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Wednesday 10 February 2021
Hardin man admits raping woman on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Hardin man on Tuesday admitted raping a woman he met at a casino and took to the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Elmer Burpee Yarlott II, 65, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse. Yarlott faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Yarlott was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date will be set.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that on Nov. 19, 2019 in Hardin, Yarlott approached the victim in a casino and offered her a dollar if she would leave with him and his friend. After midnight, the victim left with Yarlott and his friend and they drove to the Crow Indian Reservation. Yarlott dropped off his friend and then drove with the victim to a remote area on the reservation to drink alcohol and use methamphetamine. When the victim declined Yarlott’s repeated requests for sex, Yarlott threatened to kill the victim and then raped her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Grand Jury Returns 3 IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Columbus Woman Charged with Using Internet In Murder-for-Hire Scheme
Kelly Harper, 37, Columbus, Wisconsin, is charged with using the Internet from October 19 through December 10, 2020, with the intent that the murder of a known individual be committed in exchange for payment, specifically bitcoin. Harper was previously charged with this offense in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Federal law requires that offenses charged by complaint be presented to a grand jury for indictment.
The complaint alleged that Harper provided a description of the intended victim, details about the victim’s vehicle, where the victim worked, and the victim’s cell phone number. The scheme was uncovered by journalists investigating the murder-for-hire site, and they were able to warn the victim. The scheme was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sun Prairie Police Department in January.
Harper was arrested on February 5 and remains in custody. Her arraignment has been set for Tuesday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m.
If convicted, Harper faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against her is the result of an investigation by the Sun Prairie Police Department, the FBI, and the FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture and Bank Fraud Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Michigan Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Larry W. Cole, 40, Painesdale, Michigan, is charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on September 9, 2020. Cole is also charged with possessing a 9mm handgun on that date in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
If convicted, Cole faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the drug charge. The gun charge carries a mandatory penalty of 5 years, which federal law requires be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug charge.
The charges against Cole are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Rock and Florence County Sheriffs’ Offices; Illinois State Police Multi-County Enforcement Group; Wisconsin State Patrol; and the Michigan K.I.N.D. Drug Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Jerome Kirk, 33, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun on November 16, 2020.
If convicted, Kirk faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Sun Prairie Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Former SCANA CEO to Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud on February 24Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, is scheduled to plead guilty on Wednesday, February 24 in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, before the Honorable Mary G. Lewis.
U.S. Attorney McCoy will be available for media questions after the hearing.
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Former Operator of Suburban Chicago Nightclub Charged with Underreporting Corporate Income TaxesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The former operator of a suburban Chicago nightclub has been charged in federal court with assisting in the preparation and submission of false corporate income tax returns for six years.
ALICIA ARNOLD willfully assisted in the preparation and submission of false and fraudulent income tax returns for the calendar years 2012 to 2017 for Arnie’s Idle Hour, the nightclub Arnold operated in Harvey, Ill., according to a criminal information filed Feb. 5, 2021, in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Each of the false tax returns substantially underreported the nightclub’s gross receipts and sales, the information states.
Arnold, 51, of Las Vegas, Nev., and formerly of Homer Glen, Ill., pleaded not guilty today at her arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert. A status hearing was set for March 3, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Tamera D. Cantu, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Thomas J. Dart, Cook County Sheriff. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grayson Walker and Maureen Merin.
The public is reminded that an information is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count is punishable by up to three years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Former Investment Adviser Charged with Stealing Client FundsRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging Apostolos Pitsironis, a former registered investment advisor and broker, with defrauding his former clients of more than $400,000 that he used to pay his personal debts and expenses, including casino gambling debts and credit card bills. Pitsironis was arrested earlier today in Dix Hills, New York, and will make his initial appearance via videoconference this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charge.
“As alleged, the defendant stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from investors to pay his personal debts, violating the trust they had placed in him to manage their money safely and honestly,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “This Office is committed to protecting the investing public from corrupt financial advisors like the defendant who put greed before their clients’ best interests.”
“Pitsironis, as alleged, transferred more than $400,000 from the investment account of a couple who trusted him to manage their portfolio directly into bank accounts he controlled. He later used this money to pay his family’s personal expenses, all the while deceiving both his victims and the financial services firm for whom he worked. Financial advisors have a significant responsibility to appropriately manage the life savings of those who put their faith in them. Anyone who falls short on this front by engaging in illegal practices should, and will, be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
In approximately 2009, Pitsironis, who worked in the Melville office of a financial services firm (“Financial Services Firm”), began managing the investments of Victim-1 and Victim-2, a married couple who lived on Long Island (the “Victims”). Between May 2, 2019 and June 11, 2019, Pitsironis initiated 22 transfers totaling approximately $411,000 from one of the Victims’ investment accounts at the Financial Services Firm to a bank account in the defendant’s own name at another financial institution. Pitsironis falsely told the Financial Services Firm that Victim-2 owned the bank account receiving the funds and that Victim-2 had authorized the transfer of funds to that account. Pitsironis then transferred the stolen funds to other bank accounts that he controlled and used the stolen money to pay for his family’s personal expenses, including casino gambling debts, credit card bills and the lease for a luxury car.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of wire fraud, Pitsironis faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew S. Miller and Elizabeth Macchiaverna are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
APOSTOLOS PITSIRONIS
Age: 52
Dix Hills, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-MJ-162
Former Florida Resident Indicted for Tax Evasion and Failing to Report Foreign Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Lucia Andrea Gatta, a former resident of Palm Beach County, Florida, with tax evasion and failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), among other offenses, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida.
According to the indictment, Gatta was born in Chile and became a naturalized U.S. Citizen in 2012. The indictment alleges that, for calendar years 2012 through 2014, Gatta failed to disclose her interest in a Swiss bank account on annual FBARs as required by law. Gatta also allegedly evaded assessment of income taxes on the interest and dividend income she earned in her Swiss bank account and failed to file tax returns with the IRS for tax years 2011 through 2014.
The indictment also charges Gatta with naturalization fraud. According to the indictment, Gatta did not disclose to the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that she had failed to report foreign dividend and interest income during her citizenship application process, and she allegedly presented misleading documents to USCIS to substantiate the false statements she made during her naturalization interview.
If convicted, Gatta faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count relating to her failure to file an FBAR and tax evasion. She also faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for each of the counts concerning the failure to file tax returns. If convicted of naturalization fraud, Gatta faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and automatic denaturalization.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. Trial Attorneys Sean Beaty and Parker Tobin of the Tax Division are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Division I Football Player and Subsequent Violent Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization, Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Durham man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Aiding and Abetting (Count Three) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count Four).
According to court documents, Gurbir Singh Grewal, also known as “Gavin,” 23, pleaded guilty to both offenses on September 3, 2020.
The investigation established that from 2017 to May 2018, Grewal was the leader of a conspiracy to distribute marijuana that extended from New York to various locations in North Carolina, including Durham, Raleigh, and Wilmington.
At the time of the conspiracy, Grewal was a scholarship football player at Fordham University.
In May 2018, a confidential source informed agents that Grewal was selling marijuana for $1,800 to $2,000 per pound. The confidential source stated that in total, he had purchased 46 pounds of marijuana from Grewal during at least ten transactions. According to the confidential source, Grewal had a firearm during every transaction.
On May 11, 2018, the confidential source began communicating with Grewal to arrange a controlled purchase of fifteen pounds of marijuana.
On May 12, 2018, agents conducted surveillance of Grewal. That morning, Grewal went to two storage units. Later in the evening, agents saw Grewal leave an apartment on Leigh Road in Durham. Grewal then arrived at the planned meeting location in Raleigh.
Agents arrested Grewal, who was found in possession of fifteen pounds of marijuana and a firearm.
Agents then obtained a search warrant for the apartment in Durham. There, agents seized: an assault rifle with a double-drum magazine, which was loaded; an unloaded shotgun; marijuana; thousands of dollars in United States currency; a money counter; and a drum magazine that would fit the handgun seized from Grewal’s vehicle. Agents then executed search warrants at the two storage units and seized marijuana and THC vapor liquid cartridges.
Finally, agents obtained warrants to search cell phones in Grewal’s possession. Data in the cell phones showed that Grewal had trafficked more than 300 pounds of marijuana to North Carolina in early 2018.
A witness stated that Grewal regularly used firearms to threaten others, and that Grewal would hold firearms to the heads of others during those threats. The witness also stated that Grewal became angered when a drug customer failed to pay a debt, and Grewal ordered members of the drug trafficking organization to burn down the home of that drug customer. Durham police reports confirmed that the customer’s home had been set on fire and was significantly damaged.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Raleigh Police Department, and the Durham Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-CR-00491-D.
Former D.C. Apartment Manager Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Her Employer, Causing a Loss to the Company of at Least $285,703Read the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Lachann Alexis Green, age 36, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the federal charge of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud her employer, causing a loss to the business of at least $285,703.09.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to her guilty plea, from October 2017 through December 2018, Green was the general manager of Rhode Island Row, an apartment complex in Washington, D.C. that was managed by Business 1, her employer. As General Manager of the apartment complex, Green was the senior employee of Business 1 on site at Rhode Island Row and was responsible for all expenses and staffing needs for the apartment complex. During her time as General Manager, Green used her position to defraud Business 1 in at least four different ways.
First, in October 2017, Green registered a fraudulent shell business, “Executive Property Staffing” (“EPS”), with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (“SDAT”). Green admitted that she created dozens of fraudulent EPS invoices for staffing, cleaning, and maintenance work at Rhode Island Row that had not been done by EPS. Green personally approved and submitted the fraudulent invoices to her employer. The money that Business 1 paid on the invoices was generally sent to a bank account opened in EPS’s name but which was controlled by Green. Over the course of the scheme, Green submitted and Business 1 paid $231,802 in fraudulent EPS invoices.
As detailed in her plea agreement, although Green had acknowledged and agreed to Business 1’s policy against self-dealing and conflicts of interest as part of her employment, Green took steps to conceal her ownership of EPS and did not disclose her association with EPS to her employer. For example, Green e-mailed a forged W-9 form to get EPS set up in Business 1’s vendor payment system, which she signed using a relative’s name. In addition, Green created an e-mail account purporting to belong to “Michelle Cross” in EPS management. Green used that e-mail address to send e-mails to her Business 1 work account, then forwarded these fake e-mails to others in Business 1 to make it look like she maintained an arms-length relationship with EPS. On at least two occasions, Green used these fake e-mails to suggest that EPS was getting annoyed at how long it was taking for Business 1 to pay EPS for the fraudulent invoices Green had submitted.
Second, Green leased two Rhode Island Row apartments to her relatives under false names and at favorable terms not generally available to others. By the time her fraud was discovered, the two relatives had both failed to pay rent for months, costing Business 1 a total of $39,524 in uncollected rent.
In addition, Green contracted with a business owned and operated by a personal associate (“Individual 1”) to turn over apartments at Rhode Island Row. Between October 2017 and October 2018, Green submitted to her employer approximately $190,000 in invoices for Individual 1’s company for apartment cleaning, painting, and turn-over for new tenants. Green admitted that she never disclosed her relationship to Individual 1 and Individual 1’s company to Business 1.
Finally, Green also admitted that she submitted fraudulent invoices to her employer for expenses that she falsely claimed she had paid out-of-pocket on Business 1’s behalf. Generally, these invoices falsely claimed that Green had arranged and paid for catering services for events at Rhode Island Row. For example, in October 2018, Green submitted an invoice in the name of a caterer for expenses incurred for Rhode Island Row’s Halloween party. In fact, Green never ordered any catering for the 2018 Halloween party. Instead, a relative provided pizza for the event and Green pocketed the $1,500 she falsely invoiced to Business 1. In total, Green submitted and Business 1 paid reimbursement for at least $14,377.09 in fraudulently submitted expenses.
Green used the money she fraudulently obtained from Business 1 to support a luxurious lifestyle, including to help purchase an Audi, to buy season tickets to the Washington Wizards professional basketball team, and to finance a luxury vacation to Cancun with Individual 1.
As part of her plea agreement, Green will be required to forfeit the amount she fraudulently obtained as a result of the scheme, which is at least $246,179.09. Green also has agreed to the entry of a restitution order for the full amount of the loss to Business 1, which is at least $285,703.09.
Green faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Green on May 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Dana J. Brusca and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig G. Fansler, who are prosecuting the case.
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Former Co-Owner of Pharmacy Pleads Guilty in Prescription Drug Billing SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today an additional defendant pleaded guilty in a long-running investigation into a prescription drug-billing scheme involving a Haleyville, Ala.-based pharmacy, Northside Pharmacy doing business as Global Compounding Pharmacy. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce, United States Postal Inspector in Charge, Houston Division Adrian Gonzalez, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James Dorsey announced the guilty plea.
James A Mays, III, 44, of Winfield, Ala., entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler to one count of conspiring to commit health care and mail fraud, twelve counts of health care fraud, and three counts of money laundering based on spending the proceeds of health care fraud.
Between August 2013 and November 2014, Mays co-owned the operations of Global Medical Equipment and Supplies, Inc. (GMES). In October 2014, Mays became co-owner of Affiliate Pharmacy Strickland. After Jeremy Adams and Jeffrey Black purchased GMES and Northside Pharmacy in November 2014, Mays continued as a pharmacist at Global and directed pharmacy operations at Global and Affiliate Pharmacies. May’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants who have pleaded guilty in the larger investigation to 26. Those who have previously pleaded guilty include two nurse practitioners, the CEO, the COO, a vice president of sales, an operations manager, multiple district managers, and multiple sales representatives. The remaining defendants are set for trial on February 22, 2021:
- Jessica Linton, 37 of Clearwater, Florida, the manager of the billing team at Global, charged in twenty-four counts;
- John Gladden, 50, of Tallahassee, Florida, a district manager supervising sales representatives at Global, charged in nine counts.
According to the plea agreement, between August 2013 and June 2016, Mays participated in a scheme to cause the pharmacy he worked at to bill for medically unnecessary prescription drugs. He participated in a scheme to direct employees to get medically unnecessary drugs for themselves, family members, and friends, to alter prescriptions to add non-prescribed drugs, to automatically refill prescriptions regardless of patient need, to routinely waive and discount co-pays to induce patients to obtain and retain medically unnecessary drugs, and to bill for drugs without patients’ knowledge. According to the plea agreement, when prescription drug administrators attempted to police this conduct, the defendants evaded and obstructed those efforts, including by providing false information in response to audits and diverting their billing through affiliated pharmacies. The scheme targeted multiple health insurance plans, including the pharmacy’s Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama plan, as well as plans providing health insurance to the elderly, disabled, members of the military, and veterans—Medicare, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA, among others.
The maximum punishment for conspiracy to commit health care and mail fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for health care fraud is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for spending the proceeds of health care fraud is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS, USPIS, and IRS-CI investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward, Edward Canter, and Don Long are prosecuting. The Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division provided assistance in the investigation.
Former California State Assemblyman Sentenced to Prison for Money Laundering in Fraud Scheme Involving Bart Coffee ShopsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Terrence Patrick Goggin was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay $685,000 in restitution for money laundering, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Daniels. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, United States District Judge.
Goggin, 79, of Dunsmuir, California, who is a former California State Assemblyman as well as a California-licensed attorney, pleaded guilty to the federal charge of money laundering on December 4, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Goggin admitted that he was the founder and CEO of Metropolitan Coffee and Concession Company, LLC (MC2). From July 2007 to February 26, 2014, Goggin solicited investor money for MC2 to build Peet’s Coffee retail centers, including two centers to be built at the Civic Center and Balboa Park BART stations. Among other investors in the MC2 projects, a group of four private equity investors invested $585,000 in the Civic Center project in September 2013, and an individual investor invested $100,000 in the Balboa Park project, also in September 2013. Goggin admitted that he falsely represented to those investors that their money would be used to build out those specific future Peet’s Coffee retail centers when, in truth, he planned to use the funds otherwise. He also failed to provide the investors with accurate information about the strained relationship between MC2 and BART and about the state of MC2’s finances.
Goggin further admitted as part of his guilty plea that in September 2013 he diverted and directed his employees to divert nearly all of the $685,000 in investment funds to other bank accounts associated with other business ventures into which the investors had neither agreed nor intended to invest. For one example, on September 12, 2013, the same day MC2 received $585,000 from the private equity investors, Goggin directed the transfer of $15,000 from the MC2 bank account to the business bank account of Aegis Atlantic LLC, a Delaware company of which Goggin was also the CEO. That money was never used for the agreed-upon BART projects and was instead spent for other purposes.
A Superseding Indictment returned by the grand jury on September 13, 2018, charged Goggin with four counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and nine counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. Under the plea agreement, Goggin pled guilty to one count of money laundering.
United States District Judge James Donato also sentenced Goggin to a three-year period of supervised release to follow his imprisonment. The defendant is presently out of custody and is ordered to surrender on June 28, 2021, to begin serving his sentence.
Katherine Lloyd-Lovett and Katie Medearis are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Benjamin Stockwell, 30, formerly of Pittsfield, now residing in Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stockwell stole checks from various mailboxes throughout New Hampshire, altered them, and cashed them at various banks in his own name.
Stockwell is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2021.
“Protecting the integrity of the mail is an important law enforcement priority,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who steal items from the mail to commit fraud should understand that they will be identified and prosecuted.”
“The theft of mail in furtherance of various fraud schemes has a significant financial and emotional impact on its victims,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “Hopefully the charges that Mr. Stockwell faces will serve as a warning to all would be mail thieves that there are serious consequences for this type of activity.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit and the Bow Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
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Felon Admits Possessing Fentanyl and Five Firearms IllegallyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kevin Clay Jr., age 27, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about November 16, 2020, Clay possessed with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl on November 16, 2020. On that same date, Clay possessed five firearms knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. One of those firearms was a short-barreled rifle that Clay failed to register with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Clay also possessed at least one of those firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2021. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison to a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of not more than $5,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kevin Clay Jr.
Federal Jury Convicts Drug TraffickerRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte federal jury has convicted Cristian Cabrera-Rivas, 39, of Charlotte, N.C, of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the two-day trial, which ended yesterday.
According to filed court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cabrera-Rivas and two other individuals, Marco Ramos-Garcia and Silvia Hernandez-Iturralde, were involved in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in and around Gaston County. Trial evidence established that in early January 2019, Cabrera-Rivas arranged to sell two kilograms of methamphetamine for $24,000. According to trial evidence, Cabrera-Rivas directed Ramos-Garcia to transport the methamphetamine from Texas to Gastonia, N.C., for the sale. On January 7, 2019, Cabrera-Rivas and Ramos-Garcia met at a restaurant in Gastonia and then drove separately to the sale location. At that location, law enforcement found Ramos-Garcia and Hernandez-Iturralde in a van, along with two kilograms of methamphetamine, a firearm, and cocaine. Law enforcement arrested Cabrera-Rivas on scene following a brief foot chase.
Cabrera-Rivas is currently in federal custody. At sentencing, he faces 10 years to life in prison for each offense. A sentencing date for Cabrera-Rivas has not been set. Ramos-Garcia and Hernandez-Iturralde have been already sentenced, after pleading guilty to federal drug offenses. Ramos-Garcia was sentenced to 132 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Hernandez-Iturralde was sentenced to 37 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina, the Gaston County Police Department, the City of Gastonia Police Department, the Mt. Holly Police Department, and the Waxhaw Police Department for the investigation and coordination in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.
Father and Son Guilty of Defrauding Department of Housing and Urban Development Through Texarkana Alzheimer’s Assisted Living FacilityRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Texarkana, Texas, doctor has pleaded guilty today to a federal fraud violation, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Dr. Rafael Otero, 68, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with defrauding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline M. Craven. In his plea agreement, Dr. Otero agreed to pay restitution to HUD.
“Dr. Otero, and his son Antonio Otero, exploited a HUD-insured mortgage program designed to provide affordable housing for those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. “While they left the HUD-insured mortgage unpaid, the Oteros took hundreds of thousands of dollars. Because of their actions, the American taxpayers ultimately suffered a loss of over $3.6 million.”
According to information presented in court, Dr. Otero was the majority owner of the Magnolia Alzheimer’s Assisted Living facility in Texarkana, Texas, and his son, Antonio Otero, was the facility’s administrator. In order to secure millions of dollars in necessary funding, the Oteros obtained a loan that was insured by HUD. The HUD-insured loan provided a favorable interest rate and did not require the owners of Magnolia to take personal responsibility for the loan in the event of a default. Instead, HUD would suffer the financial loss in the event that Magnolia defaulted on the loan. As a condition of this federal benefit, Magnolia agreed to be bound by a regulatory agreement with HUD that prohibited the owners from receiving money from Magnolia, unless the loan was being paid and Magnolia had surplus cash.
But instead of paying the HUD-insured loan, and in violation of the regulatory agreement they signed with HUD, the Oteros took hundreds of thousands of dollars from Magnolia. Dr. Otero received more than $150,000 from Magnolia in unauthorized compensation and other payments. Antonio Otero took even more money from Magnolia, using it to pay for $3,952 of camera equipment, a $3,247 watch, $2,520 in landscaping for his personal residence, a $27,408 personal mortgage payment, a $12,750 down payment on a personal vehicle, and $1,540 tickets to the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, he took money from Magnolia and gave it to other individuals, including $13,000 for cosmetic surgery. When Dr. Otero learned that his son had been stealing money from Magnolia, Dr. Otero did not report him to authorities or remove him from his position. After Dr. Otero learned of his son’s theft, Antonio Otero stole an additional $62,000 from Magnolia.
Under federal statutes, Dr. Otero faces up to one year in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
Antonio Otero pleaded guilty to equity skimming on October 28, 2019, and was sentenced on June 2, 2020, to 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III. Judge Schroeder also ordered Antonio Otero to pay $2 million in restitution to HUD.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Fairbanks Man Sentenced on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Ralph Norman Wells, 39, of Fairbanks, has been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute.
According to Court documents, on April 2, 2020, a business owner reported a suspicious vehicle loitering in the parking lot. Alaska State Troopers (AST) responded and identified Wells, who was on state felony probation. Officers contacted Well’s probation officer, who requested a search of Wells’ vehicle and person. The search revealed a loaded Ruger P345-45 caliber which had the serial number partially obliterated in a shoulder holster on Well’s person. Additionally, the search also resulted in the seizure of approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, baggies and drug paraphernalia. Wells has prior felony convictions and a lengthy criminal history. Wells pleaded guilty in October 2020.
Wells was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, Judge Beistline emphasized Wells’ extensive criminal history, the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect the public.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
East Helena man sentenced to prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A East Helena man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine was sentenced today to 76 months in prison and five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Casey Robin Kazimi, 27, pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court document that on Sept. 3, 2019, Kazimi possessed three firearms and 17.25 grams of meth in East Helena.
The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies contacted Kazimi during the end of a call of a person going through vehicles. Other civilians pointed Kazimi out to the deputies. Kazimi lied to the deputies, fled on foot, and threw a handgun behind a tree at Radley Elementary School before he was apprehended. At the time, Kazimi was on state supervision. During a probation search of his car, officers found two additional firearms and methamphetamine. They also found small plastic bags for repackaging and distribution of the methamphetamine and a digital scale. A Drug Enforcement Administration lab determined the meth was 98 percent pure.
The case was investigated by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 through 2019. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Benefits and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to theft of public money and making a false statement on an application for Social Security benefits.
Rafael Bautista Abreu, 63, formerly of Lynn, pleaded guilty to theft of public money and making a false statement on an application for Social Security benefits. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2021.
Bautista Abreu used the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to apply for Social Security benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps. From September 2009 through July 2016, Bautista Abreu fraudulently received $12,222 in Food Stamps by using the stolen identity. He also received $16,080 in federally-funded MassHealth benefits from October 2008 through July 2016.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement in an application for Social Security benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Charged with Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested yesterday on charges of fraudulently using someone else’s Social Security number.
Mariana Rosmely Aguasviva, 38, who previously resided in Lawrence, was indicted on one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. She was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell pending a detention hearing scheduled for Feb. 12, 2021.
According to the indictment, Aguasviva fraudulently used a Social Security number that was assigned to someone else in an application at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in 2016.
The case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprised of local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of at least two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Billerica Police Department and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III, of Lelling’s Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Arrested for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested yesterday and charged in connection with fraudulently using another person’s Social Security number.
Manuel Maria German Familia, 30, who previously resided in Lawrence, was indicted on one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal pending a detention hearing scheduled for Feb. 12, 2021.
According to the indictment, German Familia fraudulently used a Social Security number that was assigned to someone else in an application at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in 2016.
The case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprised of local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of at least two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Billerica Police Department and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III, of Lelling’s Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Recognizes International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital MutilationRead the Press Release
Female genital mutilation (FGM) has broad implications for the health and human rights of women and girls, as well as societies at large.
International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation on Feb. 6 served as an opportunity to reflect on victims who have suffered from FGM, including those who have died or suffered lifelong health complications from the practice. Partners of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) including the Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), FBI, and the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division join foreign government partners, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to call for the eradication of the practice.
“In the United States there will be zero tolerance for those who subject girls to this harmful and traumatic practice,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As the recent indictment shows, the Justice Department will seek to hold accountable all perpetrators of this heinous act and fully enforce all provisions of the STOP FGM Act.”
“On this day we remember the women and girls who have been impacted by this horrific practice and commit ourselves to working together to end it,” said Mark Shaffer, Chief of ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. “FGM is a human rights violation and a crime that requires a global effort to address. We stand with our domestic and international partners as we work together to support survivors and prevent the victimization of more women and girls.”
“Every year, the FBI joins with our partners to acknowledge Zero Tolerance Day and raise awareness regarding Female Genital Mutilation,” said Section Chief David Scott of the FBI’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section. “However, our work investigating perpetrators of this terrible crime is not limited to February 6. The FBI is consistently and actively working to eradicate this human rights violation every day of the year. We reaffirm our commitment to our partners, to the victims, and to the world that the FBI is committed to protecting the rights of young women and children and bringing justice to those who would violate them.”
FGM is a serious human rights violation, and, since 1996, has been a federal crime. This year, on Jan. 5, the STOP FGM Act 2020 was signed into law, further clarifying the FGM crime and aligning the U.S. definition of FGM with the World Health Organization’s definition. Violations of this law may result in imprisonment and potential removal from the United States. Individuals suspected of FGM, including sending girls overseas to be cut, may be investigated by the HRVWCC and prosecuted by the Justice Department accordingly. Notably, STOP FGM 2020 aligned the definition of FGM with the World Health Organization’s definition and increased the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for violating the law from five to ten years. On Jan. 13, the Department of Justice indicted a Texas woman for allegedly transporting a minor out of the United States for FGM, the first indictment under the amended statute.
The Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center is the only government entity focused completely on investigating global atrocities and the perpetrators of human rights violations and war crimes. Initiated by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in 2008, the HRVWCC leverages the knowledge and expertise of a select group of special agents, attorneys, intelligence analysts, criminal research specialists and historians who are charged with preventing the United States from becoming a safe haven to individuals who engage in the commission of war crimes, genocide, torture and other forms of serious human rights abuses from conflicts around the globe. The center also brings together other Department of Homeland Security components and federal partners, to include the FBI and the Department of Justice, who work collaboratively alongside HSI to pursue human rights violators and war crimes investigations and prosecutions. In 2017, the HRVWCC initiated Operation Limelight USA, a program modeled on Operation Limelight, a joint initiative by the United Kingdom (U.K.) Border Force and police services across the U.K. In Operation Limelight USA, HSI, in partnership with non-governmental organizations, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other partners worked together to educate passengers flying to or from high-risk countries, offering informational brochures and identifying potential victims and violators of FGM.
According to UNICEF, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, which refers to cutting and other procedures that injure the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. While primarily concentrated in north, west, and central Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia, FGM also occurs in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 500,000 women and girls in the United States are either victims of FGM or are at risk of being subjected to it. The practice is global in scope and found in multiple geographies, religions, and socioeconomic classes.
Anyone who has information about an individual who is suspected of assisting in this crime is urged to call the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or complete the ICE online tip form or FBI online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.
For more information about the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting, view this Fact Sheet on FGM from the U.S. Department of State or visit the United Nations' Zero Tolerance Day website.
Department of Justice Recognizes Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald DeWald for Outstanding Work on Project Safe NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The Department of Justice has recognized Ronald DeWald, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, for his outstanding work in support of the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiative.
PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. Through the annual PSN Achievement Awards, the Department of Justice recognizes outstanding individual efforts in achieving safety and security in the United States. The Department in 2020 bestowed on Mr. DeWald an award for “Outstanding Individual Contribution to the PSN Program,” in recognition of his work designing and overseeing violent crime reduction strategies in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois.
“Ron DeWald has served the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois and the United States with tremendous distinction,” said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “Violent crime can only be addressed with a multi-disciplinary effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement, community members, and other stakeholders. Ron’s dedication has fostered these important relationships, and for that we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Mr. DeWald has been an AUSA in Chicago for more than 15 years. In his current position as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney for Violent Crime, Mr. DeWald was instrumental in establishing and leading the office’s various violent crime efforts, including its Gun Crimes Prosecution Team, an initiative that has led to a substantial increase in the effectiveness of federal firearm prosecutions since its inception in 2018.
Mr. DeWald has taught courses at the Chicago Police Academy on federal firearm prosecutions, and he leads the Northern District’s PSN Forums, where state parolees are warned of the consequences of recidivism and presented with offers of social services. Research has found that ex-offenders who attend a notification meeting in Chicago are 30% less likely to commit a new offense than those who did not attend a meeting.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On February 9, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Ira Lee Clark, age 29, of Davenport, to 168 months in prison for Distribution of Cocaine Base, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Clark was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Clark was involved in the distribution of significant quantities of cocaine and cocaine base. Clark acknowledged maintaining a premises for the purposes of manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance on Locust Street in Davenport. Clark also admitted to possessing a firearm related to his drug trafficking activities.
Clark’s criminal history includes convictions for Involuntary Manslaughter; Child Endangerment, Serious Injury Resulting and Eluding; and Aggravated Battery. Clark was under criminal justice supervision at the time of this offense.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Convicted Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on February 2, 2021 and unsealed today, named Jacque Butler, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on September 8, 2020, Butler, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man enters guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 3 kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of cocaine. Jose Alfonzo Lopez, age 30, of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty to both counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in March of 2019, law enforcement officers began to suspect that Lopez was a drug supplier to several known drug dealers in the Cleveland area. Law enforcement began surveillance of a drug dealer they suspected was being supplied by a man later identified as Lopez. Throughout the course of several months, investigators utilized surveillance measures and controlled buys of cocaine from the dealer and learned that he was receiving his drugs from Lopez.
On November 8, 2019, law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the Cleveland-area residence of Lopez. During the execution of the warrant, investigators seized approximately 3.2 kilograms of a substance that was later tested positive as cocaine.
Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF) and the Cleveland Division of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick P. Burke.
Cartel Money Launderer Sentenced to 96 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va.- Ana Bella Sanchez-Rios, the former owner and operator of a Martinsville business used to launder more than $4.3 million in profits for an international drug cartel, was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court to 96 months in federal prison. Sanchez-Rios laundered the funds for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a Mexican-based criminal organization considered by the Department of Justice to be one of the most dangerous transnational organizations in the world. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forgot of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, and Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. Field Office announced the sentence.
“When individuals launder money for a drug cartel, they play critical role for the organization by concealing and transferring illegally-obtained funds, which perpetuates the cartel’s illegal activity and the scourge of the narcotics the cartel pedals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar. “Money laundering investigations can be particularly difficult, and I’m proud of the hard work of our federal and state law enforcement partners in bringing Sanchez-Rios to justice.”
“Drug cartels like CJNG perpetrate unspeakable violence across the globe and drive the spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl and heroin,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “We are committed to working with our partners to shut down these violent organizations in our area, often by tracking their illicit proceeds and disrupting these organizations at their bottom line. Today, these criminals' addiction to money and greed has met its consequence.”
Sanchez-Rios, 48, was indicted in March 2019 along with 12 members of CJNG on a variety of federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges. In June 2020, Sanchez-Rios pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating a business that transmitted criminally derived funds.
Sanchez-Rios owned and operated Bella’s Tortilla & Meat Market, a business that contracted with Intermex Wire Transfer, LLC. Sanchez-Rios admitted that from 2016 through 2018, she used the business to launder the drug trafficking proceeds on behalf of CJNG. Sanchez-Rios’ role was to receive U.S. currency from multiple individuals working for the CJNG, which she knew were the drug trafficking proceeds and derived from a criminal offense. Sanchez-Rios then wired that money to individuals in Mexico. The defendant conducted wire transfers in small amounts and falsified and fabricated the names and addresses of the senders in order to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the funds.
In total, between May 10, 2016 and September 11, 2018, Sanchez-Rios transferred or caused to be transferred $4,394,959 in the proceeds of drug trafficking via Intermex from Bella’s Tortilla & Meat Market in Martinsville to individuals in Mexico.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case for the United States.
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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
California Private Equity Executive Pleads Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former senior executive at TPG Capital, a global private equity firm, pleaded guilty today in connection with his involvement in the college admissions case.
William E. McGlashan, Jr., 57, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2021. McGlashan was charged in March 2019.
McGlashan, the former managing partner of TPG Growth and co-founder of The Rise Fund, admitted to his role in a scheme to defraud ACT, Inc. by paying William “Rick” Singer to bribe Igor Dvorskiy, a corrupt test administrator, to allow Mark Riddell, a corrupt test “proctor,” to secretly correct McGlashan’s son’s exam answers to obtain a fraudulently inflated score. As a result, McGlashan’s son received a fraudulent ACT score of 34. McGlashan made a purported donation of $50,000 from his personal charitable donation fund to Singer’s sham charity. In turn, Singer paid Dvorskiy and Riddell.
Singer, Dvorskiy, and Riddell have pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the scheme.
Under the terms of McGlashan’s plea agreement, the parties have agreed to a sentence, subject to the Court’s approval, of three months in prison, two years of supervised release with 250 hours of community service and a fine of $250,000.
McGlashan is the 30th parent to plead guilty in the college admissions case.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud provides for a sentence of up 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Karin M. Bell and Stephen E. Frank of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Conspiring to Commit COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean M. Andre, age 30, of Brooklyn, New York, appeared in court today on a complaint alleging that he worked with an Ulster County man to fraudulently obtain more than $4 million in government-backed loans meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the Office of Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG).
A criminal complaint alleges that between June 24, 2020 and August 13, 2020, Andre and Jean R. Lavanture fraudulently obtained at least $4,184,781 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which were paid out to companies that Lavanture controls. According to the complaint, Andre and Lavanture worked together to submit loan applications that fraudulently claimed that Lavanture operated multiple companies each employing dozens of people and paying out millions of dollars in salaries per year. In fact, according to the complaint, none of these companies has ever reported employees to the New York State Department of Labor, nor reported income to the IRS. Lavanture paid Andre at least $157,578 for Andre’s role in the scheme.
The complaint charges Andre with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and engaging in transfers of wire fraud and bank fraud proceeds of a value greater than $10,000. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Andre appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered released with conditions.
If convicted of all of the charges set forth in the complaint, Andre faces up to 30 years in prison, up to 5 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum fine of the greater of $1 million or twice his gross pecuniary gain or his victims’ gross pecuniary loss. 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.
Lavanture, age 48, of Saugerties, New York, is charged by indictment with three counts of bank fraud. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of assets that Lavanture allegedly obtained from his fraudulent scheme, including a mansion and estate in Byram Township, New Jersey; $614,479.70 in cash that federal agents found in the New Jersey mansion; a motel in Rockaway Beach, Missouri; a 2007 Bentley Continental GTC; and the funds in 17 bank accounts. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and SBA-OIG, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Joshua R. Rosenthal.
Bronx, New York, Woman Arrested for Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 Worth of iPhonesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, woman was arrested today and charged with fraudulently obtaining over $200,000 worth of iPhones, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Rosanna Lucrecia Cruel Blanco, 39, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. She is expected to make her initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Dec. 17, 2017, to December 2020, Blanco and her conspirators devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain replacement cellular phones from an insurance company – Company 1 – by assuming the identities of wireless customers and filing false claims under Company 1’s handset insurance program. The handsets were predominantly iPhones with a value of approximately $700 to $1,000 per handset.
Blanco and her conspirators contacted Company 1, posed as legitimate customers and submitted false claims to Company 1 for damage, theft, or loss on hundreds of handsets owned by the legitimate customers. Blanco and her conspirators provided Company 1 with false identification, typically in the form of a New York or New Jersey driver’s license falsified to reflect the name of the legitimate customer. They also provided Company 1 with new shipping contact names and addresses that were different from the actual customers. The new shipping addresses included locations in the Bronx, Yonkers, White Plains, Manhattan, and various locations in New Jersey.
Based on the false claims and the fake identification, Company 1 shipped the replacement iPhones telephones via UPS or FedEx to the new contact names and addresses provided by Blanco and her conspirators. The iPhones were then picked up by Blanco and her conspirators. More than 100 replacement cellular telephones were shipped to Blanco and her conspirators. Total losses from the scheme exceed $200,000.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Albuquerque man charged with firearms possessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Shawn Connell, 41, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on Feb. 8 with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Connell has been released from custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on the morning of Sept. 26, 2020, a Bernalillo County Deputy Sheriff allegedly observed Connell driving erratically and made a traffic stop. At first, Connell allegedly refused to comply with the Deputy’s commands, but eventually got out of his vehicle and was detained. A check revealed that Connell’s driver license had been surrendered.
Among the items found during an inventory of Connell’s vehicle was a handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Connell cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Connell faces up to 10 years in prison.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito is prosecuting the case.
Tuesday 9 February 2021
West Palm Beach Man Charged with Unlawfully Operating Drone in Restricted Airspace Related to Super Bowl LVRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Kevin Jonathan Canty (33, West Palm Beach) with violating national defense airspace. If convicted, Canty faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
According to the complaint, on February 6, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) covering an area extending outward from downtown Tampa. This TFR, along with others, was issued as part of a comprehensive security plan designed to protect and secure the events leading up to, and including, Super Bowl LV. That day, FBI agents saw an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” flying near the USF Health CAMLS building—an area within the TFR. FBI agents later located Canty, the operator of the drone, nearby in downtown Tampa. Canty stated that he is an FAA-licensed remote pilot drone operator and that he was aware that a TFR was in place for the Super Bowl. A review of his drone’s flight path showed that it had traveled through downtown Tampa, which was hosting public events related to the Super Bowl. Furthermore, according to the flight path, Canty had flown his drone over people and moving vehicles.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Warren County Man Charged with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Terry Lajeunesse, age 49, of Pottersville, New York, was charged last month with obstruction of justice for attempting to convince another individual to admit guilt for crimes allegedly committed by Lajeunesse.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Lajeunesse is detained on an indictment charging him with possessing child pornography. The criminal complaint alleges that in September 2020, he mailed letters from the Rensselaer County Jail attempting to convince another person to admit to possessing the child pornography that is the subject of his indictment. The charges in the complaint and indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Lajeunesse appeared on the complaint yesterday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Veronica Lewis Pleads Guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Veronica Lewis, 36, of Worchester, Vermont pleaded guilty today to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. United States District Judge Christina Reiss deferred acceptance of the plea agreement by the Court until sentencing, which has been scheduled for May 28, 2021. The agreement is contingent on Lewis pleading guilty in a prosecution commenced in Vermont’s courts by the Attorney General of the State of Vermont to Attempted Second Degree Murder of D.M. in violation of 13 V.S.A. §§ 2301 and 9.
At today’s hearing, Lewis admitted that on June 29, 2015, she met with a firearm instructor (D.M.) at his business in Westford, Vermont. D.M. provided Lewis a Smith and Wesson Model K-22 .22 caliber revolver for use during the lesson. After receiving instruction from D.M., Lewis intentionally fired three rounds from the Smith and Wesson at D.M., striking him in the face and torso. After shooting D.M., Lewis left the business with the Smith and Wesson, which was still loaded with three rounds of ammunition. Lewis also took six additional rounds of ammunition. Later in the day on June 29, 2015, Lewis was apprehended outside her residence in Worchester, Vermont while still in possession of the stolen firearm. During the plea hearing today, the government noted that in March 2020, a forensic psychologist examined Lewis, and opined that Lewis was sane at the time of the offense, meaning Lewis was able to appreciate the nature and quality and wrongfulness of her acts on June 29, 2015.
Lewis was initially charged in federal court on June 11, 2019 with Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4) and possessing a stolen firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j) in relation to the shooting of D.M. on June 29, 2015. Lewis was ordered detained pending trial. On November 14, 2019, the federal grand jury in Burlington returned a Superseding Indictment, charging Lewis with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a), Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). Lewis faced a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on these charges, and up to a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 11, 2019, Lewis was ordered to be evaluated by a forensic psychologist to determine her competency to stand trial, and whether she was sane at the time of the offense. On May 4, 2020, after the examination by a Bureau of Prisons forensic psychologist appointed by the court, Lewis was found competent to stand trial.
On January 5, 2021, Lewis entered a plea agreement with the United States, agreeing to plead guilty. In the plea agreement, Lewis agreed to waive an affirmative defense of insanity. The federal plea agreement, if accepted by the court, would require the imposition of a 72-month sentence, without any credit for the four years of time Lewis served in state custody prior to her federal arrest on June 12, 2019. The sentence also must run concurrently with any sentence imposed by the State of Vermont. The federal sentence, if imposed, would functionally result in Lewis serving a 10-year sentence concurrent to the disposition in Chittenden Superior Court. Lewis would also serve a 3-year term of federal supervised release concurrent to any supervision imposed in the state proceeding.
Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that Lewis is set to be arraigned on February 11, 2021 in Chittenden Superior Court-Criminal on one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree. These charges stem from the same shooting of D.M. on June 29, 2015. Lewis is expected to enter a plea of guilty as outlined in a plea agreement. Under the proposed plea agreement, if accepted by the Court, Lewis will receive a sentence of 20 years to life, all suspended but 10 years of incarceration, and 40 years of State supervision with special conditions including, but not limited to, mental health treatment.
United States Attorney Nolan and Attorney General Donovan commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Vermont State Police.
In the federal matter, Lewis is represented by Assistant Federal Defender David McColgin. The federal prosecutor is First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.
United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing announced that he has submitted his resignation to the President, to be effective at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2021. He will announce at a later time his future plans.
United States Attorney Downing was sworn into office on June 5, 2019, after being appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate. As the United States Attorney, Mr. Downing served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Oklahoma. In this capacity, he has been responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the district. The Western District of Oklahoma is the largest of three judicial districts in Oklahoma and includes 40 of the 77 counties.
During his tenure as United States Attorney, Downing served on multiple Attorney General’s Advisory Committee Subcommittees and Working Groups, including those related to Terrorism and National Security, Border Protection and Immigration, Domestic Violence, and Native American Issues.
As United States Attorney, Downing focused on building strong partnerships with state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement. "I wish everyone had an opportunity to witness as I did their fellow heroic Oklahomans who serve in law enforcement and protect our families and neighborhoods every single day," said Downing. "Law enforcement partnerships are stronger today than ever before, and we have seen the positive impact it has had on public safety in our communities and district."
During Downing’s tenure, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District prosecuted the most defendants in the history of the office, including the most defendants charged with violent crimes. "The men and women who serve in this office are incredible public servants who support our law enforcement, fight for victims, protect public safety, and secure the rule of law that is necessary to freedom and liberty for all," said Downing. "I will always cherish this time of service as United States Attorney, and I take joy to know the Western District continues in great hands with the amazing attorneys and support staff here."
Downing was the 25th presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma since statehood. "I am thankful to President Trump, Senator James Inhofe, Senator James Lankford, and other members of the United States Senate for the opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma as United States Attorney," said Downing.
Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney in 2019, Downing served as Counselor to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. From 2016 to 2018, he served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he was an Assistant Majority Floor Leader, an Assistant Majority Whip, and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. From 2011 to 2016, Downing was an Assistant Attorney General for the State Oklahoma, where he represented the State in criminal appeals, was a member of the Opinion Conference, and was Director of Legislative Affairs.
Since 2011, Downing has served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve. In this capacity from 2013 to 2014, he served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney at Fort Hood, Texas, working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. From 2009 to 2011, he was a Senior Law Clerk for Jay Sekulow at the American Center for Law and Justice, and in 2009 he served as a Legal Fellow for United States Senator James Inhofe. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University, and Regent University School of Law. He and his wife Lan have been married for nineteen years and have four children.
After Downing’s resignation on February 28, 2021, First Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Troester will become the Acting United States Attorney by operation of law under the Vacancies Reform Act. "Bob has led this office during three prior interim periods, he did an incredible job as my First Assistant, and there is no one better for this transition," said Downing. "I will continue to give my best to this office until the last second on the job, and I commit to praying for and have every confidence in the future success of this office under the leadership of those who follow me."
To download a photo of United States Attorney Downing, click here.
US Attorney Halsey Frank Appears on WGME TV to Discuss Money MulesRead the Press Release
Halsey Frank, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine, appeared on WGME TV to discuss the growing danger of money mules. The story can be seen here.
A money mule is someone who transfers illegally acquired money at the direction of another. Criminals recruit consumers as recipients of money to physically or electronically move through their own bank accounts, or to assist the movement of money in other ways.
Some of the schemes include instructions to wire the money into a third party bank account, “cash out” the money via several cashier’s checks, convert the money into a virtual currency or prepaid debit card, send the money via a money service business, or conduct a combination of these actions.
Money mules are frequently recruited through online job or dating websites, social networking sites, online classifieds, email spam, and dark web forums. A frequent tactic involves befriending people online, often even establishing online romances, with the parties never meeting one another in person.
The “money mule” scam has escalated in Maine since the beginning of the pandemic. More than 300 Maine residents have become “money mules” during the pandemic.
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces Resignation Effective End of FebruaryRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced that he will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Northern District of Oklahoma at the end of February.
“Today, I tendered to the President my resignation as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, effective February 28, 2021. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve our great nation and the citizens of northeastern Oklahoma in this capacity. After eighteen years with the United States Department of Justice, I know that my family and I can sleep well at night knowing that the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and their law enforcement partners are on the job. It is beyond rewarding to know that I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the betterment and well-being of our community –the very same community in which I grew up as a child and where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family.
I want to thank Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford for their support and confidence in me to lead this office when they recommended me as a nominee for the position. I am grateful to Attorney General Sessions and Attorney General Barr for their trust in my abilities and for their attentions to improving public safety in Indian Country, especially to advance awareness of and provide resources to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous persons. Most of all, I am deeply appreciative of the men and women of this United States Attorney’s Office who, day in and day out, carry forth the mission of the Justice Department. This diverse and dedicated team pursues truth and justice and advances the rule of law. They do what is right even when that is not convenient or easy. Their work enables the rest of us to enjoy our unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For that, they have my enduring respect and sincere appreciation.”
U.S. Attorney Transition BeginsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Continuing the practice of new administrations, President Biden and the Department of Justice have begun the transition process for the U.S. Attorneys.
“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Until U.S. Attorney nominees are confirmed, the interim and acting leaders in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will make sure that the department continues to accomplish its critical law enforcement mission, vigorously defend the rule of law and pursue the fair and impartial administration of justice for all,” said Acting Attorney General Wilkinson.
Earlier this year, nearly all presidential appointees from the previous administration offered their resignations, though U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals were asked to temporarily remain in place. Prior to the beginning of this U.S. Attorney transition process, approximately one-third of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices were already led by acting or interim leadership.
President Biden will make announcements regarding his nominations to the Senate of new U.S. Attorneys as that information becomes available.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich to Depart Justice DepartmentRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada has announced his resignation, effective at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2021.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve the District of Nevada, alongside our federal family, the committed public servants in our office, and our law enforcement partners,” said Trutanich. “The opportunity to serve here was more than I could have ever imagined, and I’ll leave knowing that the foundation is in place for our office’s continued success.”
Trutanich was sworn into office in January 2019, after unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He had been serving as the First Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff at the Office of Nevada’s Attorney General. Earlier in his career, Trutanich served as the Deputy Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
During Trutanich’s tenure in the District of Nevada, the U.S. Attorney’s Office strived to prioritize public safety through targeted, impactful prosecutions and to promote ethics, diversity, and crime prevention. For example, through strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, as well as close collaboration with communities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has continued to make gains in combatting human trafficking and conducting proactive narcotics and criminal enterprise investigations. And over the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has placed a renewed emphasis on prosecuting crimes occurring on Indian reservations and colonies, particularly violence against Native American women.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office launched new initiatives last year such as Project Veronica, which focuses on prosecuting domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms. Similarly, prosecutors are holding accountable fraudsters seeking to exploit the public health crisis, including through unemployment benefits and CARES Act fraud.
In addition to overseeing the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Trutanich served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, providing advice on policy and operational issues affecting the Department of Justice. Trutanich was the first U.S. Attorney from the District of Nevada to serve on the AGAC in nearly 25 years. Trutanich also served on a working group for the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. Further, in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minnesota, Trutanich helped lead the Department of Justice’s nationwide efforts to reform Use of Force Policies, following a June 2020 Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities.
The District of Nevada, which encompasses the entire state of Nevada, is one of the largest of the 94 federal judicial districts. Trutanich recruited and onboarded more than 75 staff professionals and Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and established a new in-house training program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is now composed of over 120 team members, responsible for conducting federal criminal prosecutions in the District and protecting the interests of the United States by pursuing and defending against claims in civil litigation.
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U.S. Attorney Muldrow Announces His Resignation Effective on February 28, 2021Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – As part of the United States Attorney transition process announced by the Department of Justice, United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow has indicated that he has tendered his resignation, effective on February 28, 2021.
“I am extremely proud of the great work and dedication of the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico with whom I have had the privilege to serve,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “While I will continue in the office in the coming weeks, serving the people of Puerto Rico as U.S. Attorney has been the highest honor and most fulfilling duty in my more than 30 years of public service.”
Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson announced earlier today that, continuing the practice of new administrations, President Biden and the Department of Justice have begun the transition process for the U.S. Attorneys.
“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Until U.S. Attorney nominees are confirmed, the interim and acting leaders in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will make sure that the department continues to accomplish its critical law enforcement mission, vigorously defend the rule of law and pursue the fair and impartial administration of justice for all,” said Acting Attorney General Wilkinson.
Earlier this year, nearly all presidential appointees from the previous administration offered their resignations, though U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals were asked to temporarily remain in place. Prior to the beginning of this U.S. Attorney transition process, approximately one-third of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices were already led by acting or interim leadership.
President Biden will make announcements regarding his nominations to the Senate of new U.S. Attorneys as that information becomes available.
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U.S. Attorney DeVillers announces his resignationRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – United States Attorney David M. DeVillers announced today he will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Ohio effective Feb. 28, 2021.
DeVillers stated:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation. I have been a prosecutor for my entire career, and it was my wish to remain a prosecutor until the end of my career, but that is not to be. I want to thank my family, friends and colleagues for all of the incredible support and encouragement over the years. I also want to thank Senators Portman and Brown for their trust in me. It has been the honor of my life to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. While it was my hope to continue on for a few more months to finish some of the work we have started, I am absolutely certain that the AUSAs and investigators working for the people of the Southern District of Ohio will bring this work to a successful and just closure. I am committed to support and assist whoever the President and Senate choose to permanently replace me to the best that I can. I encourage that person to be just, apolitical, aggressive and impactful.”
DeVillers was nominated by former President Donald Trump and began serving as United States Attorney in November 2019 following confirmation by the Senate.
DeVillers has worked as a federal prosecutor for nearly two decades, primarily prosecuting organized and violent crime.
During his tenure as United States Attorney, the office continued significant public corruption investigations, including filing charges against former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder and three Cincinnati city councilmembers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio includes 67 Assistant United States Attorneys and 51 non-attorney personnel. They serve the southern 48 counties in the state, including the Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton metropolitan areas.
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U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announces departure from U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today announced that he will leave his post as U.S. Attorney on February 28, 2021. Mr. Moran plans to return to the private practice of law.
Today the Department of Justice asked each presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney to resign by February 28, 2021. DOJ will name an interim U.S. Attorney to serve until a new presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Attorney Moran was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Attorney and was sworn into office on January 17, 2019. Mr. Moran led the office during a particularly tumultuous two years, taking office during the longest-ever government shutdown and steering the office during an unprecedented global pandemic.
In his resignation statement, Mr. Moran said, “I want to thank Senators Murray and Cantwell for supporting my nomination during the confirmation process. It has been my experience as U.S Attorney that, regardless of how and from where we approached it, local, state, and federal officials in the Western District of Washington have and will continue to find common ground on public safety and advancing the cause of justice.
Above all, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office and the federal law enforcement community. I remain inspired by their dedication to the people they serve, and I am deeply humbled to have been their colleague.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez commended the working relationship he forged with the U.S. Attorney saying, “Brian Moran was a superb United States Attorney in the Western District of Washington who continued the great tradition we have always enjoyed of having professional, non-partisan prosecutors as our U.S. Attorneys.”
During his time as U.S. Attorney, Moran focused on strategies to reduce gun violence, stem the flow of deadly fentanyl and other opioids into Western Washington, and encouraged the prosecution of hate crimes and neo-Nazi conspirators such as “Atomwaffen.” Moran reached out to our tribal partners to work on improving community safety in our tribal communities. Mr. Moran led a team of federal investigators and Assistant United States Attorneys who are working to recover funds stolen in massive frauds on the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Ray Duda served as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Seattle during Mr. Moran’s tenure. “The leadership and the passion for the rule of law exhibited by Brian Moran during his tenure as U.S. Attorney, and throughout his many roles in public service, are to be admired. As a citizen of the Western District of Washington, I was honored to have him as our senior law enforcement official and know that our communities are safer because of his leadership.”
U.S. Attorney Moran worked closely with attorneys focused on protecting civil rights and particularly in the area of enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the year of its 30th anniversary. Meeting with those impacted by the work of the Department of Justice was especially impactful.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis commended U.S. Attorney Moran for steadfast leadership. “During Brian Moran’s tenure, he was extremely dedicated to enforcing the rule of law, but what really set him apart was his compassion and empathy towards those unfortunate individuals caught in the grip of addiction. He routinely met with the families who lost loved ones and championed highlighting their plight by continually pushing this important messaging to highest levels of the Department of Justice. The DEA wishes U.S. Attorney Moran the best in his next endeavors, he has been a true leader and will be greatly missed by law enforcement.”
Brian Moran previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Washington State Attorney General. Prior to his selection as the Chief Deputy, Mr. Moran served as the Chief Criminal Prosecutor for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. As Chief Criminal Prosecutor, he and his staff assisted Washington’s 39 county prosecuting attorneys’ offices, pursuing criminal cases and civil commitment of sexually violent predators.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine reflects on success for Southern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announces his resignation from the presidentially appointed position where he has served since Nov. 22, 2017. Christine will return to the private practice of law in the Augusta, Ga., area.
The resignation, previously announced internally, is effective Tuesday, Feb. 9.
“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of the 43 counties of the Southern District as their chief federal prosecutor and law enforcement officer,” said Christine. “I am proud to have worked alongside an unparalleled team of lawyers and staff in assisting our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”
Leaders in the law enforcement community offered accolades regarding Christine’s service.
“I want to thank U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine on behalf of FBI Atlanta and our resident agencies in the Southern District of Georgia for his dedication and partnership in our efforts to protect and serve the citizens of his district,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “His commitment and accomplishments are something Georgians and all Americans can be proud of. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
“The citizens of the Southern District of Georgia were well-served by U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine,” said Robert Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Bobby epitomizes public service. He is guided by the principles of doing what is right and making the community a safer place. Bobby worked hand in hand with law enforcement on a daily basis to make sure we were bringing to justice those who preyed on our community. I am honored to have had a chance to work alongside Bobby, but more importantly I am proud to call him a friend. I wish Bobby well in all of his future endeavors. I look forward to working with him in the future in service of this great nation.”
“U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine has done much to reduce violent crime in our Southern Georgia communities. He has served with honor and distinction because at his core, he values faith, honor, family and commitment above all else,” said Arthur D. Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney Christine has inspired all of us to go further and do more with the resources we have. Our mission to reduce violent crime will continue unabated, due in large part to the path that U.S. Attorney Christine has put us on. I join all members of the ATF Atlanta Field Division in wishing U.S. Attorney Christine all the best.”
“I have known Bobby Christine for more than 20 years in his capacity as prosecutor/judge and consider him a great friend,” said Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree. “U.S. Attorney Christine has been a consummate professional in every position that he has ever held, and I look forward to what the future has in store for him. We all know that he will continue to be a great advocate for law enforcement and the justice system. Again, I want to thank U.S. Attorney Christine for his many contributions.”
“Shortly after being appointed U.S. Attorney three years ago, Bobby Christine visited our office in Thomson to let us know that he was ready to use the resources of the federal government to help make our communities a safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said William Doupe, District Attorney for the Toombs Judicial Circuit. “Through Bobby’s cooperative venture program of Prosecutor to Prosecutor, we were able to send some of the most violent convicted felons who still chose to illegally possess firearms in our circuit to federal court where they received lengthy sentences without parole. Without a doubt, this program saved lives. These prosecutions also allowed our office to try the cases with victims who were anxiously awaiting resolution. Thank you, Bobby, for all you have done for the citizens of the Toombs Circuit.”
As U.S. Attorney, Christine implemented the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program, or P3, a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, state and local law enforcement, and the 11 state District Attorneys’ offices that intersect the Southern District. The U.S. Attorney’s Office under Christine generated a dramatic increase in prosecutions – including the pursuit of felony illegal firearms charges against an additional 650 defendants in three years. Coupled with invigorated efforts to combat violent crime, the last three years has witnessed the office consistently being among the most productive in the nation per lawyer in prosecution of violent crime.
Christine lauds the success of the office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Division in pursuing civil proceedings against criminal defendants in recovering nearly $160 million in taxpayers’ money lost to fraud or other misconduct. The office’s Criminal Health Care Fraud Unit rose to third-ranking status among the nation’s 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices as it prosecuted a ring of more than 30 defendants responsible for more than $1.5 billion in fraudulent health care claims. By cutting staff sections and unifying leadership, Christine created the Asset Recovery Unit, resulting in the recovery of additional tens of millions of dollars for victims and the United States.
With the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and an NSA facility located on Fort Gordon in the Southern District, Christine was honored in 2017 to be amongst the first of a small group of U.S. Attorneys to be named to help lead the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on Cyber and Intellectual Property. Christine has participated in providing essential guidance and counsel to the U.S. Department of Justice relative to cyber initiatives during his entire tenure.
A graduate of Georgia Military College (Milledgeville), the University of Georgia, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and the U.S. Army War College, Christine worked for a decade in the District Attorney’s Office in Augusta, where he became the first Chief of the Columbia County Division. He is one of only a few prosecutors in modern Georgia to win a conviction for murder in a case where the body of the victim has never been located.
Appointed Judge of Columbia County Magistrate Court in 2005, he held that post continuously until his appointment as U.S. Attorney, serving as Chief Magistrate from 2009-2012. From 2005 to 2017, Bobby also maintained a private practice concentrating in domestic, probate, personal injury, and criminal litigation.
Bobby has been an Army reservist since the age of 17, both as a Combat Engineer and a Judge Advocate. It is in uniformed military service where Christine first received education in cyber legal issues. A Brigadier General in the Army National Guard with duty at the Pentagon, he currently serves as the National Guard Advisor to the Judge Advocate General and Assistant to the General Counsel of the National Guard Bureau. He is a veteran of the war in Iraq.
He and his wife Sheri, an elementary school teacher for Columbia County where they make their home, have two daughters and one son.
Two Sentenced in Connection to Maryland-to-Virginia Heroin Pipeline that Resulted in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, Va. – Two of the five defendants charged as part of a conspiracy that trafficked heroin from Maryland to Virginia leading to at least one fatal and one non-fatal overdose were sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar and Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forgot of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division announced.
Yesterday in District Court, Norma Lynda Kidwell, 56, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison. Craig Allen Kidwell, 54, was sentenced Yesterday to 100 months in federal prison.
“The Kidwells preyed on vulnerable victims and destroyed numerous lives, perpetuating the scourge of heroin and fentanyl in our communities,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar said today. “My office is extremely grateful for the hard work and persistence of the DEA, the Virginia State Police, and our numerous local law-enforcement partners, who worked together to bring the Kidwells to justice.”
“The overdose crisis we are seeing is destroying families across our area. And it is the heroin and fentanyl traffickers such as these who are fueling this epidemic,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “This case demonstrates our commitment to find and cut off the pipeline of deadly drugs fueling this epidemic and the productive partnerships we've built with our area law enforcement partners to tackle this crisis head-on.”
The Kidwells, both of Mount Jackson, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute acetylfentanyl and fentanyl and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing heroin and acetylfentanyl which resulted in serious bodily injury and death.
According to court documents, beginning around June 2017, a Maryland-based drug-trafficking network began selling controlled substances to Virginia-based drug traffickers, who, in turn, transported those drugs to Shenandoah County for redistribution.
Defendants Craig Kidwell and his wife Norma Kidwell repeatedly traveled from their home in Shenandoah County to Maryland to obtain heroin from the Maryland-based drug-trafficking organization. At times, the heroin that Craig Kidwell and Norma Kidwell obtained from their Maryland-based source had been mixed with other drugs, such as fentanyl and acetylfentanyl.
After obtaining heroin, Craig and Norma Kidwell transported the drugs back to Shenandoah County where the drugs were redistributed to others. As a direct result of the defendants’ drug distribution activities, two overdoses occurred, one of which resulted in the death of victim J.H.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Virginia State Police, Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office, and Woodstock Police Department with the assistance of the Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeb Terrien and Christopher Kavanaugh are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to 150 months imprisonment for possessing multiple firearms in connection with drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Aaron Gullick, 30, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In his plea the defendant admitted to possessing a Glock handgun in September of 2018, and a Glock handgun and AR-15 style rifle in December 2018, as well as marijuana and methamphetamine. The firearms were possessed to further the distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of ATF’s use of crime gun intelligence and highlights the importance of ATF’s National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) throughout the State of Kansas. NIBIN allowed law enforcement to connect the firearm in this case to a shooting that otherwise would have likely remained unsolved. ATF is committed to utilizing crime gun intelligence in firearms investigation to make our communities safer and to hold accountable those who chose to use firearms in furtherance of their criminal activities” Frederic Winston, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division said.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
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Three-time Columbus Bank Robber Sentenced to 90 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with a lengthy criminal history who went on a crime spree in March 2020, robbing three banks over several days, was sentenced to 90 months in prison today, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jason Arnold, 50, of Columbus, who previously pleaded guilty to three counts bank robbery before U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land, was sentenced today to 90 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Arnold will have to pay $5,023.02 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Arnold is a career criminal who menaced the Columbus community with repeated bank robberies and who will now face the consequences for his crimes—federal prison without parole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the Columbus Police Department and the FBI for investigating this case and working tirelessly to bring Arnold into custody.”
“In the span of a few days, Arnold terrorized innocent citizens who were simply doing their jobs,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the help from our partners at the Columbus Police Department, we were able to expediently get him off the streets before he could terrorize anyone else, and now he will be kept off the streets for a long time.”
In March 2020, Arnold robbed banks located in Columbus. The first robbery occurred at the Synovus Bank on 10th Avenue on March 17. Arnold slipped the teller a demand note, and the teller gave Arnold cash. The second robbery occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank on Bradley Park Drive the next day, on March 18. Arnold again handed the teller a demand note and received money. The third and final robbery occurred on March 21 at the Wells Fargo Bank on Victory Drive. Arnold handed over a demand note, took money from the teller, and exited the bank. During this robbery, the teller said Arnold gave the impression that he had a gun based on the way he held his hand near his jacket. All three robberies were captured on surveillance video. Two witnesses at the third robbery recognized Arnold as the man who had robbed two banks earlier in the week. FBI agents and Columbus Police Department officers arrested Arnold on April 1. Arnold confessed to all three bank robberies. Arnold has an extensive criminal history, to include five prior felony convictions for theft, and felony convictions for robbery and escape.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Three Deer Hunters Plead Guilty to Lacey Act Violations on Fort RileyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Three men have pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally hunting whitetail deer on a part of Fort Riley where explosives are discharged during training exercises.
Gregory J. Frikken, James C. Nunley and Michael J. Smith admitted they trespassed on federal property and illegally harvested trophy whitetail deer from that property, all in violation of the Lacey Act. “These hunters entered an area of Fort Riley which is off limits and not open for hunting”, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “They entered a prohibited area of the Army base, knowing the area was off limits, for the sole purpose of illegally taking large deer as trophies. Their behavior was not only unlawful and selfish, it was potentially dangerous to themselves and thus also foolish. Trespassing on a federal military base is a serious error of judgment, and unlawfully killing trophy deer undermines hunting and hunters who abide by the rules.”
An investigator’s affidavit alleged the hunters violated the federal Lacey Act while hunting on the grounds of the Army base over the past several years. They disregarded the fact the area was off limits to hunters, entering before daylight and leaving after dark through a washout where a creek went under a perimeter fence.
Recovered during the course of the investigation was evidence including deer mounts, antlers, phone data and equipment allegedly used to harvest eight whitetail deer, three of which are considered trophy class.
Investigating agencies included the Directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Riley, the Fort Riley Game Warden, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, New York State Environmental Conservation Office-Office of Law Enforcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth G. Gale sentenced the three hunters to pay approximately $11,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and $10,000 in fines to the Lacey Act fund. Additionally, the hunters will have no hunting privileges for three years and agree to forfeit all property seized as part of the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robin A. Graham and Taylor Rafaly.
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Thief River Falls Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison, Lifetime Supervised Release for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of BENJAMIN JOSEPH ROGGENBUCK, 39, to 540 months in prison for production and attempted production of child pornography. ROGGENBUCK, who pleaded guilty on September 17, 2020, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court.
“The sentence handed down today ensures that this predator will no longer pose a threat or cause harm to innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “I commend our law enforcement partners who stand with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our fight against child exploitation.”
“While 45 years in prison is appropriate for this case, these children are now permanent victims of a crime no person should ever experience,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. “The BCA will continue to pursue criminals who would exploit Minnesota’s children in this terrible way and bring them to justice.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, between November 2012 and February 2020, ROGGENBUCK used or attempted to use two prepubescent minor children to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. ROGGENBUCK also admitted to possessing and distributing sexually explicit images depicting prepubescent minors. As part of the plea agreement, ROGGENBUCK also pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges brought by the Pennington County Attorney’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Thief River Falls Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker and Miranda E. Dugi prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
BENJAMIN JOSEPH ROGGENBUCK, 39
Thief River Falls, Minn.
Convicted:
- Production and attempted production of child pornography, 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 540 months in prison
- Lifetime of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Supervisory Paramedic Sentenced for Tampering with Drug VialsRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal judge yesterday sentenced a supervisory paramedic for theft of fentanyl from a local ambulance service, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office.
U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Michael Greenhaw, 43, of Arab, to 51 months in prison. Greenhaw pleaded guilty to on one-count of tampering with a consumer product in October 2019.
“Greenhaw put vulnerable patients in grave danger by replacing fentanyl citrate with saline in vials that he knew were intended to be administered to critically ill or injured patients,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Greenhaw’s criminal conduct undermines the tireless efforts of first responders who work hard to make sure that patients receive the necessary emergency medical care.”
“The FDA is fully committed to the vigorous criminal prosecution of any individual who threatens the safety and security of the U.S. drug supply and compromises patient health and comfort,” said Justin C. Fielder, Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office. “The sentencing in this case should send a clear signal that this kind of illicit tampering activity will not be tolerated.”
According to the plea agreement, Greenhaw tampered with approximately 129 vials of fentanyl citrate from April 2018 through August 2018, while employed as a supervisory paramedic at First Response Ambulance Service in Decatur, Alabama. Greenhaw had access to the narcotics vault where the fentanyl was stored. During his shift, Greenhaw removed fentanyl citrate from vials using a syringe and replaced the fentanyl with saline. The vials filled with saline were placed back into the narcotics safe. Greenhaw stole the fentanyl for personal use.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office investigated the case, along with the Decatur Police Department and Arab Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell prosecuted the case.
South Texas woman indicted for smuggling firearms, ammunition and cash into MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A grand jury sitting in Laredo had returned an indictment charging an Austin woman for illegally smuggling defense articles and approximately $100K, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Jan. 18, 2021, authorities apprehended Lizzette Jaimes at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge port of entry in Laredo attempting to travel into Mexico, according to the charges. The indictment alleges she appeared nervous at primary inspection. Law enforcement referred her for a more thorough inspection, at which time they allegedly searched her luggage and other items in the rear seat of the truck.
The charges allege one of the items was a black duffle bag containing women’s clothing. Authorities allegedly felt a square object in the bottom of the bag, moved the clothing and found several stacks of U.S. currency wrapped in duct tape. It totaled $95,000, according to the allegations.
Law enforcement continued to search the truck and also allegedly found 240 rounds of handgun ammunition, an additional $4,747 in cash, three GPS devices wired in difference locations and nine handguns.
If convicted, Jaimes faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
South Korean National Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Sold as Herbal ProductsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Fullerton man was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for illegally importing bulk quantities of erectile dysfunction drugs that he marketed as herbal male sexual enhancement products in a scheme that earned him millions of dollars.
Nam Hyun Lee, 62, a.k.a. “Daniel Lee,” a South Korean national illegally residing in the United States, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge James V. Selna.
Lee pleaded guilty in September to one count of smuggling misbranded drugs, in this case Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Lee specifically admitted that in late 2016, he caused 21.4 kilograms of the drug to be imported into the United States from China. In his plea agreement, Lee admitted smuggling both Sildenafil and Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, that were illegally brought into the U.S. under descriptions such as “Acrylic Paint” and “Glass Bottles.”
Lee used the Sildenafil and Tadalafil to manufacture pills he sold to distributors, who then sold the products to liquor, gas and convenience stores across the United States, according to court documents. Even though his products contained drugs that required a prescription, the labels on Lee’s products either stated that no prescription was necessary or failed to state one was needed – meaning the products were mislabeled.
Over the course of about 2½ years – until his businesses were shut down by federal authorities in October 2018 – Lee sold at least $3.5 million worth of pills under numerous names, including “Rhino” and variations of that name.
Lee “organized the importation of bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients into the United States from China under false pretenses,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “He then used this bulk powder to sell counterfeit prescription drugs across the United States totaling millions in sales. At least one of the consumers of [Lee’s] drugs, Victim S.S., suffered a serious medical condition after taking [Lee’s] counterfeit pills.”
Lee has been in federal custody since his arrest in this case on October 31, 2018.
Lee has agreed to forfeit his $1.2 million residence in Fullerton, nearly $458,000 seized from eight bank accounts, $346,324 in U.S. currency, and a 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Nare of the Santa Ana Branch Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Katie Schonbachler and Victor A. Rodgers of the Asset Forfeiture Section handled the forfeiture aspect of the case.
Shasta County Resident Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Deborah Gwen Orrey, 51, of Anderson, pleaded guilty today to making and subscribing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Orrey was the owner and operator of Affordable Tax, Bankruptcy, and Bookkeeping. From 2014 to 2017, Orrey submitted falsified tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service for her own tax returns and also the tax returns that she filed on her clients’ behalf. Orrey owed to the IRS an additional $112,083. She split the refunds due to her clients without her clients’ knowledge, causing a portion of the clients’ refunds to be deposited to her own bank account. Eight of her clients suffered an actual loss of a total of $3,729.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya B. Syed is prosecuting the case.
Orrey is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on May 18. Orrey faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.