Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
7 April 2021
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 40 Years Imprisonment for Exploitation of Nine-Month-Old and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.– On April 7, 2021, Anthony Brett Banks, 30, formerly of Kannapolis, North Carolina, was sentenced by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Banks agreed to plead guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of transportation of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(1) and (b)(l); and one count of causing another person to transport and ship child pornography in interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(1) and (b)(1) and Title U.S.C. §§ 2(b).
Banks was sentenced to 480 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Banks will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release.
The defendant sexually abused his 9-month-old biological daughter, created digital videos of the abuse, and traded several of the images with someone he met in an online room dedicated to sexually abusing animals. The person with whom the defendant swapped images was located here in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
“The US Attorney’s Office, along with its law enforcement partners, is committed to apprehending child sex predators wherever they operate. Today’s sentence sends a strong message to sexual predators and demonstrates our commitment to protecting the community’s most vulnerable victims,” said Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.
“Each year, millions of children fall prey to sexual predators,” said Homeland Security Investigation (“HSI”) Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. “HSI agents make it a top priority to protect vulnerable children from victimization by working with their law enforcement partners to investigate predators involved with the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material and ensure they are held accountable for their heinous actions. I commend our agents for their tireless efforts in this case, which resulted in a guilty plea and a lengthy federal prison sentence for the offender.”
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (“HCSO”), HSI, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (“NC SBI”). This investigation was led by Task Force Officer Ed Merritt and Special Agent Dave Nalley of HSI and Special Agent Chris Munden of the NC SBI.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Brooks represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.”
###
Nineteen indicted in drug distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
Seattle –Twenty-one people were arrested today on indictments and criminal complaints charging an extensive drug dealing conspiracy by defendants who often illegally possessed firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Law enforcement teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, and other public safety organizations executed about 90 search warrants across the Puget Sound region from as far north as Everett and as far south as Spanaway. In addition to 16 of the 19 people named in the indictments, 5 additional defendants were arrested on criminal complaints. Those arrested will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle and Tacoma over the next few days.
“Too often the intersection of drug dealing and gun possession leads to violence in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “These defendants enriched themselves by feeding the addictions of the vulnerable and harming community health and safety. Community safety remains a priority for the Department of Justice.”
Nineteen defendants are charged in 4 related indictments with both drug and gun crimes. Multiple defendants in today’s takedown have criminal histories that preclude them from legally possessing firearms. Prior to today’s takedown, 33 firearms were seized from drug traffickers identified in this case. Today, another 40 firearms were seized by law enforcement.
Those named in the indictments unsealed today include:
Eugene McGee, 54, of Federal Way, Washington
Larry W. Collins, 48, of Seattle, Washington
Johnathan F. Harrington, 43, of Seattle, Washington
Randolph P. Brown, 48 of Federal Way, Washington
Marco Calvert-Majors, 51, of Seattle, Washington
David A. Kelley, 52, of Seattle, Washington
Adam Anderson-Dotson, 41, of Seattle, Washington
Jerrell G. Ingram, 42, of Seattle, Washington
Kefentse Lumumba-Olabisi, 40, of Tacoma, Washington
Kenneth N. Lee, 58, of Tacoma, Washington
Edward Coleman, 65, of Tacoma, Washington
Jimmy J. Carter, 42, of Spanaway, Washington
Kevin L. Gipson, 45, of Seattle, Washington
Curtis G. Snipes, 50, of Tacoma, Washington
Richard D. Lewis, 47, of Seattle, Washington
Yusef H. Parrish, 51, of Seattle, Washington
Terry Cameron, 61, of Federal Way, Washington
Michael L. Hopkins, 51, of Tacoma, Washington
Jamar J. Howard, 48, of Renton, Washington
The defendants are all charged with drug distribution counts involving possession of cocaine and crack cocaine. Brown, Kelley, Parrish, and Snipes are charged with gun possession crimes, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The 5 defendants arrested on criminal complaints today include:
Craig Jordan, 51, of Seattle
Carlos Daniels, 51, of Bellevue
Devon Evans, 46, of Seattle
Cesar Clemente, 41, of Renton, Washington
Terry Ezell, 54, of Seattle
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized 33 firearms, over 10 kilos of cocaine, more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $160,000 in cash, fentanyl pills and a fentanyl pill manufacturing lab. Today alone, law enforcement seized an additional 40 firearms, nearly $450,000 in cash and nearly 4 pounds of cocaine.
“The arrests today exemplify the collaboration of agencies at all levels with one common goal, the safety of the citizens we've all sworn to protect,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office. “The positive impact made by getting these subjects off the streets should be immediately felt by communities where they held sway for far too long.”
“The Seattle Police Department values its partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies because, by working together, we increase the likelihood of arresting violent offenders and taking weapons out of their hands,” said Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. “Not only are these suspects and their guns off the streets, but so are dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl tablets and the tools to manufacture them. Our communities have been devastated by a recent rise in fentanyl deaths. The SPD is certain this joint effort saved lives, and we’re gratified the months of hard work by our officers and partners paid off.”
“Drug trafficking and violence are often intertwined, leaving communities and families devastated,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “This strategic collaborative approach between federal and local law enforcement demonstrates our commitment to not only serve, but also protect the public from these violent criminal networks who terrorize their neighborhoods.”
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF
The investigation was led by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force with key participation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Gang and Narcotics Units, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Today’s arrests and searches involved teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, HSI, U.S. Marshal Service, Lakewood Police Department SWAT, Tacoma Police Department SWAT, Pierce County Sheriff's Office, North Sound Metro SWAT, Washington State Patrol SWAT, Valley SWAT, Kent Police Department, Renton Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, WA Liquor & Cannabis Board, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Narcotics/Currency/Firearms K9 support from Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Centralia Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Snoqualmie Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Stillaguamish Police Department, Bothell Police Department, Anacortes Police Department, Puyallup Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, and Tacoma Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Lyndsie Schmalz.
firearms seizedNew York Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jaquan Jeremiah Wright, 22, of New York, pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Wright was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in February 2021 in connection with a long-term investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in Charleston. He was later charged by an Information on March 16, 2021.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, officers with the Charleston Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Wright’s vehicle on July 20, 2020. During the traffic stop, the officers found a Polymer80 PFC9, 9mm pistol in Wright’s car between the console and passenger seat. At that time, Wright was subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order that was entered in the Jamestown City Court, County of Chautauqua, New York. That Domestic Violence Protective Order remains in effect until December 11, 2024.
Wright faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a term of supervised release when he is sentenced on July 1, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston thanked the law enforcement agencies for their excellent work in this case and their commitment to ensuring that individuals subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order do not possess a firearm.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation, dubbed the “Woo Boyz,” with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. The Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) provided critical support to the investigative agencies.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00039.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
###
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 262 Months Imprisonment After Previously Pleading Guilty to Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material as Part of His Role in Trafficking 14-Year-Old Female for Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JON C. BALLAY, age 61, a resident most recently of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to Count Two of a three-count Indictment charging him with production of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2251(a). Judge Zainey further ordered BALLAY to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $67,300, serve a period of life of supervised release after he completes his prison term and pay a special assessment fee of $100. BALLAY will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2017, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at the Olde Town Inn, located at 2311 North Rampart Street, in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the execution of the search warrant, authorities found and recovered a fourteen-year-old female (Minor Victim) with BALLAY and seized several electronic devices belonging to BALLAY, including a Samsung Galaxy Express Prime cellular telephone affiliated with a local phone number. BALLAY used cellular phones to take approximately twenty (20) sexually explicit images of the victim between May 15, 2017 and May 22, 2017, at multiple hotels in the greater New Orleans area. Subsequent investigation revealed that BALLAY used sexually explicit photographs, among others, to advertise and solicit commercial sex dates with the MV. Pascal Calogero, III, was previously prosecuted for his role in conspiring with BALLAY to traffic the MV for the purpose of MV engaging in commercial sex activities. See Case No. 18-203 “R.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, and specifically the FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
* * *
Minnesota Man Indicted in Connection with Sending Threatening Messages to Boston-Area College StudentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Minnesota man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with sending threatening emails to a Boston-area college student.
Eric Bolduan, 46, of Rochester, Minn., was indicted on one count of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. Bolduan is currently incarcerated at FCI Englewood and will make an initial appearance in Boston at a later date.
As alleged in the indictment, Bolduan downloaded images of a female student attending Boston College from her social media pages and from other publicly available sites. Bolduan then located a pornographic image of a different female with a similar appearance and posted the images of the victim alongside the pornographic image to various pornographic websites in order to make it appear that the victim was involved in pornography. Thereafter, Bolduan allegedly sent threatening and harassing emails to the victim. For example, on May 5, 2016, Bolduan sent an email to the victim that included the following language:
I noticed the attached photo of you online and wanted to follow up with you. I’m going to find you this summer. Once I’ve got you I will have my way with your body for several days, until I finally tire of you. You will experience things that will give you nightmares for the rest of your life. I want to look into your eyes as you experience pain at levels you never imagined were possible. By the time I’m done with you your body will be shattered and broken. I promise that you’ll never be the same again.
To avoid detection, Bolduan allegedly sent the threatening emails to the victim using an email account that was not in his true name.
Members of the public who have victim assistance questions or information regarding this case should email [email protected].
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Michigan man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Khorion Williams, of Highland Park, Michigan, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Williams, 22, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws.” Williams admitted to working with others to illegally purchase firearms in May 2018 in Monongalia County.
Williams faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Michigan Resident Indicted on Fentanyl Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Nicholas Lamont Carter, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on March 8, 2021, Carter knowingly possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a total sentence of at least five years in prison to a maximum of 40 years, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Miami Tax Preparer Arrested on Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – A South Florida tax preparer, who was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Southern District of Florida on March 25, 2021, was arrested today. Samuel Mompoint, 57, a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida, is charged with seventeen counts of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of materially false tax returns for the calendar years 2014 and 2015.
According to allegations in the indictment, Mompoint operated Prime Tax Services, Inc., as a tax return preparation business located in Miami-Dade County. The indictment alleges that for the 2014 and 2015 tax years, Mompoint knowingly prepared fraudulent tax returns that represented that eleven separate taxpayers were entitled to receive false tax credits and deductions, including education credits, child and dependent care expenses, gifts to charity, and unreimbursed employee expenses.
Mompoint is scheduled for his initial court appearance this afternoon, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. in federal magistrate court in Miami. If convicted, Mompoint faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment as to each count.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI in Miami. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Morales of the Southern District of Florida.
An indictment is a charging instrument containing allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-20185.
###
Meridian Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Armed Robberies of Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Roquandre Malik Jimison, 23, of Meridian, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve a total of 108 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for two robberies in Meridian, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt H. Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives. Jimison was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine and restitution to victims.
On February 13, 2019, Jimison entered a Cefco Convenience store on Highway 19 North in Meridian and demanded money from clerks at both registers. Jimison kept his right hand in his pocket during the entire interaction causing the clerks to believe he had a gun. Although Jimison was wearing a hoodie, a store clerk was able to identify him to law enforcement.
On February 25, 2019, at approximately 7:13 p.m. Jimison entered a Cefco Convenience Store on Highway 39 North in Meridian. Jimison had a white piece of clothing wrapped around his face and head, and he brandished an assault rifle. There were two customers in the store along with the clerk on duty. Jimison took money from the customers as well as from the store’s register. The customers and the clerk were in fear for their lives and gave Jimison everything he demanded. Witnesses were later able to identify Jimison to law enforcement.
Jimison was indicted on June 16, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Wingate on January 6, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Meridian Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
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.
McKeesport Man Charged with Possessing Fentanyl, Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Christopher Jordan, age 40, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on March 11, 2021, Jordan possessed with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue, as well as a quantity of fentanyl, all Schedule II controlled substances.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Seizes Three Domain Names Purporting to be Websites of Biotechnology Companies with Treatments for Covid-19Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has seized “healthbridgescience.com,” “global-pandemic-vaccines.com,” and “genobioscience.com” all of which purported to be the websites of actual biotechnology companies developing treatments for the COVID-19 virus but instead were allegedly used to collect the personal information of individuals visiting the sites, in order to use the information for nefarious purposes, including fraud, phishing attacks, and/or deployment of malware. Individuals visiting those sites now will see a message that the site has been seized by the federal government and be redirected to another site for additional information.
The seizure of the domain names was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations - Baltimore.
“We have now seized a total of eight fraudulent websites that seek to illegally profit from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner. “We urge all Maryland residents to be skeptical - don’t provide personal information or click on links in unsolicited e-mails and remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is not for sale. The Federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to people living in the United States. We will continue to aggressively prosecute fraudsters who seek to prey on unsuspecting residents and their families.”
“The danger with these illegitimate sites is that they can appear legitimate to the average viewer—all the more reason to exercise caution when searching for COVID-19 pandemic information,” said Special Agent in Charge James Mancuso for HSI Baltimore. “As part of our cyber mission, HSI is committed to denying online scammers the ability to deceive and profit from the American people by exploiting the demand for vaccines and treatments.”
According to the affidavits filed in support of these seizures, these investigations began in March 2021. Homeland Security Investigations and the National Intellectual Property Rights Center received notification of two fraudulent websites, “genobioscience.com” and “healthbridgescience.com.” The third site, “global-pandemic-vaccines.com,” was discovered by Homeland Security Investigations’ Cyber Crimes Center (C3) during ongoing investigations for malicious websites. The cases were referred to HSI Baltimore for investigation.
Specifically, HSI was notified of two fraudulent websites “healthbridgescience.com” and “genobioscience.com,” by a victim biotechnology company. The company, which was granted an FDA emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 antibody drug cocktail treatment, confirmed neither of the suspect domains were approved company websites. The fraudulent sites displayed a nearly identical theme and design as the legitimate biotechnology company except for the subsection tab information. According to the affidavit, “healthbridgescience.com” was registered on February 21, 2021 and “genobioscience.com” was registered on March 24, 2021, but no registrant or contact information is listed for either website. As stated in the affidavit, criminals who operate websites and use targeted domain names often conceal their identity when registering their domain names by redacting personal identifiers to avoid being tracked by victims or law enforcement. An HSI Cyber Operations Officer (COO) also noted the “genobioscience.com” website did not use secure communication technology, making any sensitive information shared on this website potentially compromised.
The third domain name, “global-pandemic-vaccines.com,” offered COVID-19 vaccines for sale that it claimed were manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that had been granted FDA emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccines. A COO indicated that the domain was created on February 26, 2021 and its registrar organization was listed as “WhoisProtection.cc,” located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is a privacy service used to shield a domain registrant’s actual information from being see publicly. Additionally, under the bogus website’s “Contact Us” page, the telephone number appears to be associated with a messaging application and the street address listed is the address of a restaurant and a postal shipping center located in Torrance, California. Under the spoof website’s “shop” tab, there were two counterfeit vaccinations offered for sale to the public. The fraudulent website claimed that their vaccines did not require sub-zero storage. On March 15, 2021, HSI Special Agents, acting in an undercover capacity, called the phone number listed on the fraudulent website. An unknown individual agreed to sell fifty vials of the counterfeit vaccines for $20 each with a $500 deposit, and the remaining $500 due upon receipt of the vaccine doses. The provided invoice contained payment information for a specific bank account.
By seizing these sites, the government has prevented third parties from acquiring the names and using them to commit additional crimes, as well as prevented third parties from continuing to access the sites in their present form.
Federal law enforcement agencies are united in our efforts to fight against COVID-19 fraud. HSI has identified tips to recognize and report COVID-19 fraud. If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you may also call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or for more information e-mail justice.gov/coronavirus.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended HSI for its work in these investigations. Mr. Lenzner recognized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Baltimore County Police Department for their assistance and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky and Sean R. Delaney
Maryland Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Maryland return preparer pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States and to assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lenore Worthy provided tax return preparation services in Temple Hills under several business names, including United Tax Services LLC. For the tax years 2012 through 2018, Worthy and her co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client refunds by adding false deductions and business losses. The IRS later expelled Worthy and United Tax Services from the IRS e-file program after Worthy prepared a false return for an undercover IRS agent. Worthy then began using another co-conspirator’s e-filing credentials in order to continue preparing clients’ returns. In total, Worthy caused a tax loss to the IRS of $189,748.
Worthy is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 20, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison. Worthy also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge 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 Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner for the District of Maryland made the announcement.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Kathryn Sparks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Grossi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Marshall County man indicted on bankruptcy fraud chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Francis Tucker, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on bankruptcy fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Tucker, 67, was indicted today on one count of “Fraudulent Transfers in Contemplation of Bankruptcy,” one count of “False Bankruptcy Declarations,” and one count of “Structuring Financial Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements.”
Tucker was the secretary for Danzac, Inc., a video lottery machine service and real estate holder. In January 2018, the Circuit Court of Ohio County granted a civil judgment against Tucker in the amount of approximately $469,000. Tucker is accused of transferring personal and business properties to others in the months leading up to the defendant filing for bankruptcy in July 2018 in Ohio County. He is accused of falsifying the bankruptcy documents by claiming that he had not been involved in reportable property transfers and had no connections to a business.
Tucker is also accused of conducting withdrawals of proceeds from the sale of a property in Florida in a manner and, with the intent to avoid bank reporting requirements regarding certain cash transactions. This crime was alleged to have occurred in 2016.
Tucker faces up five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Jarod J. Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Malden Man and Woman Arrested for Drug and Firearms Conspiracy Involving Five Shootings and Multiple Machine GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man and woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug and firearms conspiracy that included multiple shootings in Chelsea, Somerville and Cambridge.
Jaiir Coleman, a/k/a “JC,” a/k/a “Chino,” 22, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy; one count of possessing a machine gun; and one count of possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Coleman is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Christina Bernbaum, a/k/a “Tina,” 23, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Bernbaum was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.
As alleged in the charging documents, Coleman and Bernbaum participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess controlled substances, including in large quantities locally in the Bangor, Maine area. It is alleged that Bernbaum’s participation included conspiring to distribute controlled substances on Coleman’s behalf during his incarceration. The charging documents describe numerous recorded conversations in which the sale and distribution of controlled substances was discussed, including explicit instructions by Coleman about the manner in which to adulterate fentanyl and the prices to charge. The charging documents further describe numerous videos and images that allegedly depict Coleman and Bernbaum brandishing and holding firearms, including a suspected machine gun.
During the course of the conspiracy, Coleman allegedly committed five shootings. Four shootings took place on Nov. 11, 2019, in Chelsea and Somerville, during which homes and vehicles were allegedly riddled with gunfire. A fifth shooting took place in Cambridge in July 2020, during which it is alleged that Coleman used a machine gun to shoot into a crowd.
On Jan. 6, 2021, Coleman was arrested for operating with a suspended license, during which time a machine gun was recovered from the vehicle. Coleman is currently in state custody. It is alleged that a music video publicly posted online earlier that week depicts Coleman brandishing what appears to be the same machine gun recovered from the vehicle on Jan. 6, 2021.
The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life to be served consecutively to the penalty for the underlying drug trafficking crime, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Roy E. McKinney, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary; Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr.; Salem Acting Police Chief Dennis King; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis; and Revere Police Chief David J. Callahan made the announcement today made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Making Telephonic Bomb Threats to Somersworth City HallRead the Press Release
CONCORD - John Leon Rupert, 29, of Scarborough, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to making interstate threats, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 3, 2021, two calls were received by employees at Somersworth City Hall in which a computer-generated voice stated there was a bomb inside the building. The building was evacuated and it was determined there were no explosive devices. The calls were tracked to an IP address at Rupert’s residence in Scarborough, Maine.
On February 15, 2021 agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence. Rupert admitted he was the person who made the calls because he was angry about an injury received at a massage parlor in Somersworth.
Rupert is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14, 2021.
“Bomb threat hoaxes are serious crimes that can disrupt communities and divert law enforcement resources from other priorities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “As a result of this defendant’s conduct, Somersworth City Hall was evacuated and many innocent people were inconvenienced. I am grateful to the FBI and the Somersworth Police Department for their rapid efforts to identify the individual responsible for making these threats. As this case demonstrates, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those responsible for making bomb threats.”
“Upset over an injury he blamed on a local massage parlor, John Rupert misplaced his anger and used poor judgment in making two hoax calls to Somersworth City Hall stating that there was a bomb inside the building. With today’s guilty plea, he has finally realized the error of his ways,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Hoax threats instill fear, waste limited law enforcement resources, and put first responders in unnecessary danger. They are also federal crimes with serious consequences as demonstrated by this case.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Somersworth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
###
Lynn Man Sentenced for Convenience Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for robbing multiple convenience stores in Lynn.
Paul Pacheco, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 27 months in prison, two years supervised release and ordered to pay $380 in restitution. Pacheco pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in November 2020.
Between September 2019 and January 2020, Pacheco committed five robberies at two convenience stores in Lynn. During each robbery, Pacheco displayed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. When Pacheco was arrested committing the fifth robbery on Jan. 16, 2020, law enforcement recovered the firearm Pacheco displayed, later determined to be an air pistol, and marked money stolen from the convenient store.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Luzerne County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Heck, age 40, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 6, 2021, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on October 2, 2020, Heck possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possessed more than 40 grams of methamphetamine and an additional amount of fentanyl for distribution in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under federal law, Heck faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison for the drug trafficking charge, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. For the firearms charges, Heck faces an additional mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum sentence of life, a term of supervised release and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Lock Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Grenninger, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 6, 2021, to 360 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, for producing child pornography.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Genninger sexually abused an eight-year-old child and photographed the abuse. Genninger also produced videos of minors ranging from age eight through their early teens engaged in secually explicit conduct. Additionally, Genninger attempted to arrange meetings with 11-year-old girls in Virginia and New York City for sex, and sent a pornographc image of himself over the internet.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, and the Christiansburg (Virginia) Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab.
# # #
Lewis County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles W. Whitcher, age 41, of Port Leyden, New York, pled guilty today to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and Lewis County District Attorney Leanne K. Moser.
As part of today’s guilty plea, Whitcher admitted that between August 2019 and September 2019, he distributed methamphetamine he had manufactured in his home using the “one pot” method, which uses pseudoephedrine and other ingredients to produce methamphetamine that Whitcher would then distribute in exchange for cash or more pseudoephedrine.
Also as part of his guilty plea, Whitcher admitted he was previously convicted in federal court, in 2003, for his involvement in a conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 11, 2021, at which time Whitcher faces up to 30 years in prison and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 6 years and up to life. 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 was investigated by the DEA, the Lewis County Drug Task Force, and the Lewis County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Lee County Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Selling DrugsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Francis Medina (42, Lehigh Acres) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing cocaine and methamphetamine.
Medina had pleaded guilty on August 5, 2020.
According to court documents, in November 2019, Medina sold cocaine and methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. When authorities later searched Medina’s home, they discovered a variety of drugs and a loaded gun in his bedroom.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
Leader of Neo-Nazi group ‘Atomwaffen’ pleads guilty to hate crime and conspiracy charges for threatening journalists and advocatesRead the Press Release
Seattle – Cameron Shea, 25, a leader of the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, pled guilty earlier today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington to federal conspiracy and hate crime charges for threatening journalists and advocates who worked to expose anti-Semitism, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Shea pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit three offenses against the United States: interference with federally-protected activities because of religion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 245; mailing threatening communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 876; and cyberstalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A. He also pled guilty to one count of interfering with a federally protected activity because of religion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 245.
Shea and three co-defendants were charged with conspiring via an encrypted online chat group to identify journalists and advocates they wanted to threaten in retaliation for the victims’ work exposing anti-Semitism. The group focused primarily on those who are Jewish or journalists of color. The group created posters, which featured Nazi symbols, masked figures with guns and Molotov cocktails, and threatening messages, to deliver or mail to the journalists or advocates the group targeted. Shea messaged the group that he wanted Atomwaffen members in different locations to place posters on their victims’ homes on the same night to catch journalists off guard and accomplish a “show of force.” The posters were delivered to victims in Tampa, Seattle, and Phoenix. Shea mailed posters to several victims, including a poster sent to an official at the Anti-Defamation League that depicted a Grim Reaper-like figure wearing a skeleton mask holding a Molotov cocktail outside a residence, with the text “Our Patience Has Its Limits . . . You have been visited by your local Nazis.” Two of Shea’s co-defendants, Ashley Parker-Dipeppe and Johnny Roman Garza, previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and were sentenced. The fourth co-defendant, Kaleb Cole, pled not guilty and is awaiting trial in September 2021.
Shea will be sentenced on June 28, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the hate crime charge and 5 years for the conspiracy charge.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Tampa, Seattle, Houston, and Phoenix with assistance from the Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Woods and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer, with assistance from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central District of California.
Leader of Neo-Nazi Group Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime and Conspiracy Charges for Threatening Journalists and AdvocatesRead the Press Release
A Washington state man pleaded guilty today to federal hate crime and conspiracy charges in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Cameron Shea, 25, a leader of the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, pled guilty to federal conspiracy and hate crime charges for threatening journalists and advocates who worked to expose anti-Semitism.
Shea pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit three offenses against the United States: interference with federally-protected activities because of religion; mailing threatening communications; and cyberstalking. He also pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a federally protected activity because of religion.
Shea and three co-defendants were charged with conspiring via an encrypted online chat group to identify journalists and advocates they wanted to threaten in retaliation for the victims’ work exposing anti-Semitism. The group focused primarily on those who are Jewish or journalists of color. The group created posters, which featured Nazi symbols, masked figures with guns and Molotov cocktails, and threatening messages, to deliver or mail to the journalists or advocates the group targeted. Shea messaged the group that he wanted Atomwaffen members in different locations to place posters on their victims’ homes on the same night to catch journalists off guard and accomplish a “show of force.” The posters were delivered to victims in Tampa, Seattle, and Phoenix. Shea mailed posters to several victims, including a poster sent to an official at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that depicted a Grim Reaper-like figure wearing a skeleton mask holding a Molotov cocktail outside a residence, with the text “Our Patience Has Its Limits . . . You have been visited by your local Nazis.” Two of Shea’s co-defendants, Ashley Parker-Dipeppe and Johnny Roman Garza, previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and were sentenced. The fourth co-defendant, Kaleb Cole, pled not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Shea will be sentenced on June 28. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the hate crime charge and five years for the conspiracy charge.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Tampa, Seattle, Houston, and Phoenix with assistance from National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney David Smith and the Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Woods of the Western District of Washington with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central District of California.
As U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland recently stated: “[The Justice Department] will persist in our efforts to investigate and appropriately prosecute those who attack members of our communities, set fire to places of worship, or use the Internet to threaten bodily injury to other persons because of their real or perceived protected characteristics.”
For more information on the department’s commitment to serving the cause of justice and protecting the safety of all of our communities, please see: . For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes. If you believe you have been a victim of a civil rights violation, please visit https://civilrights.justice.gov/ to file a report.
Jury finds pair guilty on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – On Wednesday, a jury convicted Oscar Dillon, 47, of St. Charles County, Missouri, guilty of drug conspiracy, attempted obstruction of justice and money laundering.
The same jury also convicted Michael Grady, 65, of St. Louis, Missouri, guilty of drug conspiracy, attempted obstruction of justice and money laundering. The jury found Grady not guilty on an additional charge of witness tampering.
United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey presided over the trial, which lasted more than two weeks.
The evidence at trial proved that Dillon and Grady provided long-term assistance to some of the area’s most prolific and violent drug traffickers in an effort to allow the drug trafficking to continue unimpeded by federal investigators. Among other things, Dillon and Grady routinely attempted to gain information about on-going federal investigations and prosecutions and the identities of cooperating witnesses so these organizations could continue their high-level drug distribution which generated significant proceeds and maintained prowess by violence. More specifically to the charged crimes, Dillon and Grady assisted in the flight of a known drug trafficker to Texas following federal indictment and concealed the source and ownership of drug proceeds.
“We are grateful the jury carefully considered the complex evidence presented in this case and arrived at the verdicts justice demanded,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “As was demonstrated throughout the trial, Defendants Dillon and Grady have each long provided vital assistance to the continued successful operation of violent drug distribution rings and have attempted to thwart federal prosecutions at every turn.”
The Court has scheduled sentencing for both Dillon and Grady on July 13, 2021.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Intelligence Section investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Reilly and Donald Boyce handled the case.
Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead 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 Jeffrey Guzman Suarez, 30, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to attempting to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it. The charge carries carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, stated that on October 2, 2019, during a review of outgoing mail, US Postal Inspectors were alerted to a suspicious parcel sent from Puerto Rico and addressed to the defendant. A Niagara Frontier Transit Detection K9 was brought in and gave a positive alert, indicating the presence of narcotics. During the execution of a search warrant on the package, inspectors discovered, concealed inside a small portable charcoal grill, an off-white chunky substance in brick form wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap, food storage bags, and cleaning wipes. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. On October 11, 2019, the defendant went to the Jamestown Postal Office and accepted the parcel which had been replaced with “sham” cocaine. As he attempted to exit the postal office, Suarez was arrested and taken into custody.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United State Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector-in-Charge, Boston Division, and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, under the direction of Chief George Gast.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
# # # #
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Arson of Minneapolis Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced the guilty plea of MATTHEW LEE RUPERT, 28, to one count of arson. RUPERT, who was initially charged on June 1, 2020, pleaded guilty today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court. A sentencing date will be scheduled at a later time.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on May 28, 2020, RUPERT, a resident of Galesburg, Illinois, posted messages on his Facebook account referencing the public protests occurring in the Twin Cities following the death of George Floyd, including one that stated, “I’m going to Minneapolis tomorrow who coming only goons I’m renting hotel rooms.” On May 29, 2020, RUPERT posted a self-recorded cell phone video to his Facebook account indicating that he was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In his Facebook Live video, RUPERT announced that he came “to riot,” and is depicted encouraging violence against law enforcement officers, actively damaging property, breaking into buildings, and looting businesses.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, the video depicts RUPERT asking for lighter fluid before entering a boarded-up Sprint store located on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. RUPERT canvassed the store and eventually entered a backroom while telling others that he had located a store safe. RUPERT and others then knocked several boxes into a pile on the ground. RUPERT sprayed the pile of boxes with lighter fluid and another individual—at the time a juvenile and acting at RUPERT’S direction—lit the pile on fire. RUPERT fled the building and stated, “I lit it on fire!” The store sustained damage as a result of the fire.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Minneapolis Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the FBI Chicago Field Office, the FBI Springfield Field Office, and the Chicago Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela M. Munoz and Jordan L. Sing.
Defendant Information:
MATTHEW LEE RUPERT, 28
Galesburg, Ill.
Convicted:
- Arson, 1 count
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Houston man pleads guilty to smuggling 119 aliens in trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old man has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On Jan. 12, Brodrick Keith Rhodes arrived at the Freer Border Patrol checkpoint driving a semi-truck and refrigerated trailer. He claimed he was hauling lettuce, but authorities noticed discrepancies with his bill of lading. They also noted he appeared nervous and that the trailer was set to 30 degrees but with an internal temperature of 68.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement ultimately found 119 aliens in the trailer’s cargo area.
Rhodes claimed he worked for a business in La Porte, but the bill of lading indicated he was transporting lettuce from a Laredo produce company to a location in Sugar Land. The business indicated Rhodes had never been employed with them nor do they even transport outside the Houston area. The other two companies confirmed they had no record of the shipment.
The aliens told authorities they had been taken to a truck and told to get in the trailer. It soon departed and did not stop until it reached the checkpoint.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing July 27. At that time, Rhodes faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Harrison County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carl David Davis, of Hepzibah, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Davis, 32, was indicted today on one count of “Possession of an Explosive by a Prohibited Person,” two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Davis, who is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having two electric explosive detonators (blasting caps) in November 2018. He is accused of having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in September 2020. Davis is accused of having a .22 caliber rifle and four .32 caliber cartridges in October 2020. All alleged crimes took place in Harrison County.
Davis faces up 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. 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.
The indictment is also requesting the forfeiture of a 9mm pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a .22 caliber rifle, seven rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, one 12-gauge shotgun shell, and four rounds of .32 caliber ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Franklin County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Fitzgerald, age 83, of the Town of Waverly, New York, pled guilty today to possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
In pleading guilty, Fitzgerald admitted that between February and April 2018, he engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor, and videorecorded that conduct. He further admitted to possessing these videos on August 9, 2019.
Fitzgerald faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. 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.
Sentencing has been set for June 9, 2021 in Albany before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shira Hoffman and Katherine Kopita.
Former Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to a Federal Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Lenore Gail Worthy, age 53, of Accokeek, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States and to assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to Worthy’s plea agreement, Worthy obtained electronic tax return filing privileges from the Internal Revenue System (IRS). Worthy subsequently agreed to allow co-conspirator 1, who was not eligible to for admission into the IRS’s e-filing program due to a conviction for wire fraud, to use Worthy’s unique electronic filing identifiers, in exchange for a fee of $29 per tax return. Beginning in 2012, Worthy and co-conspirator 1 agreed to operate a business that would allow co-conspirator 1 to misrepresent his/her identity on the clients’ tax returns by using Worthy’s identifiers to prepare and electronically file fraudulent client tax returns with the IRS. In August 2015, the IRS expelled Worthy from its electronic tax return filing program due to a criminal investigation into fraudulent tax returns filed with her unique identifiers. At that time co-conspirator 3, who was also participating in the IRS’s electronic tax return filing program, agreed to allow Worthy and co-conspirator 1 to use co-conspirator 3’s unique identifiers in exchange for the use of Worthy and co-conspirator 1’s shared office space in Temple Hills, Maryland.
Worthy and co-conspirator 1 misrepresented their identities on their clients’ tax returns by using co-conspirator 3’s identifiers to prepare and electronically file the tax returns with the IRS. Co-conspirator 3 also joined in Worthy and co-conspirator 1’s practice of falsifying tax returns and fraudulently claiming refunds. Specifically, Worthy and her co-conspirators falsified tax returns by: fabricating, inflating, and improperly claiming deductions on the Schedules A that were attached to clients’ federal individual income tax returns; and engineering business losses by fabricating, inflating, and improperly claiming purported business expenses. As a result, Worthy, co-conspirator 1, and co-conspirator 3 artificially lowered their clients’ taxable income, thereby lowering the taxes that the clients owed to the IRS and inflating their refunds.
On December 15, 2017, co-conspirator 3 was also expelled from the IRS’s electronic tax return filing program due to a criminal investigation into fraudulent tax returns filed using co-co-conspirator 3’s unique identifiers. Co-conspirator 3 then misled a third-party electronic return originator (“ERO”) about the criminal nature of her issues with the IRS in order to obtain their assistance. The ERO allowed co-conspirator 3 to file tax returns using its unique identifiers, which co-conspirator 3 shared with Worthy and co-conspirator 1. Using the ERO’s identifiers, Worthy and her co-conspirators continued to prepare and file fraudulent federal tax returns through at least April 2019.
In total, the tax loss caused to the IRS as a direct result of Worthy and her co-conspirators’ conspiracy for the tax years 2012 through 2018 was $189,748. As part of her plea agreement, Worthy will be required to pay restitution in the full amount of the loss, which the parties stipulate is at least $189,748.
Worthy faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy and three years in federal prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation for its work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Grossi and Trial Attorney Kathryn Sparks of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
# # #
Former Member of Violent Gang “11 Hunnit” Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of the City of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly known as RICO), Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Dionte Griffin, 25, formerly of the Hill District neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count of RICO conspiracy before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, Mr. Griffin acknowledged that he was a member of the violent street gang known as "11 Hunnit," which operated in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Mr. Griffin acknowledged that he, along with alleged codefendants Sydney Pack, Richard Kelly, and others, conspired to conduct and participate in the conduct in the affairs of the 11 Hunnit gang through a pattern of racketeering activity consisting generically of acts involving murder, robbery, and the distribution of controlled substances. Mr. Griffin acknowledged his personal participation in certain overt acts that were done in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy, which included a January 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, an October 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, the unlawful possession of fentanyl and firearms, and his participation – along with other members of 11 Hunnit - in several publicly available rap music videos designed to intimidate rival gangs and enhance 11 Hunnit’s reputation as a violent enterprise.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 17, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court remanded Mr. Griffin to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, together with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Griffin. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former FBI Employee Sentenced for Receiving Bribes and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) official James Heslep, 52, of Gainesville, Virginia, was sentenced to 39 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for receiving a bribe by a public official, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Heslep was also sentenced to 36 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for making and subscribing a false federal income tax return. The sentences will run concurrently. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Heslep to forfeit $128,128 and pay $15,353 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. In the related case, Robert Bailey, 63, of Centreville, Virginia, pleaded guilty to paying a bribe to a public official. Bailey’s sentencing is set for May 5, 2021.
“A 39-month sentence is significant and sends the appropriate message to Mr. Heslep and other public officials entrusted with influence over government contracts,” said Gonzalez. “Public service is a public trust. The people of Idaho must be confident that when that trust is breeched, there will be severe consequences no matter who you are or where you work. This investigation, this prosecution, and this sentence delivers that message clearly and forcefully.”
According to court records, Heslep was a Management and Program Analyst with the FBI. In that position, Heslep was responsible for managing construction and services contracts for FBI buildings across the country.
According to court records, in 2001, Bailey, purchased L-1, a construction management and operations company located in Chantilly, Virginia. In 2008, Heslep and Bailey became business acquaintances when they worked together on an FBI construction project.
According to court records, in 2017, the FBI broke ground on the construction of a data center in Pocatello, Idaho (the Pocatello Data Center project). The Pocatello Data Center project involved construction of a two-building, 140,000 square-foot complex that would accommodate data halls containing computer equipment and office space. The purpose was to consolidate multiple FBI data centers from across the country and improve efficiency and cyber-security. In 2017, Heslep became the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the Pocatello Data Center project. In that position, Heslep had management and oversight responsibilities over the construction of the Pocatello Data Center.
According to court records, from 2016 through 2018, Bailey and L-1 made illegal payments, and gave items of value, to Heslep. These payments included 18 deposits totaling $120,000 into a bank account controlled by Heslep. From this account, Heslep made payments on a personal loan, home mortgage, car, credit card, and vacation travel payments, among other personal expenditures at retail stores, such as a pair of diamond earrings that cost $5,300. In addition, Bailey and L-1 provided the following items of value to Heslep: a fiftieth birthday party in Dallas, Texas, including first-class airfare, hotel accommodations, and tickets to a Dallas Cowboys football game; a beach house rental in Nags Head, North Carolina; first-class Amtrak train tickets; invitations to a L-1 company holiday party; and tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game, among other gratuities. The total value of the unlawful payments and gratuities was $128,128.
“Heslep abused his position as a government contracting officer. He accepted bribes of cash, sports tickets, and other items of value in exchange for granting favorable contracting terms. This sentencing shows that this kind of fraud will not be tolerated,” said Douglas B. Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office.
“This sentence sends a clear message that the law of the land applies to everyone, including paying your fair share of taxes, regardless of position or power,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Denver Field Office. “Heslep abused his position as a public official to obtain illegal payments which he used for his own personal gain. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to enforce the nation’s tax laws regardless of a person’s status or a person’s position as a public official.”
According to court records, Bailey and L-1 made these payments, and gave these items of value, to Heslep with the intent to influence Heslep in performing official acts at FBI to benefit L-1 on the Pocatello Data Center project. These official acts included the following: Heslep seeking and receiving authorization for approximately $16,000 monthly per diem payments from the FBI to Bailey for L-1 employees who stayed at Bailey’s house instead of a hotel; Heslep soliciting and including Bailey’s edits in the statement of work to a $12.2 million construction and services bridge contract (related to the Pocatello Data Center project) that the FBI later awarded to S-1 (as general contractor) and L-1 (as subcontractor); and Heslep convincing his FBI superiors to pay L-1 for its work on the bridge contract at higher Washington, D.C. metropolitan-area labor rates, rather than lower Idaho labor rates. The Washington D.C. labor rates were approximately 30 percent greater than the Idaho labor rates.
When pronouncing the sentence Judge Winmill stated, “this is a case of greed.” He emphasized the case involved “public trust and public funds and when there is an abuse of that, there have to be consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
# # #
Former College Track and Field Coach Charged in Cyberstalking, Extortion and Fraud InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former track and field coach at various universities was arrested and charged today in connection with a scheme to trick female student-athletes, through sham social media accounts, into sending him nude or semi-nude photos. The defendant also allegedly cyberstalked at least one female student-athlete.
Steve Waithe, 28, of Chicago, Ill., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking and one count of wire fraud. Waithe was arrested today in Chicago and will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois this afternoon. He will appear in Boston at a later date.
According to charging documents, Waithe was employed as a track and field coach at Northeastern University in Boston from October 2018 to February 2019. It is alleged that during that time, Waithe frequently requested to use female athletes’ cellphones under the pretense of filming their form at practice and at meets. At times, he was observed “scrolling through” the phones.
Beginning in at least February 2020, Waithe allegedly perpetrated a scheme to dupe female Northeastern University track and field athletes into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Specifically, Waithe contacted the alleged victims through social media accounts, stated that he had found compromising photos of them online and offered to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Under this pretense, it is alleged that Waithe requested additional nude or semi-nude photos that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.” He used various pseudonyms on social media including variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector,” “Katie Janovich,” and “Anon” followed by various numbers.
As detailed in court documents, from at least June 21, 2020 to Oct. 3, 2020, Waithe cyberstalked at least one female Northeastern student-athlete through messages sent via social media, an anonymized phone number and intrusion into her Snapchat account. The investigation revealed that internet search and browsing history tied to Waithe allegedly included searches for information on how to hack Snapchat accounts and visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?”
Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, it is alleged that Waithe emailed prospective victims using the personas of “Katie Janovich” and/or “Kathryn Svoboda.” The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible” and suggested that the photos would not be shared or saved. The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images of “Katie” to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send. According to court documents, investigators have identified more than 10 victims of the “body development study” scheme and over 300 related nude and semi-nude images of victims of the scheme in Waithe’s email accounts.
According to charging documents, Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.
If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe
The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Casino Employee Pleads Guilty to TheftRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Reginal Brown, 36, a former employee of the Pearl River Resort – Silver Star Casino pled guilty today to a federal indictment charging him with theft by an employee of a gaming establishment on Indian lands, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
Brown was a banquet server at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino in the Pearl River Resort. Between January 2016 and May 2016, Brown used his own password on multiple occasions, to take, for himself, approximately $10,800 from the cash recyclers in the facility. Casino management discovered the discrepancy in accounting and on video surveillance of the cash recycler area, then reported Brown to law enforcement. Choctaw Police Department investigators interviewed Brown, and Brown then admitted to taking the money, as charged, from the Casino. Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “Federal law imposes severe penalties for crimes committed in licensed gaming establishments. The great potential for misconduct in these settings calls for constant vigilance and self-discipline of those entrusted with the casinos’ operation.”
Brown will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson on July 7, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore Cooperstein and Kevin J. Payne.
Five Charged with COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that five men were indicted by a grand jury on multiple federal charges for fraudulently obtaining and misappropriating Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan funds.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses through the PPP program, which was designed to provide small businesses with loans in order to keep employees on the payroll.
The indictment alleges that Jemar Mason and David Kurbanov, in concert with Andre Jackson and James Williams, received approximately $1.495 million through the Small Business Administration and the PPP for two shell companies. It is further alleged that, with the assistance of Dennis Lynn Cartwright, Jr., the defendants attempted to transfer the money to cover up the fact that it was fraudulently obtained. Investigators located and recovered approximately $1.123 million of the loan funds. Mason, Kurbanov, and Cartwright live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area; Williams and Jackson live in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
The charges and maximum penalties are as follows:
- Jemar Ahton Mason – conspiracy to commit wire fraud & wire fraud (each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000); conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering (up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000); and two counts of attempting to engage in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity (each punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000)
- David Kurbanov – conspiracy to commit wire fraud & wire fraud (each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000); conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering (up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000); and three counts of engaging in, or attempting to engage in, a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity (each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000)
- Dennis Lynn Cartwright, Jr. – conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering (up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000) and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity (up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000)
- Andre Jackson – conspiracy to commit wire fraud & wire fraud (each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000); conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering (up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000); and attempting to engage in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity (up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000)
- James Williams – conspiracy to commit wire fraud & wire fraud (each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000); conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering (up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000); and attempting to engage in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity (up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000)
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties provided by law. Upon conviction, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
These charges are part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by law enforcement officers in the Western District of Michigan and the Northern District of Georgia, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Michigan State Police, Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET), and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
###
Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Davron Igles (33, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Igles to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.
Igles had pleaded guilty on October 28, 2019.
According to court documents and testimony presented at the sentencing hearing, in May 2019, during an argument at a convenience store in Ybor City, Igles pulled up his shirt revealing a pistol. When law enforcement officers tried to arrest Igles, he attempted to flee and resisted their efforts to detain him and to remove the gun from his waistband. Officers eventually took him into custody and recovered the firearm.
Igles had previously been convicted of 13 felonies, including a conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. As a result, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Federal Immigration Official Originally from Nigeria Charged with Illegally Obtaining U.S. Citizenship under Fake IdentityRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An immigration services officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was arrested this morning in Maryland on a federal charge that alleges he obtained U.S. citizenship under a false name.
The defendant is charged under the false name of “Karl Nwabugwu Odike Ifemembi,” but the criminal complaint in this case notes that his real name is Modestus Nwagubwu Ifemembi, originally of Nigeria. Ifemembi, 48, who previously resided in Aliso Viejo, but relocated to Rockville, Maryland, last year, has worked for USCIS for seven years. Ifemembi is charged in the complaint with one count of unlawfully procuring U.S. citizenship.
Ifemembi made false statements on various government forms to obtain U.S. citizenship, as well as employment with USCIS, according to the affidavit in support of the complaint, which was unsealed this morning.
Ifemembi first entered the United States in 2000 when he flew from France to Chicago with a British passport that had been issued to another person but had been altered to display Ifemembi’s photograph, according to the affidavit. While immigration officials in Chicago caught Ifemembi – who admitted his fraudulent use of the U.K. passport, the affidavit states – he ultimately was granted asylum after falsely claiming his real name was “Karlos Mourfy” and that he was a native of Sierra Leone.
After being granted asylum, Ifemembi attended the University of California, Berkeley, which granted him a bachelor’s degree in 2004, and then obtained J.D. from the University of Oregon, School of Law. Then, in late 2010, “Karlos Mourfy” applied for U.S. citizenship and asked to change his name to Ifemembi – requests that were granted in May 2011. Two years later, in 2013, Ifemembi was hired by USCIS, according to the affidavit.
During the investigation into Ifemembi, federal investigators traveled to Africa – including his hometown of Akuma, Nigeria – and searched his Orange County residence in 2019, obtaining evidence about his true identity, including baptism, school and financial records, the affidavit states.
Ifemembi is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charge of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, and upon conviction, U.S. citizenship is automatically revoked.
The investigation into Ifemembi is being conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Office of Investigations, and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Federal Grand Jury Charges Founder of Online Live Streaming Outfit with Wire Fraud in Connection with Bogus $14 Million Stock OfferingRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A former Southern California resident was charged today with defrauding more than 100 investors out of $14 million by using boiler room tactics to fraudulently offer a “pre-IPO” investing opportunity in his online streaming and entertainment company, then using much of the funds to support his lavish lifestyle.
Ronald Shane Flynn, a.k.a. “Ronnie Shane,” 57, who formerly resided in Santa Monica and Orange County and is believed to be residing abroad, was charged in a federal grand jury indictment with 15 counts of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Flynn was the founder and operator of Vuuzle Media Corp., which purported to be a streaming media business with offices in New York, Las Vegas, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and other locations throughout the world.
From September 2016 to the present, Flynn falsely represented to investors that Vuuzle was a pre-IPO (initial public offering) investment opportunity that would provide high returns when it went public. To raise investor money, Flynn, through Vuuzle, hired a salesforce to solicit investors to purchase Vuuzle stock, according to the indictment. Although Vuuzle’s paperwork with federal securities regulators indicated Vuuzle would pay no commissions, Flynn allegedly paid large commissions to his salesforce and independent stock promoters.
Flynn also falsely told investors that their money would be used to operate and build Vuuzle’s online streaming business, as well as to take the company public, and he promised investors they would receive dividend payments from their investments in Vuuzle, according to the indictment.
Based on Vuuzle’s U.S.-based bank account and filed tax returns, Vuuzle never made a profit, and Flynn did not intend to conduct an IPO for Vuuzle, the indictment alleges. Because Vuuzle did not have audited financials, it could never make a public offering on any public stock exchange, and, since its inception in 2016, Vuuzle has never paid dividends to any investor, according to the indictment.
Out of the $14 million raised in investor funds, Flynn allegedly took a large portion of investor money to support his lavish lifestyle, including purchases at resorts and jewelry merchants, using an American Express credit card paid for by Vuuzle.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of all charges, Flynn would face a statutory maximum sentence of 300 years in federal prison.
In January, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Flynn and Vuuzle in federal court in New Jersey, alleging violations of federal securities laws.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced -April (Partial Results)Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the partial results of the April 2021 Federal Grand Jury A. Grand jury continues through Friday.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Neil Anthony Burch. Assault by Strangulation in Indian Country; Cyberstalking. Burch, 26, of Oolagah, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating the victim on July 28, 2020. He is further charged with cyberstalking the victim from July 12, 2020, through July 28, 2020. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
Benjamin Robert Cole Sr. First Degree Murder in Indian Country. Cole Sr., 57, is charged with murdering a Native American 9-month-old child on Dec. 20, 2002. He is currently housed in an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility. The FBI and Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Douglas Lee Dixon. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Dixon, 28, of Tulsa, is charged with shooting and killing Stanley Watkins on Feb. 20, 2021. The FBI and Vinita Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Ryan Paul Franks. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Counts 1 and 4); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 3). Franks, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing 13 firearms: a Glock G.m.b.H. .40 caliber pistol, a Ruger .44 magnum caliver revolver, a Baikal, 9X19mm caliver pistol, a Fratelli Tanfoglio .380 auto caliber pistol, an Omega . 32 caliber pistol, an Israel Military Industries 9X19mm caliber pistol; a Lorcin, .380 caliber pistol, an Iver Johnson .22 caliber revolver, a Frontier Scout .22 caliber revolver, a Frontier Scout .22 caliber revolver, a charter Arms .22 caliber rifle, an Anderson .223 caliber rifle, a Remington 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin .22 caliber rifle. He also possessed various rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Jason Wayne Gaghins. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug - Involved Premises. Gaghins is charged with intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. When agents and officers executed a search warrant on Gaghins’ residence, they allegedly discovered more than 20 kilos of methamphetamine. He is further charged with maintaining a drug involved premises. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements’ Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma City Police Department are the investigative e agencies.
Josiah Gammill. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Gammill, 18, of Tulsa, is charged with shooting and killing Hunter Allen Majors on March 21, 2021. He is further charged with carrying and brandishing a firearm during the crime. See the initial press release announcing charges by criminal complaint.The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Tulsa Police Department and Craig County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
Andrew Gibbs. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1-3). Gibbs, 63, of Sapulpa, allegedly sexually abused two children under 12 years of age. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Eugene Harris. Attempted Robbery in Indian Country. Harris, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with using force and violence to commit robbery outside a Quick Trip on Dec. 29, 2020. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are conducting the investigation.
Andrew Blake Hood. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Hood, 24, of Bixby, is charged with breaking and entering into a residence with intent to steal property in the residence. The FBI and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Jeremy Wayne Lewis. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity. From Feb. 1 through March 13, 2019, Lewis, 22, of Claremore, is alleged to have sexually abused a minor between 12 and 16 years of age. He is also charged with using his cell phone to entice the minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Catoosa Police Department, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies.
Sonny Ray McCombs, Chekota Leetaft Whitetree. Robbery in Indian Country; Theft in Indian Country; Eluding Police Officers in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Using, Carrying, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. McCombs, 30, of Tulsa, and Whitetree, 25, in Okla DOC facility, are charged with aiding and abetting one another when violently forcing a victim out of her 2015 Nissan Sentra in a carjacking on Dec. 15, 2016. The victim was drug approximately 20 feet while she tried to free herself from the vehicle when the defendants started driving away with her car.
In this superseding indictment, McCombs and Whitetree are also charged with theft for shoplifting clothes, face masks and two BB guns valued at $519.10 at Academy Sports the same evening. Later, Tulsa Police officers located the stolen Nissan from the carjacking and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Whitetree allegedly sped away, leading officers on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, McCombs and Whitetree allegedly aided and abetted one another, discharging a firearm at officers. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Daniel Edrick Miller. Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1 and 2); Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Miller, 34, of Tulsa, allegedly raped a female victim from Feb. 26, 2021, through Feb. 27, 2021 (Counts 1 and 2). He threatened the victim with a firearm. He is further charged with strangling the victim during that time period. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Williams Dwayne Myers. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Myers, 37, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner, by striking her with his head and hands and violently throwing the victim to the ground causing serious bodily injury on March 23, 2021. He is further charged with strangling the victim. The FBI, Sapulpa Police Department, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Michael Joseph Pointer. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Carjacking; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Pointer, 42, of Sand Springs, is charged with kidnapping a former intimate partner using force and intimidation and driving her around Tulsa in her vehicle. At one point, the victim was able to break away from Pointer and run into a convenience store where she hid in a bathroom. A store employee called authorities. Tulsa Police officers responded to the call, located the vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Officers allegedly located a 12-gauge shot gun and ammunition in the vehicle. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Terrance Dujuan Reed. Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Reed, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with strangling and suffocating an intimate partner on Feb. 16, 2020. See the initial press release announcing charges by criminal complaint. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Michael Joe Rice. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Rice, 58, in Okla DOC facility, is charged with killing the victim, Ruth Rice, by beating her about the head and body on Aug. 4, 2011, in Welch. During the assault, he is also alleged to have raped the victim. The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Craig County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
Tosha Renee Walker, Robert Anthony Summers. Robbery in Indian Country (Counts 1 and 5); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Counts 2 and 6); Carjacking (Counts 3 and 7); Use or Carry a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (Counts 4 and 8). On Aug. 2, 2020 Walker, 34, of Wagoner, allegedly aided and abetted others when robbing a victim using violence and intimidation (Count 1). She is further charged with aiding and abetting others to kidnap the victim (Count 2). Walker and Summers, 33, of Tulsa, are both charged with aiding and abetting each other to commit a carjacking (Count 3). The pair allegedly drove around with the victim in her vehicle. The victim was eventually able to get away from the defendants who drove off with her Kia Forte. The two allegedly carried a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking (Count 4).
In a separate incident, Walker is charged with aiding and abetting others to rob a victim using violence and intimidation on Dec. 25, 2020, taking items from the victim’s apartment (Count 5). The victim was restrained with duct tape during the incident. Walker is also charged aiding and abetting others to kidnap the victim (Count 6). She is further charged with aiding and abetting another to carjack the victim, leaving the scene with the victim’s Subaru Impreza (Count 7). Finally, Walker is charged with aiding and abetting another when she carried a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking (Count 8). The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY FLORES, also known as “Cuz-o,” 37, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 136 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division into the trafficking of narcotics and associated violence in Hartford’s South End by members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”). The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that that Flores and Nelson Ferry operated separate drug trafficking organizations that distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. Both organizations used multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.
Flores’ organization primarily sold narcotics in the area of Hungerford Street and Park Street, and he used both his East Hartford residence and an apartment on Broad Street in Hartford to store and sell drugs. He also used firearms and acts of violence to further his drug operation.
Flores was arrested on June 19, 2018. On that date, investigators seized a handgun and various controlled substances that Flores stored at a family member’s residence in East Hartford, and a second handgun found at a barber shop Flores owned in Hartford.
Flores has been detained since his arrest. On March 12, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Ferry pleaded guilty to related charges and, on February 26, 2020, was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Lawrence was sentenced today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Robinson Guzman, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Guzman will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
In July 2020, Guzman pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Between November 2018 and March 2019, prior to his arrest, Guzman engaged in 10 separate drug sales of fentanyl powder and pills to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen, Lawrence and Melrose Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fentanyl conspiracy charges.
Enmanuel Brioso Fabal, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2021. Brioso Fabal and two co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested in November 2019. They were subsequently indicted in January 2020, along with a fourth co-defendant.
According to court documents, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brioso Fabal, who was working with a co-defendant: approximately 500 fentanyl pills on Aug. 5, 2019, and approximately 56 grams of suspected fentanyl powder on Sept. 26, 2019. On Nov. 2, 2019, a search was executed at a stash house in Lawrence associated with the drug organization where various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a mixing bowl containing suspected fentanyl, sifters and blenders were recovered.
The charges of distribution and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with trafficking fentanyl.
Eric Encarnacion Medina, 33, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Medina was previously charged by criminal complaint and has been in federal custody since his arrest on Feb. 12, 2021.
According to court documents, a drug supplier based in the Dominican Republic arranged to sell one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Massachusetts. The supplier arranged to have Encarnacion Medina transport the drugs from New York to Massachusetts. On Jan. 28, 2021, Encarnacion Medina allegedly drove to Massachusetts and sold the drugs to the cooperating witness in a parking lot in Watertown.
The charges of conspiracy and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chiropractor pays to settle allegations arising from electro-acupuncture device billingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The chief financial officer of Rockport Physical Medicine PA has agreed to pay $273,000 to resolve allegations she falsely billed Medicare for the use of acupuncture devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Stacy Hawkins, 54, is a licensed chiropractor in Rockport.
From Sep. 1, 2016, to Dec. 27, 2018, the company billed Medicare for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. Medicare pays thousands of dollars for this surgical procedure that requires the use of an operating room.
However, Hawkins and the clinic’s staff did not perform surgery. Instead, patients received devices used for electro-acupuncture. This involves inserting needles into patients’ ears with the neurostimulator taped behind them with an adhesive.
Medicare does not reimburse for electro-acupuncture devices as implantable neurostimulators.
To date, there have been two other settlements in this district - with a Katy anesthesiologist and a Houston pain doctor - involving similar allegations of false billing.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Charges Announced for Credit Card Skimming Scheme that Targeted Fresno Gas StationsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Arman Mkhitaryan, 33, of Glendale, arraigned today on a 33-count indictment charging him with bank fraud and credit card fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Mkhitaryan installed credit card skimming devices at Fresno area gas stations and stole individuals’ credit card information. He then used that information to create counterfeit credit cards and purchase more than $160,000 in postage stamps via self-service kiosks at U.S. Post Offices.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente Tennerelli and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of bank fraud, Mkhitaryan faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted of the credit card fraud, Mkhitaryan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Canton Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
A Canton man pleaded guilty today to one count of sexual exploitation of children, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Mohsin was joined in the announcement by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Shailesh Patel, 53, entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge George Caram Steeh. A sentencing date has been set for July 20, 2021.
“The sexual assault of children and the production of child pornography are heinous crimes and those who prey upon our children and commit these acts of violence will be vigorously prosecuted and brought to justice,” stated Acting US Attorney Mohsin. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal and local law enforcement partners involved with the SEMTEC Task Force to protect children from abuse and exploitation.”
“The women in this case were sexually assaulted for years by Shailesh Patel,” said Prosecutor Worthy. “They were children when the abuse began, and they were courageous to come forward as adults to report this behavior to the authorities. For their sake we are pleased that we were able to reach a global resolution with our state case and the Federal case.”
“It takes great partnerships from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to successfully investigate these cases,” said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit. “The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from harm and exploitation.”
As part of his plea, Patel agreed that in approximately 2010, on at least one occasion, he gave a 10 year old female his cellular phone and instructed her to make a video producing a visual depiction that constituted child pornography.
Patel also pleaded guilty on March 19, 2021 in Wayne County Circuit Court to 15 to 35 years in prison for a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, 9 to 15 years for two second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, and probation for a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, conduct involving two minor female victims, one of which is the same victim in the federal case. He is expected to be sentenced in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office case on May 28, 2021.
The case was the result of a joint investigation by the Canton Police Department and the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force (“SEMTEC”) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as a cooperative effort between the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office.
California Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Role in $1.3 Million Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for his role in a bank fraud scheme resulting in approximately $1.3 million in losses, Acting U.S.Attorney Rachael Honig announced.
Adam D. Arena, 44, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court to an indictment charging him with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between 2016 and 2018, Arena conspired with Larry McGee and Dwayne Modeliste to execute a scheme to defraud Synchrony Bank. Arena obtained the personally identifiable information of others, most of whom were incarcerated individuals. Arena and his conspirators then used those individuals’ personal information to obtain credit cards from Synchrony Bank. Arena and his conspirators submitted to Synchrony Bank merchant applications so those enrolled merchants could accept Synchrony credit cards as a form of payment. After Arena and his conspirators enrolled the merchants with Synchrony Bank, they used the fraudulently obtained credit cards to conduct fraudulent transactions at the merchants. The fraudulent proceeds of those transactions were deposited into bank accounts controlled by Arena and his conspirators.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Arena to three years of supervised release. He also ordered Arena to make restitution to Synchrony Bank in the amount of $1.3 million and ordered forfeiture in the amount of $608,282.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine R. Murphy of the
U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.
California CEO Pleads Guilty in Employment Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to employment tax fraud.
According to court documents, Michael Todd Lucas, CEO of i3 Brands Inc., controlled a number of inventory software development businesses from 2008 through 2017, including i3 Brands Inc., Trademotion Inc. (formerly known as Trademotion LLC), Intelligentz Automotive Corporation, and Intelligentz Corporation. Lucas had significant control over the finances of these companies and had a legal duty to account for and pay employment taxes to the IRS. Lucas caused these entities to withhold taxes from employees’ paychecks, but he did not fully pay the withheld taxes to the IRS. Rather, Lucas caused the businesses to spend thousands of dollars for his personal benefit. In total, from 2008 to 2017, Lucas’ entities failed to pay over more than $4.9 million in payroll taxes, penalties, and interest.
Lucas pleaded guilty to failing to account for and pay over employment taxes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The defendant also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge 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 Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman for the Southern District of California made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Charles A. O’Reilly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen K. Moulton, now of the Middle District of Alabama, prosecuted the case.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Selling CocaineRead 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 Tyrell McDuffie, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant maintained a residence on Wyoming Avenue in Buffalo to store and sell cocaine and crack cocaine to customers. On April 5, 2019, investigators surveilled the defendant as he conducted a drug transaction with a co-defendant outside of the Wyoming Avenue residence. Shortly afterwards, investigators stopped the co-defendant’s vehicle for a traffic violation and recovered an amount of a suspected crack cocaine. Investigators seized the co-defendant’s cell phone, which contained text messages from McDuffie setting up the drug transaction. In addition, on four different occasions between September 2018 and January 2019, McDuffie sold crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
# # # #
Bourbon County Man Sentenced to 360 Months for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Paris, Ky., man, Johnathan Scott Mason, 27, was sentenced to 360 months on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for the production of child pornography.
According to his guilty plea agreement, in March 2020, law enforcement officers were made aware of Mason’s activity on the social media application, Kik. On this app, Mason expressed a sexual interest in children and said that he had sexually explicit images of minors, which he had produced. Mason admitted that he knew that the visual depictions were produced and transported using the Internet.
Mason pleaded guilty in January 2021.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Lt. Colonel Phillip Burnett, Acting Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; jointly announced the sentence.
Under federal law, Mason name must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
The investigation was conducted by Department of Homeland Security-HSI and KSP-Electronic Crimes Branch. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.
This case was prosecuted 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.
— END —
Bidder Pleads Guilty to Rigging Bids at Online Auctions for Surplus Government EquipmentRead the Press Release
A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to rigging online bids submitted to the General Services Administration (GSA).
According to court documents, Alan Gaines pleaded guilty to the one-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis on Jan. 30, 2020. According to the indictment, Gaines conspired with others to rig bids at online public auctions of surplus government equipment conducted by the GSA from about July 2012 until as late as May 2018. Gaines is the third individual charged and the third individual to plead guilty in the investigation.
“For years, the defendant’s self-serving scheme stole from the government and robbed American taxpayers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. “I commend the team of GSA Office of Inspector General (OIG) agents and Antitrust Division prosecutors and paralegals for their dedication to safeguarding online auctions from collusion.”
“Competition is a fundamental component of any fair auction,” said Inspector General Carol F. Ochoa of the GSA. “GSA OIG will continue to investigate allegations of collusive activities that undermine the integrity of GSA Auctions and short-change the taxpayer.”
The GSA operates GSA Auctions, which offers the general public the opportunity to bid electronically on a wide variety of federal assets, including computer equipment that is no longer needed by government agencies. GSA Auctions sells that equipment via its online auctions, and the proceeds of the auctions are distributed to the government agencies or the U.S. Treasury general fund.
According to the indictment, the primary purpose of the conspiracy was to suppress and eliminate competition. The indictment further alleges that Gaines and his co-conspirators obtained the equipment by agreeing which co-conspirators would submit bids for particular lots offered for sale by GSA Auctions and which co-conspirator would be designated to win a particular lot.
Gaines pleaded guilty to a violation of the Sherman Act. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The GSA Office of Inspector General Great Lakes Regional Investigations Office in Chicago is investigating the case.
The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to GSA auctions should contact the Chicago Office of the Antitrust Division at 312-984-7200, the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or email the GSA Office of Inspector General at [email protected].