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27 April 2021
Waterford Man Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bradley Boisen, age 25, of Waterford, New York, appeared in court today on a charge that he attempted to pay $60 to an adult in order to have sex with a 14-year-old child.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the criminal complaint, on April 21, 2021, Boisen arranged to pay $60 to another person in order to have sex with a 14-year-old child. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In a hearing today before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, Boisen was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Boisen faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life following any term of incarceration. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Boisen would also be required to register as a sex offender.
Anyone who wants to provide law enforcement with information about the defendant should contact the FBI Albany Field Office at (518) 465-7551.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Kopita and Rachel Williams as part of the United States Attorney’s Office-led Human Trafficking Task Force. This case is also prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit httos://www.justice.gov/psc.
Vancouver, Washington, area man pleads guilty to multiple federal felonies for online sexual exploitation of teensRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A Ridgefield, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to multiple federal felonies for his scheme to entice and pressure young teens into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos. Joshua Henry Punt, 39, pleaded guilty today to using the messaging apps ‘Kik’ and ‘Snapchat’ to connect with teens while posing as a teenager. Punt then enticed and pressured young teens to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Victims have been identified across the U.S., including New York, Arkansas, California, Texas, Nevada, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
According to records filed in the case, Punt presented himself in his social media accounts as an attractive teenager by using profile pictures of youthful YouTube personalities. After innocuous preliminary communications with his intended victims, Punt demanded sexually provocative and/or sexually explicit photos and videos. Unbeknownst to his victims, Punt recorded their videos and images on a second phone. So, for example, when a victim believed she was sending a “snap,” which would automatically delete or notify the sender if an attempt was made to copy it, Punt surreptitiously recorded the images and videos for future use. When victims inevitably became uncomfortable with his behavior and attempted to exit the “relationship,” Punt threatened to send the videos/images to members of their local communities–including schools, coaches, and others‑‑if they did not comply with his demands which included production of additional sexually explicit videos and images. The victims range in age from 12 to 16 years of age.
PUNT was arrested on May 21, 2019, and was originally charged in Clark County Superior Court. He was charged federally on November 7, 2019.
In a separate investigation, the FBI identified Punt as the administrator of a child pornography distribution group on Kik. As an administrator, Punt actively patrolled the group – demanding that new members share content and banning those that failed to share child pornography. An FBI online covert employee followed links posted by Punt leading to a cache of child pornography.
Punt pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography and advertisement of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2021 and faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than 23 years in prison. Punt will be required to register as a sex offender following prison. Both the prosecution and defense will recommend that Punt be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
The case is being investigated by the Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations. The FBI investigated Punt’s activity administering a site for the trading of images of child abuse and molestation. Law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions are also assisting this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angelica Williams and Cecelia Gregson are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Two SoCal Men Indicted in Hate Crimes Case Alleging They Attacked Family-Owned Restaurant and Threatened to Kill the Victims InsideRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury in Los Angeles has indicted two Los Angeles-area men on conspiracy and hate crime offenses for allegedly attacking five victims at a family-owned Turkish restaurant while shouting anti-Turkish slurs, hurling chairs at the victims and threatening to kill them.
The indictment was unsealed today following the arrest this morning of Harutyun Harry Chalikyan, 23, of Tujunga, who is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
The second defendant in the case – William Stepanyan, 23, of Glendale – is currently in state custody and is expected to appear in federal court in this case in the coming weeks.
Chalikyan and Stepanyan, both of whom are Armenian-American, are charged with one count of conspiracy and five hate crimes.
According to the indictment, Stepanyan sent a text message on November 4, 2020, saying that he planned to go “hunting for [T]urks.” Later that day, Stepanyan met with Chalikyan and other Armenian-Americans to protest what they considered to be Turkish aggression against Armenians, express their contempt for Turkey and show their support for Armenia.
Stepanyan, Chalikyan and other Armenian-Americans then drove to the family-owned restaurant, where Stepanyan and Chalikyan stormed into the restaurant and attacked the victims inside, the indictment alleges. Stepanyan and Chalikyan, who were both wearing masks during the attack, allegedly flung chairs at the victims while shouting derogatory slurs about Turkish people. Four of the five victims were of Turkish descent.
The indictment further alleges that at least one of the defendants threatened to kill the victims, shouting: “We came to kill you! We will kill you!”
During the attack, multiple victims were injured, including one individual who lost feeling in their legs and collapsed multiple times due to the injury, the indictment states. After the victims escaped, Stepanyan and Chalikyan allegedly continued to destroy the restaurant, ultimately causing over $20,000 in damage, forcing the restaurant to close temporarily and causing thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, Stepanyan and Chalikyan each would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the hate crime charges and five years in prison for the conspiracy charge.
The FBI conducted the investigation in this matter and received substantial assistance from the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Two Romanian Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Placing Card Skimmers on ATMsRead the Press Release
Two men who used credit card skimmers in an attempt to obtain the debit card information of 183 people were sentenced on April 23, 2021, to 10 months each in federal prison.
Stefan Daniel Busoi, age 30, and Razvan Marian Diculescu, age 29, both from Romania, received the prison terms after November 2, 2020 guilty pleas to possession of device-making equipment.
Information at sentencing showed that bank employees and law enforcement officers found credit card skimmers and pinhole cameras on three ATMs in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 17, 2020. Using traffic camera and ATM footage, officers determined that Busoi and Diculescu installed the skimmers and cameras on June 15, 2020. Officers arrested Busoi and Diculescu on June 18, 2020, at one of the ATMs when they returned for the skimmers. While the skimmers were in place, 183 people used the three ATMs. Busoi and Diculescu, who were in the United States unlawfully, possessed fraudulent Greek passports at the time of their arrest and were initially charged as John Does.
Busoi and Diculescu were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Busoi and Disculescu were each sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. They must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States State Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-1027.
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Two Paterson Police Officers Charged with Assaulting Victim and Filing False Police ReportRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Paterson Police Officers are facing civil rights and obstruction of justice charges for allegedly assaulting a victim in Paterson and then lying about it, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Paterson Police Officers Kevin Patino, 29, of Paterson New Jersey, and Kendry Tineo-Restituyo, 28, also of Paterson, New Jersey are both charged by complaint with depriving a victim of his Constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by law enforcement officers and with filing a false police report. Patino surrendered this morning and Tineo-Restituyo is expected to surrender later this morning. The defendants are scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa.
“Police officers who abuse their positions to exert power over and injure the citizens they are supposed to protect violate our Constitution and erode trust in our public institutions,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with the FBI and our state partners to investigate and prosecute these civil rights violations and restore the public trust.”
“Civil rights violations are one of the FBI’s highest priorities, particularly when the allegations involve members of law enforcement,” George M. Crouch Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Newark Division, said. “We rely on the police to protect the public. The few who take advantage of this public trust, at any level, will be investigated by the FBI and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on December 14, 2020, in Paterson, Patino and Tineo-Restituyo approached the victim, who was walking with his hands in his pockets. Patino grabbed hold of the victim. When the victim attempted to separate himself, Patino struck the victim in the face and body numerous times. While Patino was striking the victim, Tineo-Restituyo picked the victim up and threw him to the ground. Patino and Tineo-Restituyo then repeatedly struck the victim while he was on the ground.
Patino and Tineo-Restituyo then filed a police report regarding the arrest of the victim, which contained numerous false statements and omissions. For instance, the police report falsely stated that the victim had walked towards the officers “screaming profanities” and “acting belligerent” and that the victim had struck Patino with a closed fist in the chest. None of this was true. The report also omitted the fact that Patino and Tineo-Restituyo continued to strike the victim after the victim was on the ground.
The violation of civil rights count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The false records count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000.
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; the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal; the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes; and the North Jersey Public Corruption Task Force, composed of members of FBI and New Jersey State Police, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Senior Civil Rights Counsel Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Men Charged for Selling over 4,500 Stolen Goods OnlineRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Two men from the Reno area face federal charges for selling more than 4,500 stolen items online to buyers nationwide and in foreign countries, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. for IRS Criminal Investigation.
Gennaro Paolo Canta, 42, and Jess Legarza, 37, were indicted on one count of conspiracy and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. In addition, Canta is charged with one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Canta and Legarza made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb, who scheduled a jury trial to begin on June 21, 2021.
According to allegations in the indictment, from about June to August 2016, Canta and Legarza regularly purchased merchandise they knew had been stolen from retail stores, and then resold them online in nearly all 50 states and foreign countries. Canta received payments from the buyers and used the proceeds to buy more stolen items. In total, Canta and Legarza allegedly sold more than 4,500 stolen items online.
If convicted, the statutory maximum penalties are five years in prison for conspiracy and 10 years for interstate transportation of stolen property and conducting monetary transactions in criminally derived property.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the IRS CI and the Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Richard B. Casper are prosecuting the case.
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Two California Men Indicted in Hate Crimes Case Alleging They Attacked Family-Owned Restaurant and Threatened to Kill the Victims InsideRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Los Angeles has indicted two Los Angeles-area men on conspiracy and hate crime offenses for allegedly attacking five victims at a family-owned Turkish restaurant while shouting anti-Turkish slurs, hurling chairs at the victims and threatening to kill them.
The indictment was unsealed today following the arrest this morning of Harutyun Harry Chalikyan, 23, of Tujunga, who is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
The second defendant in the case – William Stepanyan, 23, of Glendale – is currently in state custody and is expected to appear in federal court in this case in the coming weeks.
Chalikyan and Stepanyan, both of whom are Armenian-American, are charged with one count of conspiracy and five hate crimes.
According to the indictment, Stepanyan sent a text message on Nov. 4, 2020, saying that he planned to go “hunting for [T]urks.” Later that day, Stepanyan met with Chalikyan and other Armenian-Americans to protest what they considered to be Turkish aggression against Armenians, express their contempt for Turkey and show their support for Armenia.
Stepanyan, Chalikyan and other Armenian-Americans then drove to the family-owned restaurant, where Stepanyan and Chalikyan stormed into the restaurant and attacked the victims inside, the indictment alleges. Stepanyan and Chalikyan, who were both wearing masks during the attack, allegedly flung chairs at the victims while shouting derogatory slurs about Turkish people. Four of the five victims were of Turkish descent.
The indictment further alleges that at least one of the defendants threatened to kill the victims, shouting: “We came to kill you! We will kill you!”
During the attack, multiple victims were injured, including one individual who lost feeling in their legs and collapsed multiple times due to the injury, the indictment states. After the victims escaped, Stepanyan and Chalikyan allegedly continued to destroy the restaurant, ultimately causing over $20,000 in damage, forcing the restaurant to close temporarily and causing thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
If convicted, Stepanyan and Chalikyan each would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the hate crime charges and five years in prison for the conspiracy charge.
The FBI conducted the investigation in this matter and received substantial assistance from the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Twice-Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Sexual Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bisson imposed the sentence on Krent Jeffrey Haight, age 48, formerly of the City’s Mount Washington neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, Haight, on November 14, 2018, unlawfully possessed approximately 1500 still images and videos in computer graphics files depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years. The images and videos were found on electronic devices seized by federal agents during the execution of a search warrant at Haight’s residence. During the search, Haight admitted to the agents that he uploaded numerous sexually exploitive images to Tumblr, a social networking website, making them available for public viewing.
Haight had two prior convictions for sex offenses, the most recent of which involved the possession of child pornography. He was a registered sex offender in the State of Pennsylvania.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that she believed a 10-year term of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release would serve to protect the public and to provide for just punishment.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Haight.
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 (CEOS), 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.
Toledo physician pleads guilty to sex trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Manish Raj Gupta, aka Manny Gupta, 50, of Sylvania, Ohio, a former Toledo-area plastic surgeon, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday, April 26, to sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and illegally dispensing a controlled substance.
“This plea is just one step in a long recovery process for the victim, whose courage and bravery should be commended,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Mr. Gupta’s acknowledgment of his heinous crimes now moves this matter to sentencing where the government will be seeking a significant term of incarceration. Importantly, though, any additional victims of Mr. Gupta are encouraged to contact the FBI. Every victim of sexual violence deserves justice.”
"Manish Gupta has now accepted responsibility for preying on, drugging and sexually victimizing women,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “He misused his position of trust for his own sexual gratification. He will now be held accountable for his reprehensible criminal behavior. The FBI encourages anyone that was sexually victimized by Manish Gupta to please contact the FBI at 1-877-FBI-OHIO."
According to court records, from on or about August 9, 2016 through on or about September 24, 2016, Gupta forced, threatened force, and coerced a woman, identified in the Indictment as Victim #1, to engage in sexual acts. Without the victim’s knowledge or consent, Gupta administered an incapacitating controlled substance to commit a crime of violence against her, namely rape. Gupta recorded his assault of Victim #1.
Notably, court records also state that Gupta traveled to medical conferences in large urban areas, including Chicago in March and April of 2013, Cleveland in April of 2013, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale in June of 2015 and July 2019, Los Angeles in September of 2016, and various other dates in San Francisco and Detroit. Gupta would often stay at centrally located hotels in these cities and hire escorts in the area. Gupta would then administer incapacitating drugs to his victims and perform sexual acts of violence without their consent.
Gupta is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2021. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Toledo Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Carol M. Skutnik.
Tennessee Man Admits Committing Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Tennessee man today admitted using a company’s bank information to pay off personal debts, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ketan Ghutadaria, 50, of Johnson City, Tennessee, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2018 through September 2018, Ghutadaria engaged in a fraudulent scheme to enrich himself by using Company-1’s bank account information to pay off his personal debts, including an automobile loan for the purchase of a 2017 Audi Q7. Ghutadaria contacted companies to whom he owed money and provided those companies with Company-1’s bank account number and routing number. For example, on June 29, 2018, Ghutadaria contacted Bank of America and authorized it to submit an Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit transaction for $53,505 to Company-1’s bank account in New York. The release of those fraudulently obtained funds resulted in Ghutadaria paying off his automobile loan. Ghutadaria fraudulently caused Company-1 to pay off $164,109 of his personal debts.
The count of wire fraud is punishable by a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited inspectors from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins in Newark, and Inspector in Charge Tommy Coke of the Knoxville Domicile, Atlanta Division; deputy U.S. marshals of the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal David Jolley, Eastern District of Tennessee; and members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Investigations Unit, under the direction of the Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Suburban Chicago Chiropractor Sentenced to More Than a Year and a Half in Prison on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago chiropractor has been sentenced to more than a year and a half in federal prison for fraudulently submitting reimbursement claims to private insurers and Medicare for nonexistent treatment.
JOHN KOSLOSKI operated Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehab in Dolton, Ill. From 2010 to 2017, Kosloski billed the private insurers for services that he purportedly provided to Amtrak employees and their family members, knowing that he was not actively treating them or had never seen them as patients. Kosloski paid cash to the Amtrak employees in exchange for the ability to falsely bill using the employees’ and their family members’ personal information. During the course of his scheme, Kosloski submitted more than 18,000 claims to insurers for services that he knew he did not provide, and he received more than $500,000 in reimbursements for the false claims.
Kosloski, 57, of Beecher, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to one count of health care fraud. U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on Monday imposed a 20-month prison term and ordered Kosloski to pay a $25,000 fine and more than $500,000 in restitution to the insurers.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Basil P. Demczak, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General.
“In a world that has limited funds to pay for health care, insurance providers paid defendant for fraudulent claims that could have been used to pay for necessary medical services,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Greening argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He made the choice to defraud insurers over and over again for eight years, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
South Florida Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Henry Willian Carabeo Boned (29, Miami) to 18 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. As part of his sentence, Carabeo Boned was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offense.
Carabeo Boned had pleaded guilty in November 2020.
According to court documents, in early 2019, Carabeo Boned and his co-defendants, Duani Garcia and Raiquel Monteagudo Torres, visited Wal-Mart stores throughout Clay County and used credit and debit cards that had been re-encoded with stolen account numbers to purchase phone cards and gift cards. In February 2019, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office detained Carabeo Boned and Torres at the self-checkout area of a Wal-Mart as they were in the process of attempting to complete a fraudulent transaction. The deputies also detained Garcia as he walked out of the store. During a search of the three individuals, deputies located 40 gift and credit cards that had been re-encoded with stolen credit card information. Further investigation by the United States Secret Service resulted in the seizure of computer media and tools used for skimming credit and debit card account numbers from gas pumps. A forensic examination of the computer media located an additional 253 stolen credit card account numbers.
On March 16, 2020, Duani Garcia was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offense. Raiquel Monteagudo Torres is a fugitive from law enforcement.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service (Jacksonville Field Office) and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Skilled Nursing Facility Operators Agree to Settle Americans with Disabilities Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Brookside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BRNC), located in Warrenton, has agreed to pay compensatory damages and a civil penalty, as well as enact remedial actions for residents with disabilities, to settle allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The settlement agreement between the United States Attorney’s Office and BRNC resolves allegations that BRNC had denied admission to an individual who is deaf because she would need sign language interpreting services. The ADA prohibits covered entities from excluding individuals with disabilities from their services because they require auxiliary aid or services, such as a sign language interpreter.
“We are firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensuring that they have equal opportunity and equal access to essential health or medical services,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Through the protections enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, EDVA will continue to uphold the civil rights of every member of our community, irrespective of disability, by taking action to eliminate injustices and remove barriers in public services and accommodations.”
Abraham A. Gutnicki and Judy Kushner, who manage BRNC and are parties to the settlement agreement, have an interest in seven other nursing facilities located in Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey. The remedial action agreed upon is to be implemented at those facilities.
To resolve this complaint, BRNC agreed to adopt new ADA policies that will make their services accessible to individuals with communication disabilities, including those who require the services of a sign language interpreter; designate an ADA Administrator, who will be responsible for ensuring each facilities’ compliance with the ADA; enter into agreements with sign language interpreting service providers to provide services to individuals who need them; and provide training for its personnel on the ADA’s effective communication requirements. The agreement covers eight of the nursing facilities in which Gutnicki and Kushner have an interest: (1) BRNC; (2) Cranford Rehab & Nursing Center; (3) Lynwood Manor Health Center; (4) Mystic Meadows Rehab & Nursing Center; (5) Oakwood Care Center; (6) Rehab at Rivers Edge; (7) Skyview Springs Rehab and Nursing Center; and (8) Wellspring at Amelia.
In addition to making changes to the policies and procedures at their nursing facilities, BRNC agreed to pay $40,000 to the resident to whom it denied admission and a $50,000 civil penalty.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, who is the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The civil claims settled by this ADA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
For more information on the ADA and to access helpful compliance-related publications, visit ADA.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY). ADA complaints may be filed online at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Self-Proclaimed Boogaloo Bois Member Admits to Illegally Possessing a Firearm after Previously Being Committed to a Mental InstitutionRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 22-year-old Cameron Emerson Casey Rankin, a self-proclaimed Boogaloo Bois member residing in San Antonio, pleaded guilty to a charge of illegally possessing a firearm after previously being judicially committed to a mental institution.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Jason K. Pulliam, Rankin admitted that he was in possession of a black semi-automatic rifle on October 28, 2020, when FBI agents executed a search warrant at his apartment. During the search, agents recovered the rifle along with loaded ammunition magazines and a ballistic plate tactical vest. Twelve years earlier, Rankin was judicially committed to a mental institution by the Bexar County, Texas, Probate Court No. 1.
According to court documents on August 11, 2020, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents served Rankin written notice at the Manchester, NH airport that he was prohibited from possessing firearms. The agents also provided him with copies of his mental health records. On that same day, agents seized a handgun and ammunition from inside Rankin’s luggage. Rankin threw the notice letter and mental health records in the trash before leaving the airport terminal.
Upon conviction, Rankin faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Rankin, who has remained in federal custody since October 28, 2020, is scheduled for sentencing at 2:00 PM on July 27, 2021, before Judge Pulliam.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, made today’s announcement.
The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the ATF investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William R. Harris and Mark Roomberg are prosecuting this case.
This case falls within the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.
This case is also a part of Project Guardian, which is 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 ATF 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. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
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Santa Clarita Valley Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for $4 Million Con Where Clients Were Falsely Promised Government GrantsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A man who claimed to be a tax preparer was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for defrauding his clients out of more than $4 million by falsely promising them huge windfalls from a sham federal program that purportedly would issue large grants to them.
Edgardo Zeta Montalban, 70, of Valencia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr., who said Montalban “exploited human frailty” in conducting his fraud. Judge Blumenfeld said the criminal conduct in this case was “despicable, cruel and callous,” and it caused “devastating effects on numerous victims.”
From 2013 to September 2020, Montalban, who held himself out as an accountant and tax preparer, asked some of his clients to invest in a federal grant program he called “Suppressed IRS Accounts.” Montalban told his clients that if they paid him in cash, the federal government would issue them grants many times larger than what they paid. In reality, no such grant program existed.
In furtherance of the scheme, a co-conspirator made counterfeit Treasury checks payable to the victim clients for tens of millions of dollars, which Montalban used as props to entice the victims to pay him. Montalban explained to the victims that they had to pay him in cash to protect the federal grant program’s secrecy.
After his victims paid him, Montalban made up excuses as to why the Treasury checks had been delayed, and tricked the victims into paying him more money, purportedly for expenses necessary to overcome the obstacles to their checks’ issuance.
“[Montalban] would promise his victims a huge windfall from the government in exchange for a modest payment up front to [Montalban] in cash,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum. “Because the windfall was a fraud, each purported difficulty overcome by an additional cash payment had to lead to yet another difficulty, requiring yet another cash payment. [Montalban] repeated this process until he had bled his victims dry, or they realized they had been defrauded and stopped paying him.”
Montalban has been in federal custody since April 6, when Judge Blumenfeld found that he violated the conditions of his bond by continuing to commit the fraud even after pleading guilty in December 2020 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors recommended Montalban receive a prison sentence of 120 months, but Judge Blumenfeld decided to issue the seven-year sentence after considering Montalban’s significant health issues.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute over Four Kilograms of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with conspiring to distribute large amounts of fentanyl.
Jose Esmerlin Diaz, 36, of Salem, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2021. In January 2020, Diaz was arrested and charged with co-defendant Manuel E. Tajeda, who previously pleaded not guilty.
According to charging documents, on Jan. 17, 2020, Diaz delivered an estimated 13,770 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms) disguised as Percocet 30s to a cooperating source at a price of $6 per pill. Is it alleged that shortly thereafter, Tejeda and another man arrived in the vicinity of the drug transaction to deliver additional pills, and were found in possession of an estimated 29,742 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 3.0 kilograms). Those additional pills were consistent in appearance with the pills delivered by Diaz and packaged in a similar manner.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Call with Mexico Attorney General Alejandro Gertz ManeroRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland spoke Monday afternoon by phone with Mexico Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to work together to address law enforcement matters that impact the people and communities of the United States and Mexico. In particular, the Attorneys General discussed the need to continue bilateral cooperation to fight organized and transnational crime, and to disrupt the supply chains of illegal and illicit drugs. Other areas to further strengthen bilateral cooperation were also highlighted, including firearms tracking, illicit finance, and human smuggling and traffickers.
RGV attorney admits to detainee list bribery schemeRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 40-year-old Weslaco attorney has entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery of a public official, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Roel Alaniz admitted he paid immigration detention employees for “alien detainee roster lists.” The lists were provided to him or his sister - Cynthia Alanis - who is also an attorney in the Rio Grande Valley.
The detainee lists were from the EL Valle Detention Center-Raymondville and the Port Isabel Detention Center-Los Fresnos. They contained names, dates of birth, country of origin and A-numbers of alien detainees. The attorneys would then visit them, or instruct others to do so, in order to solicit them to hire his law firm for representation in immigration proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 2. At that time, Roel Alaniz faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery conviction and up to five for the conspiracy. Both convictions also carry a maximum $250,000 fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Benito Barrientez, 43, Lyford, and Damian Ortiz, 31, Weslaco, were two employees of the Willacy County Regional Detention Center who sold the lists to Roel Alaniz. They also pleaded to conspiracy and bribery of a public official. They are set for sentencing May 11 before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr.
Cynthia Alaniz, 28, Weslaco, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a bribery investigation and is set for sentencing May 5.
Barrientez, Ortiz and Cynthia Alaniz were also permitted to remain on bond.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Office of Internal Affairs conducted the investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security-Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations-Harlingen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.
Pittsburgh Woman Charged with Theft of Government MoneyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- One resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a theft charge, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Alexis Riley, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, from October 2019 through September 2020, Riley did knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal, purloin and convert to her own use, money of the United States belonging to the United States Postal Service, in excess of $1,000.
The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000,00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Violating Federal Import and Export LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal import and export laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Leon Madorsky, age 62, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 29, 2020, Madorsky filed false information associated with the overseas shipping of five semi-automatic pistol slides.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security – Office of Export Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Federal Drug Law ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jaimere Dehonney, age 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Dehonney possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Indicted on Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Vaughn Parker, 39, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about April 1, 2021, Parker was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. His prior felony conviction makes it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants. The defendant is currently being detained at Allegheny County Jail
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Admits to Identity Theft as Part of Scheme to Steal Federal Income Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Luis Veras-Velasquez, 37, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty to the charge of aggravated identity theft before United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert related to a scheme to steal income tax refunds.
On April 23, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment against the defendant, alleging that he engaged in a scheme to obtain tax refunds using stolen identities. According to the Indictment, Veras-Velasquez possessed numerous documents containing the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of victim taxpayers. Internal Revenue Service records show that more than 20 of those identities were used to seek tax refunds without the knowledge or authorization of the taxpayer named on the return. Before he could answer to these charges in federal court, the defendant fled to Dominican Republic, where he remained for five years. Then in September 2020, Veras-Velasquez boarded a flight from the Dominican Republic to Mexico and was subsequently arrested.
“Veras-Velasquez’ scheme victimized honest taxpayers in two ways: first, by stealing their identities; and second, by trying to rip off the federal government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Now, he will face the consequences – even after attempting to evade justice overseas for five years – as will anybody else who attempts to carry out a similar scheme.”
“Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a top priority for the Agents in my office,” said Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “This individual demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the integrity of the United States tax system and caused harm to those individuals whose identities he stole. The defendant thought he could flee the country after he committed his crimes, but he could not outrun justice.”
“Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to investigating those who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States by filing false tax returns and claiming fraudulent tax refunds,” said Brian A. Michael, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “The defendant’s guilty plea should serve as a reminder that attempting to defraud the federal government will result in serious consequences.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, Timothy Paul Rapson, 39, admitted to distributing child pornography on December 31, 2019 using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. The investigation further revealed that Rapson possessed over 73,000 images and videos of prepubescent child pornography.
Rapson pleaded guilty to distribution of prepubescent minor child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on July 26, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and praised the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is handling the prosecution.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-000175.
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Panama investigation leads to local child pornography pleaRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – An 18-year-old Brownsville man has admitted to possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Irbenis Mederos Jr. pleaded guilty today to possession of child pornography.
On Sep. 28, 2020, authorities discovered the sexual exploitation of a minor child via social media. It was determined she was an eight-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Panama.
The investigation led to an IP address in Brownsville belonging to Mederos. Law enforcement conducted a search at his residence and seized a cellphone. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of 1,229 images and 110 videos of child pornography, approximately 55 of which were of the minor female in Panama. Several others also depicted child pornography involving infants and toddlers.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 2. At that time, Mederos faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Panama conducted the investigation along with HSI-Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigation Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Owner of Connecticut and New York Pizza Restaurants Sentenced to Prison for Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN CIOFFI, 35, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 days of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for a federal tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cioffi owned 50 percent of Nepperhan Restaurants Group, Inc., doing business as ReNapoli Pizza, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and Pinocchio Pizza in Pound Ridge, New York. He also owned 25 percent of Odell Pizza, Inc., doing business as Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford, Connecticut. Cioffi’s business partner, Bruno DiFabio, owned the other interests in these entities, as well as other pizza restaurants.
Cioffi and DiFabio engaged in a practice whereby cash was removed from the cash register and not deposited into the restaurant’s operating bank account. The businesses’ outside bookkeeper and accountant used the bank records to determine business gross receipts. When cash was removed from the register and not deposited into the business bank account, the cash would not be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Cioffi and DiFabio also knew that certain employees had their wages paid in cash, and that a certain number of the employees were paid either a portion or the entirety of their wages “off the books.” By paying various expenses in cash and “off the books,” Cioffi, DiFabio and others facilitated the manipulation of net income reported to the IRS and the underpayment of withholding taxes to the IRS.
The loss to the IRS in income taxes and employment taxes for the 2013 through 2015 tax years attributable to Cioffi’s conduct in this scheme was $122,177.59. Judge Bolden ordered Cioffi to make full restitution.
On September 24, 2018, Cioffi pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.
Cioffi, who is released on a $40,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 2, 2021.
On October 25, 2018, DiFabio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns. When he pleaded guilty, he agreed that the tax loss attributable to his conduct in the scheme was $816,954.
On June 4, 2019, Idalecia Lopes Santos, the businesses’ bookkeeper, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, and on January 25, 2021, James Guerra, the businesses’ accountant, pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over withholding taxes.
DiFabio and Guerra await sentencing. On March 30, 2021, Lopes Santos was sentenced to three years of probation.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Once wanted felon sentenced for illegal gun possessionRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Mark Villarreal pleaded guilty Jan. 13.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered him to serve an 85-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Sep. 30, 2020, authorities observed a vehicle stalled on the roadway in Corpus Christi and pulled over to help. As they moved the vehicle out of the road and into a parking lot, authorities noticed it had two different license plates and no registration sticker.
They identified Villarreal and discovered an active warrant for his arrest. As they took him into custody, they found a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD40, semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.
Villarreal was previously convicted of multiple felonies to include assault of a family member. As such, he is prohibited per federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition.
Villarreal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
Northeast Philly Tax Preparer Charged with 29 Counts of Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Eric Amaefuna, 65, of King of Prussia, PA, was charged by Indictment with 29 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns.
According to the Indictment, the defendant was the owner of American Financial Stewardship (AFS), a tax preparation business on Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. The Indictment alleges that Amaefuna prepared false and fraudulent IRS Personal Income Tax 1040 Forms for client taxpayers for at least tax years 2014 through 2016. The defendant added attachments to the 1040 Forms that were also false, in that they claimed false or inflated employee business expenses, inflated state and local taxes, false or inflated miscellaneous deductions, and losses that were entirely fictitious or falsely inflated. These falsities resulted in the filing of personal income tax returns claiming refunds due to the client taxpayers which they were not entitled to receive.
“Our nation’s taxing system relies upon tax preparers to apply our tax laws honestly in order to help clients accurately report income and pay their fair share of federal taxes, not bend or ignore the rules to suit their client’s needs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “As alleged, the defendant manipulated his clients’ tax filings at the expense of honest taxpayers who take seriously their legal obligation to file complete and accurate federal income taxes each year. As we approach this year’s tax filing deadline, this is an important reminder.”
“Filing a tax return is one of the most significant financial transactions an average American taxpayer makes each year,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Taxpayers should be particular in selecting a return preparer and have confidence knowing that person will prepare an accurate tax return. IRS Criminal Investigation wants to make sure taxpayers do not pay good money for bad advice.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 87 years in prison, and a $7,250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terri A. Marinari.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A North Carolina woman was sentenced Monday to 50 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for production and distribution of child pornography.
Alyson Brooke Saunders, 25, of Greensboro, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography on Nov. 5, 2020. According to court documents, in or about January and February 2019, while employed at a day care facility in the Middle District of North Carolina, Saunders admitted to using five minor victims in her care to create sexually explicit images and videos, including some in which she also engaged in hands-on sexual abuse of some of the children. The defendant then sent these images and videos to an online co-conspirator, with the knowledge that he intended to post them on the internet.
“The defendant in this case exploited her position as a caregiver to produce sexually explicit images of vulnerable young children with the purpose of providing the images to a co-conspirator,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to a proactive investigation by our law enforcement partners and the department’s continued commitment to combatting child sexual exploitation, the defendant was apprehended and received a significant penalty for her heinous crimes.”
“When people in positions of trust and responsibility exploit children it not only steals the child’s innocence, it can also teach them not to trust any more, which can cause lifelong trauma,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) North Carolina. “Thanks to the great work done by HSI and its law enforcement partners, this predator will no longer be able to victimize children or spread those disturbing images”
HSI in Winston-Salem investigated the case with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.
Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Newport News Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Receiving over 200 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to conspiring with members of an international drug trafficking organization to possess and distribute more than 200 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Darrell King, II, 45, was a kilogram dealer of cocaine in the Tidewater area. Between June and October 2016, King received four deliveries of cocaine that arrived in hidden compartments of tractor-trailers driven cross-country from California. During this time, King and his co-conspirators used various locations, including an auto-repair garage operated by a co-conspirator in Newport News, to receive deliveries and provide money for the purchase of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine. King or his co-conspirators attended the unloading of cocaine from the tractor-trailers and brought King’s money, which they had counted and vacuum sealed, to be sent back to their California suppliers.
In June 2016, King received a delivery of 70 kilograms of cocaine at his home in Hayes, Virginia. In August 2016, he received two additional deliveries, totaling 105 kilograms of cocaine, at the Newport News garage. On October 20, 2016, King was scheduled to receive a fourth shipment of cocaine at the garage. That day, law enforcement executed search warrants and seized approximately 54 kilograms of cocaine and almost $1 million of King’s money, which was intended to pay for the cocaine being delivered.
King pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. King is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, and he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Five of King’s co-conspirators—Marvin O’Neal Carter, 50, Michael Stephen Kuna, 42, of Canada, brothers Hilario Rodriguez, 50, and Daniel Rodriguez, 49, both of California, and Christopher Passione, 34, of Pennsylvania—were sentenced previously in 2017 to terms ranging from 9 to 27 years in prison based on their roles in the conspiracy.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Kenneth Ferguson, Acting Chief of Hampton Police Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Cross and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bibeane Metsch and Brian Samuels are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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 Nos. 4:19-cr-77, 4:16-cr-76, and 4:18-cr-44.
New York Man Sentenced to over Eight Years on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Brooklyn, New York man was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Akeem Cruz, aka “Vybe” and “Mello,” 31, to 100 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Cruz pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019.
According to court records, from about the summer of 2015 until September 2017, Cruz and others conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin transported from outside Maine for distribution in Portland and Lewiston. Cruz’s distribution involved more than 100 grams of heroin.
All of Cruz’s charged co-conspirators have been sentenced. Melquan Jordan, 31, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Lamale Lawson, 29, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 84 months in prison; Edward Canty III, 31, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 66 months in prison; Christopher Rickett, 33, of Portland, was sentenced to three years of probation; and Sierrha Frisbie, 29, of Portland, also was sentenced to three years of probation.
The Portland and South Portland Police Departments; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the FBI investigated the case.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Exotic African CatsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A New York man pleaded guilty today to violating the Lacey Act and the U.S. Animal Welfare Act based on his trafficking of African wild cats in interstate commerce.
According to court documents, Christopher Casacci, 38, of Amherst, was doing business as “ExoticCubs.com,” through which he advertised, imported and sold exotic African cats. Between February and June 2018, Casacci imported and sold dozens of caracals (Caracal caracal) and servals (Leptailurus serval), for $7,500 to $10,000 each. According to filings, Casacci claimed that he was a big cat rescue organization in an attempt to avoid prohibitions against possessing and selling wild animals. Casacci also falsified transport documents to hide the true species of the cats, instead calling the animals domestic crossbreeds, such as Bengal cats or Savannah cats.
Caracals, also known as the “desert lynx,” are wild cats native to Africa, and typically grow to approximately 45 pounds. Servals, also wild cats native to Africa, grow to approximately 40 pounds. All of the animals were sold while still kittens, and despite their size and wild nature, Casacci marketed them “house pets.” Both species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and their commercial possession and sale is restricted under New York state law.
People and businesses dealing in animals are required to comply with humane care standards under the Animal Welfare Act. Casacci failed to do so and failed to secure the necessary license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Casacci was charged with violating the Animal Welfare Act for selling animals without a license showing minimum compliance with humane treatment standards.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. for the Western District of New York made the announcement.
Casacci was previously indicted for his actions in January of 2020. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ryan Noel, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango.
New York Man Charged with Possessing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Watertown City, New York has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Demensio McCall, age 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 8, 2021, McCall possessed with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years in prison to a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JARRELL FOX, age 21, of Harahan, pled guilty on April 26, 2021 to two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department conducted an investigation concerning armed robberies that occurred at various businesses located in New Orleans, Louisiana, during September and October 2019. On September 25, 2019, FOX robbed the Family Dollar located at 11901 North I-10 Service Road, while brandishing a firearm. On October 10, 2019, FOX robbed a Subway restaurant located at 3502 South Carrollton Avenue, while brandishing a firearm.
NOPD detectives identified FOX from surveillance camera footage recovered from the stores. A search of FOX’s cellular telephone records revealed that FOX communicated with his girlfriend about the need to commit robberies due to financial problems. FOX’s telephone records also placed him in the vicinity of the September 25th Family Dollar robbery. Additionally, law enforcement located the firearm brandished during the commission of the robbery and the clothing worn during the robbery while executing a search warrant at FOX’s residence.
The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, United States District Court Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, will sentence FOX on July 27, 2021. FOX faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 84 months for each count of the Indictment. The sentences will run consecutive. The maximum sentence that can be imposed for each count is life imprisonment. FOX also faces a fine up to $250,000.00. for each count, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. This prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOISE – Scott Koritansky, 54, of Meridian, pleaded guilty to income tax evasion, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Sentencing is set for July 27, 2021 before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
According to court documents, from 2004 through 2010, Koritansky earned combined income totaling over $500,000 but did not pay any taxes those years. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) conducted an investigation and notified Koritansky that he owed taxes for calendar years 2004 through 2010. Koritansky took numerous steps to conceal his income and evade his tax obligations. For example, Koritansky never maintained his own bank account but deposited his business income into the accounts of others and directed them to make purchases on his behalf and pay his own personal expenses using funds in the bank accounts of these third parties. The expenditures included rent payments, private school tuition payments, and checks made out to cash.
Tax evasion is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and Idaho State Tax Commission.
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Mercer County Man Sentenced to 125 Months in Prison for Armed Robbery Spree of Businesses in TrentonRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 125 months in prison for nine robberies and two attempted robberies of businesses in Trenton, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Derrick T. Beckett, Jr., 23, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery. Judge Thompson imposed sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 20, 2017, to Feb. 28, 2018, Beckett committed nine robberies and two attempted robberies of businesses in Trenton. Beckett approached employees of the businesses, brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, but was later determined to be a BB-gun, and demanded money. On multiple occasions Beckett threatened and engaged in violence, both threatening to shoot some victims, and pistol-whipping others when they failed to comply. Beckett stole cash and fled the victim businesses on foot, where he was sometimes met and assisted by a getaway driver.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Beckett to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $9,100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction and sentence. She also thanked officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley, and detectives and prosecutors of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Seven Years’ Imprisonment for Armed Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gerard Gaffney, age 19, of Mount Ranier, Maryland, was sentenced on April 26, 2021, to 84 months’ imprisonment by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones for his role as the driver in a 2019 armed robbery of a Rite Aid pharmacy in Dauphin County.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gaffney and his codefendants drove to the Rite Aid on Union Deposit Road on March 28, 2019, with plans to rob it. With Gaffney waiting outside in the getaway car, three masked robbers entered the pharmacy and pointed weapons at the heads of staff, forcing them to surrender drugs from the pharmacy before escaping to the getaway car sitting outside. Police responded to reports of the armed robbery and pursued the getaway car as it sped away from police. The car crashed and three of the occupants were apprehended, including Gaffney. Police recovered bottles of pharmaceuticals stolen from the Rite Aid. They also recovered a stolen firearm from codefendant, David Marable.
Marable had previously entered a guilty plea to the robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the robbery and was sentenced 10 years imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Paxton Police Department, and the Swatara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Laundering Funds from Lottery Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Omar Stephenson, 32, a Jamaican-born man living in Snellville, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge James A. Soto to 57 months in prison. Stephenson is one of four co-defendants who have been charged in connection with a lottery fraud scheme. Stephenson previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Starting in 2015 through mid-2019, Stephenson participated in a scheme where Jamaican-based scammers called elderly victims in the United States, claiming the victims had won a lottery. To receive their winnings, the victims were told they must first pay money for taxes and fees. Stephenson’s role in this scheme was to launder the fraudulent proceeds for fellow co-conspirators in Jamaica. The loss suffered by the victims exceeded $900,000.
As part of his sentence, Stephenson will also be required to pay restitution. A separate hearing is scheduled for June 2 to determine the amount of that restitution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to be wary of similar scams and to verify with law enforcement and family members before sending money after a phone solicitation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00917-JAS-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-029_Stephenson# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Man Sentenced for Attempted Robbery of ATMRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUSTIN PIERCE, age 22, a resident of Slidell, was sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. PIERCE was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. He was also ordered to pay $39,324 in restitution to Capital One Bank for damage caused to the ATM machine.
According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, PIERCE and others attempted to break into an ATM located in the drive-through of a Capital One Bank using sledgehammers, crowbars, chains, and a truck. Just prior to this robbery attempt, PIERCE and others were observed in the same truck attempting to break into an ATM at Hancock Whitney Bank.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer and Rachal Cassagne.
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Lewiston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing GunsRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Jonathan Leo Pope, 25, of Lewiston, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 46 months in federal prison for possession of stolen firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Pope to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $5,800 in restitution to the victims of his offense. Pope pleaded guilty to the charge on June 10, 2020.
According to court records, on November 5, 2019, Pope entered the home of a Lewiston couple while they were away on vacation. During the burglary, Pope stole twelve firearms and coins. A day later, Lewiston Police detectives arrested Pope after identifying him as one of the burglars. Pope admitted to entering the home, stealing guns and coins, and helped officers recover the firearms. At the time of the burglary, Pope was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a 2015 conviction for possession of a controlled substance in Nez Perce County.
Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to the successful prosecution of this case including the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office, Lewiston Police Department, Clarkston Police Department, Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, and Asotin County Sheriff’s Office, who are all part of the Quad Cities Drug Task Force, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who is not part of the task force but participates with it on a regular basis. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers working together to target drug trafficking in Lewiston and Moscow, Idaho, and Clarkston, Asotin, and Pullman, Washington.
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Las Cruces man pleads guilty to cyberstalking and ramming gates at White SandsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Anthony Clark Davila Garza, 39, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 6 to cyberstalking and destruction of government property.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 1, 2018, Davila Garza used a vehicle to ram and severely damage metal entry gates at White Sands Missile Range, a United States Army facility in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Davila Garza also admitted in his plea that on Aug. 19, 2019, he posted a threat on Facebook, making specific reference to certain individuals. When one of the individuals responded to ask why Davila Garza would make such a threat, Davila Garza contacted the individual by making a voice call through Facebook’s Messenger feature and reiterated the threat.
Davila Garza faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and up to ten years for destruction of government property. He will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—After a two-day trial, a federal jury has found Jack Lee Guffey, 60, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury returned their verdict following 45 minutes of deliberating on Tuesday afternoon after trial began on Monday and continued with testimony on Tuesday. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., presided over the trial, and Judge Moody will sentence Guffey, of Shirley, at a later date.
On January 21, 2018, Guffey was driving his black Dodge pickup truck in Clinton when he almost struck the unmarked vehicle of a Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy with his truck. That deputy radioed for help, and other officers arrived behind the truck and observed Guffey cross the center line seven times. Officers initiated a traffic stop and conducted field sobriety tests, which Guffey failed. Guffey was arrested for driving while intoxicated, and during an inventory search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded High Point 9mm handgun in the truck as well as drug paraphernalia. Guffey was a convicted felon at the time of the incident, and at trial, his longtime friend testified that she had given him the firearm.
Because Guffey is a felon, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. A grand jury indicted Guffey on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in November 2020. He has prior convictions for aggravated robbery, second degree battery, escape, commercial burglary and theft of property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and residential burglary.
The statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, not more than three years of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000 fine. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and the Clinton Police Department.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Judges sentences member of Four Corners Gang for possession with intent to distribute fentanylRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Jacquez Staples to 15 months in prison today. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
ln 2019, an investigative team that included agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Louis County Police Department's Intelligence/Gang Unit began an investigation of individuals who belonged to the "Four Corners Gang." Members of this gang were known to law enforcement as street-level distributors of firearms and narcotics, primarily in Dellwood. Investigators identified Staples and his co-defendant as members of the gang.
On August 15, 2019, the investigative team utilized a confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent to arrange the purchase of narcotics from Staples and his co-defendant. Under the direction and surveillance of investigators, the confidential informant and the undercover agent purchased from Staples and his co-defendant 73 capsules and a baggie which contained an off-white powder for $800.The crime lab determined the powder contained fentanyl. Staples was the driver of the vehicle when the controlled purchase occurred.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
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Islam Said Sentenced to 10 Years for Concealing ‘10 Most Wanted’ Suspect from ArrestRead the Press Release
An Irving man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for helping a capital murder suspect evade capture for more than a decade, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Islam Yaser-Abdel Said, the 32-year-old son of FBI “10 Most Wanted” suspect Yaser Said, pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to conceal a person from arrest, one count of concealing a person from arrest, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Mr. Said pleaded open to the charges against him, with no assurances from the government as to the sentence prosecutors would recommend to the judge. He was sentenced Tuesday afternoon by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor in Fort Worth.
“Islam Said prioritized the whims of his father, an alleged killer, over justice for his own sisters. Thanks to the dogged work of the FBI and its law enforcement partners, however, Mr. Said’s efforts were ultimately in vain,” U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah said following Mr. Said’s guilty plea. “We are grateful to the many agents and officers who worked to apprehend Mr. Said, along with his father and uncle. Sarah and Amina deserve justice.”
“Islam Said made it possible for his father, Yaser Said, to evade justice for the brutal murder of his daughters for more than a decade,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “Along with our partners, the FBI is thankful for the dedication and relentless pursuit that led to the capture of Amina and Sarah’s killer and those that provided him harbor.”
In plea papers, Islam Said admitted to sheltering his father from arrest in an attempt to subvert the administration of justice.
The elder Mr. Said had been a fugitive from justice since New Year’s Day 2008, when he allegedly murdered his teenage daughters, Amina and Sarah. According to law enforcement, he shot the girls to death inside his taxicab and abandoned their bodies. He was captured 12 years later by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, and is currently in state custody.
In pleading guilty, Islam Said admitted that evidence proved he committed the crimes charged in the superseding indictment filed in November 2020.
Mr. Said harbored his father, Yaser, inside an apartment in Bedford, Texas, where a maintenance worker spotted Yaser on Aug. 14, 2017. After the maintenance worker reported the sighting to the FBI, an agent was dispatched to interview Islam, but Islam refused to cooperate.
He later harbored his father inside a home in Justin, Texas that belonged to his cousin. On Aug. 25, 2020, FBI agents observed Mr. Said and his uncle deliver grocery bags to the residence, then followed the men to a shopping center 20 miles away, were they dumped trash retrieved from the home.
Islam’s uncle, Yassein Abdulfatah Said (Yaser’s 59-year-old brother), was convicted in February of conspiring with Islam to conceal Yaser from arrest, among other crimes. Yassein’s sentencing is set for June 4 at 9 a.m. in Fort Worth.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Division and the Irving Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, the Dallas Police Department, the Garland Police department, the Grand Prairie Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany H. Eggers and Errin Martin are prosecuting the case.
Inmate admits to trying to obtain unemployment benefitsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sedequa M. Graham, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to an additional six months of incarceration after admitting to attempting mail fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Graham, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Attempting Mail Fraud.” Graham is incarcerated at the Secure Female Facility Hazelton. She admitted to obtaining names, birth dates, and social security numbers of others without their knowledge. She then attempted to send that information via the postal service to obtain unemployment benefits. The crime occurred in August and September 2020 in Preston County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Inmate Sentenced for Having Weapon at FCI McDowellRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell was sentenced today for possessing a weapon at the correctional facility. Corey Fair, 27, of Indiana, was sentenced to 12 months in prison to run consecutively to the sentence he currently is serving.
According to court documents, on January 26, 2020, Fair possessed a handcrafted weapon known as a shank. A staff member at the prison found the five and one-half inch piece of metal sharpened on one end in Fair’s pocket during a random search. The staff member then recovered the weapon. Fair admitted that the shank was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-000202.
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Indiana Resident Indicted on Child Sex Trafficking and Child Porn Production ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Hammond, Indiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of a child, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Roderick King, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the three-count Indictment, from in and around July 2017 to November 2020, King knowingly attempted to and engaged in sex trafficking of a female minor, who is known to the Grand Jury, causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition, the Indictment charges the defendant with two counts of producing material depicting the sexual exploitation of the same minor victim from in and around July 2017 to April 2019.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years to life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section, with the assistance of Butler Township Police Department, Butler City Police Department, Butler City School District, and Butler County Children and Youth Services, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania, formed and led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation among law enforcement partners, victim service providers and community members, thereby enhancing the Office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indiana Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Edinburgh, Indiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Abdullah Woods, age 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on December 7, 2020, Woods was found to be in the possession of a firearm and ammunition. Woods is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior conviction. The Superseding Indictment further alleged that on that same date, Woods was found to be in possession with the intention of distributing cocaine base and cocaine. The Superseding Indictment also alleged that Woods possessed the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least four years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Imperial, PA Daycare Operator Named in 16-Count Tax IndictmentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of failing to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The 16-count Indictment named Rebecca Lynn Boyce, 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Boyce operates Cutie Patootie Daycare, a childcare center in Imperial, Pennsylvania. The Indictment alleges that for each quarter during 2015 through 2018, Boyce withheld payroll taxes from employees of Cutie Patootie but failed to pay over these funds to the Internal Revenue Service and failed to account for the withholdings by filing quarterly Forms 941.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grant County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Trampas Quint Wolford, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Wolford, 57, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Wolford admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2019 in Grant County.
Wolford faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, West Virginia State Police, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.