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Wednesday 10 March 2021
Alien Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Lovepreet Singh, 27, a former Jackson resident who is an alien from India, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to money laundering and unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Field Office.
A federal criminal l indictment naming ten defendants in the United States and abroad, returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2019, charged Singh, an Indian national then residing and working as an interstate truck driver based in Indianapolis, IN, with acts supporting a conspiracy defrauding multiple victims as part of an international tech support and telemarketing fraud scheme.
According to the indictment and testimony in court, beginning in January 2015, and continuing through December 20, 2018, Singh conspired with nine other defendants, located across the United States and in India, to commit the federal offenses of wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud, in addition to offenses of money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and passing fictitious obligations.
Conspirators in Mississippi and elsewhere would obtain the telephone numbers and email addresses of computers belonging to various individuals throughout the United States. They engaged telephone calling centers in India, which would place calls to the United States numbers that appeared to be coming from United States-based toll-free numbers. The conspirators established and operated various business entities such as World Tech Assistance and US Support Inc., in Mississippi and elsewhere in the United States.
Conspirators would call victims in the United States, advising the victims that malware and ransomware were infecting the victims’ computers and devices, and that the victims should contact the conspirators for assistance. Conspirators misrepresented themselves as “Apple Support” or “Microsoft” or other legitimate and known technical support services, and offered their assistance to remove the software, in return for payment.
Victims responded to the conspirators’ phone calls and pop up messages to send monies and payments, by wire, check and other means. Victims also granted conspirators access to the their bank accounts and computers, permitting the conspirators to further enrich themselves by fraudulent appropriation and taking of the money and property of the victims. Victims sent money and payments to conspirators in Mississippi and to conspirators in India. Conspirators in Mississippi would also send payments and monies to their conspirators in India.
Singh will be sentenced on July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan in Jackson. He faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for money laundering and 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with HSI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case, and the United States Marshals Service who assisted with the nationwide search and arrests of defendants. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
31 Texas Minors Recovered in “Operation Missing in the Metroplex”Read the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced today that 31 DFW-area children have been located, recovered, or rescued as a result of “Operation Missing in the Metroplex,” a month-long operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
The federal agencies partnered with four local police departments – the Arlington Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Fort Worth Police Department, and the Grand Prairie Police Department – to locate the missing minors.
Analysts with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Missing & Unidentified Persons Unit and the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services provided critical intelligence. Local nonprofit 4theONE provided 24-hour support and relayed numerous tips that culminated in recoveries.
“To observe law enforcement partnerships and community concerns culminate into such a successful recovery outcome is rewarding,” said Acting United States Marshal Quintella Downs-Bradshaw. “Victims should know they are not forgotten, there is hope and a way to return home.”
“While this joint operation lasted approximately 30 days, HSI Dallas will continue working relentlessly to identify and recover missing children who become vulnerable to human traffickers across the North Texas region,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin. “Our continued collaboration with our local, state and federal law-enforcement partners and non-governmental organizations is vital to combatting this global epidemic.”
At least seven recoveries were of critically missing children with ties to sex trafficking. Noteworthy cases include:
- A 15-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Dallas Police at a residence in Dallas following a tip by a confidential source.
- A 17-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Dallas Police inside a vehicle in Dallas.
- A 16-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Arlington Police inside a residence in Kerens, TX following an analysis of social media.
- A 13-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Fort Worth Police inside an apartment in Fort Worth.
- A 15-year-old Jane Doe from Fort Worth recovered in an Uber in Houston during a prostitution sting.
- A 16-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Fort Worth Police at a “john’s” house in Fort Worth.
- A 16-year-old Jane Doe recovered by Dallas Police walking on Lancaster Blvd.
The remaining 24 children were recovered from friends or relatives, reunited with their legal guardians, and removed from the missing children database.
“We are grateful to be a part of a coalition of extraordinary law enforcement agencies who were dedicated in reuniting these children with their loved ones. It is our hope that each of them will be able to put this traumatic experience behind them and move forward to have a happy and productive life,” said Dallas Police Department Chief of Police Eddie Garcia.
“We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners to identify and rescue missing children,” said Arlington Chief of Police Al Jones. “These kids and teens represent some of our most vulnerable populations where adults try to prey on their innocence. We will not rest until every child is located safe and someone is held accountable.”
“It is imperative that we continue to work with our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. We value our state and federal partnerships and were honored to be included as part of ‘Operation Missing in the Metroplex.’ We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partnerships in locating missing children and reuniting them with their families. Human trafficking is a serious issue and we will not rest until our most vulnerable population are safe,” said Fort Worth Police Department Chief Neil Noakes.
The Justice Department records more than 420,000 reports of missing children each year. For decades, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and state and local authorities have worked relentlessly to recover children who have been abducted, enticed, lost, or run away.
If your child is missing, call local law enforcement immediately, and provide them with your child’s name, height, weight, any other descriptive identifiers (glasses, braces, etc), and the circumstances under which they went missing. Then, consider calling the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) for additional support.
Tuesday 9 March 2021
Wheeling man admits to his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlos Leeper, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Leeper, also known as “Los,” 57, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Leeper admitted to owning a house on South York Street on Wheeling Island for the purpose of storing and selling heroin and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” The house is within 1,000 feet of Jensen Playground. The crime occurred from May 2019 to August 2020.
Leeper is facing at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Find the original press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Wetzel County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexander Cleveland King, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
King, also known as “Alex,” 35, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” King, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a conviction, admitted to having .45 caliber pistol in January 2021 in Wetzel County.
King is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
U.S. Postal Worker and Four Others Arrested for Shipping Heroin and Fentanyl Through the MailRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New York, Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service, Officer of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced the unsealing of an indictment today charging LUIS GAMEZ, HUGO RICHARD VILLANUEVA TORRES, DANIEL ORTIZ, JOSE LUIS MARTINEZ ROSARIO and JAYSON COLON with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in connection with a scheme to transport those narcotics through the U.S. mail. GAMEZ was arrested on Sunday evening in California and was presented yesterday before a federal magistrate judge in the Central District of California. VILLANUEVA, ORTIZ, MARTINEZ, and COLON were arrested yesterday in New Jersey and were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses that same day. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, the defendants are charged with trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and heroin. We thank our partners at HSI and USPS-OIG for their outstanding work in stopping the shipment of narcotics through the U.S. mail.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “These defendants allegedly operated a cross-country drug distribution network which placed profits above all else, including the safety of our communities. During this week's operation, we arrested 5 members of this drug trafficking organization. More importantly, we seized over 6 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin, which contain numerous fatal doses of these dangerous drugs. Working with our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal OIG and the United States Attorney’s Office, SDNY, HSI will continue to protect the public from those who would exploit our communities for their own financial and personal gain.”
USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi said: “The Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service and its personnel. When a Postal Service employee allegedly decides to break the public’s trust and participates in a scheme to transport illegal narcotics through the U.S. Mail, USPS OIG Special Agents will tirelessly work to bring those responsible to justice. The USPS OIG is thankful for the great relationships we have developed with our law enforcement partners and with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat the shipment of illegal narcotics through the U.S. Mail.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said: “Using the U.S. Mail to facilitate the transportation of deadly fentanyl was one of many mistakes allegedly made by these subjects. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will arrest and bring to justice anyone who breaks the sanctity of the trust placed in the U.S. Mail, no matter where they are found.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed yesterday in Manhattan federal court and in other court papers and proceedings[1]:
From at least in or about May 2020 up to and including in or about February 2021, LUIS GAMEZ, HUGO RICHARD VILLANUEVA TORRES, DANIEL ORTIZ, JOSE LUIS MARTINEZ ROSARIO, and JAYSON COLON participated in a conspiracy to distribute kilograms of fentanyl and heroin. The conspirators transported kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin, as well as narcotics proceeds, in packages shipped through the United States mail with the assistance of ORTIZ, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
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GAMEZ, 30, of Riverside, California, VILLANUEVA, 29, of Belleville, New Jersey, ORTIZ, 41, of Harrison, New Jersey, MARTINEZ, 44, of Harrison, New Jersey, and COLON, 42, of Kearny, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one kilogram or more of heroin. That charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI-New York, USPS-OIG, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and thanked HSI-Newark and HSI-Riverside for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kedar Bhatia and Andrew A. Rohrbach are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
U.S. Attorney's Office Reaches ADA Settlements with Medical Practices in Hamden and New HavenRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached settlement agreements with the owners and operators of two separate Connecticut medical practices to resolve allegations that the facilities did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreements resolve ADA complaints filed by individuals with disabilities alleging that Family & Internal Medicine of Dixwell Avenue located at 2543 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, and a medical practice located at 666 George Street in New Haven, were not fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.
The owners and operators of 2543 Dixwell Avenue and the owner of operator of 666 George Street are in the process of making changes required by the settlement agreements, which include improving the accessibility of the locations’ entrances and access routes, adding accessible features to examination rooms and restrooms, and reducing barriers for patients to access check-in and check-out areas.
Under federal law, professional offices of health care providers and their landlords are considered “public accommodations” and are prohibited from discriminating based on disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle noted that the owners of 2543 Dixwell Avenue and the owner of 666 George Street have worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expeditiously address the ADA issues without litigation and to make comprehensive changes to each facility to improve accessibility.
These matters were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses of the District of Connecticut.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities or does not permit service animals may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Two Newark Men Charged with Attempted Carjacking and Discharging a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Newark men made their initial appearances today on charges stemming from a Feb. 22, 2021, attempted carjacking in Newark during which a firearm was discharged, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Antwan Malone, 34, and Dawan Walker, 24, both of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of attempted carjacking and one count of discharging of a firearm during a crime of violence. They appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 22, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to the area of the I-78 West entrance ramp and Irvine Turner Boulevard in Newark on a report of an attempted carjacking with a weapon. They learned that Malone and Walker had pulled up beside a blue BMW M5 SUV that was stopped at a stop light and blocked the BMW’s ability to enter I-78. Malone approached the vehicle brandishing a handgun, and then pointed the gun at the driver’s face while repeatedly telling the driver to either exit the vehicle or Malone would shoot them. At that point, the driver was able to escape by ramming the BMW into Malone and Walker’s vehicle and entering the I-78 entrance ramp. Malone fired two shots at the BMW.
The count of attempted carjacking carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison. The count of discharging of a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on any other charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrests.
This case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney George L. Brandley of the OCEDTF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Michigan Men Arrested After Leading Law Enforcement on A High Speed Chase from Lewiston to DunkirkRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Donyell Williams, 26, and Johnny Greer, 20, of Michigan, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with fleeing and evading a checkpoint operated by federal law enforcement in a motor vehicle in excess of the legal speed limit and with eluding examination and inspection by immigration officers. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 5, 2021, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) alerted Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Lewiston Port of Entry, that a black Jeep Commander with Ohio license plates had just fled the CBSA secondary inspection area. The driver was identified as defendant Williams, and the passenger was identified as defendant Greer. CBSA advised that after defendants arrived at their checkpoint, they were directed to a secondary inspection area and instructed to remain in the vehicle while a records check was conducted. Williams and Greer immediately drove off at a high rate of speed against traffic back through the CBSA primary lanes towards the United States. Williams then drove through a CBP truck lane number and failed to stop for inspection, at which time “port runner” protocols were initiated.
CBP Officers departed Lewiston Port of Entry in pursuit of the defendants. The black Jeep Commander was observed on the comer of Baseline Road and Staley Road on Grand Island, NY. When Officers turned their vehicle around, Williams and Greer once again fled at a high rate of speed, getting back onto the I-190 heading south. CBP continued in pursuit utilizing lights and sirens. The defendants exited the I-190 and entered the 198 and attempted to evade CBP Officers by making turns at various streets in between Buffalo State College and the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, before getting back onto I-190 south and eventually the I-90 west. During the pursuit, vehicle speeds ranged in excess of 95 to 110 mph. On the I-90 near Dunkirk, NY, the New York State Police attempted safely to stop the vehicle utilizing tire deflating techniques. The defendants evaded that attempt, and approximately 12 miles past that point, the black Jeep Commander was found abandoned on the side of the highway. Law enforcement officers commenced a search for Williams and Greer who fled the vehicle on foot. At approximately 1:00 a.m., on March 6, 2021, defendant Williams walked out of the wooded area adjacent to the I-90 and turned himself into CBP Officers. During a search of Williams, officers recovered approximately 10 grams of suspected THC/marijuana. A few minutes after Williams was taken into custody, defendant Greer was located and taken into custody on the side of I-90 trying to flag down other vehicles.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Jennifer H. Gottstine.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two Former SunTrust Bank Employees Sentenced, Ordered to Pay $83,800Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rashad Liverpool, 28, and Robert Tillery, 45, were each sentenced on Friday, by the Honorable James A. Crowell IV, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips. The two former SunTrust Bank employees each pled guilty in February 2020 to financial exploitation of an elderly person, in violation of Title 22, D.C. Code, Section 933.01(a)(3), for defrauding a 72-year-old military widow with diminished capacity of $83,800. The court ordered both defendants to pay restitution for the entire amount that they each stole. The court suspended imposition of each defendant’s sentence to the maximum period of incarceration provided for under the D.C. Sentencing Guidelines, effectively sentencing each defendant to the maximum period of supervised probation. The court may impose incarceration if a defendant violates the terms of probation.
According to the government’s evidence, during the summer of 2018, Liverpool and Tillery each frequently visited the victim, a client of SunTrust Bank, after normal business hours and against bank policy. They identified funds that the widow held at Bank of America and took advantage of her diminished capacity in order to move those funds into accounts that they controlled. Liverpool moved $51,900 into a joint account that he created in his and the victim’s name at Capital One Bank. He used all of the funds for his own benefit, including two trips to California and one trip to Miami. During the trip to Miami, Liverpool used the victim’s funds to stay at a beachfront hotel, rent a red Ford Mustang, and purchase items from a mini bar. Liverpool also made ATM withdrawals totalling $3,200 from the victim’s account while she was hospitalized. Meanwhile, Tillery withdrew $3,000 in cash from one of the victim’s accounts and wrote himself a check for $25,700 from another. He used these funds to make purchases at various outlet stores and finance a move to Chicago. The scheme ended when the victim was hospitalized and a newly appointed attorney-in-fact discovered that the funds were missing.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, specifically Detective Phillipe Moore of the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, as well as the work of Investigator Jonathan Rich, of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia at the time of investigation, who investigated the case together. He also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mika, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chimnomnso Kalu, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Romano, and Supervisory Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark.
This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors and vulnerable adults. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia simultaneously launched initiatives to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across the Office, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General (from which an attorney is detailed to handle, as a special assistant United States attorney, financial crime cases involving elderly victims) to prosecute cases of this kind.
Two Defendants Sentenced for Domestic Violence CrimesRead the Press Release
Jared Andrew Evans and Lakota Ray Scott were sentenced today in federal court in separate domestic violence cases, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“In both of these cases, the defendants chose to put their hands around their partners’ necks in an attempt to strangle them. Tragically, domestic abuse often escalates from strangulation to homicide,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This team of federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials will continue to hold accountable perpetrators of domestic violence for the trauma they inflict on their partners, families and communities.”
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jared Andrew Evans, 29, of Sapulpa, to 40 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner and dating partner in Indian Country.
Evans admitted that on May 22, 2020, he struck his girlfriend in the back of the head, knocking her down to the ground and resulting in a laceration. He also attempted to strangle the victim and kicked her in the stomach, causing her to throw up.
The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger prosecuted the case.
Lakota Ray Scott, 34, of Tulsa, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for domestic assault by strangulation in Indian Country and for robbery in Indian Country. Further, Scott agreed to take part in a drug and alcohol treatment program while imprisoned.
In 2017, Scott, a member of the Cherokee Nation, received a three-year deferred probation sentence from the state for the crimes, but she later requested her case be dismissed based on the Supreme Court’s jurisdictional decision in McGirt v Oklahoma. Once the case was dismissed, the United States filed charges against the defendant.
At a December plea hearing, Scott explained that on March 16, 2016, during an argument, Scott tackled the victim in the living room and strangled the victim. Scott also grabbed a flat screen television and smashed it over the victim’s head twice.
Scott further admitted to stealing a pick-up truck that was idling while the owner was just a few feet away on Jan. 31, 2019. When the owner saw the defendant in his truck, Scott locked the doors and put the vehicle in drive. The owner jumped into the bed of the truck and Scott drove off erratically and in a dangerous manner. The victim was thrown around in the truck bed during the ride and believed that Scott was trying to intentionally throw him out of the bed of the truck. The victim’s hands, legs, chest and head were injured. Scott then crashed the truck into a fence and ran. She was eventually found in a parking garage, hiding from authorities.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore prosecuted the case.
Trucker who hauled nearly $2 million in drug money sent to prisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 52-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to one count of money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Edgardo Serrano pleaded guilty Nov. 2, 2020, admitting he drove $1,758,465 in proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics from Florida to the Rio Grande Valley. He is originally from New Boston, Michigan, but now resides in Miami, Florida.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered him to serve a 72-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing the importance of the $1,758,465 payment in exchange for more cocaine being sent to Miami. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rodriguez noted the large amount of cocaine the $1.7 million represented.
The investigation revealed trucks would pick up cocaine from South Texas to be driven to Florida for illegal sale. Drivers like Serrano would then return to the Rio Grande Valley with the illegal drug proceeds for delivery into Mexico to drug cartel members.
Authorities discovered Serrano in Hidalgo County April 17, 2020, with drug money secreted in his semi-tractor-trailer.
As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit the $1,758,465 as illegal money obtained from the sale of cocaine.
Serrano was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives jointly conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation titled La Familia Tradicion. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Betancourt prosecuted the case.
OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. Its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States through prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces that leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Three Council Bluffs Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On March 3, 2021, Bruce Lee Gamble, age 42, and Alberto Monroe Rocha, age 43, both of Council Bluffs, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Gamble was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Gamble pleaded guilty to the offense on September 21, 2020.
Rocha was sentenced to 18 months in prison for prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Rocha pleaded guilty to the offense on August 21, 2020.
Co-conspirator Daniel Walker Gabehart, age 49, also of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by Judge Ebinger on December 16, 2020. Gabehart was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and another 60 months, to run consecutively, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Gabehart was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Gabehart pleaded guilty to the offense on August 4, 2020.
Detectives with the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force conducted several controlled methamphetamine purchases with Gabehart, which led to a search warrant of his residence. Gabehart, Gamble, and Rocha were located at the Council Bluffs apartment along with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and several firearms.
This investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Sweetwater Man Pleads Guilty to $12.3 Million Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A former Sweetwater business owner plead guilty today to engaging in a $12.3 million wire fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Stewart Kile Williams, 31, plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
According to court documents, Mr. Williams committed his crimes in the Northern District of Texas after engaging in another fraud scheme in the Southern District of Texas where he pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. Mr. Williams was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $2,071,925 in restitution for his crimes in the Southern District of Texas.
While on pretrial release in the Southern District of Texas, Mr. Williams formed AZS Trenching, an unregistered sole proprietorship. The company provided freight and trenching services in the West Texas Permian Basin.
In January 2019, Mr. Williams and Navarone Capital, LLC, a privately held business in Midland, Texas, entered into an agreement under which AZS Trenching sold its accounts receivable to Navarone in a process called “factoring.” This allowed Mr. Williams to receive cash up front from Navarone for a portion of the value of services listed on his invoices. Under the agreement, Navarone confirmed the invoices with the respective companies for which AZS Trenching was performing work and then paid Mr. Williams for the invoices.
In March 2019, Mr. Williams sought an additional factoring agreement for work AZS Trenching was purportedly performing for HIS Pipeline Company. Navarone performed due diligence and required assurances from HIS Pipeline. Mr. Williams completely fabricated a relationship with HIS and created bogus invoices for work AZS Trenching did not perform, and never planned to perform, for HIS.
Mr. Williams admitted to fabricating invoices and assuming the identity of an HIS employee. To further his scheme, Mr. Williams acquired a cell telephone with a Louisiana area code where HIS is based. He also acquired an email address under the assumed name. Mr. Williams then communicated with Navarone via telephone and email under the guise of the HIS employee. During each communication, he assured Navarone that AZS Trenching was performing the work on the fabricated invoices. Mr. Williams used the fraudulent pretenses to encourage Navarone to front money for the bogus invoices.
In sum, Mr. Williams created 38 fictitious invoices totaling more than $12.3 million. Using the criminally derived funds, Mr. Williams purchased a number of items, including farm equipment and a new home.
Mr. Williams faces up to 60 years in federal prison for crimes committed in the Northern District of Texas.
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Howey is prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Online Conduct with Canadian ChildrenRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for using SnapChat to contact 12- and 13-year-old girls in Canada to induce them to engage in sexually explicit behavior.
Michael David Miller, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On June 2, 2020, Miller pleaded guilty to the coercion and enticement of a minor.
On May 23, 2019, law enforcement in Ottawa, Canada, received multiple reports from 12-to-13-year-old girls that an older man – later identified as Miller – was communicating with them on SnapChat. Miller asked them to engage in sexually explicit activity, sent videos and images of child pornography, and masturbated while on video chat with some of the minors. SnapChat submitted to law enforcement 25 files of suspected child pornography that had been sent between Jan. 6 and May 29, 2019.
Local law enforcement began investigating after Miller was identified. Investigators also received information from an adult woman regarding Miller’s conduct via text messages and video chat through the Duo application. Officers executed a search warrant at Miller’s residence on July 18, 2019, and seized multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found videos and images of child pornography on his laptop computer.
Miller also admitted that he engaged in similar criminal conduct with children in Nebraska and Wisconsin.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."South Louisiana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Ransom White, 39, of Lafayette, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. As part of the sentence, the Court also ordered White to forfeit $64,367.37 in funds constituting drug proceeds.
A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on July 13, 2018 charging White and others with drug trafficking. White pled guilty on May 30, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence presented in court at the plea hearing revealed that White was a known member of a methamphetamine trafficking organization during 2017 and 2018.
Law enforcement agents began investigating White and his co-defendants and during their investigation, learned that White conspired with his other co-defendants to purchase and deliver methamphetamine to be sold. Their investigation revealed that White would obtain methamphetamine in vegetable cans from a supplier, with each can containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine. White would then deliver the drugs to his co-defendant to sell.
The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
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South Carolina Investment Fund Manager Admits $20 Million Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A South Carolina investment fund manager today admitted his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $20 million from investors through misrepresentations about trading strategy and fund performance, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
George Heckler, 64, of Charleston, South Carolina, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with one count of securities fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Heckler managed, controlled or was involved with multiple investment funds, including Conestoga Partner Holdings (Conestoga), Cassatt Short Term Trading Fund LP (Cassatt), CV Special Opportunity Fund LP (CVSO), and TA1 LLC (TA1).
From 2014 to 2018, Heckler misrepresented to investors that he would invest their funds in particular trading strategies. Instead, he diverted their funds out of Cassatt and TA1 for purposes inconsistent with the trading strategies, including to pay out millions of dollars to other investors. Heckler also used investors’ funds to cover investment losses suffered by other funds under his management and/or control.
Heckler solicited investments from Victim-1, claiming the investments would be invested in Cassatt, which employed a “first loss” trading strategy intended to protect investors from losses. However, as of December 2013, Cassatt no longer had a brokerage account that was necessary to employ the represented trading strategy. Despite Cassatt no longer having a brokerage account, in 2014, Heckler represented to Victim-1 that Cassatt was still engaged in a first loss trading strategy and solicited Victim-1’s investment in Cassatt. In September 2014, Victim-1 invested approximately $9.1 million in Cassatt, relying on Heckler’s representation that Victim-1’s money would be invested consistent with Cassatt’s first loss trading strategy. Heckler used $4.6 million of Victim-1’s investment to repay existing investors and the remainder to satisfy other obligations Heckler owed that were unrelated to Cassatt.
Heckler also approached Victim-2 about the possibility of creating a hedge fund that would deploy capital to first-loss traders, who would serve as the “first loss” protection for investors’ capital. In late 2015, Victim-2 formed a hedge fund, utilizing the concept proposed by Heckler (Entity-1). In 2015 and 2016, Entity-1 invested $10.1 million in TA1 via a participation agreement that provided that Entity-1’s investment would be used for an “options arbitrage dividend recapture trade,” otherwise known as the “skate trade.” In fact, none of Entity-1’s investment was used for the “skate trade.” Entity-1’s investment was used for other purposes, including repaying others who had previously invested with Heckler.
Over the course of the scheme, Heckler sent out statements to investors that misled them into believing the value of their investments was increasing, when, in fact, the value was declining. Heckler took approximately $1 million in fees and distributions from the fraudulently obtained investments for his personal use.
The securities fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, 2021.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil complaint against Heckler based on the allegations underlying the securities fraud charge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll, Philadelphia Field Office, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine R. Murphy and Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
Seafood Company Sentenced for Illegal Sale of OystersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans, announced that INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD COMPANY, LLC, ("INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD") a Louisiana Limited Liability Company located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan to a fine of $10,000, and a special assessment of $125 for the illegal sale of oysters in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court records, from January 1, 2017 through March 19, 2019, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD did knowingly sell and transport oysters in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350.00, when, in the exercise of due care, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD should have known that said oysters were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4; R.S. 56:306.5; R.S. and 56:306.6. INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD failed to report to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries approximately 14,346 sacks of Louisiana oysters, valued at approximately $656,865.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Santa Monica Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Conning Four Women He Dated into Investing in His Sham CompaniesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Monica man was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for deceiving women he met online and elsewhere into investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into his sham companies, and then spending their money on himself.
Antonio Mariot Wilson, a.k.a. “Brice Carrington” and “Dr. Tony Mariot,” 58, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered him to pay $272,000 in restitution and described the defendant’s behavior as “vicious, not only in terms of money loss to victims but the manner in which he abused the victims and the way he pursued the fraud.” Judge Wilson gave the defendant 48 hours to surrender to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and noted, “Predator is not usually a term referred to in the fraud context, but it is an apt description here.”
Antonio Wilson pleaded guilty in June 2020 to one count of wire fraud.
From May 2015 to October 2018, Wilson defrauded four women with whom he had engaged in romantic relationships, including actress Jenifer Lewis, whose credits include the television series “Black-ish.” Wilson met Ms. Lewis at a gym where he worked as a manager, and he met his other victims through location-based dating applications such as Bumble.
Wilson convinced his victims to begin dating him by telling them lies that were designed to create a false sense of prestige. For example, Wilson falsely told his victims that he was a Navy SEAL, a graduate of Oxford University, and an Oxford professor who was teaching courses at UCLA on biblical antiquities.
Relying on the intimacy he created with his victims, Wilson convinced them to invest their money in one of his sham companies – Ultimate FX, which he claimed was a sound design business, and 2nd Life, a purported software business designed to provide animated instruction on applying for government benefits.
“It is the emotional impact that this crime had on his victims that makes it particularly egregious,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “[Wilson] not only conned people out of their money, but he also did so by betraying their trust after forging intimate relationships with them. The impact of such a fraud is more than financial; it is personal.”
Wilson deceived his victims into investing in these companies by making false statements, such as claiming that the ABC television network and EA Sports video game developer had used Ultimate FX for their shows and games. Wilson also lied that investors – real people whose identities he used without authorization – had valued 2nd Life at more than $30 million and wanted to invest in the company. Wilson also falsely stated that 2nd Life had a present valuation of $3.2 million.
In actuality, Wilson used his victims’ money to fund his own lifestyle and pay his own personal expenses, concealing the fact that he – using the alias “Brice Carrington” – had previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Oakland to carrying out a very similar scheme to defraud Ultimate FX investors. Wilson served a four-year term in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2009 to wire fraud and tax evasion charges.
Wilson also sold unregistered 2nd Life securities by distributing “shareholder agreements” and “stock purchase agreements” to the victims. After accepting his victims’ funds, Wilson used the money to pay off his credit card debt, pay his rent and buy luxury items.
Through this scheme, the actual loss to Wilson’s victims was $272,000.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander C.K. Wyman of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
San Antonio Physician Agrees to Pay $350,000 to Resolve Allegations that He Pre-Signed Prescriptions and Issued Prescriptions without Appropriate ExaminationsRead the Press Release
Dr. Hugo A. Rojas, owner of Hugo A. Rojas, M.D., P.A., and Family Clinics of San Antonio, has agreed to pay $350,000.00 under a civil settlement to resolve allegations he violated certain provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA), announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux, Houston Division.
Dr. Rojas is a primary care physician registered with the DEA to prescribe controlled substances, as well as a Medicare provider operating a medical practice with two locations in San Antonio. The settlement reflects the ongoing commitment of DOJ and DEA to address the opioid crisis and to prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of controlled substances. It further reflects the joint DOJ and Health and Human Services (“HHS”) commitment to identify and investigate false billing practices by Medicare providers.
“Doctors must live up to their obligations under the CSA to ensure that controlled substances are not illegally diverted into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Hoff. “Protecting our community from the diversion of controlled substances is a priority of the DEA and our office.”
“This settlement illustrates pharmacies and medical providers are being held accountable for violating federal laws designed to ensure the safety and legal dispensation of pharmaceutical drugs,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Comeaux. “This case clearly reflects DEA’s commitment to use all available tools to address this crisis at every level and ultimately reduce the availability of highly addictive opioids.”
After an investigation into Dr. Rojas’ prescribing practices, the U.S. contends Dr. Rojas violated the CSA by pre-signing 13 prescriptions for controlled substances which were provided to patients at times when Dr. Rojas was travelling outside of the state of Texas. Furthermore, the U.S. contends he violated the CSA by issuing six prescriptions for controlled substances without having examined the patients prior to providing the prescription. The U.S. also contends Dr. Rojas violated the CSA by issuing 18 prescriptions for controlled substances to patients seen by non-physician personnel. The pre-signing or issuance of prescriptions raises serious concerns about the potential diversion of controlled substances.
In addition, the U.S. alleges that Dr. Rojas submitted claims for reimbursement for services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries during times he was travelling outside of the state of Texas and that care was provided by mid-level practitioners employed by Dr. Rojas. A portion of the $350,000.00 settlement includes restitution to Medicare for these claims.
Dr. Rojas has made no admission of civil liability.
The DEA’s Diversion Group in the San Antonio District Office investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Van De Walle handled this case on behalf of the government.
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Rochester Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bryson McBride, 22, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that on May 16, 2019, at a residence on Baycliff Drive in Rochester, the defendant possessed a quantity of cocaine, which was packaged for distribution. McBride also possessed quantities of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. In addition, the defendant possessed a 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.
The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jean Green-Alvarez, 34, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to being felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on January 15, 2020, at approximately 12:14 a.m., the defendant, while in possession of a loaded semiautomatic rifle, approached an individual and forcibly stole a backpack. Green-Alvarez then fled to 108 Emerson Street in Rochester and handed the weapon and proceeds from the robbery to an individual inside the home. The weapon was recovered by law enforcement officers in the basement of 108 Emerson Street. In September 2009, the defendant was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine in the District of Puerto Rico. As a result of that prior conviction, Green-Alvarez is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; and the United States Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth.
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Riverdale Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Stealing More Than $256,000 in Social Security Disability PaymentsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Patricia Sahadachny, age 74, of Riverdale, Maryland to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of government property. Judge Messitte also ordered Sahadachny to pay restitution in the amount of $256,244.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration (SSA) - Office of Inspector General (OIG), Philadelphia Field Division.
“This sentence reflects the egregious nature of the defendant’s conduct over more than two decades, as she perpetuated this fraud against all taxpayers,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Michael McGill. “The SSA OIG will continue to use every available resource and work closely with SSA to identify beneficiary deaths and pursue those who misuse Social Security benefits after someone dies. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support of this investigation and its efforts to recover these funds for Social Security.”
According to her plea agreement, from February 1994 to January 2018, Sahadachny stole monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits payments intended for her son, who died on February 25, 1994. Sahadachny concealed and failed to disclose to SSA that her son had died, resulting in a loss to the U.S. government of $256,244.
As detailed in her plea agreement, at the time of his death, Sahadachny’s son was receiving his SSDI checks by mail at his residence, which he shared with Sahadachny, who served as his caretaker. When her son died, Sahadachny did not notify SSA of his death, and as a result, SSA continued to send checks in her son’s name to the residence. Sahadachny continued to deposit the benefits checks into her account, forging her son’s signature. This continued for nearly 24 years until SSA discovered through an audit that her son was likely deceased and terminated payments in January 2018.
During an interview with SSA OIG agents on October 24, 2018, Sahadachny admitted forging her son’s signature and depositing her son’s benefits checks into her account after his death. Sahadachny spent the stolen funds either by withdrawing them as cash, or using them to pay for personal expenses, including credit card debt she incurred on accounts she opened using her son’s name and social security number after he died. Sahadachny opened at least 11 credit accounts using her son’s identity after his death, of which, at least four were ultimately settled for less than the full amount owed.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the Social Security Administration for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Davio, who prosecuted the case.
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Pojoaque man sentenced to probation for drunk driving in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Samuel Fletcher, 72, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, was sentenced on March 8 in federal court to six months of probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol in Indian Country.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on July 6, 2020, Fletcher had six beers before leaving the Camel Rock Casino to drive home. Police found Fletcher parked across two spaces at a travel center, with a half-empty can of beer in his cupholder and a full can on the floorboard of his vehicle. Fletcher was asked to submit to a field sobriety test, but admitted that he could not balance due to his inebriated state. A portable breath test confirmed Fletcher’s inebriation. The offense occurred on the Pojoaque and Nambe Pueblos in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.
In addition to probation, Fletcher also must use an ignition interlock system, attend and complete a Victim Impact Panel and DWI School, complete eight hours of community service and undergo random alcohol and drug screenings.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.
Pittsburgh Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Derek Reddix, 50. Reddix had previously been convicted of two felony drug trafficking offenses.
According to information presented to the court, on November 20, 2018, Reddix possessed a distribution quantity of crack cocaine. Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ambrose referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Reddix’s previous convictions.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reddix.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pharmacy owner and accountant indicted in $134M health care fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston area men are now in custody on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud relating to a pharmacy fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.
Authorities arrested Mohamed Mokbel, 56, and Fathy Elsafty, 62, both of Houston, today. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison at 2 p.m.
The eight-count indictment alleges Mokbel is the owner of several Houston area pharmacies, while Elsafty is his accountant.
4M Pharmaceuticals Inc. was the parent company for several retail pharmacies that operated in Houston, Fort Worth, South Florida and elsewhere, according to the charges. Mokbel was 4M’s CEO and allegedly had ownership interests in the subsidiary pharmacies. The charges allege Elsafty served as 4M’s accountant and tax preparer as well as nominee owner of the multiple pharmacies.
4M Pharmaceuticals allegedly functioned as an outbound telemarketing call center that solicited Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance patients nationwide – many over the over the age of 55. The indictment alleges call center employees offered patients medically unnecessary diabetic supplies and topical creams although many refused the solicitations. However, 4M Pharmaceuticals and pharmacies allegedly billed the patient’s insurance plan anyway. In some cases, 4M pharmacies billed for prescriptions dispensed after a patient’s death, according to the allegations.
The scheme also allegedly targeted doctors. The charges allege 4M Pharmaceuticals sent fax requests for prescriptions that patients often did not authorize. In several cases, the company billed patients for prescription drugs without a valid prescription, according to the allegations. 4M pharmacies also allegedly sent prescription requests to doctors for dead patients.
In several instances, audits required 4M to produce paperwork, according to the indictment. ElSafty allegedly participated in fabricating records.
The indictment alleges that from Dec. 13, 2013, through March 3, 2020, 4M pharmacies collectively received over $134 million in payments from Medicare and other healthcare benefit programs based on fraudulent claims. The funds were allegedly used, in part, to pay for Mokbel’s $1.5 million residence, $15 million in gambling and casino expenses and purchases and payments for a Ferrari and a Bentley automobile. Mokbel also transferred and controlled over $6 million in health care fraud proceeds in certificate of deposit accounts at banks, according to the allegations.
Mokbel and ElSafty are charged with one count of a conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud and four counts of money laundering. All carry a possible prison sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 maximum fine. The use of telemarketing to target people over 55 as a means to commit health care fraud carries an additional penalty of 10 years.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, FBI, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, IRS - Criminal Investigation, Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Texas State Board of Pharmacy conducted the joint investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Abdul Farukhi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zahra Fenelon are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Paterson Man Admits to Coercion and Enticement of MinorRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man today admitted to coercion and enticement of a minor and to illegally reentering the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Juan Carlos Morales-Pedraza, 34, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to a superseding information charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor and of illegally re-entering the United States after having previously been deported.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 13, 2019, Morales-Pedraza approached a 15-year-old victim in Passaic County. Two days later, after engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim, Morales-Pedraza and the victim left the New Jersey, with plans to travel to Illinois. Morales-Pedraza admitted that he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois. Law enforcement arrested Morales-Pedraza in Ohio.
Morales-Pedraza admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he illegally entered the United States after having previously been deported.
The count of coercion and enticement carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution. The count of illegal re-entry carries a maximum prison sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sexual Investigations Unit, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, and investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Lake Township Police Department in Lake Township, Ohio, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Passaic County Man Admits Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Tawan Grier, a/k/a “TJ,” 22, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Grier is an associate of the 230 Boys street gang, which operates primarily around Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement officers determined that from September 2018 through Oct. 1, 2019, Grier and other members and associates of the 230 Boys distributed narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
The count of distributing fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of at least $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Belleville and Livingston police departments for their assistance with the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Operator of Racehorse Doping Websites Sentenced to 18 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SCOTT ROBINSON was sentenced today to 18 months in prison in connection with ROBINSON’s years-long sale and distribution of adulterated and misbranded drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs marketed to racehorse trainers and others in the racehorse industry. ROBINSON pled guilty to a one-count Information on September 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who also imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Scott Robinson created and profited from a system designed to exploit racehorses in the pursuit of speed and prize money, risking their safety and wellbeing. Robinson sold unsanitary, misbranded, and adulterated drugs, and misled and deceived regulators and law enforcement in the process.”
According to the Indictment, the Superseding Information to which ROBINSON pled guilty, and other court documents, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
From at least in or about 2011 through at least in or about March 2020, ROBINSON conspired with others to manufacture, sell, and ship millions of dollars’ worth of adulterated and misbranded equine drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs (“PEDs”) intended to be administered to racehorses for the purpose of improving those horses’ race performances in order to win races and obtain prize money. ROBINSON sold these drugs through several direct-to-consumer websites designed to appeal to racehorse trainers and owners, including, among others, “horseprerace.com.”
ROBINSON contributed to the conspiracy by, among other things, sourcing chemicals used to create custom PEDs that were advertised and sold; falsely labeling, packaging, and shipping those PEDs to customers across the country, including in the Southern District of New York; and collecting, reporting, and responding to employee and customer complaints regarding the misbranded and adulterated products advertised and sold online. Among the drugs advertised and sold during the course of the conspiracy were “blood builders,” which are used by racehorse trainers and others to increase red blood cell counts and/or the oxygenation of muscle tissue of a racehorse in order to stimulate the horse’s endurance, which enhances that horse’s performance in, and recovery from, a race, as well as customized analgesics that are used by racehorse trainers and others to deaden a horse’s nerves and block pain in order to improve a horse’s race performance. The drugs distributed through the defendant’s websites were manufactured in non-FDA registered facilities and carried significant risks to the animals affected through the administration of those illicit PEDs. For example, in 2016, ROBINSON received a complaint regarding the effect of his unregulated drugs on a customer’s horse: “starting bout 8 hours after I give the injection and for about 36 hours afterwards both my horses act like they are heavily sedated, can barely walk. Could I have a bad bottle of medicine, I’m afraid to give it anymore since this has happened three times.” Commenting on this complaint, ROBINSON wrote simply, “here is another one.”
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In addition to his prison sentence, ROBINSON, 46, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and forfeiture of $3,832,318.90.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York FBI Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and its support of the FBI’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative. Ms. Strauss also thanked the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the New York State Police, and the New York City Police Department for their support of this investigation, and the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance and expertise.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Mortazavi, Benet J. Kearney, and Andrew C. Adams are in charge of the prosecution.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On March 3, 2021, Jeffrey Scott Leisure, age 56, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 126 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Leisure was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Leisure pleaded guilty to the offense on October 9, 2020.
The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task force began investigating numerous leads regarding Leisure distributing several pounds of methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro area. At the same time, detectives with the Bellevue Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted several controlled methamphetamine purchases with Leisure, leading to his arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, Omaha Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Norwich Man Pleads Guilty to Making ThreatsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL SCOTT, 32, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today to one count of making interstate threats.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2, 2020, law enforcement received information from a woman in the Bronx, New York, that Scott had made threatening calls and sent threatening texts to her after she had communicated to Scott that she was not interested in having a romantic relationship with him. Texts and voicemails reviewed by investigators contained specific threats to harm the victim. One text included a promise by Scott that, on March 2, he would travel to the gym where she was employed and “…shoot tha whole gym up an end all of us….”
On the afternoon of March 2, Scott appeared at the victim’s workplace in the Bronx. The victim called 9-1-1 and Scott was arrested by the New York Police Department on domestic violence charges. He has been detained since his arrest.
Scott has two prior federal convictions for narcotics distribution offenses and he was on federal supervised release when he threatened the victim.
At sentencing, Scott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the New York Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
North East Man Sentenced to Nearly Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Estel Henry Cook, Jr., age 56, of North East, Maryland, to 95 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Jude Bennett ordered Cook to pay $3,000 in restitution. Judge Bennett also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Cook must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Cecil County State’s Attorney James Dellmyer.
According to his guilty plea, in April 2019, an internet search engine sent two Cyber Tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCEMC) after a user uploaded child pornography. After investigation, Maryland State Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered the IP addresses and subscriber information associated with the upload child pornography resolved to Cook’s North East residence.
On August 27, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant a Cook’s residence and seized his cell phone. A forensic analysis revealed that Cook possessed approximately 976 files of graphic child exploitive material including 348 videos and 628 images. The images depicted the sexual abuse of minors, including prepubescent minors and an infant.
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 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended HSI, the Maryland State Police, and the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine L. Duey, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Movie special effects coordinator sentenced to probation for illegally possessing explosive materialsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A California man has been sentenced to probation for illegally possessing explosive materials on a Savannah movie set.
Robert Christopher Bailey, 51, of Los Angeles, was sentenced to 30 months of probation by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Possession of Explosive Materials as a Prohibited Person, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Bailey also was ordered to pay a fine of $5,500.
“The film industry is a robust and growing part of the economy in Savannah and in Georgia, and we welcome those who come to the state to work in movie production,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “However, we will fully enforce the law so that dangerous explosives are not in the hands of those who are prohibited from handling them.”
As described in court documents and testimony, on or about July 9, 2018, Bailey was working as a special effects and pyrotechnics coordinator on the Savannah movie set for The Poison Rose starring John Travolta and Morgan Freeman. After an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Bailey admitted in court that he was prohibited from possessing explosive materials because of a prior criminal conviction.
“ATF is tasked with regulating the explosives industry and to promote public safety in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “The defendant had no business possessing explosives, given his previous criminal conduct.”
This case was investigated by Special Agent Lee Hoover of the ATF, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Bearden and Frank Pennington.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced that Steven McGee, 51, of Michigan, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 7, 2021.
“I commend the Huntington Police Department for their tireless efforts to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Their work continues to make Huntington a safer place to live.”
McGee admitted that on February 24, 2020, he directed the distribution of heroin to a confidential informant in the area of 24th Street and 10th Avenue in Huntington.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joe Adams handled the prosecution.
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. 3:20-cr-00170.
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Mexican man indicted for smuggling nearly $1.6M million in fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.Read the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury sitting in Laredo has charged a Mexican man for illegally importing approximately 30.26 kilograms of narcotics, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On Feb. 11, authorities apprehended Jose Lopez-Sanchez at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge port of entry in Laredo attempting to travel into the United States, according to the charges. He had allegedly given an inconsistent statement at primary inspection and sent to secondary.
A K-9 allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics. An X-ray scan also revealed anomalies behind the vehicles firewall and rear passenger seats, according to the charges.
The charges allege that upon physical examination, law enforcement discovered a total of 30 bundles of meth with an approximate weight of 17.78 kilograms. They also allegedly found one bundle of heroin and eight bundles of fentanyl weighing 1.2 and 11.28 kilograms, respectively.
The drugs have an estimated combined street value of approximately $1,585,855.
If convicted, Lopez-Sanchez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office Seizes Fifth Domain Name Purporting to be the Website of a Biotech Company Producing a Treatment for COVID-19Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has seized “usaregenermedicals.com,” which purported to sell and distribute REGEN-COV2, an antibody drug cocktail approved for the treatment of COVID-19 virus. However, the website was fraudulent and instead appears to have been used to collect the personal information of individuals visiting the site, in order to use the information for nefarious purposes, including fraud, phishing attacks, and/or deployment of malware. Individuals visiting the site now will see a message that the site has been seized by the federal government and be redirected to another site for additional information.
The seizure of the domain name was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations - Baltimore.
“This is the fifth fraudulent website taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic that we have seized in recent months,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “We urge all Maryland residents to be skeptical - don’t provide personal information or click on links in unsolicited e-mails and remember that the COVID vaccine is not for sale. The Federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to people living in the United States. We will continue to aggressively prosecute these fraudsters who seek to prey on unsuspecting residents and their families.”
“Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use extreme caution on the internet, especially as it relates to COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, or financial relief,” said Special Agent in Charge James Mancuso. “Scams like the one alleged to have occurred here take advantage of people’s desire to protect themselves and their families and collect personal information that may be used for nefarious purposes.”
According to the affidavit filed in support of the seizures, REGEN-COV2, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use for the treatment of COVID-19 in November 2020. The HSI Intellectual Property Rights Center (“IPRC”) and the HSI Cyber Crimes Center (“C3”) discovered an apparent fraudulent website, named “usaregenermedicals.com.” A domain analysis conducted by an HSI Cyber Operations Officer (“COO”) indicated the subject domain name was created on January 21, 2021, by a registrar listed as NameCheap, Inc. located in Phoenix, Arizona. The COO also reviewed the subject domain name’s online content and found it displayed the name, address, and trademarked logos for Regeneron, as well as links or buttons that also appear on the official Regeneron website. The COO found that the links and buttons on the fraudulent site did not function and the fraudulent site also displayed three individuals listed in the “Corporate Leaders” section that do not appear on the official Regeneron website.
The “usaregenermedicals.com” website is the fifth such fraudulent site seeking to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and its law enforcement partners have seized and disrupted in recent months. Other such efforts include:
On March 1, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland seized “remdesivirmx.com,” which purported to sell and distribute Remdesivir, an antiviral drug approved for the treatment of the COVID-19 virus, in Mexico. However, the website was fraudulent and had been used to collect the personal information of individuals visiting the site, in order to use the information for nefarious purposes, including fraud, phishing attacks, and/or deployment of malware.
On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland seized a fraudulent replication of the website of a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that focuses on drug discovery, drug development, and vaccine technologies, including a vaccine for COVID-19. The fake domain, “modernatx.shop,” included a link offering to sell COVID-19 vaccines. Three men were subsequently charged with a scheme to allegedly sell purported COVID-19 vaccines.
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland seized two domain names, “mordernatx.com” and “regeneronmedicals.com,” which purported to be the websites of actual biotechnology companies developing treatments for the COVID-19 virus, but appear to have instead been used to collect the personal information of individuals visiting the sites.
The seizure of these five sites by the government has prevented third parties from acquiring the names and using them to commit additional crimes, as well as prevented third parties from continuing to access the fraudulent sites in their present form.
Federal law enforcement agencies are united in our efforts to fight against COVID-19 fraud. HSI has identified tips to recognize and report COVID-19 fraud. If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you may also call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or for more information visit justice.gov/coronavirus.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended HSI for its work in these investigations. Mr. Lenzner recognized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection and the Baltimore County Police Department for their assistance and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky and Sean R. Delaney, who are handling the case.
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Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrance Cecil Clark, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Clark, 27, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Clark, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having 9mm pistol in May 2020 in Marion County.
Clark is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kenneth Rawson, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for committing a bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today. Additionally, Rawson was ordered to pay restitution to the bank in the amount of $790.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2018, Rawson entered the Citizens Bank on Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire and demanded money from the teller. Rawson claimed that he had a bomb on him at the time. Rawson was apprehended later that day and admitted that he had robbed the bank.
Rawson previously pleaded guilty on March 10, 2020.
“Even when no one is hurt, bank robberies are inherently violent crimes that can cause serious emotional harm to their victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “By threatening to detonate a bomb as part of his effort to rob a bank, this defendant created a frightening and dangerous situation. This prison sentence demonstrates that those who commit bank robberies or other violent crimes in New Hampshire will face serious consequences for their unlawful actions.”
“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder to everyone that there are serious consequences that come with targeting our financial institutions and putting innocent people in danger,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “A federal felony conviction carries with it a lifetime of explanation, and it is our hope that this case makes others think twice about committing violent crime.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Man Who Robbed Banks While on Supervised Release Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY W. BORNMAN, 59, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing two bank robberies while on federal supervised release.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 29, 2019, Bornman drove a female accomplice to the Citizens Bank located at 430 Foxon Boulevard in East Haven. While Bornman waited outside, his accomplice entered the bank wearing a disguise and a red wig, approached a teller and demanded money. The teller handed over approximately $1,003.
On January 27, 2020, Bornman drove a male accomplice to the People’s United Bank located at 20 Main Street in Windsor Locks. While Bornman waited outside, his accomplice entered the bank, approached a teller and showed a note demanding money. The teller handed over approximately $1,056. Bornman’s car was captured on surveillance video from a nearby business.
In June 2001, Bornman was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 235 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for bank robbery and firearm possession offenses. He was released from prison in October 2018 and was on supervised release when he committed the East Haven and Windsor Locks bank robberies.
Bornman has been detained since February 12, 2020. On July 31, he pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.
Judge Chatigny sentenced Bornman to 60 months of imprisonment for the bank robbery offenses, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating his conditions of supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, East Haven Police Department and Windsor Locks Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Man Convicted of Carjacking That Occurred Minutes After He Was Released from Santa Rita JailRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Rocky Lee Music was sentenced to five years in prison for carjacking, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge.
Music, 33, with a last known address in Walnut Creek, pleaded guilty to the carjacking charge today and was sentenced at the same hearing. According to his plea agreement, Music admitted that on April 19, 2020, he violently carjacked a Prius parked in the 5200 block of Campus Drive of Dublin, Calif. To carjack the vehicle, Music opened the driver’s door, punched the male victim seated in the driver’s seat, pulled the victim out of the Prius while continuing to punch him on the head, and forced his way into the driver’s seat. Music drove away in the Prius while the victim hung onto the driver’s side door. According to the plea agreement, the carjacking occurred approximately 40 minutes after Music was granted pretrial release from Santa Rita Jail, where he had been held while awaiting prosecution by Alameda County authorities on other charges. After carjacking the Prius, Music drove to San Ramon, where he later approached a female victim seated in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. The female driver drove away. Music was apprehended later that same day in San Ramon, and he has remained in custody since his arrest. A federal grand jury indicted Music on June 16, 2020, charging him with one count of carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1). Music pleaded guilty to the count.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Gonzalez Rogers sentenced Music to a three-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Dublin Police Department, and the San Ramon Police Department.
Madison Physician Agrees to Pay $110,000 to Resolve Allegations of Controlled Substance Prescribing ViolationsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Acting United States Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced that David E. Eckerle, M.D., a Madison, Wisconsin physician, entered into a settlement agreement to pay $110,000 to resolve civil allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) related to the manner in which he was prescribing opioids and other controlled substances.
According to the settlement agreement, the government alleged that between May 2016 and January 2020, Dr. Eckerle wrote prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances that had no legitimate medical purpose and were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.
In enacting the CSA, Congress recognized the importance of preventing the diversion of drugs from legitimate to illegitimate uses. The CSA, in relevant part, deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances, all of which have contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic over the past two decades. The CSA therefore regulates entities and practitioners that dispense controlled substances by establishing controls over all stages of the chain of distribution of controlled substances in the United States.
“The opioid epidemic has caused great harm and deep sadness to individuals, families, and communities here in Wisconsin. In cases unrelated to this matter, this office has seen opiate addictions that begin with a doctor over-prescribing opiate pain pills and that end with the former patient overdosing on heroin or going to prison for drug-related crimes. Wisconsin physicians who increase risks of opiate addiction by irresponsibly prescribing opioids will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney O’Shea. “This office will investigate inappropriate opioid prescribing and use all available tools to combat the opioid epidemic and protect our local communities.”
“The harm caused by improperly prescribed narcotics is a serious threat to the health of our citizens,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Wisconsin Assistant Special Agent in Charge John McGarry said. “This investigation is indicative of DEA’s commitment to improve public safety by ensuring physicians issue prescriptions for legitimate medical purposes within the boundaries of federal law.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theresa Anzivino represented the government in this matter, and the DEA Madison District Office conducted the investigation. The settlement agreement states CSA allegations only; Dr. Eckerle denies the allegations and there has been no determination of liability.
Wisconsin residents with unused prescriptions—especially opiates—in their homes can use this link to learn where drugs can be safely disposed. https://doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback/find-a-take-back-location/ .
Madison County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Joseph Robert DiMarco, 47, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actualmethamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 10, 2018, during a routine traffic stop in Madison County, DiMarco was found in possession of over 80 grams of actual methamphetamine, approximately 1.5 grams of heroin, multiple firearms, and drug paraphernalia. DiMarco also admitted to selling $40.00 worth of methamphetamine to an individual in the parking lot of a gas station on Airways boulevard in Jackson just before he was stopped.
During a search of DiMarco’s person and vehicle, law enforcement officers seized three ounces of methamphetamine and six guns. One of the guns (a pistol) was loaded and was found in a bag with most of the drugs. All of the drugs belonged to DiMarco.
On November 6, 2020, DiMarco pled guilty to possessing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On March 4, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced DiMarco under the federal sentencing guidelines, to the mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months on the drug count and 60 months on the firearms count, to run consecutively for a total of 180 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Jackson Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Dean DeCandia prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Lyon County Men Plead Guilty to Causing 3,900 Gallon Oil Spill into Yellow Medicine RiverRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced the guilty pleas of ERIC JAY WECKWORTH-PINEDA, 25, and TANNER JOHN SIK, 21, to one count each of negligent discharge of a pollutant. WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK, who were charged by misdemeanor information on October 8, 2020, pleaded guilty before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court. Sentencing dates will be scheduled at a later time.
“The reckless behavior of these defendants led to significant damage to the Magellan Pipeline and subsequent release to the Yellow Medicine River,” said Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Minnesota. “EPA will continue to hold individuals responsible for their environmental violations and the resulting harm.”
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed with the court, on April 24, 2019, WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK traveled to the northwest side of Cottonwood Lake in Lyon County, Minnesota, to a bridge that spans a dam between Cottonwood Lake and a creek called Judicial Ditch 24, which flows into the Yellow Medicine River. WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK took guns to the bridge to shoot. SIK used a DPMS AR-15 rifle to fire multiple shots at a diesel fuel pipeline that runs perpendicular across Judicial Ditch 24. WECKWERTH-PINEDA used the scope on his own rifle to spot SIK’s shots. WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK admit that multiple shots hit the pipeline and one shot ruptured the pipe. Later that day, WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK returned to the area and saw that the pipeline was leaking and reported the leak to the authorities.
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed with the court, the owner of the pipeline, Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., claimed that the pipe’s rupture caused at least 3,906 gallons of diesel fuel to spill into Judicial Ditch 24 at a cost of approximately $1,122,617.64 to clean up the spill and repair the pipeline. The Environmental Protection Agency also expended $16,154.42 in assisting in the clean-up operation. WECKWORTH-PINEDA and SIK each face up to one year in prison and are liable for up to $1,138,772.06 in restitution.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ERIC JAY WECKWORTH-PINEDA, 25
Cottonwood, Minn.
Convicted:
- Negligent discharge of a pollutant, 1 count
TANNER JOHN SIK, 21
Ivanhoe, Minn.
Convicted:
- Negligent discharge of a pollutant, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Local man indicted for smuggling multiple drugs in cardboard boxRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old resident of Pharr has been charged with importing kilogram quantities of meth, heroin and cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment today against Eduardo Maldonado. Previously charged by complaint, he remains in custody pending his arraignment in the near future.
Maldonado allegedly conspired with others to import 1.42, 2.04 and 4.16 kilograms of meth, heroin and cocaine, respectively.
On Feb. 8, Maldonado applied for entry into the United States a passenger on a commercial bus that arrived at the Lincoln-Juarez bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, according to the indictment. Authorities had conducted an X-ray scan of the luggage and allegedly observed anomalies in a cardboard box. A K-9 unit then positively alerted for the presence of contraband, according to the charges. Law enforcement allegedly determined the box belonged to Maldonado.
A physical search of the box revealed a total of nine packages, all which allegedly tested positive for cocaine, meth and heroin. The drugs have a combined estimated street value of $162,000.
If convicted, Maldonado faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Lafayette Man with Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Nathaniel Leon Brown, 31, of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 84 months (7 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury in Lafayette on July 15, 2020 and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to the charge on September 10, 2020. According to information presented to the court, it was established that on December 20, 2019, Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance call and were informed that a possible kidnapping involving a firearm may be in progress. Officers responded to the call and using information they were provided concerning the vehicle Brown was driving, located the suspect vehicle on Interstate 10 near Henderson. Law enforcement officers caught up to the vehicle and Brown initially refused to stop. Numerous law enforcement officers joined in the pursuit and eventually Brown stopped the car on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Brown was ordered out of the vehicle and officers took him into custody. Brown told officers there was a firearm under the driver’s seat and they were able to recover the weapon.
Brown has prior felony convictions, including possession of cocaine (2009), possession of methamphetamine (2018). As a convicted felon, Brown is prohibited from possessing any firearm.
The ATF, Lafayette Police Department, and Henderson Police Department were involved in conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon, II, prosecuted the case.
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Lab analyst sentenced for falsifying test resultsRead the Press Release
A former environmental laboratory analyst was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Pamela A. Barker to two years of probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine for falsifying laboratory test results.
Andrew K. Ecklund, age 58, of Tallmadge, Ohio, pleaded guilty in November of 2020 to nine counts of wire fraud stemming from a scheme to falsify laboratory analysis reports in order to improve work efficiency.
“Regulations are critically important to ensuring the health and safety of the environment and the general public," said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “When any person subverts quality control procedures and then misrepresents test results identifying levels of hazardous substances, they will be held accountable for their actions."
“Both environmental regulators and the regulated community rely on accurate laboratory results to make important decisions on the protection of human health and the environment,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Ohio. “Quality control is one of the most important aspects of sample analysis. This sentencing demonstrates that analysts who cover up failed quality control measures and then misrepresent test results will be held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing confirms that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to protecting the integrity of the procurement process,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The DCIS will continue to work with its partner agencies to ensure that similar conduct is thwarted and that the U.S. Department of Defense is made whole.”
According to court documents, Ecklund was previously employed as a laboratory analyst with an environmental testing company operating in Northeast Ohio. The company was paid to analyze environmental samples for organizations and government agencies across the United States and to do so according to U.S. EPA regulations. As a laboratory analyst, Ecklund was responsible for testing samples for the presence and concentration of hazardous substances and unacceptable levels of pollutants using industry standards, methodology and quality control measures.
On nine separate occasions between on or about January 3, 2012, and on or about July 25, 2015, Ecklund took steps to make it appear that certain samples had passed quality control testing measures, when in fact, they had failed. In particular, Ecklund failed to properly calibrate and tune the quality control instruments, which was the foundation of the quality control process. This failure resulted in unreliable measurements of pollutants and hazardous substances, and therefore invalidated the testing process.
By disguising these invalid tests and making them appear valid, Ecklund was able to increase his productivity by avoiding having to shut down his instruments for repair and not retesting the samples, as required by EPA regulations. As a result of his actions, the test results provided by the company to their customers were invalid.
After the laboratory testing was complete, the company was required to submit an analysis report to their customers. Each report identified the laboratory analyst who conducted the testing and described any deviations from the testing methodology, including the quality control measures. Ecklund failed to disclose on these reports that the samples had failed the quality control measures and the actions he took to make it appear that they had passed.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Ohio EPA, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Army Criminal Investigation Command, Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, and U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, all of which are members of the Northeast Ohio Environmental Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Stephney Clark, 47, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Smith was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On April 10, 2018, Clark was observed conducting a drug transaction in Jackson. Federal agents arrested Clark and seized approximately 38 grams of methamphetamine which was 100% pure.
Clark was charged in a federal criminal indictment and he pled guilty before Judge Wingate on December 3, 2020.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Fire and Ice,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi. The investigative agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office took part in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Indictment Details Charges in Conspiracy to Defraud Financially Distressed Homeowners, Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Johnston-based real estate investment firm, the company’s founder, and a person who held himself out to be a negotiator on behalf of financially distressed homeowners but who was, in reality, associated with the real estate investment firm, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges they participated in a series of schemes to defraud homeowners and financial institutions.
It is alleged in the indictment that members of the conspiracy, Gregory F. Aloisio, 60, of Johnston, his real estate investment company, Aloisio Group, LLC, which also did business as Quietstorm Professional Services, and John DiFruscio, Jr., 68, of North Providence, who is associated with Quietstorm Professional Services, conspired to fraudulently obtain properties from financially distressed homeowners; fraudulently obtained fees, commissions, and other income associated with the rental, use and short sale of homeowners’ properties; fraudulently purchased properties in short sales and illegally “flipped” them for significant personal gain; and defrauded several financial institutions.
It is alleged in the indictment that as part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators held themselves out as negotiators who, for a fee, could assist in keeping properties from being foreclosed upon. Among the fraudulent actions allegedly employed by the co-conspirators:
- Many financially distressed homeowners were convinced to move out of their residences to allow the co-conspirators to rent out the properties in a fraudulent “rent-to-own” program. Some homeowners remained in their properties and paid rent to the co-conspirators as part of the defendants’ “rent-to-own” program. It is alleged that the co-conspirators used the rental income for their own benefit.
- DiFruscio, while purportedly working on behalf of the victim homeowners, negotiated short sales of properties on behalf of the Aloisio Group, the prospective short sale purchaser, at the lowest possible price to benefit the Aloisio Group and Gregory Aloisio himself, thereby causing financial institutions to incur a greater loss. Little or no marketing of the properties occurred. The co-conspirators allegedly arranged to have the properties listed for sale on Multiple Listing Service (MLS), then had the listing immediately reflect “sale pending.”
- After purchasing the properties, the co-conspirators arranged to sell, or “flip,” the properties to another purchaser at substantially higher prices.
- The co-conspirators filed false affidavits and documents that represented that 1) no commercial relationship existed between the parties to induce lenders to approve short sales; 2) there was no agreement to “flip” or rent the targeted properties after the short sale; and 3) falsely reflect the identity of the seller, the identity of the buyer, and cash to the parties at closing.
- Some homeowners were convinced to transfer title of their homes to John DiFruscio as a trustee of a family trust.
An indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Providence charges Gregory Aloisio, Aloisio Group, LLC, and John DiFruscio, Jr., with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert and Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
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Illinois Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Inmate Assault that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A sergeant at Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, Ill., Willie Hedden, today entered pleas of guilty to charges related to his role in the May 2018 assault of an inmate who died as a result of the injuries sustained in the assault. Hedden entered his pleas via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Richard Mills. Sentencing is scheduled on July 21, 2021.
Central District of Illinois Acting U.S. Attorney Douglas J. Quivey; FBI-Springfield Division Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox; and, Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly made the announcement.
Hedden, 42, of Mt. Sterling, Ill., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deprive civil rights and deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and death for his participation in the May 17, 2018, assault of an inmate who was restrained and handcuffed behind his back and posed no physical threat to Hedden or others. The victim, identified as Larry Earvin, 65, of Chicago, suffered multiple broken ribs, a punctured colon, and other serious internal injuries, and died in June 2018. The assault occurred as Earvin was forcibly escorted from his residential unit at the prison to a separate, segregated housing unit.
In addition, Hedden pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct. Hedden admitted that he filed falsified incident reports with the prison that omitted reference to the assault and noted that Earvin was delivered to staff in the segregation housing unit “without further incident,” other than resisting the escort and refusing to walk. Further, Hedden admitted that he misled agents of the Illinois State Police by denying any knowledge of the assault, that he participated in and witnessed, and that he persuaded a friend, a fellow prison employee, to delete a text message Hedden sent following the assault in which Hedden admitted his involvement in the assault on Earvin.
This afternoon, the court held a status hearing by videoconference for co-defendants Todd Sheffler, 52, of Mendon, Ill., and Alex Banta, 29, of Quincy, Ill. The court scheduled trial for Sheffler and Banta on June 28, 2021. Sheffler and Banta are each charged with conspiracy to deprive civil rights and deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and death, conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct, and two counts of obstruction of justice.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass represents the government in the prosecution. The charges were investigated by agents of the FBI-Springfield Division and the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation with the cooperation of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
The statutory sentence for both conspiracy to deprive civil rights and deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and death is any term of imprisonment up to life. For each count of conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct and obstruction, the maximum statutory penalty is up to 20 years in prison.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Mark Joseph Geurin, age 32, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In February 2018, a Hot Springs Police Officer attempted to stop a vehicle operated by Geurin, for a traffic offense. A high-speed chase ensued, and officers had to execute a pit maneuver to terminate the pursuit. Geurin then fled on foot and was apprehended by officers. A search of Geurin’s person revealed a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue. Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle Geurin was driving and located a black jacket behind the driver's seat. Inside the jacket a baggie of methamphetamine was located, which contained approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine. Geurin was transported to the Garland County Detention Center and an additional 10.5 grams of methamphetamine were located on his person.
The suspected methamphetamine was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime lab for testing and tested positive for methamphetamine.
In August 2018, after posting bond from the February incident, Geurin led Troopers with the Arkansas State Police on a second high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 144 miles per hour and nearly colliding with another motorist.
Geurin was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2018 and entered a guilty plea in May of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Hot Springs Police Department and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Defendant participated in fraudulent tax return scheme using University of Iowa employees’ personal information
DAVENPORT, IA- On Friday, March 5, 2021, Edoghogho Collins Oloton, age 33, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a scheme to obtain federal tax refunds by fraud using the identification information of dozens of University of Iowa employees announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Oloton was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Oloton worked with others to launder dozens of money orders purchased with the proceeds of the fraudulently obtained tax refunds. More than $60,000 from tax refunds of University of Iowa employees was obtained fraudulently through this scheme. More than $1,400,000 in fraudulently obtained funds passed through bank accounts associated with the scheme in February, March, and April of 2015. In April of 2015, Oloton purchased a 2014 Mercedes Benz, E-class, convertible with the proceeds of the fraud.
“Today’s sentencing reflects how seriously the courts take federal tax crimes. Mr. Oloton was knowledgeable of the Stolen Identity – Refund Fraud Scheme and illegally obtained the proceeds of the fraud for his own benefit. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation will continue to aggressively pursue others who engage in this conduct,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge David Talcott.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal stated, “In collaboration with our IRS partners, this prosecution shows we will hold accountable those like Mr. Oloton who use tax refund schemes to defraud the citizens of the Southern District of Iowa for personal gain.”
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.