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Thursday 4 March 2021
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Devon Cohen (33, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Cohen to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.
Cohen was found guilty following a bench trial on December 8, 2020.
According to court documents, officers stopped a car that Cohen was driving after he had committed multiple traffic violations. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded pistol on the center console. Cohen admitted to the officers that he possessed the gun. Cohen had previously been committed of multiple felonies, including several narcotics offenses, and therefore is not permitted to possess a gun or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney Karin Hoppmann coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Colombian National Extradited from Panama to Face Drug Charges in the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the unsealing of an
indictment charging Gerardo Gomez-Lubo, a/k/a Francisco Niño (42, Colombia), with conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine knowing and intending it to be imported into the United States. If convicted on all counts, Gerardo Gomez-Lubo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.According to court documents, beginning in approximately September 2017 and continuing through 2019, Gomez-Lubo was part of a transnational criminal conspiracy that transported cocaine directly from Colombia to the United States, including Texas, California, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida.
In April 2018, an indictment was returned in the Middle District of Florida charging Gerardo Gomez-Lubo and his co-conspirator, Piero Antonio Lubo-Barros,
with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Gomez-Lubo was arrested on September 1, 2019 as he arrived at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at the request of the United States. The United States sought his extradition, which Panama granted on February 4, 2021, by Presidential Executive Order.
In January 2021, Piero Antonio Lubo-Barros was arrested in Costa Rica at the request of the United States, living under an assumed identity. He is currently pending extradition to the United States.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant support with the defendant’s extradition. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Catoosa Woman Charged with Defrauding 7 Banks of $735,396Read the Press Release
A Catoosa woman has been indicted for defrauding seven Oklahoma banks when she falsified and submitted documents to apply for $735,396 in loans, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Pamela Kathryn Conley, 58, is charged with 16 counts of bank fraud and 3 counts of aggravated identity theft.
“Pamela Conley allegedly lied when she applied for more than $735,000 worth of loans, claiming, in part, to make six figures on falsified earning statements,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “White-collar criminals don’t get a pass for the offenses they commit. Agents with the U.S. Secret Service and IRS-Criminal Investigation follow the money and expose their crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is now prepared to hold this alleged white-collar criminal accountable in federal court.”
From September 2016 to Feb. 23, 2021, Conley allegedly executed a scheme to enrich herself by knowingly submitting loan applications containing false income and employment information at seven banks and credit unions. According to the indictment, Conley forged earning statements which she provided to the financial institutions as proof of income. Conley falsified the statements to reflect that she held positions such as manager and chief financial officer, earning a salary of $200,000 or more annually or $18,000 a month.
The indictment alleges that on occasion, when loans were secured with collateral, Conley created fictitious lien releases for the collateral, using the notarized signature of unwitting financial institution employees. Conley then caused the bogus lien releases to be filed with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which in turn provided Conley with titles to the collateral, free and clear of any liens. Conley would then approach new lenders to obtain loans secured by collateral she did not own free and clear.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case
Canton man sentenced to 22 and a half years for possession with intent to distribute 16 pounds of meth, marijuana, heroin, LSD and possession of a semi-automatic pistolRead the Press Release
Elmer Curtis Jones, 31, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced to 270 months imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams after a jury found him guilty of four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court records, on February 4, 2020, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a man, later identified as Jones, who appeared to be sleeping at the wheel of a vehicle in the 2900 block of Maple Avenue Northeast, Canton, Ohio. A law enforcement officer approached the vehicle to check on the driver and, upon arrival, identified Jones as unconscious in the driver’s seat with the vehicle still running. Jones was subsequently arrested after failing a field sobriety test.
Law enforcement officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered approximately 7,093 grams (16 pounds) of methamphetamine, 108 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 7 kilos of marijuana and 29 hits of LSD. In addition, on the front passenger seat of Jones’s vehicle, officers recovered a loaded, semi-automatic pistol.
Jones was found guilty after a trial by jury convicted him of four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in November of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit, FBI, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Township Police Department and Canton Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
Burke County man admits operating illegal pill factoryRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Burke County man has admitted taking part in an operation that distributed methamphetamine after investigators discovered the scheme through delivery of a commercial pill press.
Telly Savalas Carswell, 47, of Midville, Ga., pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute Methamphetamine, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our law enforcement partners, particularly the investigators from the Drug Enforcement administration, did an outstanding job in discovering and shutting down this meth-trafficking operation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Whether it’s in the larger cities or smaller towns of the Southern District, we are determined to eradicate this poison from our communities.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began the investigation in January 2020 while investigating the delivery of a commercial pill press to the home Savalas shared with a co-defendant. In conjunction with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, DEA agents conducted a search on May 7, 2020 of the residence and found a pill press, along with methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs; nearly $9,000 in cash; and paraphernalia related to drug trafficking.
“Criminals like Mr. Carswell rely on pill presses to create dangerous counterfeit medications which contain toxic substances such as methamphetamine, as was the case in this investigation,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe from dangerous drugs.”
The case is being investigated by the DEA and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Josephson.
Brooklyn, New York Man Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Distribution in Rutland AreaRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Quadeim Mack (a.k.a. “Matt”), 20, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III to 48 months of imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
Mack had previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine. In the plea agreement, the government and Mack agreed to a term of imprisonment between 48 and 60 months. In sentencing Mack to 48 months, Judge Sessions relied, in part, on Mack’s young age at the time he committed the offense and Mack’s lack of any prior criminal record.
According to court records, on January 29, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 8 Sheldon Place in Rutland, Vermont. In an upstairs bedroom where Mack was arrested, law enforcement seized 9 grams of fentanyl, 57 grams of cocaine base, and 50 grams of cocaine. Law enforcement also seized a loaded .22 caliber revolver and $13,050 of drug proceeds.
The government alleged that Mack was part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing over two kilograms of heroin and over five kilograms of cocaine base in the Rutland area over an 18-month period. The government stated in its sentencing memorandum that the presence of a firearm in a drug trafficking offense is “a potentially lethal combination which exponentially increases the risk of violence and harm to the community.” Moreover, the government stated that Mack’s criminal offense “involved a large volume of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, which surely facilitated the destruction of many lives and contributed to tearing apart many families.”
Mack’s arrest was part of a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement surge conducted in early 2020 which focused on drug trafficking and firearm violations. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/27-individuals-charged-or-arrested-part-joint-law-enforcement-effort. The law enforcement surge was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.Acting United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt commended the investigative efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Rutland City Police Department.
This case was prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Mack was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Enticing a 15-Year-Old Girl to Travel to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a three-count indictment was unsealed charging Jacob Daskal with coercing a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Daskal was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Daskal, who was almost 60 years old when these crimes were committed, exploited the vulnerability of a young teenager by grooming her for sex and enticing her into having sexual relations with him,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “Protecting underage minors from flagrant sexual abuse and predators like the defendant will always be a high priority of this Office and the Department of Justice.” Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department for their assistance with the case.
“A man who founded an organization aimed at creating a safer community should know the difference between right and wrong. As we allege, Mr. Daskal’s position of influence may have helped him attempt to silence his victim, but it won’t stop the FBI from holding him accountable. Sexually exploiting a teenaged girl is a crime that carries severe consequences, and we hope Mr. Daskal’s arrest will demonstrate to other victims that they can come forward. We are asking anyone with information about this investigation or the identities of additional victims to call us at 212-384-1000,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
As set forth in court filings, between August and November 2017, Daskal, then age 59, allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl whom he took into his home in Brooklyn, where he groomed her for sex. During the summer of 2017, Daskal is alleged to have engaged in sexual relations with the victim primarily at his residence and at his summer home in South Fallsburg, New York. In October 2017, the victim moved to Chicago to attend a new school and live with another family. While the victim was in Chicago, Daskal communicated with her via text message and over Skype video chat. He requested that she pose nude for him during their video chats and send him nude photographs as well. On November 5, 2017, Daskal traveled by plane to Chicago to visit the victim and brought her to a hotel room he had booked. There, he engaged in sexual intercourse and oral sex with the victim.
Throughout the abuse, Daskal was the founder and chief of the Borough Park Shomrim Society, a private anti-crime patrol group, a position in the community which led the victim to feel threatened when he told her not to tell anyone about their sexual relationship.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Daskal faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid and Jonathan Algor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JACOB DASKAL
Age: 62
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-110 (NGG)
Broken Bow Guiding Business Co-Owner Sentenced for Lacey Act ViolationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Nolan Hueftle, age 60, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson for violating the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants. Hueftle was convicted of one count of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and sentenced to five years’ probation. Magistrate Judge Nelson ordered Hueftle to pay a $30,000 fine. As part of his probation terms, Hueftle shall not hunt, trap, guide, outfit, or otherwise assist or be present in the field with anyone engaging in those activities. Hueftle is also prohibited from being involved in the manufacturing, selling, distributing, or marketing of “PrimeTine” or any other deer or wildlife supplement while on probation.
An investigation determined that in October, 2015, Hueftle, a Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO) co-owner, provided guiding and outfitting services to a Louisiana resident upon property located in Blaine County, Nebraska. During the course of the hunt, Hueftle, HHO owner Jacob Hueftle, and the hunting client located a white-tailed deer wounded by the client the previous day. Hueftle was present and observed HHO owner Jacob Hueftle unlawfully shoot and kill the client’s deer with an AR-style rifle, a weapon prohibited from use during the Nebraska archery deer season. In addition, Hueftle knew Jacob Hueftle was prohibited from hunting or possessing a firearm at the time. Hueftle later assisted recovering the deer from the kill site and transported the unlawfully taken deer back to the HHO Lodge. Parts of the deer were later transported in interstate commerce back to the hunting client’s out-of-state residence.
Pursuant to the terms of a plea agreement, Hueftle also admitted to his co-ownership and involvement with HHO, including his knowledge and involvement with various ongoing wildlife violations conducted or authorized by HHO and its guides and employees between 2013 and 2018. Hueftle admitted that HHO acquired at least 115,378 pounds of deer feed products used for the establishment and maintenance of at least 68 baited hunting locations, that Hueftle personally assisted maintaining the bait sites at or near HHO client hunting locations, and that Hueftle knew HHO clients routinely killed white-tailed deer within baited areas. Nebraska state law prohibits the establishment of baited areas for the purpose of hunting big game or turkeys and prohibits hunting or taking big game or turkeys within a baited area.
Hueftle admitted knowing firearms were routinely and unlawfully used for the taking of white-tailed deer and mule deer during archery and muzzleloader seasons. Nebraska state law prohibits the possession and use of firearms while hunting deer under the authority of an archery permit. Hueftle also admitted routinely assisting with the butchering, processing, and disposal of client deer at the HHO Lodge, and needlessly and wantonly wasting edible meat of HHO client deer including negligently allowing carcasses to spoil, and dumping and disposing the carcasses (including edible meat) near the HHO Lodge and on family property near Cozad, Nebraska.
Hueftle admitted that between 2013 and 2018, he and other HHO owners, guides, and associates provided hunting and guiding services to at least 118 clients from 21 states resulting in the unlawful taking of at least 97 white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and wild turkey, and that parts of that wildlife were subsequently transported into other states. Hueftle provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients, had knowledge and assisted in various unlawful hunts, and received a 25% share of all HHO profits annually.
The sentencing hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters. To date, 36 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $627,732 in fines and restitution, serve 30 months of incarceration, 38 years of probation, and 63 years of hunting and guiding restrictions for underlying violations related to at least 97 unlawfully-taken big game animals or wild turkey including deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.
The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.
Brazilian Citizen Who Ran Smuggling Organization Pleads Guilty to Alien SmugglingRead 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 Tiago Mello-Lima, 34, a Brazilian citizen living in Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to bringing aliens to the United States for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison, a maximum of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly, who handled the case, stated that the defendant managed and supervised a smuggling organization. Specifically, on April 28, 2019, while in Ontario, Canada, Mello-Lima and two other individuals, including co-defendant Renan Portela Bandeira De Souza, launched a boat, containing four alien passengers who were not citizens or nationals of the United States, into the Niagara River. In prior negotiations with two of the aliens, the defendant agreed to charge each alien approximately $6,000 to bring them to the United States. Mello-Lima drove the boat from Canada to the United States landing on Grand Island, NY. The four aliens disembarked, and the defendant returned the boat to a dock in Canada. Mello-Lima planned the April 28, 2019, smuggling and arranged for a U.S.-based individual to pick up the aliens on Grand Island and drive them to their final destinations in the United States. Between March 17 and July 2019, Mello-Lima smuggled or aided and abetted the smuggling of six more aliens into the United States.
Co-defendant Renan Portela Bandeira De Souza also pleaded guilty to bringing aliens to the United States for commercial advantage or private financial gain and was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent Andrew Scharnweber, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
Sentencing for Mello-Lima will be scheduled at a later date.
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Boca Raton Man Used Messenger Applications to Produce Child Pornography of Toddler and Other MinorsRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A Boca Raton man pleaded guilty today in West Palm Beach federal court to producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material.
As part of his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks, Robert Solove, 29, admitted to using social networking applications on his phone to communicate with children and to solicit and distribute child sexual abuse material. Solove admitted during the hearing that he created illegal photos and videos of an 18-month-old child in his care and shared them in his smartphone social networking application’s chat rooms and with other individuals. Solove also developed an online relationship with a middle school-aged girl in a different state. He directed the middle schooler to take pornographic photographs and videos of herself and send them to Solove through a second smartphone application. In addition, Solove admitted during the hearing that he acquired sexual abuse material of other children from several internet platforms and stored them on his cellular telephone.
Solove’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2021 at 10am before U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks. Solove faces up to 120 years in federal prison, plus payment of restitution to his victims.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.
You may find related court documents on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-80025.
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Bergen County Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was charged today with tax evasion for calendar years 2014 to 2016, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
David Kushner, 55, of Cresskill, New Jersey, was indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts of tax evasion. He will be arraigned at a later date.
According to the indictment:
Kushner served as a partner of a real estate investment business and as a partner and president of a property management business. Based on his roles, Kushner received management fee income and additional payments from the businesses.
Kushner controlled four bank accounts. Kushner deposited payments and income from the businesses and elsewhere into the accounts and then used most of the funds for personal expenses. Kushner failed to file any income tax returns, failed to make any estimated payments for the accounts, and failed to declare most of the funds in the accounts as income on his individual income tax returns. As a result, Kushner evaded hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal income taxes.
Each count of tax evasion carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Saker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
OWENSBORO, Ky. – Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph H. McKinley, Jr. sentenced David Miller, 40 years old, of Morganfield, Kentucky to fifteen years’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and four separate instances of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. Miller was convicted of drug trafficking and firearm offenses in Henderson and Union Counties. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case demonstrates the value of the strong working relationships that exist among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Western District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The sustained effort of the Henderson Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and ATF – working alongside AUSA Sewell in our Bowling Green office - make Western Kentucky communities safer for all of our citizens.”
This is Miller’s third federal prosecution. In case number 4:07-CR-21-01-JHM, he was sentenced to 70 months for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; in case number 4:13-CR-32-3-JHM, he was sentenced to 33 months for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Madison Sewell, Branch Chief of the Bowling Green United States Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case. It was investigated by the Henderson Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
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Albany Felon Arrested for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kevin Weems, age 61, of Albany, was charged by complaint today with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The complaint alleges that law enforcement agents, while executing a search warrant on Weems’s residence today, located a loaded .38 caliber handgun in a boot. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Weems appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 8, 2021.
The charge filed against Weems carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a maximum 3-year term of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany Police Department, Colonie Police Department and Bethlehem Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.
Acting U.S. Attorney Puts Focus on Scams Targeting Older Americans During National Consumer Protection WeekRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon hosted a virtual news conference today with Deputy Chief Robert Wemyss of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Erin Mitchell, Director of Engagement for AARP NY, to draw attention to the proliferation of scams targeting older Americans.
Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “Fraudsters are making a fortune by targeting Americans, particularly older Americans. They seek out seniors. The scammers tell elaborate lies, often become demanding and threatening, and take advantage of the physical isolation that many seniors have experienced during the pandemic. Protecting seniors will always be one of my top priorities. By joining forces and publicizing this important information during National Consumer Protection Week, we will strengthen our defenses against these pernicious scams.”
Postal Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin, of the USPIS Boston Division, stated: “Almost anyone under the right circumstances can fall for a phony offer or promotion, however, older Americans are usually more susceptible than others. Scammers use promises of large financial gains or sometimes even romantic relationships to lure victims in, only to manipulate them into giving their life savings away. They prey on our older citizens who are trusting, vulnerable and can sometimes unknowingly fall for a scam. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our citizens and working hard to prevent more people from becoming further victimized by fraud schemes.”
Erin Mitchell, Director of Engagement for AARP New York, stated: “We know scammers often take advantage of current events, which we’re seeing today with the pandemic. Criminals are using the uncertainty and worry about COVID-19 in their scams. And now, with the COVID-19 vaccine in high demand, scammers are offering opportunities to skip the line for quicker access—for a fee. AARP urges all older New Yorkers to remain vigilant and always report suspected fraud.”
Acting Director Greg Olsen stated, “Older New Yorkers are often the targets of scams and financial exploitation. Scammers have become very sophisticated and given the increase in social isolation as a result of the pandemic, there has been an increase in scams and scams associated with the pandemic such as stimulus check scams, community donation scams and more. Consumer protections week is critically important to educate all people on the prevalence of scams and simple tools that can prevent you from becoming a victim.”
Common Scams Include:
- COVID-19 Scams - These come in several forms. Fraudsters pretend that a grandchild or relative is in the hospital with COVID-19 and needs payment immediately or they will be denied medical care; fraudsters pretend to have quicker access to a vaccine; or fraudsters offer fake cures.
- Government Imposter Scams - Fraudsters posing as government officials, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration, threaten to arrest the victim for failing to pay taxes or claim there is a problem with their account that could be fixed by paying a fee.
- Lottery Scams – Fraudsters send a notice congratulating the victim for winning a prize or a foreign lottery, but to receive the prize, they must first pay a fee or tax.
- Romance Scams - Usually started on a dating platform, the fraudster pretends to be interested in pursuing a relationship and then uses that trust to take the victim’s money.
Many of these scams are run by Transnational Criminal Organizations located overseas. In order to funnel the money from American victims to the fraudsters in the foreign country, scammers often ask victims to pay with gift cards or to send money through money mules.
Money Mules
- Money mules are individuals who receive money from victims of fraud, deposit it into their bank account, and then forward it on to either another money mule or to the overseas fraudsters.
- Many money mules know they are helping fraudsters, but others have no idea that their actions allow fraudsters to swindle money from seniors. Some money mules are actually victims of fraud themselves, especially of Romance Scams.
- Money mules are often recruited through work-at-home jobs.
Awareness and prevention are key. Please keep these warnings and tips in mind:
- Spot Imposters. Don’t send money in response to an unexpected request – whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.
- Scammers want you to decide quickly. Slow down, check out the story, tell a friend, consult an expert, or call the local police.
- Gift cards are for presents, not payments. If someone asks you to buy a gift card, stop and ask, is this a present for someone I know or a payment for a fee or fine? If it’s a payment, chances are, it’s a scam.
- Don’t trust your caller-ID. Scammers disguise their real phone numbers and may call from “spoofed” numbers that make it seem as though they are calling from your area code.
- Hang up on robocalls. These calls are illegal and often the products are bogus. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.
- Don’t be a Money Mule. Look for red flags that a potential work-at-home job might not be legitimate:
- The job involves collecting money and sending it out but the job posting didn’t require financial experience or education.
- There are no specific job duties.
- The company is located abroad.
- The company uses web-based email (such as Gmail or Yahoo) instead of an organization-based domain.
If you think you might be a Money Mule or the victim of an Elder Fraud Scam, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or call your local FBI Field Office.
Help is also available by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
2 get combined 197 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two men have been ordered to federal prison for decades following their more than a dozen convictions of drug crimes, carjacking, robbery and firearms offenses, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery along with Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI - San Antonio Division and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
A McAllen jury deliberated for five hours before convicting Mexican citizen Marin Macrin Cerda aka Filtro, 34, and Jose Miguel Montemayor aka El Mickey, 30, Mission, Sept. 6, 2019, following a seven-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez handed Montemayor and Cerda a total of 84 and 113 years in prison, respectively.
At the hearing, the court learned the two men victimized over 35 people – through 13 carjackings, three home invasions and the corrupt actions of two former law enforcement officers. The victims included 11 children as young as 5 and with one with disabilities. Additional evidence also detailed how the men were directly involved in the attempted or successful theft of approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $2 million. They were also involved in the theft of over $100,000 in suspected drug proceeds and 300 kilograms of marijuana worth approximately $200,000.
While imposing the sentences, Judge Alvarez noted that while she does not remember every single case before her, this one was memorable in the way the rip crew indiscriminately targeted drug traffickers and innocent civilians. The court heard details of their violent crimes which included several discharges of firearms on highways and neighborhoods. Judge Alvarez further mentioned that when first sworn as a federal judge, these kind of violent actions were more often seen in Mexico, but have become more common on the border.
“These defendants were the leaders of Los Mickies, a violent criminal organization that supported drug trafficking activities by engaging in multiple carjackings, home invasions and a neighborhood shootout,” said Combs. “The significant sentences imposed today send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can conduct violent acts in our neighborhoods. We will not tolerate those who violate the peace and safety of our communities and recklessly endanger the public.”
“This investigation highlights the positive impact of multiple agencies joining together to target a violent drug trafficking organization,” said Comeaux. “These criminals routinely resorted to lethal violence in furtherance of their drug trafficking ambitions. DEA will continue to join forces with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to target and remove those violent organizations who prey on our communities.”
Cerda and Montemayor were convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and a crime of violence, two counts of carjacking, four counts of Hobbs Act robberies, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking offense and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking offense. Cerda was also convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, an additional count of carjacking, an additional count of Hobbs Act robbery, two additional counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense and one additional count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or crime of violence in relation to events he participated in without Montemayor.
The investigation began after discovering a local rip crew was responsible for multiple carjackings and home invasions in Hidalgo County in order to steal controlled substances or drug proceeds.
During trial, testimony revealed Cerda and other crew members utilized law enforcement officials to further their drug trafficking activities. Two of those included former Donna Independent School District police officer Juan F. Mata and former Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 6 Bailiff Oscar De La Cruz. Jurors heard Mata conducted fraudulent traffic stops in order to allow members of the organization to steal cocaine and marijuana hidden in load vehicles. De La Cruz produced fictitious federal search warrants forging former U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos’ signature and queried sensitive law enforcement and judicial databases the organization would provide to sources of supply in order to retain and steal controlled substances in their possession.
Also during trial, the jury heard about multiple crimes involving Cerda, Montemayor or both between 2016-2017. Three of those crimes were carjackings in McAllen and Pharr involving both men in an attempt to steal cocaine. In the second and third instances, rip crew members discharged firearms at the vehicles in order to obtain the controlled substances. Testimony further revealed Cerda and Montemayor were involved in a robbery which resulted in a shoot-out in a McAllen neighborhood. Another crime involved a home invasion, during which the criminals entered the wrong residence seeking drugs and terrorizing a family, including a female who was eight months pregnant. Cerda and Montemayor also served as scouts for a drug transaction involving more than 20 kilograms of cocaine Feb. 1, 2017, in McAllen.
Jurors heard the rip crew continued their activities when they also attempted to rob multiple kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle traveling through Mission and McAllen on Feb. 27, 2017. Cerda and Montemayor discharged firearms at the targeted load vehicle in an attempt to steal the cocaine. Testimony revealed a bullet struck an occupant of the vehicle who required significant medical attention. Cerda was further involved in the carjacking of a tractor trailer in rural Mission July 7, 2016, and a car chase and shootout Jan. 6, 2017. In the first instance, the rip crew threatened a family, including several juveniles, in order to steal a tractor trailer believed to conceal drug proceeds. During the car chase incident, the crew discharged firearms and rammed their vehicles into a vehicle before it ultimately crashed.
Jurors also heard testimony relating to a home invasion conducted in Mission April 3, 2017, when rip crew members, including Cerda, entered the residence of a suspected drug trafficker armed with firearms and successfully stole more than $100,000 in drug proceeds. Casings recovered from three of the crimes were fired from firearms found in Cerda’s vehicle.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that although the crimes had been committed, co-conspirators fabricated Cerda’s and Montemayor’s involvement. They did not believe those claims and convicted both men as charged.
Both Cerda and Montemayor have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
To date, more than 30 co-conspirators have been convicted in connection with the investigation. Mata and De La Cruz also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to 130 and 60 months, respectively. Others to date have received sentences up to 240 months with nine receiving sentences in excess of 10 years.
The FBI and DEA conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol and Regional Crime Laboratories, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and Police Departments in McAllen, Mission, Pharr and San Juan.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and K. Alejandra Andrade are prosecuting the case.
Wednesday 3 March 2021
WDLA News Round-Up for March 3, 2021Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/MONROE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the resolution of numerous cases today in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Louisiana, all of which are listed below.
SENTENCING HEARINGS – SHREVEPORT, LA
Alexander Baker, 24, and Brandon Brown, 29, both of Shreveport, were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for their role in two robberies that took place in Shreveport in November 2018. Alexander Baker pleaded guilty on August 11, 2020 to robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and was sentenced today to 114 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Brandon Brown pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020 to conspiracy to use, carry, brandish and discharge firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- The first robbery occurred on November 21, 2018 when Brandon Brown and his co-defendants entered the Top Dollar Pawn on St. Vincent Avenue in Shreveport, dressed in black hoodies, gloves, wearing clown masks, and armed with handguns. They ordered the store clerks to the floor, opened the register and took cash out. One of the clerks was then forced at gunpoint to open the counter where they also stole 18 pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun, as well as jewelry.
- The second robbery occurred on November 27, 2018, when Alexander Baker and another co-defendant entered the Petro Gas Station on West Bert Kouns in Shreveport with the intent to rob the store using firearms. The two men entered the store wearing all dark clothing, covered faces and both were armed with semi-automatic handguns, and demanded money from the cashier. They told the cashier to open the vault, but she did not have access to it. Baker and his co-defendant then ran out the side door and got into a parked vehicle driven by Brandon Brown and drove away.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Deangilo Dillard, 34, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On May 2, 2018, Shreveport Police Department officers encountered Dillard who was seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in a parking lot on East 70th Street in Shreveport. During the encounter, officers saw in plain view a firearm tucked under Dillard’s leg. After further investigation, officers learned that Dillard was a convicted felon and therefore, it was unlawful for him to possess a firearm. A federal grand jury indicted Dillard in July 2018 and he subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge. Dillard’s prior felony convictions are for: attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2016 and 2008); and possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone (2006). The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING HEARINGS – MONROE
United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following individuals:
Lawrence Edward Holzer, III, 39, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. On August 15, 2019, Louisiana state parole agents conducted a routine residence check at Holzer’s home. As the agents stood outside Holzer’s front door, the observed a rifle inside a glass gun cabinet. When the agents went to retrieve the rifle, they found a pistol inside the same gun cabinet. After the agents advised Holzer of his rights, he admitted that he had placed a third gun, another rifle, underneath his bed. At the time of this offense, Holzer knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms as a parolee for a pair of felony burglary convictions in 2011 and 2014. The ATF and Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
Patrick H. Anderson, 37, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement in the record of a firearms dealer. Anderson visited Murphy’s Ammo and Firearms in West Monroe on June 28, 2018 and completed ATF Form 4473, to purchase a firearm. The form asked whether Anderson was subject to a court order restraining him from harassing or threatening an intimate partner. Anderson answered “no” to this question, knowing that to be false, as he had a restraining order pending against him in Ouachita Parish. The ATF conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
The cases listed above are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Meshach Demontez Conley, 30, of Winnfield, Louisiana, was sentenced to 38 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents received information from a confidential source that Conley was selling methamphetamine. On February 25, 2019, the confidential source arranged a meeting with Conley to purchase methamphetamine. Agents conducted physical surveillance of the meeting and the transaction was recorded. The methamphetamine purchased from Conley was taken to a lab for chemical analysis and was determined to be pure methamphetamine. The FBI, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Victoria man sentenced for receiving sexually-explicit images of young childrenRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – A 40-year-old Texan has been ordered to federal prison following receipt of more than 5,000 images of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Paul Thomas Rosales pleaded guilty Sept. 8, 2020, to receipt of child pornography.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Rosales to serve a 176-month sentence. At the hearing, the court also heard about the 5,84 confirmed images on his digital devices which included child victims approximately 2-3 years old and younger. One involved an infant child. Rosales also had admitted he possessed approximately 50,000 child pornographic images, many involving children between 5-16 years of age.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted the need for punishment. Rosales will also serve 15 years on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
“Today we are reminded of how heinous crimes against children are, as some of Rosales' youngest victims were infants,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of FBI. “The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect children from sexual exploitation and bring these reprehensible predators to justice.”
Authorities had linked Rosales to explicit materials found on a peer-to-peer network. The area task force investigation soon led them to his residence in Victoria.
They conducted a search and seized numerous digital devices. Forensic analysis ultimately revealed over 5,000 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which included children under the age of 5.
At the time of his plea, Rosales admitted to receiving the pornographic images.
Previously released on bond, he was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI – Corpus Christi Resident Agency and Victoria Police Department conducted the investigation along with the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Darren Antonyo Mazie, 35, of Vicksburg, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 28, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., Mazie was driving during a city-wide curfew when he encountered a Vicksburg Police officer at an intersection. Mazie motioned for the officer’s assistance. The officer approached Mazie’s car and observed a firearm on the front passenger seat. For safety purposes, the officer secured the firearm with Mazie’s permission. Mazie told the officer that just moments earlier someone shot at his house and that he was out looking for that person. However, 911 received no reports of a shooting. The officer followed Mazie to his home to investigate and there the officer learned Mazie was a convicted felon.
Mazie was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020, for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Mazie is currently in custody and will be sentenced on by Judge Johnson on June 9, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
This case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Three Men Indicted for Armed Robberies of Delaware County WawasRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Quintel Martins, 27, of Drexel Hill, PA; DeAndre Jackson, 23, of Newark, DE; and Christopher Winfield, 22, of Wilmington, DE; were charged by Indictment with multiple counts of robbery and firearms offenses in connection with two separate robberies of Wawa convenience stores in Delaware County in 2019. Martins and Winfield were also charged by a criminal complaint in January 2021 and taken into federal custody at that time; Jackson was arrested yesterday and will make his initial appearance in federal court this week.
In the Indictment, Martins, Jackson and Winfield are each charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery (commonly known as “Hobbs Act robbery”), and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The Indictment alleges that on June 17, 2019, the defendants committed an armed robbery of a Wawa in Wayne, PA, and that on September 14, 2019, the three also committed an armed robbery of a Wawa in Drexel Hill, PA. During these two robberies, the defendants are charged with stealing a total of more than $7,800 and other items. Then, in the early morning of October 2, 2019, law enforcement stopped a car traveling in Collingdale, PA, in which Martins, Jackson, and Winfield were all passengers, allegedly containing items like those used in the robberies, including masks, firearms and gloves.
“The conduct alleged in the Indictment displays an appalling disregard for the safety of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “The employees of these stores were just going about their daily business when they were allegedly terrorized at gunpoint. No one should have to go through that. This Indictment is an example of how our Office is working to keep Philadelphia and its neighboring communities safe.”
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Collingdale Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Radnor Police Department, Upper Darby Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Charged with Murder of A Federal WitnessRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – Three people have been charged with the murder of a witness aiding a federal investigation, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett.
Bobby Lee Smith, 48, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Cynthia Allen, 32, of Louisville, Kentucky, were both previously charged in a three count Indictment. The Superseding Indictment, returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Paducah, Kentucky on Tuesday February 23, 2021, added defendant, Lesa Andrade, 60, of Tampa, Florida.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about May 8, 2016, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, the defendants, Smith and Allen, aided and abetted each other, and did kill A.P. in front of her eight-year old child, with the intent to retaliate for the attendance and testimony given by A.P. in a grand jury proceeding on or about October 8, 2014, in the Western District of Kentucky.
Smith and Allen are also charged with tampering with a witness by killing. According to the Superseding Indictment, Smith and Allen, aided and abetted by each other, did kill A.P. in front of her eight-year old child with the intent to prevent the attendance and testimony of A.P. in an official proceeding, the trial of case number 3:15-CR-00058, scheduled for Nov. 28, 2016, with the intent to prevent the communication by A.P. to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States relating to the commission of a federal offense.
The Grand Jury also charged the defendants, Smith and Allen, with tampering with a witness by killing. According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about May 8, 2016, Smith and Allen aided and abetted by each other, did kill A.P., in front of her eight-year-old child, a person assisting a federal criminal investigation.
The Superseding Indictment alleges in separate counts that both Andrade and Allen, aided and abetted by others, solicited, commanded, induced and endeavored to engage in conduct that involved the use, attempted use and threatened use of physical force against the person of another by soliciting, commanding, inducing and persuading Smith and/or Allen to engage in conduct, that is to murder A.P., a witness in an official federal proceeding.
If convicted by a jury, Smith and Allen face no less than life imprisonment or the death penalty for Counts 1 through 3. The maximum penalty for Counts 4 and 5 is no more than 20 years, a $250,000 fine and not more than 5 years of supervised release. The defendants will be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Louisville. At present, no arraignment date is scheduled.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Ansari, Robert Bonar, and Lettricea Jefferson-Webb. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation
only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.Ten Defendants Indicted for Allegedly Trafficking more than 500 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ten defendants have been charged in a superseding indictment with manufacturing and trafficking methamphetamine throughout the Tulsa Metro area, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
During an early morning law enforcement operation targeting members of the drug trafficking organization, ten individuals were arrested. Eight of the ten arrested were named in the indictment.
“Today our partners at the DEA, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics executed arrest and search warrants at eight locations in the Tulsa area, resulting in the arrest of ten suspects. During the take down, shots were fired at law enforcement, who then returned fire. Neither suspects nor law enforcement were injured,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As evidenced by today’s operation and indictment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement remain intent on disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into our neighborhoods and holding accountable those responsible.”
“This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case originated from the discovery of large methamphetamine conversion labs located within Oklahoma. The DEA, Tulsa Police Department and various other state and local counterparts which comprise the DEA Tulsa High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Metro Task Force, won’t tolerate drug trafficking organizations seeking sanctuary in Oklahoma to perform their illegal operations,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division, which covers all Oklahoma operations. “The DEA will utilize all of its resources to ensure drug traffickers are arrested and face prosecution, and this investigation is a clear example of the resolute determination of the agents, investigators, and analysts working to keep Oklahoma a safer place.”
The 16-count indictment, unsealed today, alleges the defendants conspired to manufacture, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants have been charged with drug conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; maintaining a drug involved premises; and use of a communication facility in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Those arrested as part of the indictment include:
Arrested today
Desiree Loraine Castaneda, 33,
Ernesto Cerda, age unknown
Jorge Guerrero Perez, 41
Luis Rodriguez, 32
Gabriel Vidales-Moreno 41
Carlos Yepez, 41
Gerardo Yepez, 35
Jorge Yepez, 25
Previously arrested
Pedro Santiago Cabrerra, 36
Rolando Reyna Reyes, 34
Two other individuals not named in the indictment were also arrested today during the operation and will be charged later this week.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and David Nasar are prosecuting the case.
Tax preparer pleads guilty to filing false income tax returnsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Georgia woman who used to live in Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to filing at least 51 false or fraudulent tax returns for 19 clients in Ohio and Georgia between 2013 and 2019.
Tiffany Gravely, 47, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of assisting in the preparation and filing of a false or fraudulent income tax return. She faces up to three years in prison, fines and must pay $257,609 in restitution. Court documents say she prepared and filed income tax returns containing deductions for businesses that did not exist, claimed false business expenses that did not occur and claimed fictitious expenses including charitable deductions.
“This case reminds taxpayers that, during this tax filing season, they should be careful when choosing a tax preparer,” said Vipal J. Patel, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Tax fraud costs U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars each year, and my office will continue to hold accountable those found to be behind these fraudulent claims.”
“Each year, IRS-CI special agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office investigate and prosecute return preparer fraud, which includes adding false deductions and credits in order to inflate refunds,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
As of tax year 2018, 55 percent of taxpayers used a paid preparer. Although most preparers provide honest and professional services, there is a small number of dishonest preparers who set up shop during filing season to steal money, or personal and financial information from clients, or who improperly inflate tax credits or deductions with false return information. Taxpayers can avoid falling victim to unscrupulous preparers by following important steps:
- Look for a preparer who is available year-round in case questions arise after the filing season.
- Ask if the preparer has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which is required for paid preparers.
- Inquire about the preparer’s credentials and check their qualifications.
- Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client’s refund, claim to offer a bigger refund than their competition, or guarantee a refund.
- Never sign a blank or incomplete return and review it before signing. Refunds should go directly to the taxpayer, not the preparer.
For more tips on choosing a tax professional or to file a complaint against one, visit IRS.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patel commended the IRS-CI Special Agents who investigated Gravely’s case and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight and Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly, who are representing the United States. Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley accepted Gravely’s plea.
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Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man from a north suburb of Chicago was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham, a foreign terrorist organization also known as ISIS.
U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood imposed the sentence on JOSEPH D. JONES, 38, of Zion, Ill. A jury in 2019 convicted Jones on one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to ISIS.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Zion, Ill., Police Department provided valuable assistance. The case was investigated by the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and David Rojas of the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Alexandra S. Hughes of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Evidence at trial revealed that Jones advocated on social media for violent extremism in support of the terrorist group. In 2015, Jones began meeting with undercover FBI employees and individuals who, unbeknownst to Jones, were cooperating with law enforcement. During the meetings, Jones discussed his devotion to ISIS and his commitment to ISIS principles.
In 2017, Jones furnished cellular phones to one of the cooperating individuals, believing the phones would be used to detonate explosive devices in ISIS attacks overseas. On April 7, 2017, Jones drove with the cooperating individual to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, with the understanding that the cooperating individual would be traveling to Syria to fight with ISIS.
A co-defendant, EDWARD SCHIMENTI, 39, of Zion, Ill., was also convicted of the conspiracy charge, as well as a charge of making false statements to the FBI. Judge Wood set sentencing for Schimenti for April 9, 2021, at 12:30 p.m.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Illinois man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham, a foreign terrorist organization (aka ISIS).
Joseph D. Jones, 38, of Zion, Illinois, was convicted by a federal jury on one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to ISIS in 2019. According to court documents, Jones advocated on social media for violent extremism in support of the terrorist group. In 2015, Jones began meeting with undercover FBI employees and individuals who, unbeknownst to Jones, were cooperating with law enforcement. During the meetings, Jones discussed his devotion to ISIS and his commitment to ISIS principles.
In 2017, Jones furnished cellular phones to one of the cooperating individuals, believing the phones would be used to detonate explosive devices in ISIS attacks overseas. On April 7, 2017, Jones drove with the cooperating individual to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, with the understanding that the cooperating individual would be traveling to Syria to fight with ISIS.
A co-defendant, Edward Schimenti, 39, of Zion, Illinois, was also convicted of the conspiracy charge, as well as a charge of making false statements to the FBI. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood set sentencing for Schimenti for April 9, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois; Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Special Agent-in-Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
The Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force comprised of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexandra S. Hughes of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and David Rojas of the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Convicted of Possessing Firearms while Being a User of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict today against Drake L. Banks, Sr., age 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, for possessing firearms while being an unlawful user of controlled substances. Today’s verdict subjects Banks to a potential prison term of up to ten years. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 4, 2021.
The evidence at trial established that Banks and Zachary R. Macomber, age 29, of Annapolis, Missouri, were traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 a few miles west of Lincoln on September 19, 2019. They passed a Lincoln Police Department officer, who proceeded to stop them for following another vehicle too closely and cutting off a semi-truck. The officer soon discovered that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Banks and Macomber were seated in the back of patrol vehicle while the officer conducted a search of the vehicle. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and evidence of marijuana use were found in the front seats of the rental vehicle. In the trunk of the vehicle, the officer found the seven firearms listed below, numerous magazines for the firearms, and ammunition. Two of the Glock handguns were found to be loaded at the time of the traffic stop. The firearms included:
- a Palmetto State Armory PA-15, multi caliber pistol,
- a Kel-Tec PLR-16, 5.56 mm caliber pistol,
- a AA Arms AP9, 9 mm caliber pistol,
- a Glock 19, 9 mm caliber pistol,
- a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol,
- a Glock 17, 9 mm caliber pistol, and
- a Glock 21, .45 caliber pistol.
While seated in the back of the patrol car, and while the officer was conducting a search of the rental car, the two defendants made considerable efforts to escape, including kicking the center divider and opening a sliding door on the center divider.
Macomber pleaded guilty on August 6, 2020, to being a felon in possession of firearms. On November 6, 2020, he was sentenced by Chief Judge Gerrard to serve a 52-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. (There is no parole in the federal system.)
Acting U.S. Attorney Sharp expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their outstanding efforts in the investigation and assistance during trial.
St. Louis County woman pleads guilty for her role in Nigerian romance scamRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –Trenice Hassel, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to a federal agency. Hassel appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk.
On April 8, 2020, the United States Postal Inspection Service learned of a Romance Scam operating through the use of Post Office Box 34096 in Berkley, Missouri. The post office box account had been opened fraudulently by Hassel and B.M. using B.M’s name and identification number. Through subsequent investigation, inspectors learned the scam had been operating since early 2019.
Hassel admitted that a co-defendant offered her $100 if she could find someone who would open a post office box for him in that person’s name. Consequently, Hassel asked B.M. to open the post office box using B.M.’s name and identification because she knew B.M. would not question why she was being asked to open a post office box.
On January 8, 2020, Hassel and B.M. entered the Berkeley post office where they completed PS Form 1093, titled “Application for Post Office Box Service.” Hassel and B.M. made a material misrepresentation to the United States Postal Service by falsely claiming the post office box was being sought for B.M.’s residential and personal use, and that B.M. and Hassel were the only people authorized to pick up mail delivered to the rented post office box.
At the time B.M. and Hassel submitted the false and fraudulent application, Hassel knew neither she nor B.M. would use the post office box for their use, but instead the co-defendant would possess and control access to the rented post office box in connection with some type of illegal activity, the exact nature of which Hassel was unaware.
Hassell further admitted that after the representative for the United States Postal Service accepted B.M.’s application, B.M. was assigned Post Office Box 34096 and was provided with two keys for the post office box. When Hassel and B.M. exited the post office, they gave both keys to the co-defendant who paid the two women for fraudulently opening the post office box.
Between January 8, 2020 and June 4, 2020, the co-defendant collected, and attempted to collect, express mail delivered through the United States Postal Service to dozens of women who were deceived into mailing the proceeds of a Nigerian romance scam to fraudulently opened Post Office Box 34096 because they believed the money was being sent to B.M. who was employed as either a diplomat’s secretary or as a realtor.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case.
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South Bay Doctor Settles Federal Lawsuit Alleging He Accepted Illegal Kickbacks for Patient Referrals to Gardena HospitalRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Hawthorne-based physician has settled allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by receiving kickbacks and other improper payments in exchange for referring patients to Memorial Hospital of Gardena, the Justice Department announced today.
Dr. Ashok Kumar paid $215,228 on March 1 to settle the allegations brought against him in a whistleblower lawsuit that Memorial Hospital of Gardena provided compensation to Kumar, whom they hired as a medical director, that both exceeded the fair market value of his services and was an attempt to incentivize him to refer patients to their hospital.
The lawsuit alleged that Kumar violated the federal Anti-Kickback Statute as well as the Physician Self-Referral Law. The Anti-Kickback Statute imposes civil liability on those who willingly offer, solicit, receive or pay any sort of compensation in exchange for the referral of services provided by a federal health care program, including Medicare. The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, bans doctors from referring patients to receive designated health care services payable by Medicare or Medicaid from entities with which the doctor or an immediate family member has a financial relationship.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit by Dr. Joshua Luke, the former chief executive officer of Memorial Hospital of Gardena, against Kumar and other defendants under the whistleblower provisions of both the federal and California False Claims acts. Both statutes permit private parties to sue on behalf of the state and federal governments for false claims for government funds, and to receive a share of any recovery.
Dr. Luke will receive $42,529 from the federal government as his share of the recovery announced today. His allegations against the other defendants were resolved in 2018 when they agreed to pay the federal government an $8.1 million settlement. The allegations brought on behalf of the State of California have been resolved pursuant to a separate agreement.
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank D. Kortum of the Civil Fraud Section, who worked closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The case is United States of America ex rel. Luke, State of California ex rel. Luke v. Gardena Hospital, L.P. DBA Memorial Hospital of Gardena, Avanti Hospitals, LLC, et al., CV 15-8732-MCS. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Shooting in Henderson Lands Convicted Felon in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. –A Henderson man was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
According to court documents and other evidence, Jerome Cozart, 31, engaged in a shootout with another individual at a convenience store on East Andrews Avenue in Henderson. Video surveillance shows the two men in a verbal altercation, when Cozart retrieves a handgun and shoots toward the other man who returned fire. A Henderson Police Department officer was nearby on routine patrol and immediately responded to the scene, placing Cozart into custody. No one was injured.
Cozart had prior convictions for Common Law Robbery, Breaking or Entering and Terrorizing or Injuring, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Henderson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-293-M.
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Shelby County man pleads guilty to sending money to Filipino mothers in exchange for child pornographyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A Sidney, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to attempting to produce child pornography. He faces a minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years in prison.
Charles Lee Frazier, 41, admitted that he solicited child pornography from impoverished mothers in the Philippines.
According to court documents, Frazier used Filipino dating sites to connect with women in poverty. In subsequent Skype chats with the women, he would ask them for sexually explicit pictures of their children in exchange for money. Specifically, Frazier’s conversations included requests for pornography of naked minor children engaging in sexual conduct with other children or with their mothers. Frazier distributed child pornography to several women, as examples of what images he wanted them to create with their children, or with instructions to show the images to their children to convince them to engage in that behavior. The defendant also had discussions about committing violent acts against children. For example, he discussed killing infants during sexual assaults.
From April through July 2019, Frazier sent money via MoneyGram from a Sidney, Ohio, store to women in the Philippines in exchange for child pornography. Frazier sent approximately $800 to one individual in exchange for nude images of a seven-year-old girl. One of the women in the online chats stated she needed the money from Frazier for food.
Frazier was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense. He was convicted in a 2011 federal case for receiving child pornography. He was sentenced to 84 months in prison for that conviction.
Frazier’s prior offense makes the new conduct punishable by at least 25 years and up to 50 years in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Sidney Police Chief William Balling announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated and Assistant United States Attorney Christina E. Mahy is representing the United States in this case.
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Seasonal employee admits sexually assaulting another employee while working in Glacier National ParkRead the Press Release
UPDATED March 5, 2021: For clarification, neither the defendant nor the victim was an employee of or affiliated with the National Park Service.
MISSOULA — A seasonal employee accused of sexually assaulting another seasonal worker in Glacier National Park admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Eduardo Luis Diaz, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse during a hearing. Diaz faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for June 24. Diaz was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents filed in the case that in July 2020, Diaz and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were both seasonal employees working in Glacier National Park for a private contractor and living in employee housing. Doe became intoxicated at a party. After Doe had passed out, Diaz sexually assaulted Doe. Another resident of the dorm assisted Doe after the assault.
When interviewed by a National Park Service ranger, Diaz told the ranger that he had engaged in sex with Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the National Park Service.
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Savannah man sentenced to federal prison for violent armed robbery that left Samaritan soldier woundedRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man who participated in the March 2019 robbery of a bar during which a U.S. Army serviceman was wounded has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Justin Alexander Campbell, 21, was sentenced to 121 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Campbell also must serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Campbell’s co-defendant in the robbery, Anthony Curtis Raife, 24, of Savannah, is serving a 120-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Possessing a Short-Barreled Shotgun in Furtherance of a Violent Crime. The two also are required to pay $35,523.83 in restitution to the victims in the case.
“This violent robbery by two criminals forever changed the lives of several victims, including the badly wounded soldier and the innocent business owners, and patrons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Justin Campbell and Anthony Raife are justly locked away for their well-deserved punishment, and for our community’s protection.”
According to court documents and testimony, Campbell and Raife entered the rear door of Brewer’s Sports Pub and Grill on Ogeechee Road on March 24, 2019. Both carried firearms and pointed the weapons at patrons and threatened them during the robbery. One of the customers, an active-duty U.S. Army serviceman, witnessed the robbery and helped other patrons escape. The soldier then went unarmed to the rear of the bar and was shot after he punched Raife in the face. Both robbers then fled. The soldier was treated for a bullet wound to the chest and has since recovered.
Raife was located and arrested in Savannah in September 2019, while Campbell was taken into custody in Virginia and returned to Georgia for prosecution in March 2020.
“This sentence completes the judicial process for two men who left permanent scars, both physical and mental, on several innocent victims, including a heroic soldier,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The victims will never fully overcome the trauma those scars remind them of, but hopefully the fact that these two criminals can’t harm them or any others for a long time, brings them some sort of comfort.”
“This is a powerful example of the determination and professionalism that our officers and detectives bring to every crime investigation,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeffrey M. Hadley. “They followed every lead and did not rest until the two perpetrators were behind bars, and the victims and community had some resolution in this case.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Chatham County Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Petersburg (VA) Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Sacramento County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Johnathan David Sprague, 33, of Orangevale, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, starting in January 2019, Sprague joined a Kik chat group for persons interested in sex with children and sent members of the group messages that contained screenshots of his texting activity with minors. Sprague sent screenshots of the victim engaged in sexual conduct to one group member, an undercover officer, stating that he was “grooming” the victim. Sprague sent another user the images of the victim. He also expressed interest in the 11‑year-old stepdaughter of a chat group member who was actually an undercover officer. On Feb. 24, 2019, Sprague offered to buy a plane ticket for the Kik group member and the stepdaughter to fly from Newark, New Jersey to Sacramento. On March 8, 2019, Sprague went to the airport to pick them up and was arrested.
Agents seized Sprague’s phone, and found child pornography files stored in his cloud storage accounts, as well as screenshots of chats showing the production and distribution of the images of the minor.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing to locate offenders like Sprague and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We will do everything we can to keep our children safe from predators.”
“This investigation demonstrates Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) unwavering commitment to rid our community of child predators who seek to harm our most innocent population,” said HSI NorCal Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI operates worldwide to ensure child predators have no safe hiding place and are brought to justice. HSI Newark initiated this investigation and coordinated with HSI NorCal to ensure this individual was held accountable. HSI and our partners in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), will never relent when it comes to protecting children and prosecuting predators whose perverse behavior has no place in our society.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children task force, HIS, the New Jersey State Police, and the police departments of Bayonne, New Jersey, Newark and Sacramento. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.
Sprague will remain in custody pending sentencing in New Jersey on state charges before transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Romanian National Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 2, 2021, Costel Aparaschivei, age 38, of Romania, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for bank fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Aparaschivei was convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud between October 6, 2018 and October 21, 2018, and of aggravated identity theft. Aparaschivei pled guilty to obtaining counterfeit debit cards bearing stolen account numbers and PINs in New York, and transporting them to South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Aparaschivei and his coconspirator, Daniel Gologan, used the counterfeit debit cards at Penn East Federal Credit Union and attempted to withdraw approximately $144,620. The conspirators successfully withdrew $66,510, which Judge Mariani ordered to be paid as restitution.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mariani highlighted the fact that Aparaschivei began committing his offense within approximately one month of entering the United States illegally. Aparaschivei will be deported to Romania following the conclusion of his sentence.
Aparaschivei’s coconspirator, Gologan, also pled guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, and was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. Gologan will be deported following the conclusion of his sentence.
The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and by the South Abington Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Provider of Federally-Funded Tutoring Services to Underprivileged New York City Public School Students Agrees to Settle Civil Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
Innovative Educational Programs, LLC (Innovative), an educational services provider, has agreed to pay the United States $1,185,000 to resolve civil allegations that it fraudulently billed the United States for tutoring services for underprivileged New York City students that it never actually provided.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Terry Harris, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Regional Office (DOE-OIG), announced the settlement.
“This settlement should put providers of educational services on notice that this Office will aggressively protect federal programs meant to help disadvantaged students and will hold accountable those who exploit and manipulate such programs,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme.
“The Office of Inspector General has a unique and special law enforcement mission – to protect public education funds for eligible students. Today’s settlement is a result of the hard work and effort of OIG special agents and staff,” stated DOE-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Harris. “I'm proud of their efforts, as well as those of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office whose actions today corroborates the importance of maintaining the integrity of Federal education programs and the taxpayer funds that support them.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, between 2009 and 2012, Innovative, a New Jersey limited liability corporation, fraudulently obtained federal funds for purportedly providing after-school tutoring services to underprivileged students attending underperforming New York City public schools. The New York City Department of Education paid Innovative $72.80 per hour for each student that Innovative tutored. This money consisted entirely of funds made available to New York State by the United States under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. As a condition for receiving payment for its tutoring services, Innovative was required to certify that its attendance records were true and accurate. The government’s investigation revealed that Innovative billed the government for allegedly providing after-school tutoring services to students on days when the students were, in reality, absent from school.
The allegations were brought to the government’s attention through the filing of a complaint pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (the Act). Under the Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The Act also permits the government to intervene in such actions, as the government has done in this case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no finding of liability by a court. Innovative has expressly denied these allegations and any liability under the Act.
The United States’ case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Cho of the Office’s Civil Division, with assistance from Affirmative Civil Enforcement Paralegal Loan Nguyen.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 12-CV-094 (FB)
Pennsylvania man indicted on false ID chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ray Roberto Carrion-Susana, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, appeared today in federal court to face charges of fraud involving false identification, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Carrion-Susana, 36, was indicted in August 2020 on one count of “Fraud in Connection with Identification Documents – Possession of Five or More False Identification Documents with Intent to Use Unlawfully” and one count of “Fraud in Connection with Identification Documents – Possession of Document-Making Implement and Authentication Feature with Intent to Produce False Identification Document.” Carrion-Susana is accused of creating fraudulent driver’s licenses with a real person’s name but the defendant’s picture, as well as having a computer with document making software program and multiple seals and holograms in order to create said false IDs. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in April 2019 in Preston County.
Carrion-Susana faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,00 for the for the first count and faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Danae DeMasi-Lemon are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Secret Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Owner of Local Energy Service Companies Indicted for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Shreveport businessman, Michael Ray Carr, Jr., 39, with concealment of bankruptcy estate assets.
According to the indictment, Carr was the sole and principal owner of PADCO Energy Services, LLC (“Energy”), and sixty percent owner PADCO Pressure Control, LLC (“Pressure”), with both businesses consisting of mainly oilfield services. On October 4, 2016, Energy and Pressure filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy documents were signed by Carr and certified under penalty of perjury that the information contained in them was true and correct.
The indictment alleges that a bankruptcy court hearing was held on September 12, 2017, wherein Pressure and Carr agreed to turn over property of the estate, oilfield equipment, to the bankruptcy trustee. However, on October 5, 2017, the Chapter 11 trustee for Pressure filed a motion in the bankruptcy proceeding claiming that Pressure and Carr had failed to turn over the property of the estate. On December 1, 2017, an agreement between Pressure, Energy, Carr, and the creditors was reached and a consent order was approved by the bankruptcy court stating that the Chapter 11 trustee could secure all equipment referenced in the order.
It is further alleged in the indictment that Carr knowingly and fraudulently concealed property for Pressure and Energy which belonged to the bankruptcy estate, from the Chapter 11 trustee charged with control of the debtor’s property, from the creditors, and the United States Trustee.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI is conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
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North Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A North Carolina return preparer pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States.
According to court documents, Hildares Kinkesha Parker-Greene managed a tax return preparation business located in Kinston, North Carolina, from at least January 2016 through March 2016. Parker-Greene conspired with another return preparer to fraudulently inflate clients’ tax refunds by claiming false wages, federal income tax withholdings, and dependents. This fraudulent conduct caused clients to receive refunds to which they were not entitled.
Additionally, between 2017 and 2018, Parker-Greene operated a tax preparation business out of her home and continued to prepare false returns for clients. In total, the false returns prepared by Parker-Greene and her co-conspirator sought to defraud the IRS of more than $550,000.
Parker-Greene is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III and faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Judge Dever will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Michael Jones and William Guappone of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
New York man sentenced to nearly 20 years for taking West Virginia teen across state lines for sexRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Max Paul Levine, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 235 months of incarceration for the interstate transport of a minor for sex, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Levine, also known as “James Connely” and “Noxx Nocten,” age 36, pled guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Transportation of a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual Purposes.” Levine admitted to transporting a 15-year-old West Virginia girl from her Harrison County home to his residence in Bronx, New York to engage in sexual activity in June 2019.
“Levine preyed on the most vulnerable, a teenaged girl. The sentence in this case is a just one and will prevent him from hurting anyone else. Many predators use today’s technology to find and groom victims. Even with the most diligent parents, predators can find a way into your children’s lives. Look for apps that look suspicious, ask questions, and keep an open line of communication,” said Bernard.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Nashua Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Spencer Katsohis, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 3, 2018, Nashua police officers stopped a vehicle after observing several traffic infractions. Katsohis was the driver and sole occupant of the car. One of the officers observed the top of a small plastic bag protruding from the center console. The officer asked Katsohis about the bag, and Katsohis admitted it contained drugs. During a subsequent search of the car, officers locate an additional larger bag containing just over 15 grams of fentanyl. Katsohis then informed the officers that he had a third bag concealed in his pants. Katsohis admitted that he was distributing fentanyl in the area.
On January 30, 2019, Nashua officers went to Katsohis’ home to execute a warrant for his arrest for the October offense. When Katsohis answered the door, officers saw in plain view a white powder, scale, and green pill capsules on the kitchen counter behind him. It appeared that the powder was being packaged in the capsules. Katsohis admitted to picking up fentanyl and cocaine in Lawrence, Massachusetts for redistribution in Nashua. Officers observed and downloaded multiple text conversations on Katsohis’ phone consistent with distribution activities. The seized powder and contents of the capsules contained fentanyl.
After Katsohis pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing, he was arrested for additional drug-related activity. On June 17, 2020, Nashua police officers responded to a single car accident in which Katsohis was the driver. During a subsequent search of his person and vehicle, officers discovered approximately 130 grams of fentanyl. Evidence discovered on Katsohis’ phone showed that he was distributing the drugs.
Katsohis pleaded guilty to the additional criminal activity on November 17, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking is a menace to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By bringing quantities of fentanyl from Lawrence to Nashua for distribution, the Defendant made a very dangerous substance available for sale. Thanks to the work of the Nashua Police Department and Operation SOS, this defendant will be incarcerated for ten years and unable to further endanger the lives of Granite Staters.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Michigan man sentenced for meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Shook, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Shook, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2020. Shook admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2020 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Methamphetamine Source for Wausau Conspiracy Sentenced to 84 MonthsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Chong Chueneng Moua, 52, St. Paul, Minnesota, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 84 months in federal prison for his role in supplying methamphetamine to a distribution conspiracy operating in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Lisa Xiong, the leader of the conspiracy, drove to Minnesota to pick up methamphetamine from Moua on several occasions. She then distributed that methamphetamine to lower level associates in and around Wausau. Lisa Xiong and Moua were arrested in possession of a pound of methamphetamine in June 2019. Moua joined the conspiracy towards the end of its operation and was only involved for a short time, but during his tenure, he provided over 2 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution into the Wausau area.
While Moua has never spent more than a few weeks in jail prior to his involvement in the present case, Judge Peterson recognized Moua as a more significant participant in the drug trafficking operation because he was a source of large quantities of methamphetamine flowing into Wisconsin.
Eleven individuals were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2019 for their roles in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Chueneng Chong Moua is the ninth defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced. The others are:
1. Meng Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 5 years on June 12, 2020;
2. Chou Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 78 months on December 8, 2020;
3. Soua Khang, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 7 years on December 9, 2020;
4. Lisa Xiong, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 156 months on December 21, 2020;
5. John Gates, Hewitt, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 5 years on December 23, 2020;
6. Ya Yang, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 30 months on January 11, 2021;
7. Vang Yang, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced to 30 months on January 21, 2021; and
8. Chai Thao, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 5 years on March 1, 2021.
The charges against these defendants was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Wausau Police Department; Everest Metro Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Meriden Pharmacy Settles Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GRAEBER’S PHARMACY, INC., of Meriden, and its owner, ROGER DeZINNO (collectively, “Graeber’s Pharmacy”), entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government to resolve allegations that it violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
In 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted an audit of Graeber’s Pharmacy, located at 172 West Main Street in Meriden, and discovered a shortage of more than 2,000 tablets of various controlled substances. It is alleged that the pharmacy failed to keep complete and accurate records regarding the receipt and dispensing of controlled substances, and failed to maintain effective controls to guard against the diversion of controlled substances. It is further alleged that Graeber’s Pharmacy failed to timely report a theft or loss of controlled substances to the DEA within one business day of discovery, failed to maintain a complete and accurate biennial inventory, failed to properly complete DEA 222 Order Forms, dispensed seven prescriptions for controlled substances under a different physician name and/or DEA registration number than written on the prescription, and dispensed one prescription for a controlled substance without the prescribing physician’s DEA registration number.
As part of a civil settlement agreement with the government, Graeber’s Pharmacy has agreed to pay penalties of $16,800, plus interest. Graeber’s Pharmacy has also entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA that requires the pharmacy to hire an independent third-party pharmacy consultant.
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer or sell controlled substances must comply with strict inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant for two years. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber.
McCall Woman Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
BOISE – Denise Dana Hanson, 59, of McCall, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 140 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Hanson to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Hanson pleaded guilty to the charge on August 20, 2020.
According to court records, Hanson and her brother Daniel Joiner, also of McCall, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine. Hanson was also indicted on two counts of distributing methamphetamine. Their charges stemmed from an investigation into their large-scale distribution of methamphetamine in McCall from January through August 2019. Law enforcement discovered that they would routinely travel to Boise to rent a vehicle, then drive to Las Vegas, Nevada to pick up several pounds of methamphetamine for distribution in McCall. Local law enforcement partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to utilize a confidential informant and ultimately an undercover federal agent to purchase methamphetamine from Hanson. Hanson and Joiner were arrested in Boise on August 3, 2019, after returning to Idaho from Las Vegas. Joiner was in possession of a 9mm pistol and Hanson was found to be in possession of 888 grams of pure methamphetamine.
After her arrest, Hanson called her son from the jail and in a recorded call, solicited him to hurt the confidential informant. In another recorded call, she stated that she would kill the undercover officer. At sentencing, Hanson was found to have obstructed justice and received an enhancement under the federal sentencing guidelines.
Hanson had twice previously been convicted of drug related felonies: attempted possession of controlled substance in state court in Las Vegas and two counts of illegal use of a communications facility in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.
Joiner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and on June 23, 2020, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and the McCall Police Department, which led to the charges.
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Marionville Man Indicted for Threatening Two CongressmenRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Marionville, Missouri, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening two members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kenneth R. Hubert, 63, was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Feb. 23, 2021. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Hubert’s arrest and initial court appearance. Hubert remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Monday, March 8.
The federal indictment alleges that on Jan. 7, 2021, Hubert threatened to assault and murder U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II, with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Cleaver while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties, and retaliate against Cleaver on account of the performance of his official duties. Cleaver represents the Fifth Congressional District in Missouri.
The indictment also alleges that on May 6, 2019, Hubert threatened to assault and murder U.S. Representative Steve Cohen, with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Cohen while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties, and retaliate against Cohen on account of the performance of his official duties. The indictment alleges this threat occurred when Hubert called Cohen’s office in Washington, D.C. Cohen represents the Ninth Congressional District in Tennessee.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Marionville-Aurora, Mo., Police Department.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Darius Augusto Guzman Ruiz, 29, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2019, Manchester police officers learned from a cooperating individual that Guzman Ruiz was selling between 100 and 300 grams of fentanyl at a time to other distributors in Manchester. Between October 10, 2019 and November 1, 2019, working with law enforcement, the cooperator conducted four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Guzman Ruiz. Each transaction involved approximately 180 grams of fentanyl.
On November 25, 2019, the Manchester Police Department executed search warrants at various residences that Guzman Ruiz used to either reside or store and package drugs. Officers seized over $100,000 in cash, over 400 grams of fentanyl and drug packaging and pressing equipment.
Guzman Ruiz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2021.
“Fentanyl is a lethal drug that endangers the well-being of everyone who abuses it,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is essential that we stop its distribution by bringing dealers to justice. We prioritize drug prosecutions and work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to ensure that these criminals are prevented from continuing to endanger public health and safety.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Man admits murder, firearm crimes in fatal shooting on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man admitted murder and firearms charges today in the fatal shooting of a woman and injury of a passenger in her vehicle along Blue Creek Road on the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Taylor Leigh Plain Bull, 27, a transient, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an amended superseding information. Plain Bull faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder charge, and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for July 23. Plain Bull was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 24, 2020, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving from Pryor to Billings with a passenger, identified as John Doe, in the front passenger seat, and a child in the back seat. While Jane Doe was driving westbound on Blue Creek Road, she was passed by Plain Bull, who was driving a stolen truck eastbound toward Pryor. Plain Bull previously had been in a dating relationship with Jane Doe. The truck had been reported stolen in Billings and contained four firearms, including a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The government alleged that after passing Jane Doe, Plain Bull turned around and chased after her. He passed her car, drove to the top of a hill, and stopped sideways on the roadway, blocking the road. Plain Bull got out of the truck and pointed a gun at Jane Doe’s approaching car. Jane Doe stopped, told John Doe that it was Plain Bull and put her car in reverse. Plain Bull got back in the truck and ultimately forced Jane Doe’s car off the road into the ditch. Jane Doe was unable to drive out of the ditch because of snowy conditions.
The government further alleged that Jane Doe locked the car doors as Plain Bull approached the passenger side of the car with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Plain Bull knocked on the passenger window and asked John Doe who he was. John Doe told Plain Bull to remain calm. Plain Bull fired two shots. The first shot shattered the window and lodged in the dashboard. Plain Bull then reached in and put the gun to John Doe’s temple. John Doe sustained an injury to his temple. The second bullet struck Jane Doe, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical responders.
Plain Bull drove away from the scene with the child and dropped the child off at another location. He called 911 after the shootings at least twice screaming that it was an accident and requesting an ambulance. The government said that according to Plain Bull, he passed Jane Doe, she saw him and tried to pull over because he was going to give her money but ended up in the ditch because of the slippery roads. When Plain Bull approached the car, John Doe started giving him grief, he tried to pistol whip him, and the gun went off.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Man Possessing a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number in Hospital Ground, St. Thomas Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Akeem Julien, 25, of St. Thomas, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in District Court and entered a guilty plea to the charge of Possessing a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced.
According to court documents, on April 8, 2020, while patrolling the Hospital Ground neighborhood in St. Thomas due to recent shootings, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers pursued a group of individuals, including Julien, after the group ran when officers approached. Surveillance video captured Julien and the others climbing over a railing and onto a patio with two black bags. The surveillance video shows Julien in possession of one of the bags which he then hands to another individual. The surveillance video further shows the other individual leave the patio with two bags, heading in one direction, while Julien and others leave in the opposite direction. The bag Julien possessed contained an AK-47 firearm with an obliterated serial number. Julien’s DNA was recovered from the AK-47 firearm.
The offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office of the Virgin Islands.
Louisville Dentist Charged with Unlawfully Dispensing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville Dentist who prescribed controlled substances after being suspended by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry (KBD) has been charged by federal criminal complaint, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett. Paul William Yaggie, DMD, 48, of Louisville, Kentucky has been charged with prescribing hydrocodone and oxycodone in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 18, 2020, the KBD issued a Notice of Immediate, Temporary Suspension (ITS), suspending Yaggie’s dental license and ordering him not practice dentistry. The ITS was personally served to Yaggie on September 21, 2020. Following the ITS, Yaggie continued to see patients and write controlled substance prescriptions. Yaggie prescribed over 625 hydrocodone pills and over 175 oxycodone pills while suspended. On January 6, 2021, Yaggie was evicted from his dental office where he abandoned his patient files. On February 15, 2021, Yaggie met a patient in the parking lot adjacent to his former dental office. Yaggie prescribed the patient hydrocodone and penicillin, charging the patient $200 for the prescriptions and promised dental work. Yaggie failed to complete the dental work, did not return the money, and the pharmacy refused to fill the prescriptions.
The charge carries a potential penalty of no more than 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Ansari. The case is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General (KY CHFS-OIG), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Diversion Section, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Shively Police Department (SPD).
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a United States Magistrate Judge. The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Louisiana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Role in 2016 Killing at Hattiesburg Mugshots RestaurantRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Demethius Dixon, also known as Deezy, 29, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for carrying and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, resulting in the firearm being discharged, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Dixon was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On June 26, 2016, Dixon and his co-defendant, James Windham, met with a third party at a Hattiesburg Mugshots restaurant in order to sell two ounces of marijuana. Dixon was brought along by Windham as an armed enforcer and as backup in case the drug deal turned sour. During the drug transaction, Dixon discharged a firearm multiple times, ultimately resulting in the death of the third party.
Following the shooting, Dixon and Windham fled from the scene, at which time they discarded the marijuana and all firearms associated with the shooting. Due to the diligent police work of Hattiesburg Police Department, the marijuana and firearms were all recovered shortly after the shooting.
Dixon and Windham were originally indicted for this offense on June 25, 2019. Both defendants pled guilty on September 24, 2020.
Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca commented, “The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute these violent criminals with the full arsenal of federal laws it has at its disposal. Guns and illegal drug distribution are a deadly combination. I want to thank the DEA, the Hattiesburg Police Department and the Office of District Attorney Hal Kittrell for their unwavering commitment and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.”
“Nothing is more important than keeping our communities safe. DEA and our local law enforcement partners will continue to utilize our combined resources to target individuals trafficking drugs and guns, threating the safety of our citizens in Mississippi and beyond, committing heinous violent acts. This sentence should send a strong, unified message that this violent criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities, and that those accused of committing these offenses will be brought to justice," stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. District Attorney Hal Kittrell and the 15th Circuit District Attorney’s Office were instrumental in guiding early investigative steps in the matter and involving federal partners. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Local 98 Leader John Dougherty and Nephew Charged with Extortion and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Dougherty, 60, and Gregory Fiocca, 28, both of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Indictment with 18 counts of extortion and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion. This Indictment represents new charges against Dougherty, separate and distinct from any other currently pending case.
The Indictment alleges that Dougherty, the Business Manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 (“Local 98”), and Fiocca, his nephew and a member of Local 98, conspired to extort salary, wages, and employee benefits from Fiocca’s employer, an electrical contracting company, for services Fiocca allegedly did not actually perform from August 2020 until January 2021. The object of the conspiracy was to have Fiocca’s employer continue to pay Fiocca without holding Fiocca accountable or monitoring his work performance. The defendants allegedly used actual and threatened force, violence and fear, including fear of economic harm, to obtain this result.
The Indictment further alleges that between October 2019 and August 2020, after Dougherty appointed Fiocca to be the Local 98 steward for employees working at this job site, Fiocca frequently did not show up for work, was not present at his workstation, and did not complete his assigned work. As a result, Fiocca allegedly was sometimes paid for fewer than 40 hours per week. It is also alleged that Dougherty was apprised of Fiocca’s attendance and performance issues but refused to acknowledge that Fiocca was at fault.
On August 19, 2020, after Fiocca had been paid for fewer than 40 hours for the previous week because he had worked for fewer than 40 hours that week, Fiocca allegedly grabbed his manager by the throat, threw him on a desk, and threatened him and the company’s owner with further violence. The Indictment further alleges that later that same day, after the assault, Dougherty made escalating threats of economic harm to the owner of the company including: no longer allowing electricians on the job to work overtime, thus forcing the company to operate three shifts of employees; pulling all the electricians off the job entirely; and even trying to prevent the company from securing future work.
As a result, as charged in the indictment, from August 19, 2020 to January 17, 2021, Fiocca remained employed by the company, did little or no work, and continued to receive paychecks and benefits paid by the company.
“No one is entitled to wages they do not earn, and more importantly, no one should fear economic reprisal or physical violence for attempting to do honest business in Philadelphia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “As alleged in the Indictment, Fiocca took advantage of his uncle’s position as a powerful leader of an influential union, assaulted a co-worker, and enriched himself at the expense of his employer – and Dougherty had his nephew’s back through all of it. These kinds of actions do not represent ‘business as usual,’ and will not be tolerated in this District.”
“When union leaders put their own interests ahead of its honest and hard-working members, they are not only breaching their obligation to protect union workers and their families, they are breaking the law,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Such corruption must not go unchecked. No matter how long it takes, the FBI, particularly the determined agents and support staff of our Public Corruption Squads, will not rest until unscrupulous public officials and union leaders are brought to justice. The FBI is committing to protecting Philadelphia’s citizens and dedicated laborers.”
If convicted of all counts, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 380 years in prison, a $4,750,000 fine, a term of supervised release of two years, and a $1,900 special assessment.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank R. Costello, Jr., and Richard P. Barrett.