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Monday 8 February 2021
Tyler County Meth Dealer Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Woodville, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting United States Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Christopher Dashawn Montoya, 26, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime today before U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas remains committed to eliminating methamphetamine trafficking in our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. “Our resolve is even greater in cases, such as here, where a drug dealer possesses firearms to aid his drug trafficking efforts.”
According to information presented in court, on December 1, 2019, Montoya was arrested at a Polk County residence on multiple outstanding warrants. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, marijuana, a large amount of cash, a digital scale, and a firearm. A search of Montoya’s vehicle parked at the residence revealed a backpack containing another two firearms, and more illegal narcotics.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Montoya with firearms and drug trafficking violations on July 1, 2020. As a result of his guilty pleas, under federal statutes, Montoya faces up to life in federal prison. The maximum 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.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office; the Woodville Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tommy L. Coleman.
Seven individuals indicted on federal firearms charges under agencies' collaborative effortRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Seven defendants face federal felony firearms charges after indictment by a U.S. District Court grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia.
All of those charged are prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions or illegal drug use. The cases are being investigated under the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement agencies.
“Getting illegally possessed firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is a high priority of our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “This collaborative effort to enforce existing law makes our streets safer.”
In the past three years, more than 650 defendants were federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for carrying a firearm after having been convicted of a previous felony. The charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system. Nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants were charged with federal firearms violations in the past year – 180 of them in the Southern District.
Those named in federal indictments from the February 2021 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- William Thomas Nealous III, 30, of Martinez, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Methamphetamine.
- Julian Theophilus Moffett, 39, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Robert Kenneth Williams, 32, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Timothy Mario Mitchell, 23, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Deonte Brown, 26, of Port Wentworth, Ga., charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Burney Cobb, 40, of Port Wentworth, Ga, charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm; and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Clifford Pevey, 39, of Gainesville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a possible penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In addition to these cases, at least three defendants recently have appeared in court on firearms charges, including:
- Dominque Johnson, 32, of Augusta, sentenced to 60 months in prison, fined $1,500 and ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Ivan Hughes, 35, of Augusta, sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Patrick Allen Scott, 28, of Hephzibah, Ga., who pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and awaits sentencing; and,
- Matthew Kyle Brazell, 34, of Grovetown, Ga., who pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, related to a prior conviction for domestic violence. Brazell awaits sentencing.
These cases also are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.
In addition to the ATF, agencies investigating the cases include the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Rincon Police Department; and the Port Wentworth Police Department.
The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Jennifer Stanley; Alejandro V. Pascual IV; John Harper; and Noah Abrams.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
Seminole County Man Charged with COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Don V. Cisternino (45, Chuluota) with two counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of illegal monetary transactions. If convicted, Cisternino faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each illegal monetary transaction count, and a mandatory consecutive term of two years for the aggravated identity theft counts.
According to the
indictment , in or about May 2020, Cisternino fraudulently secured more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan.The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spends the proceeds on these expenses within a set time-period and uses at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.
Cisternino’s PPP loan application falsely claimed that Cisternino’s New York business, MagnifiCo, had 441 employees and monthly payroll expenses in 2019 of more than $2.8 million. In truth, MagnifiCo, had few, if any, employees other than Cisternino and his girlfriend, and MagnifiCo did not report any wages to the IRS for 2019. In support of his PPP loan application, Cisternino submitted false W-2s for MagnifiCo’s purported employees, many of which listed the names and Social Security numbers of actual persons who were not MagnifiCo employees and who had not authorized Cisternino to use their identities.
Once Cisternino obtained the emergency loan of $7.2 million, he did not use these funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he spent the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of Lincoln Navigator, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and an approximately 12,579 sq. ft. residence in Seminole County.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 8, 2021
SAN DIEGO, CA – Jonathan Madison of San Diego pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to sex trafficking of children, admitting that he knowingly recruited, advertised, and solicited teenage girls and women to engage in commercial sex acts. Madison also admitted that he videotaped himself having sexual intercourse with an underage girl and later transmitted the video to her by cell phone.
In his plea, Madison acknowledged that he transported girls and women and provided them to customers for commercial sex acts, which took place in California and Colorado from November 2017 through April 2020.
Madison, aka “Jay Jay,” “Boobutt,” and “JT,” was arrested in April 2020 on sex trafficking charges and ordered detained without bond by the Court. A federal grand jury returned the first post-pandemic indictment in May 2020 against Madison charging him with sex trafficking of a minor. Today, Madison entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard.
According to his plea agreement, between November 2017 and September 2018, while in the Southern District of California, Madison admitted he transported, provided, maintained and obtained a minor female (while she was 15 and 16 years old) for the purpose of her to engage in commercial sex acts in San Diego County. At this time, Madison knew the girl was under the age of 18.
Madison also admitted that in order to further his pimping activities, he caused online ads to be posted offering the girl for commercial sex. During this time, Madison transported her to meet with sex trafficking customers.
“This is a crime that affects young victims for the rest of their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Our office will continue its collaborative work with our law enforcement partners to combat the abuse and exploitation of women and girls who are victims of sex trafficking.” Brewer praised prosecutor Joseph Orabona and members of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“There’s no place for human trafficking in California or anywhere,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “When our children are put at risk, we stand united to fight back. I applaud the efforts of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for securing this conviction. At the California Department of Justice, we’ll continue to leverage our resources to stand up for the most vulnerable among us.”
“Today’s conviction is one more step in the journey to justice for the victims in this case,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “As law enforcement, we work tirelessly to stop criminals from preying on children and vulnerable victims in sex trafficking cases. The dedication and selfless devotion of FBI Agents protecting those most vulnerable in our communities has been and always will be unwavering and undeniable.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant. Madison has been in custody since his arrest in April 2020.
DEFENDANT Case Numbers: 20CR1228-BAS
Jonathan Madison Age: 29 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591
Maximum Penalties: Ten-year mandatory minimum and a maximum of life in prison; mandatory Sex Offender Registration; a maximum term of supervised release of life; mandatory restitution to the victims.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- California Department of Justice
- California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole
- California Highway Patrol
- ICE/Homeland Security Investigations
- National City Police Department
- San Diego City Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County Probation Department
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
- San Diego Police Department
- The United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California
Pittsburgh Drug Felon Sentenced for Conspiring to Send Suboxone into an Alabama Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day on her conviction for conspiring to distribute suboxone, which is a Schedule III controlled substance, to federal prisoners in Aliceville, Alabama, while she was under federal supervision for a prior drug offense, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Tai Ward, 31.
According to information presented to the Court at the time Ward entered her plea of guilty, Ward, along with at least two other coconspirators, concealed suboxone in packages that were being sent through the United States Postal Service to female in inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Alabama in early 2020.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigations Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ward.
Pilot Projects Launched to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Alaska’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Pilot Project (Pilot Project) today. The Pilot Project, in accordance with the Justice Department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative, and in furtherance of and Savanna’s Act, implements tailored Tribal Community Response Plans (TCRP) in select pilot sites.
A TCRP is a guide for how a tribal community will respond to a report of new missing or murdered person case. The TCRP is individualized and tailored to the needs, resources, and culture of the community. The Pilot Project sites include the tribal communities of Curyung Native Council (Dillingham), Native Village of Unalakleet, and Koyukuk Native Village. These three tribal communities volunteered to participate as Pilot Project sites and have completed their first weeklong project meetings with tribal stakeholders, multidisciplinary providers and law enforcement, taking the first steps toward TCRPs that will be shared with tribal communities across the state.
The Alaska MMIP working group began meeting in early September 2020. The TCRP guidelines address the response to new missing and murdered person cases by outlining how tribal governments, law enforcement, and other partners can best work together to respond to such cases. The plans address four core components of response to a missing person case: law enforcement coordination, victim services, community outreach and public and media communications. The Alaska MMIP working group has been working on the TCRP guidelines that meet the unique challenges of Alaska communities. The TCRP guidelines cover:
- Tribal communities without law enforcement presence;
- Tribal communities with limited law enforcement (village public safety officers (VPSOs), village public officers (VPOs), tribal police officers (TPOs); and
- Tribal hub communities with municipal and/or state law enforcement.
“The Alaska MMIP working group is a multi-disciplinary team led by the United States Attorney’s Office MMIP Coordinator, Ingrid Cumberlidge, and comprised of law enforcement representatives from Alaska State Troopers and VPSOs, FBI, Anchorage Police Department, U.S. Marshals, Fairbanks Police Department, BIA Cold Case Office, Kotzebue Police Department, Nome Police Department, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska VPSO supervisors, and Tanana Chief’s Conference VPSO supervisors; legal and judicial representatives from the Alaska Department of Law, U.S. Coast Guard, Kluti-Kaah Tribal Court (former Utquagvik Tribal Court); Tanana Chief’s Conference; tribal representatives from Ahtna Region, Orutsararmiut Native Council, Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak; victim service providers; and advocates from Victims for Justice, and the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center.”
“Given that there are 229 Federally recognized tribes in Alaska, we have adopted a pilot program approach to establish initial Tribal Community Response Plans that can be shared with other tribal communities throughout the State,” explained U.S. Attorney Schroder. “This is truly a multi-disciplinary approach, involving the collaboration and coordination of tribal leadership, federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and social and victim services providers to address the complexities of MMIP response in Alaska.”
“The Alaska State Troopers are proud to continue our robust efforts in the more rural areas of Alaska and look forward to continued advancement of cultural understanding between tribal entities and our Troopers,” stated Col. Bryan Barlow, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “We hold steadfast to our efforts to keep and ensure strong partnerships with all of our tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement partners as well as look at what preventative efforts, survivor services, and educational programs can be implemented in communities across Alaska so that we can reduce the violence that negatively impacts all Alaskans, which includes a disproportionately high rate of indigenous people subjected to violence.”
"The opportunity to participate in this Pilot Project has provided an opportunity for the Koyukuk Native Village to address the issues and concerns they have faced in the past when tribal members went missing or were murdered.” said Shirly Sam, Tribal Victim Specialist for Koyukuk Native Village, “The development of the Koyukuk Native Village Community Response Plan for Missing Person Cases provides a guide to follow if faced with that possibility. This guide adheres to tribal traditions and cultures."
“In Alaska, law enforcement agencies often need to think outside the box, but inside the rules, to protect the people we serve,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI is looking forward to participating in this Pilot Project, as we continue to support the Alaska State Troopers, as well as our local and tribal partners, to find sustainable solutions that will improve public safety for all Alaskans.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service looks forward to continuing and growing their partnership as part of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Working Group,” said U.S. Marshal Robert Huen, “This opportunity to collaborate with federal, state and local agencies, as well as tribal members and entities creates partnerships to improve interagency communication and cooperation. The U.S. Marshals Service recognizes the importance of this initiative and are dedicated to allocating resources in response to this problem plaguing our Alaskan communities.”
“The Alaska Department of Law is committed to addressing the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. These Pilot Projects are the first step, and we look forward to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners in the future.” Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore
“We are deeply engaged with our federal and state law enforcement partners as well as our community partners to help address the MMIP issue,” said Chief Justin Doll with the Anchorage Police Department. “For example, our new Cold Case Unit is currently collaborating and supporting this important project.”
“I am so happy to be part of this working group with Ingrid (Cumberlidge- U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Alaska - MMIP Coordinator) and other tribes,” said Lucille Lincoln of AHTNA, “I am thankful that we are finally getting the different agencies working together with us and learning about our people and problems to help our Native people and present them somewhere to turn in these situations.”
“Participating in this Pilot Project not only demonstrates to our families that we care deeply about the traumas they’re experiencing, but also asserts our sovereignty in addressing this issue for our people by developing an action plan relevant to Curyung’s culture and community.” said Curyung Tribal Council Tribal Administrator, Courtenay Carty.
“The Native Village of Unalakleet joined the Alaska MMIP Tribal Community Response Plan Project. I serve as the Tribal President and during my past experience as a law enforcement officer, we lost and never found a couple of our tribal members,” said Unalakleet Tribal President Katchatag, “My hope is that this project will continue to raise awareness, gather resources, and develop protocols for Unalakleet and all Alaska Tribes to respond to cases of missing and murdered indigenous people.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska would like to thank the Pilot Project tribal communities, law enforcement partners, community stakeholders, and victim service providers for their willingness and dedication to the undertaking of this monumental effort of addressing MMIP responses in Alaska.
Owner of Savannah-area clinic charged for role in providing access to notorious 'pill mill' doctorRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Garden City, Ga., clinic owner and CEO has been indicted for operating a clinic that provided a base from which a notorious “pill mill” doctor dispensed massive amounts of controlled substances.
In a five-count indictment returned by a U.S. District Court grand jury, Jamesetta Whipple-Duncan, 58, of Savannah, is charged with Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Solicitation and Receipt of Kickbacks; False Statements in a Loan and Credit Application; Falsification of Records; and False Statements, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible sentence upon conviction of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to four years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“The fight against the opioid addiction crisis must attack the full illegal supply pipeline, from street-corner dealers, to white-coated prescribers, to enabling businesses providing storefront space,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “With our law enforcement partners, we will bring unrelenting pressure to every avenue that fuels the illegal drug trade.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Whipple-Duncan, as owner of the now-closed Georgia Laboratory Diagnostics LLC, in Garden City, Ga., was an employer of Dr. Frank Bynes Jr., 69, of Savannah, who was sentenced in February 2020 to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay $615,145 in restitution to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare after being found guilty by a federal jury on 13 counts of Unlawful Dispensation of Controlled Substances and three counts of Health Care Fraud.
As noted in the indictment, from approximately January 2017 to September 2017, Whipple-Duncan “profited significantly from this clinic, both in the form of cash from many addicted patients and kickbacks paid to Whipple-Duncan from a laboratory that processed the clinic’s urine tests. Whipple-Duncan used the proceeds of the pill mill for her own use and enjoyment; yet, when Whipple-Duncan filed for bankruptcy protections shortly after the pill mill was shut down, Whipple-Duncan concealed the fact (that) she received the pill mill income and kickbacks she received, while making a series of false statements to the United States and others.”
With Bynes prescribing thousands of controlled substances, including the “Holy Trinity” drug cocktail favored by opioid addicts, Whipple-Duncan and Georgia Diagnostics Laboratory accepted only cash for office visits and refused to accept insurance, requiring Bynes’ patients to pay hundreds of dollars per visit – yet facilitated payments from the patients’ health care benefit programs for prescriptions and lab tests. Whipple-Duncan “obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars” as part of the clinic’s proceeds, according to the indictment.
The indictment also alleges that Whipple-Duncan solicited and received kickbacks by falsely claiming to be an employee of an Oklahoma laboratory that paid Whipple-Duncan to submit referrals for urine tests that the laboratory then billed to Medicare and Georgia Medicaid for nearly $500,000.
Regarding the financial crimes counts, the indictment alleges that on Sept. 27, 2017, Whipple-Duncan applied for and later received a $75,000 loan from a Savannah-based credit union, claiming income of “$10,000 monthly” from Georgia Diagnostic Laboratory despite knowing that the clinic already had been shut down following the execution of a federal search warrant. Whipple-Duncan later filed for federal bankruptcy protection, claiming that during that same period her income was $13,262 – despite her prior claims of making “$10,000 monthly” from Georgia Diagnostic Laboratory.
“In this case, the dispensing of addictive prescription pain medication (often-times opiate-based) under the guise of a doctor’s care, was not about the good of the community or an individual’s specific health needs; it was about the alleged greed of a clinic owner and CEO,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division. “This clinic owner was indicted for soliciting kickbacks and related financial crimes. DEA and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate allegations of misconduct by clinic owners. If the allegations are found to be true, these unlawful acts fuel our country’s raging opioid epidemic.”
“The OIG will continue to pursue cases against those who fraudulently profit from the nation’s opioid epidemic,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG). “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that society’s most vulnerable are protected from such nefarious schemes.”
“After allegedly profiting from the illegal dispensation of large amounts of controlled substances, Whipple-Duncan is accused of obtaining loans based on lies,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to bring the full extent of the law to bear on such alleged illegal actions.”
“Jamesetta Whipple-Duncan is essentially charged with hiding behind what appeared to be a legitimate medical business in order to profit off of the illegal distribution of poisonous drugs by Dr. Bynes. The indictment also alleges Whipple-Duncan participated in various forms of fraudulent activity involving the clinic she owned,” said Michael G. Sarhatt, Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team. “The type of behavior Whipple-Duncan has been accused of violates the trust of our citizens and CNT is committed to investigating those who take advantage of our community in this fashion. I am thankful for the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in investigating all aspects of this case, as well as the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting the case.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG, the FBI, the Georgia Medicaid Control Fraud Unit, and CNT, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Porter.
Orange County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Brokering Illegal Sales of ‘Ghost Guns,’ Other FirearmsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for selling narcotics and illegally brokering the sale of firearms – including several “ghost guns.”
Pedro Javier Villalobos, 24, of Santa Ana, was sentenced by United States District Judge David O. Carter. Villalobos pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
In the summer of 2019, Villalobos, who was not a federally licensed firearms dealer, brokered the sale of firearms to a customer, who was in fact an undercover agent. From August 21, 2019 to September 18, 2019, Villalobos brokered the sale of 15 firearms, including three AR-type rifles and several Glock-type .40-caliber pistols bearing no serial numbers. Villalobos also facilitated the sale of two Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns to the buyer.
Villalobos also sold a total of 367.8 grams of methamphetamine to a buyer on three occasions in August and September of 2019.
Villalobos was the lead defendant in an 11-count federal grand jury indictment unsealed in October 2019 that charged seven defendants with federal firearms offenses.
Prosecutors have secured five guilty pleas in this case so far. Frank Nerida, 50, of Garden Grove, was sentenced on January 25 to two years in federal prison. Jury trials are scheduled for February 23 and July 27, respectively, for the remaining two defendants – Jose Angel Vera, 28, of Santa Ana, and Kevan Ryan Perez, 33, also of Santa Ana.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Costa Mesa Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Anne C. Gannon of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.
North Carolina Return Preparer Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for Multi-Year Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Rocky Mount, North Carolina, tax return preparer was sentenced to 50 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2009 and 2017, Adrienne Williams owned and operated Ultimate Tax Service, a return preparation business, which had an office in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. During that time period, Williams and at least two of her employees at Ultimate Tax Service prepared false tax returns for clients. The returns claimed fraudulent refunds by including, among other falsities, bogus federal income tax withholdings. In all, Williams and her co-conspirators sought to defraud the IRS of more than $3.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle ordered Williams to serve three years of supervised release and pay $4,830,723 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Higdon commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan B. Menzer, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Meth Dealer Who Went “Off the Rails” Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine and was in possession of multiple firearms was sentenced today to more than ten years in federal prison.
Brandon Kirstein, age 33, from Cedar County, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 22, 2020 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
At the guilty plea, Kirstein admitted he possessed at least 5 grams of pure ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of it. Kirstein possessed multiple guns including a pistol, a handgun, and two shotguns. At the sentencing hearing, Kirstein also admitted to obstructing justice for attempting to hire an individual to murder a witness in the case against him. During the sentencing hearing, the judge described Kirstein as going “off the rails.”
Kirstein was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kirstein was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Kirstein is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Cedar County Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-0017-CJW.
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Maple Grove Investment Advisor Charged with Defrauding Clients Out of More Than $2.2 MillionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a felony information charging ISAIAH LESLIE GOODMAN, 33, of Maple Grove, Minn., with one count of mail fraud. GOODMAN will make his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court at a later date.
According to the allegations in the information, GOODMAN was a registered investment advisor and broker who owned Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C. GOODMAN also owned and operated MoneyVerbs, a business that claimed to provide customers with financial guidance through an internet-based app. Through Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C., GOODMAN represented that he would provide his clients with financial planning and investment advice, including purporting to place his clients’ savings and retirement funds into financial accounts that GOODMAN claimed were safe, secure, and profitable.
According to the allegations in the information, from at least 2017 through November 2020, GOODMAN defrauded at least 23 of his investor clients out of approximately $2,250,123. As part of his scheme to defraud, GOODMAN lied to prospective and existing clients about his use of their money, the security and profitability of the financial accounts he claimed to administer on their behalf, and the status and performance of their funds. During in-person sales pitches or through email messages and phone calls, GOODMAN provided clients with materially false and fraudulent information, including investment proposals and bogus online account information. GOODMAN also misrepresented to clients that their funds would be returned to them upon request, when, in fact, GOODMAN either kept all of the money or provided investors with refunded payments that were late, incomplete, or both, or that were refunds actually funded by other clients’ money.
According to the allegations in the information, instead of placing his clients’ money into safe and secure investment accounts, GOODMAN deposited client funds into bank accounts he controlled. GOODMAN misappropriated his clients’ funds for his own use and benefit by, among other things, purchasing and remodeling his home in Maple Grove, using funds for the purchase and construction of a $1.69 million home in Plymouth, buying a 2019 Ford Expedition and a 2020 Ford Explorer, funneling approximately $700,000 toward his other business, MoneyVerbs, and paying for personal expenditures, including a hot tub, a cruise, fitness club memberships, jewelry, and credit card payments.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
ISAIAH LESLIE GOODMAN, 33
Maple Grove, Minn.
Charges:
- Mail fraud, 1 count
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Man from Torreon sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter and assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Allen Lewis, 26, of Torreon, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque on Feb. 4 to 12 years and five months in prison for involuntary manslaughter, assault resulting in serious bodily injury of a minor, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
According to his plea agreement, Lewis admitted to driving his vehicle on April 17, 2018, while under the influence of alcohol and causing a vehicle crash. After purchasing alcohol from a gas station in Cuba, New Mexico, Lewis alcohol level was at .147, which is over the legal limit. While driving on Route 9 on the Navajo Nation, Lewis fell asleep behind the wheel, drove on the wrong side of the road and crashed into a family of five. The crash caused the deaths of three victims and serious bodily injuries to two other victims who were hospitalized following the incident. Four of the victims were enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
Upon his release from prison, Lewis will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Luis Eduardo Martinez-Torres, 23, of Mexico, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
“Deadly - meth and black tar heroin,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Great work by law enforcement to intercept these drugs and remove poison peddlers from the streets of Huntington.”
Officers executed a search warrant on June 5, 2019 in Huntington. Martinez-Torres and other individuals were in the home at the time of the search warrant. Officers found methamphetamine and heroin in the home. Martinez-Torres previously pled guilty and admitted that he aided and abetted other individuals in possessing with the intent to distribute 340 grams of methamphetamine and 453 grams of black tar heroin in Huntington.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department conducted the joint investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00281.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm Outside A Business at Henderson Executive AirportRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A man who held a handgun and a machete outside a business at the Henderson Executive Airport was charged Friday with unlawful possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
Etori Hughes, 45, of Las Vegas, was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts scheduled a preliminary hearing for February 19, 2021.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, on January 30, 2021, Henderson Police Department dispatch received a 911 call about a man — later identified as Hughes — in the parking lot of a business at Henderson Executive Airport, wearing a bulletproof vest and holding a handgun in one hand and a machete in the other. Police officers arrived at the business and placed Hughes in custody. During a search of Hughes’ vehicle, officers found a Glock 9mm handgun, 352 9mm rounds loaded into magazines, ninja swords, a smoke grenade, a knife, and other items. Hughes has a court order issued by the Orleans Parish in Louisiana that prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
Photograph of items recovered from Hughes’ vehicle
If convicted, Hughes faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Henderson Police Department and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
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Man Arrested for Allegedly Robbing Chicago Bank at GunpointRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Chicago bank and holding a customer at gunpoint.
CHRISTOPHER PORTER, 49, of Chicago, is charged with one count of bank robbery for allegedly robbing a Fifth Third Bank branch, 3957 W. 26th St. in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, on Feb. 4, 2021. Porter made an initial court appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez. He waived his right to a detention hearing and was ordered to remain in federal custody.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Porter entered the bank shortly after 5:00 p.m. and demanded that a teller place cash in a bag. Porter then put a customer in a headlock, pointed a gun at the customer’s head, and repeatedly said he would shoot the customer if the teller did not comply with his demand, the complaint states. The teller put cash in a bag and handed it to Porter, who fled the bank, the complaint states. The FBI arrested Porter later that evening in the parking lot of a Chicago apartment complex about four miles from the bank.
The arrest and complaint were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige A. Nutini.
The public is reminded that a complaint 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. The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Klamath Falls Man Pleads Guilty for Sending Threatening Cards Containing White Powder to Former CoworkersRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Klamath Falls, Oregon man pleaded guilty today for sending cards to former coworkers containing a white powdered pesticide threatened to be anthrax, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Kelly Michael Burns, 71, pleaded guilty today to eight counts of mailing threatening communications.
According to court documents, on or about December 19, 2019, Burns mailed four Christmas cards, postmarked in Medford, to former coworkers containing a white powder pesticide later identified as carbaryl. The cards were addressed to the victims’ workplace and contained violent threats such as “Merry Anthrax (obscenity)! Eat (obscenity) and die more to come.” Three people at Burns’ former workplace were exposed to the carbaryl, forced to undergo an extensive physical decontamination process, and were administered a high-dose antibiotic. One of the victims exposed was ten weeks pregnant at the time of exposure. As a result of the contamination, law enforcement ordered company employees out of the building and the company was closed for further decontamination.
Later, on February 13, 2020, Burns again mailed cards containing carbaryl to the same four victim recipients. This second wave of cards also contained violent statements with added threats directed at the victims’ families.
On February 26, 2020, an FBI laboratory completed a chemical analysis of the powder found in the December cards and confirmed that it was carbaryl, a known pesticide toxic to humans. A few days later, FBI handwriting analysts presumptively matched the handwriting on the envelopes and cards mailed in December to Burns’ own handwriting obtained from a job application and recent tax documents.
In March 2020, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Burns’ residence. They found handwritten notes in which Burns threatened to kill a former coworker, sabotage his former workplace, and conduct a drive-by shooting. Agents also recovered several books including, “The Poisoner’s Handbook,” “The Joy of Cold Revenge,” “U.S. Army Guide to Boobytraps,” and “Silent Death.”
On March 5, 2020, Burns was charged by criminal complaint with mailing threatening communications and false information or hoaxes. Later, on January 15, 2021, he was charged by criminal information with eight counts of mailing threatening communications.
Burns faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 6, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
As part of the plea agreement, Burns has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victims as identified by the government prior to sentencing and ordered by the court.
This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Kansas City Woman Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was charged in federal court today with the armed robbery of a Capitol Federal Savings Bank located in Liberty, Missouri.
Sarah Theresa Watkins, 41, of Kansas City, was charged with one count of armed bank robbery in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s criminal complaint alleges that Watkins stole approximately $971 from the Capitol Federal Savings Bank., located at 1911 Star Drive, Liberty, Missouri 64068, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Watkins approached a teller at about 3:20 p.m. and handed her a demand note. The note read, “HAND ME ALL THE MONEY OR I WILL SHOOT.” The teller reported to investigators that while she was opening the cash drawer, she heard the noise of a heavy object hitting the top of the counter. When the teller looked up, she saw the bank robber with what appeared to be a black, semi-automatic handgun, resting on the counter. The teller took the money from the cash drawer and placed it on the counter. Watkins allegedly took the money and left the bank.
On February 4, 2021, the FBI Violent Crime Task Force located a Hyundai four-door sedan that had been linked to the robbery. The vehicle was located on Benton Blvd., in Kansas City, Missouri. While observing the vehicle, law enforcement officials observed Watkins enter the vehicle. Law enforcement officials attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Watkins allegedly fled from law enforcement at a high rate of speed. According to the affidavit, the pursuit ended when Watkins lost control of the vehicle near E. 21st Street and Walnut Street. When Watkins exited the vehicle, she reportedly reached into her waistband and then pointed her hand out toward a police officer with her index finger extended forward with her thumb extended upward, possibly imitating a handgun.
Garrison cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Judge sentences former Centralia police officer caught in sting trying to have sex with teenRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Clint Patrick Baer to 96 months in prison today. The 42-year-old Centralia, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in October, to using interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
Baer contacted an individual, in March 2019, he believed was the mother of a 14-year-old girl through a social networking site. Over the course of several months, Baer exchanged sexually detailed and explicit text messages and phone calls, via social media, with her. In Baer’s sexually explicit messages, he expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the 14-year old girl as well as the mother. In reality, Baer was speaking with an undercover FBI agent.
On October 1, 2019, Baer contacted the undercover agent, believing he was speaking with the mother of the 14-year-old girl, and set up a time and location to have sexual activity with the mother of the child and the 14-year-old girl. On October 7, 2019, Baer travelled from Centralia, Missouri, to Wentzville, Missouri, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with both. Baer was arrested in Wentzville.
Clint Baer was employed as a police officer with the Centralia Police Department located in Centralia, Missouri at the time.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Charles Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case.
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Jackson Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Marlandow Johnson, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On July 2, 2018, Jackson Police officers responded to a disturbance at Studio 7 hotel. Upon arrival, officers observed objects being thrown from a vehicle leaving the parking lot of the hotel. Officers stopped the vehicle and, while speaking with the driver, they observed a handgun on the front passenger seat. The driver was identified as Marlandow Johnson and officers discovered that he had been previously convicted of accessory after the fact to murder.
On October 24, 2018, Johnson was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime. Johnson pled guilty before Judge Wingate on April 16, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Iron Youth Member Charged with Unlawfully Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, federal authorities filed a criminal complaint against an Iron Youth member for illegally possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
Caleb Nathaniel Oliver, age 19 of Smiley, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. Upon conviction, Oliver faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The criminal complaint alleges that on February 5, 2021, Oliver purchased a fully automatic machine gun from an undercover officer for $1,000. According to the complaint, Oliver is a member of the group called Iron Youth, a racially motivated violent extremist group that advocates violence in the furtherance of its objectives. Beginning in September 2020, Oliver had several meetings with the undercover officer to discuss the purchase of the machine gun.
Oliver, who was arrested on Friday evening after exchanging money and taking possession of the machine gun, remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing expected later this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney in San Antonio.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI is conducting this investigation with assistance from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William R. Harris and Mark Roomberg are prosecuting this case.
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Harrison County Task Force Officer given top honorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Vice Chair for the Executive Board of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA), and AHIDTA Executive Director Vic Brown are proud to announce the AHIDTA Outstanding Task Force Officer of the Year Award recipient for 2020.
The Commander of the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, was recognized last week at the Appalachia HIDTA quarterly meeting in Kentucky. While his name isn’t being released because of the nature of his work, the Commander is a 12-year veteran of the task force and a 30-year veteran of the Bridgeport Police Department.
“There isn’t a man more deserving of this award than this commander. I am extremely proud that he is in our district. He ia single minded in his efforts to protect the people of West Virginia. His dedication is legendary and we are lucky to have him,” said Powell.
The Commander was selected from 287 task force officers in AHIDTA, 110 different agencies in four states encompassing 93 counties.
“Appalachia HIDTA is honored to be able to recognize this officer for his outstanding performance in drug law enforcement. Due to the efforts of this special officer, undoubtedly there are sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers who are alive today due to the efforts made by this hero,” said Brown.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). A component of the Executive Office of the President, ONDCP was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. ONDCP advises the President on drug control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
Appalachia HIDTA is an important component of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy, which provides additional federal resources to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations within HIDTA assess drug trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to reduce or eliminate the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of illegal drugs, as well as money laundering.
Hamza Sharifshoble Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison Following Conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 8, 2021, United States District Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Hamza Sharifshoble to 60 months in prison plus 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.
“We are seeing the disturbing trend of increasing amounts of pure methamphetamine in Vermont,” said United States Attorney Christina Nolan. “This case reflects our determination and ongoing efforts to keep this highly addictive and potentially deadly substance out of Vermont and to punish those who profit from dealing it. Meth is mentally and physically destructive, and it tears families and communities apart. We will continue to aggressively prosecute methamphetamine traffickers in coordination with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and in federal, state and local law enforcement.”
“The prevalence of methamphetamine in our communities is something HSI is committed to reducing,” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. “HSI will continue to work with our partners at the Vermont Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office to stop subjects like Sharifshoble from distributing these dangerous narcotics in Vermont.”
In April 2019, the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) began an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Chittenden County area. During April and May 2019, the VDTF arranged purchases of methamphetamine from Sharifshoble’s co-defendants, Shane Casey and Kimberly Jones. Eventually, a joint Homeland Security Investigation and VDTF investigation showed that Sharifshoble was distributing methamphetamine himself and also supplying Casey and Jones with methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations and VDTF, working together, then arranged four purchases of methamphetamine directly from Sharifshoble. Sharifshoble conspired to distribute over 90 grams of high-purity methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous stimulant.
The 60-month sentence imposed by Judge Reiss considered the large quantity of methamphetamine distributed by Sharifshoble and his co-conspirators, as well as the danger posed to the Vermont community by methamphetamine.
Homeland Security Investigations and Vermont State Police’s Drug Task Force conducted the investigation in this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. Sharifshoble was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.
Former Phone Company Employee Charged for Role in Sim Swap Scam That Targeted at Least 19 Customers, Including New Orleans ResidentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that STEPHEN DANIEL DEFIORE age 36, a resident of Brandon, Florida, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343, for his role in a SIM Swap scam that targeted at least nineteen people, including a New Orleans-area physician. DEFIORE is the second member of the conspiracy to be charged.
According to the Bill of Information, a SIM Swap scam is a cellular phone account takeover fraud that results in the routing of a victim’s incoming calls and text messages to a different phone. Once a perpetrator is able to swap the SIM card, it is likely he is able to obtain access to a victim’s various personal accounts, including email accounts, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency accounts, as well as any other accounts that use two-factor authentication.
From August 2017 until November 2018, DEFIORE worked as a sales representative for Phone Company A. In that capacity, DEFIORE had access to the accounts of Phone Company A’s customers, including the ability to switch the subscriber identification module (SIM) card linked to a customer’s phone number to a different phone number. Between October 20, 2018, and November 9, 2018, DEFIORE accepted multiple bribes, typically in the amount of approximately $500 per day, to perform SIM swaps of Phone Company A customers identified by a co-conspirator. For each SIM swap, a co-conspirator sent DEFIORE a customer’s phone number, a four-digit PIN, and a SIM card number to which the phone number was to be swapped. In total, DEFIORE received approximately $2,325 in a series of twelve payments. Among the individuals whose accounts DEFIORE accessed was Victim A, a New Orleans resident, who phone number was swapped on November 10, 2018, to a SIM card contained in an Apple iPhone 8 that was in the possession of Richard Li. Li was charged with his role in the offense in June 2020.
If convicted, DEFIORE faces a maximum term of five (5) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment per count.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that a Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Missouri Resident Admits Role in Odometer Roll Back SchemeRead the Press Release
SUSAN L. CUNNINGHAM, 48, of Monroe, Connecticut, formerly of Blue Springs, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea to one count of wire fraud stemming from the sale of numerous used vehicles with altered odometers.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately August 2014 and October 2015, Cunningham and Wilfredo J. Albanese, while residing in Missouri, sold more than 40 vehicles with altered odometers to unsuspecting purchasers. As part of the scheme, Cunningham and Albanese purchased high-mileage used vehicles and then used a variety of means to alter or reduce the mileage shown on the vehicles’ odometers. They also concealed mechanical issues with those vehicles by removing “check engine” lights from the instrument panels, providing buyers with phony maintenance receipts and vehicle history reports, and concealing rust and other damage to the vehicle through paint or other means. Cunningham and Albanese obtained Certificates of Title for the used vehicles they purchased. Under the assumed identities of the persons listed on those Certificates of Title, they advertised and sold the vehicles to customers on Craigslist.org. Most of the victim purchasers resided in Missouri.
On May 22, 2019, a grand jury in the Western District of Missouri returned a 20-count indictment charging Cunningham and Albanese with offenses related to this scheme. The case was subsequently transferred from the Western District of Missouri to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
Wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2021. Cunningham is released pending sentencing.
On July 15, 2020, Albanese pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. On October 9, 2020, he was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $51,600 in restitution.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth of the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Casey of the Western District of Missouri.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the U.S. results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (888) 327-4236 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud.
Former Dodge County Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to $10 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that former Dodge County Deputy Sheriff Craig Harbaugh entered a plea of guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon to wire fraud. The scheme to defraud deprived six individual victims and one federally insured bank of a combined loss of $10,979,214. It is alleged that the individuals suffered more than $6 million in losses and the bank suffered the remainder.
Former Deputy Harbaugh agreed to a factual basis in support of his plea. He admitted falsifying purchase orders and contracts for his privately owned business, “Tactical Solutions Gear,” a federal firearms licensee with a former location in Fremont, Nebraska. Harbaugh agreed that he used the false purchase orders and contracts to induce individuals in the community to invest in his firearms business with the expectation that they would receive a return when Harbaugh filled the purchase orders. Harbaugh also used the falsified documents to obtain lending from a federally insured bank. In fact, Harbaugh did not have any standing or open purchase orders or contracts with any of the companies or government entities that he falsely claimed to be doing business when he induced the victims to invest with him.
Harbaugh falsely claimed that he had existing contracts and purchase orders to sell firearms and tactical gear to agencies and entities including: the Illinois State Police, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Nebraska State Patrol, the Kansas City Police Department, Werner Enterprises, other law enforcement agencies, and one defense contractor. Harbaugh essentially ran a Ponzi scheme. In an email obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he stated he was “irresponsible, immoral, criminal, and selfish” for deceiving the bank. Harbaugh was a Dodge County Deputy Sheriff the entire time that he was running this scheme.
After today’s conviction, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Craig Harbaugh exploited his position as a sheriff’s deputy to take advantage of victims who invested their life savings with him. Today’s plea demonstrates that no one is above the law. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to ensure those who commit fraud are brought to justice, even if they wear a badge.”
Wire fraud carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release that could follow any term of imprisonment. Harbaugh’s sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2021 before Senior Judge Bataillon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Baltimore Police Officer Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Making False Statements to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced former Baltimore Police detective Ivo Louvado, age 47, of Bel Air, Maryland, to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements to federal agents in connection with a scheme to sell three kilograms of cocaine seized during a Baltimore Police Department investigation. In addition, Judge Blake ordered Louvado to perform 100 hours of community service.
The sentence 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 his guilty plea, Louvado joined the Baltimore Police Department on November 21, 1999, and was promoted to Detective in 2008. In February 2009, one of Louvado’s co-workers advised that they had received information from a confidential informant about a large-scale narcotics trafficker operating out of a residence in the 1400 block of Ellamont Street in Baltimore. On February 19, 2009, Louvado and other members of his squad were conducting surveillance in the 1400 block of Ellamont Street, targeting an individual, T.M. In February 2009, Louvado served on a squad with Victor Rivera, W.J., C.J., P.G., and K.G., that was supervised by W.K.
As detailed in the plea agreement, other officers participating in the law enforcement action followed a car from that residence. Those officers claimed to have recovered trash that contained cocaine residue that had been thrown from the car they had followed. Louvado and other officers then entered the residence that the man was allegedly observed leaving. Louvado and other officers remained in the house until two members of the squad obtained a search warrant from a Baltimore City District Court judge. Louvado ultimately participated in the search of the residence, specifically, taking photographs of items that BPD seized. At some point, Louvado was alerted to the presence of a jacket hanging behind a door that contained a large amount of cash in it, which Louvado photographed.
While in the house, officers found car keys and a BPD officer activated the remote alarm on one of the keys. Officers heard the alarm sound in a pickup truck that was parked nearby. Louvado and other officers went to the pickup and opened an opaque cover that was over the back of the pickup truck. Under construction debris, a significant quantity of cocaine was found. Louvado and other officers waited with the cocaine until a SWAT team arrived. The SWAT team was called to provide protection during the transportation of the cocaine to BPD headquarters because it was such a large quantity. In order to transport the cocaine from the scene to BPD headquarters, it was loaded into a BPD surveillance van driven by K.G. After the cocaine was loaded into the surveillance van, Louvado followed the SWAT team to BPD headquarters to maintain chain-of-custody over the cocaine. Forty-one kilograms of cocaine was turned into the BPD’s Evidence Control Unit on February 20, 2009. Later that day, federal drug charges were filed against T.M.
Louvado admitted that he, Rivera, and K.G. later discovered three additional kilograms of cocaine in the surveillance van that had been used to transport the cocaine to BPD. These kilograms of cocaine had come from the seizure from T.M.’s pickup truck on February 19 and 20, 2009, but had not been turned in to the BPD on February 20, 2009. Louvado, Rivera, and K.G. agreed that rather than turn this cocaine into BPD, they would sell it and split the proceeds. According to the plea agreement, a confidential informant of Rivera’s, who was a drug trafficker, purchased the cocaine, which the trafficker then sold in Baltimore. Rivera received the proceeds of the sale from his source and shared them with Louvado and K.G. Louvado acknowledged that he received $10,000 in drug proceeds from the sale of the three kilograms of cocaine.
On March 1, 2017, seven members of the BPD’s Gun Trace Task Force were arrested on federal racketeering charges, including W.J. Following the filing of charges, the FBI continued to investigate misconduct by members of the BPD. On May 30, 2018, Louvado agreed to participate in a voluntary interview with an FBI special agent and an FBI task force officer, who questioned him about the seizure of cocaine on February 19 and 20, 2009. In that interview, Louvado knowingly falsified, concealed, and covered up material facts, namely, that he and the two other officers had split the proceeds from the sale of the three kilograms of cocaine that had been seized by BPD that day. As a former federal task force officer himself, Louvado knew that it was a crime to provide false information during interviews with federal law enforcement. Louvado also knew that the FBI was investigating police corruption and was questioning him about the seizures that day in order to determine if police misconduct had occurred.
Former Baltimore Police officer Victor Rivera, age 48, of Nottingham, Maryland, pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal agents and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise, who prosecuted the case.
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Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Thomas Drew Bess, 39, of Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“It’s 30 years in prison for Bess who mailed more than 18 pounds of meth from Los Angeles to Charleston,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It was the great teamwork between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Service-OIG, the West Virginia National Guard and my office that kept this shipment of 96% pure meth from being sold throughout our communities.”
Bess previously pled guilty and admitted that on September 1, 2019, he flew from Florida to Los Angeles, California. While there, Bess mailed a package that contained approximately 18.25 pounds of methamphetamine to Charleston. The package was picked up by a John Harvey Bush, Jr., and the methamphetamine was intended to be sold in the Charleston area. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted the package on September 4, 2019. Upon obtaining a search warrant for the package, they discovered over 18 pounds of methamphetamine inside. The majority of the methamphetamine was removed, except for 11.2 grams, which remained inside the package in order to conduct a controlled delivery. As law enforcement was delivering the package, the National Guard provided helicopter surveillance of the area. Bush was recorded driving to the residence and taking the package from the front porch. He then drove the package to his girlfriend’s residence, where he unloaded and opened the package, and discovered only 11.2 grams of methamphetamine. He attempted to flush the shipping label to the package. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement knocked on the front door of the girlfriend’s residence. Bush saw them through the window and was arrested as he tried to flee out the back door. Bush’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant, where it became apparent that Bess had told Bush of the contents of the package, its tracking number, and when it would be arriving. The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory, where it tested 96% pure. Bess was subsequently arrested in Florida and brought to the Southern District of West Virginia on an indictment. Bess’ phone was searched pursuant to a federal warrant, wherein evidence of drug trafficking and distribution were discovered. Bush pled guilty and was sentenced to 51 months in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted the investigation. The West Virginia National Guard assisted law enforcement with the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00024.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Financial Analyst Charged with $1.4 Million Fraud Against Small Business AssociationRead the Press Release
A former financial analyst has been charged with defrauding the North Texas Business Alliance (NTBA) out of more than $1.4 million in rebate funds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Last week, a federal grand jury charged Tammy Walden Thomas, 60, with nine counts of wire fraud. Ms. Thomas made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez on Monday.
According to the indictment, from March 2016 through October 2019, Ms. Thomas served as a financial analyst for NTBA, a cooperative association of hundreds of North Texas convenience stores and gasoline station owners that negotiated discounts with multinational food and beverage companies on behalf of its members.
As a financial analyst, Ms. Thomas was charged with passing these discounts, as rebates, on to NTBA members via automatic clearinghouse transfers. However, she allegedly misdirected more than $1.4 million in rebate funds into her own bank accounts, lying to NTBA’s executives and accountants in the process.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Ms. Thomas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fabio Leonardi is prosecuting the case.
Erie Woman Admits Defrauding U.S. by Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to defraud the government and false claims against the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chamere Henderson, 39, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between February 2012 and March 2013, Chamere Henderson conspired with her sister, Chamelle Henderson, to file false federal tax returns for three individuals in order to obtain federal tax refunds to which she and her sister were not entitled. The refunds from the tax returns were wired into a bank account to which her sister had access. Chamere Henderson also filed false federal tax returns for two other individuals in an effort to obtain inflated federal tax refunds.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Henderson on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henderson.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to More than Four Years in Prison for Possessing a SilencerRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a firearm silencer was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Shane Horsfall, age 37, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 15, 2020 guilty plea to possession of an unregistered silencer.
In a plea agreement and at sentencing, Horsfall agreed that he possessed at least 17 firearms unlawfully because was a drug user when he possessed them. He also agreed that he unlawfully purchased at least two of those firearms after having been civilly committed. Horsfall further agreed that, during the period when he was unlawfully possessing firearms, he sold more than 10 firearms, including to at least two felons and knowing that one of those felons was on parole at the time of the transaction.
Horsfall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Horsfall was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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 see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Horsfall was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Schunk and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-1016-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Doctor Sentenced for Role in Unlawful Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
An Ohio physician was sentenced to two years in prison today for his role in illegally distributing opioids.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David DeVillers of the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Detroit Division, Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge William C. Hoffman of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Interim Administrator/CEO John Logue of the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, and Executive Director Steven W. Schierholt of the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy made the announcement.
Morris Brown, M.D., 73, of Dayton, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances on Feb. 21, 2020.
Brown was charged in an April 2019 indictment along with four co-defendants: Ismail Abuhanieh, 50, of Phoenix, Arizona; Mahmoud Elmiari, 44, of Bellbrook, Ohio; Yohannes Tinsae, 48, of Beavercreek, Ohio; and Mahmoud Rifai, 50, of Detroit, Michigan. All four of Brown’s co-defendants were charged for their roles in agreeing to obtain controlled substances by fraud or misrepresentation for Dayton Pharmacy, which leased space in a building owned by Brown.. Abuhanieh, Elmiari, and Tinsae have been sentenced pursuant to guilty pleas. Rifai is the subject of an active arrest warrant in connection with the case.
The DEA, FBI, HHS-OIG, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, and Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Chris Jason, Tom Tynan, and Leslie Garthwaive of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing approximately 65 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.
Delaware Manufacturing Company Executive Sentenced to 1 ½ Years for Bribing Amtrak OfficialRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John P. Gonzales, 61 of Milford, DE, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison and one year of supervised release by United States District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick for his involvement in a bribery scheme to provide an Amtrak official with cash and vacations in exchange for lucrative federal contracts.
In February 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of federal program bribery. For a roughly two-year period from 2015 through 2017, Gonzales, an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for a small Delaware-based manufacturing firm, bribed Timothy Miller, a Lead Contract Administrator working in procurement for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (a/k/a “Amtrak”). Miller awarded more than $7.6 million in contracts to the defendant’s firm in exchange for bribes of approximately $20,000 and other things of value, including trips to Rehoboth Beach arranged by Gonzales and another executive at the firm.
“When businesses and public officials conspire to bypass the competitive bidding process, they not only harm other businesses seeking to compete, but they also undermine public confidence in the integrity of public works,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “John Gonzales purchased influence with a government agency, Amtrak, and for that he must now face serious consequences. Our Office will continue to investigate and prosecute public corruption wherever it exists at all levels of government.”
“We hope the results of this case send a clear message about the consequences of bribery and bid rigging—our office will vigorously investigate and help bring to justice those who threaten Amtrak’s and the taxpayers’ funds,” said Kevin Winters, Amtrak’s Inspector General. “Throughout this case, we have been proud of the professionalism and mutual support displayed by our agents, the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, IRS, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.”
“John Gonzales resorted to bribery to generate business for his firm, greasing the palm of an Amtrak employee,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “His corruption seemed to pay off for a time, yielding millions in government contracts. Ultimately, of course, those actions have cost him dearly. If you’re going after taxpayer dollars dishonestly, if you’re trampling all over what’s intended to be a level playing field, you too can earn yourself a stay in federal prison.”
The case was investigated by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Gibson.
Defendant Receives 150 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Kevin Brown, 40, of Brunswick County, was sentenced today to 114 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine and distribution of a quantity of cocaine. Brown also received a consecutive sentence of 36 months imprisonment for a supervised release violation.
The evidence presented in court and other information revealed that between March and May of 2019, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division, working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, made several controlled purchases from Brown while he was on federal supervised release for conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). Brown had been released from a federal halfway house in February of 2019 after serving a 92 month federal sentence. Following Brown’s arrest on the new charges, law enforcement received information that Brown had obtained a firearm to protect his drugs and money, but they were unable to locate the firearm.
Brown’s prior convictions included accessory after the fact to robbery with a dangerous Weapon (2007), sale of cocaine (2010) and the previously mentioned federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-00005-M.
Columbus Woman Charged with Using Internet to Hire Someone to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a Columbus, Wisconsin, woman has been arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint that charges her with using the Internet to hire someone to commit murder. Kelly Harper, 37, was arrested on Friday, February 5, 2021.
The complaint charges that from October 19 through December 10, 2020, Harper used a murder-for-hire site on the dark web to hire someone to kill an individual. The complaint alleges 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 complaint further alleges that payment was made in bitcoin.
Harper is currently in custody at the Dane County Jail. A time for her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison, Wisconsin has not been set.
If convicted, Harper faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
The charge against Harper is the result of an investigation by the Sun Prairie Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture and Bank Fraud Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Cambria County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Cambria County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Steven L. Brock, 32, of Cresson, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
"The men and women of federal, state and local law enforcement work tirelessly to protect our children from predators and pedophiles," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "Today, one such predator who produced child pornography was brought to justice, and will spend decades in federal prison for his crimes. I want to thank Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer for his significant assistance in this successful prosecution."
"Thanks to a cooperative effort between local, state, and federal authorities, a dangerous predator has been brought to justice, and our community is safer," said Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer. "The facts of this case are deeply disturbing, and the outcome demonstrates that there is zero tolerance when children are exploited. Thank you to the United States Attorney’s office for their work in this matter, and I look forward to continuing a partnership which ensures the highest possible levels of justice for victims and their families."
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about May 1, 2016, to on or about July 31, 2018, Brock produced images of a minor female (Minor A) engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. The case began in December 2018 when the victim’s mother contacted Pennsylvania State Police and reported her daughter, Minor A, disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted. Following a forensic interview with Minor A, PSP troopers obtained a search warrant and seized several electronic devices from Brock’s residence. PSP troopers and, subsequently, agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted a forensic examination of the devices and identified 16 images that depict Minor A engaged in "sexually explicit conduct." Several images of Minor A found on Brock’s devices matched those described by Minor A during her forensic interview.
Judge Gibson set sentencing for May 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a statutory maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, 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.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Immigration, Customs & Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ashley Chapman Hoff is Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
Ashley Chapman Hoff is officially the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. On January 26, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas appointed Hoff as U.S. Attorney effective yesterday. Pursuant to the appointment order, Hoff will serve as U.S. Attorney until a successor is appointed and sworn into office. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman administered the oath of office to Hoff at the federal courthouse in Austin.
“It is truly the honor of a lifetime to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas, and I am grateful to the Court for the appointment. I acknowledge and embrace the immense responsibility of this position,” said U.S. Attorney Hoff. “I am privileged to work alongside the incredibly talented and dedicated women and men of this office, who give their all every day to protect the public, defend the Constitution, and represent the United States of America.”
As U.S. Attorney, Hoff is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Texas. She is responsible for prosecuting violations of federal law and representing the federal government in civil litigation where the United States is a party. The Western District of Texas includes 68 counties spanning about 93,000 square miles. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas employs more than 300 people and has staffed offices in Austin, Alpine, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Waco, and San Antonio.
Hoff has spent 26 years as a public servant and prosecutor, handling criminal cases in both state and federal court. She has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas for more than 17 years. Since 2018, she has served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. In that role, she was responsible for the supervision of over 150 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and all aspects of the district’s criminal and civil practice. Prior to being First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Hoff was the Chief of the Austin Division from 2012 to 2018. Before becoming part of the District’s leadership, Hoff served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Austin Division for more than eight years, where she prosecuted a wide variety of federal offenses, including violent crime, drug trafficking, firearms violations, identity theft, health care fraud, and complex white collar crimes, among others.
Before arriving in the Western District of Texas, Hoff was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Texas, where she was responsible for handling national security investigations as part of a counterterrorism unit created after the events of September 11, 2001. She began her federal prosecution experience in 2000 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Texas EXILE violent crime reduction initiative in which she prosecuted federal firearm offenses as one of eight specially-designated prosecutors in the State of Texas. Texas EXILE was one of the models for the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which remains an important federal violent crime reduction initiative nationwide.
Hoff began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, where she served as a state trial prosecutor from 1995-2000, handling misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony matters.
Hoff, a native Texan who was born and raised in Sherman, graduated from Texas Christian University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Government and Spanish. She received her law degree from Baylor University in 1994.
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Alleged White Nationalist Charged with Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
An alleged white nationalist apparently intent on killing members of the Jewish faith has been charged with a federal firearm offense, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Christian Michael Mackey, 20, was charged via criminal complaint with unlawful sale of a firearm. FBI agents arrested him at a parking lot near his home in Grand Prairie Friday evening. He made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez Monday. A detention hearing has been set for 1 p.m. Wednesday.
“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing our nation’s gun laws, which are designed to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. This defendant’s indiscriminate sale of an AM-15 to a convicted felon could have put lives at risk, had the buyer not turned the gun over to the FBI,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “Although adherence to a repugnant ideology is not a crime in and of itself, unlawful sale is – and we are determined to hold Mr. Mackey accountable.”
“The FBI’s investigative focus is on criminal activity, regardless of group affiliation,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno, “Mr. Mackey’s disregard for the law as he is alleged to have knowingly sold a firearm to a felon could have put lives at risk. We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to provide protection for our communities.”
According to the complaint, Mr. Mackey regularly posted in online chats organized by the Iron Youth, a Neo-Nazi white nationalist group dedicated to national socialism, militancy, and political terror. The group espouses “siege” ideology – using a series of anti-government terrorist attacks to instigate a race war.
On Instagram, Mr. Mackey said he liked “control and killing,” called himself a “radical jew slayer,” and vowed he would “die attacking the sustem [sic].” He urged fellow group members to kill Jews and African Americans.
At a meeting with an undercover FBI agent in December, Mr. Mackey allegedly expressed interest in selling his rifle in order to purchase another firearm, and stated that another Iron Youth member had recommended a ghost-gun, a homemade pistol without a serial number. He later changed his mind, telling the agent he would prefer to purchase a traditional rifle.
At a subsequent meeting, the undercover agent offered to facilitate the sale of Mr. Mackey’s gun to another individual, who the undercover agent warned was a felon. Mr. Mackey allegedly told the agent he “could care less” who bought his gun.
On Jan. 29, Mr. Mackey sold his AM-15 to a paid FBI source with multiple felony convictions.
At the undercover agent’s direction, the pair met at a gas station in Grand Prairie, then drove to an adjacent parking lot, where the source purchased the weapon for $800. Mr. Mackey asked if the source was “based” (a term used to indicate an embrace of white supremacist ideology) then indicated that he’d heard the source was a felon, but didn’t care.
Immediately following the sale, the AM-15 was taken into FBI custody.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Mackey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, as a felon, he would be permanently barred from possessing a firearm.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Dallas’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Dana and Nicole Hammond are prosecuting the case.
Sunday 7 February 2021
Readout of Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall from the Funeral of FBI Special Agent Daniel AlfinRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and President Joe Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall represented the United States Government’s official delegation today at the funeral service for fallen FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Special Agent Alfin was killed in the line of duty along with FBI Special Laura Schwartzenberger on Tuesday, while executing a search warrant investigating violent crimes against children in Sunrise, Florida. Four other FBI Special Agents were injured during the incident. The service was held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officials from throughout the country.
“During his 12 years of service as an FBI Special Agent, Dan Alfin brought to the job passion and determination in all that he did,” said Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson. “It takes a person like Dan with highly specialized skills to investigate crimes involving violence against children day after day. Countless children around the world are safer today because of Dan’s work and many child predators are behind bars where they can do no further harm. Our DOJ family and the nation mourn the heartbreaking loss of one of the best the FBI had in its ranks, and our thoughts and sympathy are with Dan’s family, friends and fellow special agents from the Miami Field Office.”
“FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin, like Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, was an American hero who dedicated his life to keeping our country, especially our children, safe," said Dr. Sherwood-Randall Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. "He worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us from unimaginably heinous acts. President Biden knows the toll of such sudden loss and is keeping the Alfin family in his heart. It was a privilege to join the moving services this weekend alongside Acting Attorney General Wilkinson and FBI Director Wray. I want to express my deep thanks to everyone who participated in honoring the two noble special agents slain in the line of duty on February 2.”
Director Wray’s eulogy of Special Agent Alfin can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/news/speeches
The delegation attended funeral services for FBI Special Agent Schwartzenberger in Fort Lauderdale yesterday.
Saturday 6 February 2021
Readout of Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall from the Funeral of FBI Special Agent Laura SchwartzenbergerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and President Joe Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall led a United States Government delegation to Fort Lauderdale, Florida today that attended the funeral service for fallen FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
Special Agent Schwartzenberger was killed in the line of duty along with FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin on Tuesday, while executing a search warrant investigating violent crimes against children in Sunrise, Florida. Four other FBI Special Agents were wounded during the incident. The service was held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officials from throughout the country.
"During her 15 years as an FBI Special Agent, Laura Schwartzenberger was selfless, tireless, brave and committed to protecting some of society's most vulnerable: its children," said Acting Attorney General Wilkinson. "Laura pursued justice and she did so with dedication and integrity. We honor Laura's memory for all she gave to her country, to her colleagues and to the many others whose lives she touched and changed profoundly for the better. The United States Department of Justice family and a grateful nation mourn this devastating loss alongside Laura's husband Jason, and two sons, Gavin and Damon."
“FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger was an American hero who dedicated her life to keeping our country, our citizens and especially our children safe,” said Dr Sherwood-Randall Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. “Her courage is an inspiration for all of us and I know President Biden is praying for Laura and her loved ones as they grieve this profound loss.”
Director Wray’s eulogy of Special Agent Schwartzenberger can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/news/speeches/remembering-special-agent-laura-schwartzenberger-020621
The official delegation will attend funeral services for FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin Hard Rock Stadium tomorrow afternoon at 2:00PM ET. Due to COVID-19, the funeral service is restricted to invited guests only but the public may view the service on a live webcast at Service - Hard Rock Stadium.
Maine Man Charged in Federal Court for Assaulting and Impeding Law Enforcement Officers during U.S. Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Maine man appeared yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine on charges stemming from his assault on local law enforcement officers, as well as other crimes, during the riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 that disrupted a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress in the process of affirming Presidential election results.
Michael R. Sherwin, the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Halsey B. Frank, United States Attorney for the District of Maine, announced the charges.
Kyle Fitzsimons, 37, of Lebanon, Maine, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of assault on a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a); one count of certain acts during a civil disorder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 231(a); one count of unlawful entry in restricted building or on grounds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1752(a); and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, in violation of Title 40, United States Code, Section 5104(e)(2).
Fitzsimons made his initial appearance in the District of Maine on Friday afternoon where United States Magistrate Judge John H. Rich III ordered Fitzsimons held preliminarily pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 11.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint against Fitzsimons alleges that on January 6, he pushed against and grabbed officers who were holding a police line in an arched entranceway on the lower west terrace of the U.S. Capitol building. Video surveillance footage captures Fitzsimons at the terrace archway, in the front of a group of rioters, charging the police line and swinging at Metropolitan Police Department officers.
“This case demonstrates that all levels of the federal government, in all areas of the country, are working together to hold responsible those who laid siege to the Capitol on January 6th,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Here in Maine, we are playing our part to bring to justice anyone who allegedly attempted to thwart the will of the American people as expressed in the 2020 election.”
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the DOJ’s National Security Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Boston and Washington Field Offices, along with the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Capitol Police.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.
Friday 5 February 2021
Wilmington Gang Member Receives 54 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Carlton McIntyre, 26, of New Hanover County, was sentenced today to 54 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess With the Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Quantity of Heroin and Possess With the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin.
The evidence presented in court and other information revealed that on July 10, 2019, the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from McIntyre around the 300 block of Wilson Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the car which was delivering the narcotics. Detectives found a loaded 9mm handgun between McIntyre (the driver) and a passenger on the passenger floorboard in a backpack. The backpack also contained more than 1,400 bags of either heroin or fentanyl. According to law enforcement, McIntyre is a member of a violent gang and has prior felony convictions.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. 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. 7:19-cr-00123-D-1.
White City Man Sentenced for Poaching in Crater Lake National ParkRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—On February 4, 2021, a White City, Oregon man was sentenced for violating the Lacey Act by illegally poaching a trophy bull elk in Crater Lake National Park, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Adrian Duane Wood, 44, was sentenced to five years’ federal probation to include a six-month stay at a residential reentry center. The court also ordered that Wood be banned for life from Crater Lake National Park, be restricted from hunting for the duration of his probation, and pay $42,500 in restitution to the National Park Service.
“Our nation’s environmental laws are in place to protect vulnerable wildlife populations and ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy these animals as we do today. Mr. Wood preyed on elk and deer who were unaccustomed to being hunted and thus uniquely vulnerable to poaching,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Beyond the depravity of his crimes, Mr. Wood further engaged his minor son in his illegal acts and bragged about his criminal behavior to others. Thanks to the hard work of federal and state investigators, justice has been served and Mr. Wood has been permanently banned from Crater Lake.”
“Our public lands are special places for both people and wildlife,” said James Ashburner, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The defendant's blatant disregard for the law caused great harm to the elk herd in the park. This joint case demonstrates the resolve of National Park Service, Oregon State Police, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in protecting our nation’s natural resources. A special thank you goes out to the Service's National Wildlife Forensics Lab for their incredible work on this case, as well as to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon for placing an emphasis on environmental crimes that impact the natural world we all enjoy.”
According to court documents, in July 2014, the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and Oregon State Police (OSP) began a multi-year investigation into Wood’s illegal hunting activities based on reports that he was poaching wildlife in Crater Lake National Park. At least two sources stated that Wood had killed several deer and elk on the west side of the park after baiting them into meadow with rock salt. OSP received further reports that Wood was illegally poaching wildlife at night.
On August 31, 2014, an OSP trooper observed Wood and his son leaving the national park after dark. When the trooper approached him, Wood hurried toward his vehicle and acted as if he were trying to hide something. After speaking with Wood, the trooper located a loaded AR-15 semi-automatic rifle outfitted with night optics beneath his truck. Wood initially claimed the rifle was for bear hunting, but after the trooper pointed out that the rifle was not lawfully equipped to hunt any wildlife, Wood then claimed it was for personal protection. The trooper cited Wood for being a felon in possession of a firearm and seized the rifle. Wood was convicted in state court of the charge and placed on probation.
Throughout 2015, NPS and OSP continued receiving reports of Wood’s illegal poaching. NPS rangers found carcasses and piles of rock salt in an area of the park frequented by Wood. In October 2015, an NPS ranger found an elk skull, jaw, and vertebrae in the national park. The remains were determined to be near a custom track log found on Wood’s GPS unit. Investigators later learned Wood entered and won second or third place in a Sportsman’s Warehouse Big Bull elk hunting contest.
In August and September 2016, Wood engaged in several incriminating text conversations. On August 28, 2016, Wood texted his wife about his attempt to locate a bleeding elk he had shot. A photo later discovered on Wood’s phone, taken on August 28, appeared to depict a trail of blood. Investigators also found a custom waypoint named “Hit” on Wood’s GPS device created the same morning as the date-stamped photo. The “Hit” location was within the boundaries of the national park.
On September 7, 2016, Wood texted another individual, bragging about his hunting activities: “I’ve been in the elk since opening season and passed up 5 last Sunday because I have a problem shooting a small 5 point when there is a monster 50 yards away screaming at me…I’m pretty good at finding elk around here, I’ve killed 24 and get one every year.”
On September 22, 2016, OSP contacted Wood in his vehicle as he was pulling a horse trailer near the boundary of the national park. Although Wood stated he had not been hunting in 2016, the trooper observed blood on Wood’s hands and clothing. Wood then gave the trooper a partially validated Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) archery elk tag, which also had blood on it. The next day, an OSP trooper returned to the area where they had contacted Wood, walked a short distance into the national park, and discovered a freshly killed and partially butchered elk. The carcass was in the same meadow wherein Wood was previously reported to have hunted elk. The trooper noted that the elk’s head was sawed off and some meat was removed. Shortly thereafter, Wood texted photos of himself posing with the elk. OSP obtained the photos and matched them to the carcass.
On October 4, 2016, FWS agents executed a federal search warrant on Wood’s residence. They located multiple firearms, assorted ammunition, and several wildlife specimens. FWS special agents later searched Wood’s GPS units and confirmed he was in the national park when he killed the bull elk on September 22 and had marked the location of the kill. They further confirmed that the majority of his GPS hunting waypoints and track logs between 2011 and 2016 were within the boundaries of the national park.
Forensic scientists at the FWS National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab, conducted forensic examinations and genetic analyses of the wildlife specimens taken from Wood’s residence and compared them to animal remains recovered in the national park. DNA analyses revealed that Wood possessed parts of at least 13 elk, 12 deer, and one black bear, and the blood found on Wood’s ODFW archery tag matched the DNA of the elk poached on September 22. A forensic pathologist further determined the elk killed on September 22 had been killed by a gunshot. In total, investigators definitively linked six seized specimens to elk or deer poached by Wood in the national park in 2015 and 2016.
On May 1, 2019, Wood was indicted by a federal grand jury in Medford, Oregon for violating the Lacey Act by unlawfully taking and transporting a trophy bull elk from Crater Lake National Park and illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. On August 17, 2020, Wood pleaded guilty to the Lacey Act charge and agreed to pay restitution to NPS for the wildlife illegally taken from the national park.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, National Park Service, and the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting America’s wildlife from poaching, illegal commercialization, and other kinds of wildlife crime. If you have information related to a wildlife crime, please call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or email [email protected].
Watertown Man Charged with Possession of Firearm by Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Michael Ray Mitchell, age 42, was indicted on January 12, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on February 3, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about December 18, 2020, Mitchell, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possessed a Beemiller Incorporated, Hi-Point brand name, Model C9, 9mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Said firearm was shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Mitchell is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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 see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Codington County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Mitchell was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joseph McCready Tomson, 30, of Vallejo, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Tomson pleaded guilty on April 30, 2020. According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2020, Tomson was stopped driving back from Mexico and found to be in possession of hundreds of pills hidden near the wheel well of his vehicle. On March 17, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at Tomson’s residence and found two pistols in the living room next to a large amount of tools and gun supply parts, including a handgun and an AR-15-style rifle. Agents also found two additional handguns in a desk next to bottles containing Xanax and Oxycodone pills and a bag containing 229 grams 100% pure methamphetamine.
This case was the product of investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond prosecuted the case.
US Attorney's Office Statement on CDC Moratorium on EvictionsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office today issued the following statement regarding DOJ enforcement of the eviction moratorium order issued by the Centers for Disease Control:
In September of 2020, the CDC issued a federal order imposing a Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19. That order, which has since been extended through March 31, 2021, prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent during the period between September 4, 2020 and the end of March. In Rhode Island, the State District Court has issued an order implementing this policy; that order has also extended relief through March 31, 2021.
Under the CDC and state court orders, tenants who meet income eligibility requirements (generally, those who earn less than $99,000 per year, or $198,000 if filing jointly) and who are unable to pay their full rent due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses can obtain protection from eviction by providing a sworn declaration regarding their situation to their landlord (available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf). Once this declaration is provided, a landlord is prohibited from evicting the tenant while the moratorium remains in effect, and is subject to substantial penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 and up to a year in jail. The order does not affect the obligation of tenants to pay rent, however, nor does it bar the collection of fees, penalties, and interest.
Given the gravity of the current public health crisis, tenants covered by the CDC order should consider taking appropriate steps to obtain legal protection from eviction and report violations of the order to this office by email: [email protected]; Fax: (401) 709-5001, or phone (401) 709-5010. We likewise encourage landlords to consider alternatives to legal action while the CDC moratorium remains in effect.
Further information on the CDC moratorium is available here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html
The State of Rhode Island District Court orders are available here:
https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/PDF/20-06.pdf
https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/PDF/20-07amended1-31-21.pdf
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Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in KodiakRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Carlito Marcilino Velasco, 61 of Juneau and Don Irenio Castro Santiago II, 37, a citizen of the Philippines residing in Anchorage, have been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Kodiak.
According to court documents, Velasco and Santiago II allegedly devised a plan involving themselves and others to possess and distribute methamphetamine in Kodiak. During the drug conspiracy, Velasco travelled to California to purchase methamphetamine from sources in California for distribution in Alaska. Velasco then packaged and mailed the methamphetamine via United States Postal Service (USPS) to Juneau, where a co-conspirator repackaged it and then mailed it via USPS to Santiago II in Kodiak. Santiago II received the parcel, distributed the methamphetamine, and collected drug proceeds from the sale of the methamphetamine in Kodiak. Santiago II subsequently mailed the drug proceeds back to Juneau in a parcel, and the proceeds were later used by Velasco to purchase more methamphetamine for subsequent distributions.
Additional Court documents detail that on or about June 4, 2019, U.S. Postal Inspectors identified, intercepted, and seized a suspicious package mailed from Juneau to Kodiak. Further inspection of the package revealed approximately 233.45 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a coffee bag. Law Enforcement Officers removed the original narcotics and installed two tracking devices in the package.
On June 6, the parcel was delivered to a residential parcel locker in Kodiak, where Velasco and Santiago II retrieved the package, and left in a vehicle. A short time later, Velasco and Santiago II opened the package, and upon realizing there was a tracking device, hid the parcel under a nearby pile of lumber. Law Enforcement Officers of the South East Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) Taskforce apprehended both men. They have remained in custody since their arrest. Velasco and Santiago II purportedly successfully imported four other packages into Kodiak in the same manner, introducing over 680 grams of methamphetamine into the small community of Kodiak.
Today, Velasco was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy in January 2020. Velasco has a lengthy criminal history, with prior felony convictions for drug trafficking, murder, and domestic violence. In imposing the sentence, Judge Burgess noted the serious of the offense, and the need to protect the public given Velasco’s violent criminal history.
On December 10, 2020, Santiago II was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy in February 2020. Santiago could face deportation upon the completion of his sentence.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (USCGIS), Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Juneau Police Department (JPD), and Kodiak Police Department (KPD), in support of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program, and the South East Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) Taskforce, contributed to the investigation leading to the successful prosecution in this case. Established in 2018, the Alaska HIDTA Program enhances and coordinates efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, providing equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of Alaska. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt.
This case is also part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) Initiative’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities.
Two Men Sentenced for Their Role in a Transnational Heroin Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Two men have been sentenced in the last week for their role in trafficking heroin in the Northern District of Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Osiel Serafin Calderon, 25, and Rudolph Gorniak, 29, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan. Calderon received 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Gorniak received 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“A transnational heroin trafficking organization has been dismantled as a result of Operation Smack Dragon. I credit the dedicated efforts of Senior Litigation Counsel Joel-lyn McCormick who leads our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “These drug trafficking criminal enterprises are some of the most destructive forces in the world. Their criminal cell heads spread violence, drugs, and addiction from community to community. I am grateful to all of our law enforcement partners who have stayed the course in tracking down these traffickers, arresting them, and disrupting their criminal operations.”
This transnational criminal organization’s hierarchy had clearly defined roles, as leaders from Mexico supplied heroin to the Tulsa “cell heads.” These “cell heads” were originally from Mexico but lived in Tulsa. Stille Giovanni Gutierrez Vivanco, allegedly directed, from Mexico, the overall drug trafficking operations in Tulsa by delegating responsibilities for the import and distribution of the heroin and for the movement of the proceeds from heroin sales. The criminal organization smuggled heroin into the United States and transported the drug to storage locations in Tulsa where they prepared it for distribution throughout the United States. After preparing the heroin, the coconspirators would repackage it for distribution to mid-level distributers, who would then redistribute it to street-level dealers until it eventually found its way into the hands of customers.
Osiel Serafin Calderon pleaded guilty to assisting in delivering heroin to defendant Jose Garcia by transporting the heroin from Southern California to northeastern Oklahoma from January 2019 through June 2019. He also assisted in collecting drug proceeds from Garcia. Garcia supplied heroin to numerous individuals for re-distribution, collected payment from dealers and returned the funds to the Mexican source of supply.
Rudolph Gorniak pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute heroin from January 2019 through June 2019. Over the course of several weeks, Gorniak purchased quantities of heroin from defendants Alphonso Caldwell and Devin Hartzell. He purchased heroin, redistributed it to third parties, and relied on the payment from customers to purchase additional heroin.
The two were among more than 30 individuals indicted in 2019 for drug conspiracy and other crimes related to the cartel’s heroin operations. The prosecution resulted from Operation Smack Dragon, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation; the Oklahoma State Attorney General’s Office; and Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting this case. AUSA McCormick is the Lead Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Two Drug Offenders Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Omar Jaquan Carr, 26, from Teachey, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to possess and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, from January 2019 through February 19, 2020, one count of aiding and abetting in the distribution of a quantity of cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and marijuana. Deon Harold Boney, 27, from Rose Hill, North Carolina was sentenced to a total of 66 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to possess and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, from January 2019 through February 19, 2020 and six counts of aiding and abetting in the distribution of a quantity of cocaine.
According to court documents, Boney and Carr aided and abetted each other in the sale of cocaine on at least six occasions. Records show that on January 23, 2019, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office used a confidential informant to purchase cocaine from Boney and Carr who was Boney’s supplier. The confidential informant traveled to Boney’s residence in Rose Hill to meet Boney and waited for Carr to arrive and deliver the cocaine. Duplin County Sheriff’s investigators conducted similar purchases on August 20, 2019, September 17, 2019, October 28, 2019, December 11, 2019, and February 12, 2020. In each instance, the confidential informant met Boney at his residence in Rose Hill and waited on Carr to deliver the cocaine. In total, law enforcement purchased almost seven hundred (700) grams of cocaine from Boney and Carr.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Carr’s residence in Teachey on February 19, 2020. During the search, law enforcement found approximately $285,000 in currency. Of this amount, $20,620 had matching serial numbers from the currency used by law enforcement in the controlled purchases over the course of the prior year. A total of $280,339 will be forfeited. In addition, law enforcement recovered over 3,000 grams of marijuana and over 200 grams of cocaine. A loaded .38 caliber revolver in a filing cabinet that contained marijuana and a 9mm handgun in a safe that contained marked currency were also recovered. Carr has prior felony convictions.
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 Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation and the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
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. 7:20-cr-00090-D.
Two Anchorage Men Sentenced for Their Roles in 2019-Armed Robbery of Wells Fargo BankRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that two Anchorage men were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for their roles in the December 4, 2019 armed robbery of an Anchorage Wells Fargo Bank branch on Debarr Rd.
Totoe Opeti Sakaria, Jr., 24, and co-defendant, Brandon David McDonald, 24, both of Anchorage, were indicted by the grand jury in December 2019 for their roles in the armed robbery and have been detained without bail since December 10, 2019. Sakaria pleaded guilty to bank robbery and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in October 2020 and was sentenced yesterday to 126 months in prison. McDonald pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to bank robbery in October 2020 and was sentenced today to 28 months in prison.
According to documents filed in the case, on Dec. 4, 2019, two masked men entered the Wells Fargo bank on Debarr Road during business hours. One of them, later identified as Sakaria, pointed a shotgun at patrons and employees while demanding that everyone get on the ground. The other man, who has not been identified, approached a teller and demanded money, obtaining $2,624. As Sakaria and the other man left the bank, Sakaria struck a security guard in the head with the buttstock of his shotgun, causing serious injury to the guard. Sakaria and the unidentified coconspirator subsequently met with McDonald, who was aware the two had committed the bank robbery and agreed to hide the shotgun and clothing used in its commission. On December 6, 2019, FBI special agents recovered the shotgun from the crawlspace of McDonald’s residence.
Sakaria and McDonald were identified as suspects after still photos from surveillance footage were released to the public via Nixle alerts and the media. The coconspirator remains at large.
If the public has any information regarding the coconspirator who robbed the bank with Sakaria, please contact Anchorage FBI at (907) 276-4441.
In sentencing Sakaria to a term of 126 months, followed by 3 years of supervised release, the court noted the terrifying nature of the crime for the bank patrons and employees, Sakaria’ s dangerous use of a shotgun, and the rapid succession of serious crimes Sakaria committed in 2019, including a vehicle theft conviction from the State of Alaska. The Court also ordered Sakaria to pay $7,652 in restitution for the loss to Wells Fargo Bank and the cost of medical care and worker’s compensation insurance for the injured security guard.
In sentencing McDonald to a term of 28 months followed by 3 years of supervised release, Judge Beistline emphasized the foolishness of McDonald’s decision to help the robbers. McDonald has pending felony charges from the State of Alaska stemming from a May 2019 armed robbery and a February 2019 failure to stop at the direction of an officer.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison O’Leary.
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.
Teacher charged in federal complaint for transporting minor for sexRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Graniteville, S.C. man has been charged in a federal complaint alleging he transported a minor across state lines for sex.
Jonathan Eugene Grantham, 45, of Graniteville, S.C., appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps after his arrest on a federal complaint charging him with Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Grantham is employed as a teacher at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in Ridge Spring, S.C.
As described in court testimony, Grantham is accused of knowingly picking up a minor in Columbia County on or about July 20, 2019, and taking the minor across state lines to engage in prostitution.
Grantham remains in custody pending a detention hearing before Judge Epps.
A criminal complaint is only a charge; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons