged to have, among other things, caused the filing of false CTRs which hid Mr. DiCrecchio’s identity and permitted his fraud to continue. Rest assured that IRS Special Agents are fully trained to investigate numerous types of tax and related financial crimes, and are constantly working to uncover crimes such as those charged in these cases.”
“This investigation is a perfect example of a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies,” said Sgt. Brandon Corby, Commander, Eastern Organized Crime Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police. “DiCrecchio and Del Borrello utilized their positions to further their personal wealth and defraud the Wholesale Produce Market of millions of dollars. The Pennsylvania State Police along with our federal partners are committed to eradicating this type of criminal behavior and hold those engaged in such activities accountable for their actions.”
DiCrecchio faces a maximum sentence of 102 years in prison, a three-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $2,500,000. Del Borrello faces a maximum sentence of 90 years in prison, a three-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $4,500,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Donovan.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Enforcer of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to drug charges.
Jeremia Medina, a/k/a “King Sweepy,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2021.
Medina admitted to being a former Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, and to conspiring with other members of the Latin Kings to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. As Enforcer, Medina was a leader of the New Bedford Chapter charged with organizing violent acts by the gang and administering violations and other violence. Medina also admitted to conspiring with other Latin Kings members and leaders to operate a vast drug trafficking network throughout New Bedford, utilizing a number of multi-unit apartment buildings controlled by the Latin Kings, known as trap houses. The evidence described at the plea hearing today included court-authorized interceptions of Medina’s phone, and a recording where he is depicted in a trap house, in front of a stove preparing to “cook” a suspected kilogram of cocaine powder into “crack” cocaine, also known as cocaine base.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Medina is the 40th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Accounting Coordinator for Non-Profit Organization Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $321KRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Danielle Strother-Rush, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Strother-Rush was an Accounting Coordinator for the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, which is a nonprofit organization that was created to increase business opportunities for minority-owned businesses. From approximately August 2014 until August 2016, Strother-Rush embezzled $321,255.88 in various ways. The primary way in which she embezzled funds was by writing checks to herself from the operating accounts and forging her supervisor’s signature on the checks. She also made unauthorized ATM withdrawals including several at the Rivers Casino. Lastly, she accessed the payroll bank account online and made unauthorized electronic checks payable to herself.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted Strother-Rush to remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Strother-Rush.
Federal Jury Convicts Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury on Tuesday convicted a Columbiana man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Joshua Lee Jones, 36, of Columbiana, after 2 days of testimony before U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon. Jones was prohibited from owning a firearm because he had prior Illinois state court convictions for Murder, Second Degree, Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.
“Prosecuting felons with guns is a priority of my office,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Felons who possess firearms pose a threat to the safety and security of our community. Citizens of the Northern District of Alabama deserve to feel safe in their communities.”
“Removing the criminal element that uses a firearm to facilitate violent crimes is a priority of ATF. ATF’s crime gun intelligence partnerships leveraging NIBIN technology will have a lasting impact within this community.”
The maximum punishment for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Plyler and Alan Baty are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Alleged Associates of Sinaloa Cartel on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted five suspected associates of the Sinaloa Cartel on drug trafficking charges for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine in the Chicago area. One defendant was recently extradited to the United States to face the charges.
Charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute are ROBERTO VELAZQUEZ MARTINEZ, 36, of Santiago Papasquiaro, Mexico; CAMILO ALVAREZ, 44, of Durango, Mexico; JOSE HERNANDEZ RAMIREZ, 36, of Tamaulipas, Mexico; INES CHAVEZ RODRIGUEZ, 36, of Santiago Papasquiaro, Mexico; and LOUIS REYES VELEZ, 44, of Stickney, Ill.
According to a criminal complaint and indictments filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the defendants worked together to attempt to import and distribute cocaine into the United States on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. The charges allege that Velazquez Martinez traveled to Chicago in 2018 to attempt to arrange a multi-kilogram cocaine shipment with co-conspirators and two other individuals who, unbeknownst to Velazquez Martinez, were confidentially working with U.S. law enforcement.
Reyes Velez was arrested Tuesday in Cicero, Ill. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim. A detention hearing for Reyes Velez is scheduled for this afternoon. Velazquez Martinez was arrested in October 2019 in Lima, Peru, and was extradited in December 2020 to the United States. He has pleaded not guilty. His case is set for a status hearing on March 31, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Joan H. Lefkow.
Alvarez, Hernandez Ramirez, and Chavez Rodriguez are believed to be residing in Mexico. U.S. warrants for their arrests have been issued.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, and INTERPOL. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron R. Bond and Matthew J. Hernandez.
The investigation was conducted with the support of the Chicago HIDTA and OCDETF Task Forces, which are comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The drug conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Firearm Charge Brought Against Fresno Man After Attempting to Evade PoliceRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Luis Francisco Abrams, 44, of Fresno, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 23, Abrams was riding his motorcycle when officers attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. Abrams failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit, during which he drove against oncoming traffic and ran multiple red lights. Abrams eventually crashed his motorcycle and fled the scene on foot. While fleeing, Abrams threw a firearm on the roof of a nearby building. Fresno Police officers eventually caught up to him, arrested him, and recovered the loaded firearm from the roof. Abrams is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior criminal record, which includes convictions for car theft, assault with a firearm, drug offenses, and domestic violence.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Abrams faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Erie Man Charged with Possession and Transfer of Unregistered FirearmsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Joseph Leonard Stratton-Kiehlmeier, 47, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in January 2020, Stratton-Kiehlmeier, possessed unregistered firearms, specifically a fully automatic, 9mm sub machine gun and a fully automatic, AK47 style assault rifle and transferred these firearms in violation of the National Firearms Act.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.