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Monday 1 February 2021
Ohio County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick A. Groves, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Groves, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Groves, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a 9mm caliber pistol and ammunition in April 2020 in Ohio County.
Groves faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
North Texas Child Predator Sentenced to 50 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
An Arlington, Texas man was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for the exploitation of children and related child pornography crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Terry Ray Carter, 34, pleaded guilty in September to sexual exploitation of children and transportation of child pornography. He was sentenced Friday before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor.
“This sentence sends a clear message to those who seek to victimize children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “The Department of Justice will use every tool available to remove predators from the street or internet, and put them behind bars.”
“The FBI will continue working with our partners to apprehend and hold child predators accountable for their actions,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “We ask the public to alert us and local law enforcement if they suspect anyone is a victim of child exploitation.”
In June 2020, the FBI Kansas Field Office served a federal search warrant in Kansas City, Kansas for an individual who was allegedly involved in child pornography crimes. The subject of the investigation identified another individual he was chatting with on social media who was believed to be engaged in the production of child pornography.
Based on this tip, authorities began investigating Mr. Carter and established an undercover social media profile, according to court documents. Using the screenname “alucard83,” Mr. Carter exchanged messages with an undercover officer. During communications, Mr. Carter acknowledged committing sexual acts with a minor and sent the undercover officer images and videos of child pornography.
A federal search warrant for Mr. Carter’s residence in Arlington, Texas, was executed in July 2020. When agents arrived, Mr. Carter agreed to be interviewed. During the interview, Mr. Carter confirmed that he sent and received child pornography through a social media application. He also confessed to producing multiple child pornography images and videos using his cell phone at his Arlington, Texas home.
The FBI Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The initiative brings together federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Monongalia County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlentez McDaniel, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McDaniel, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDaniel, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a .45 caliber Glock pistol in February 2020 in Monongalia County.
McDaniel faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Michigan Man Sentenced to over A Year in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Layce Owens (43, Michigan) to 12 months and a day in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender in Florida. Owens had pleaded guilty on October 28, 2020.
According to court documents, Owens was convicted of sodomizing a 13-year-old child in Michigan in 2001. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender when he moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 2019, but he failed to do so.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office (Michigan). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Joshua Hardesty, of Rivesville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hardesty, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hardesty, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol in March 2020 in Marion County.
Hardesty faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Endangered Species ActRead the Press Release
A New York man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to selling a mounted leopard, which is an endangered species.
Michael T. Merisola, 62, of Buffalo pleaded guilty Jan. 29 to one count of violating the Endangered Species Act before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chelsey M. Vascura.
According to his plea, in August 2019, Merisola posted a photograph on his Instagram page that included a mounted leopard in the background. An undercover special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service communicated with Merisola about buying the leopard from the defendant. The two discussed the illegality of buying/selling a leopard across state lines.
Merisola said he wanted $4,200 for the leopard, and the undercover agent traveled from Ohio to Buffalo to see the mounted animal and make a down payment to purchase it. Merisola later accepted the remaining payment and shipped the leopard from New York to Ohio.
Leopards are classified under federal regulations as threatened or endangered wherever they are found.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case.
Luzerne County Woman Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConpiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Amanda Boyle, age 37, of Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 29, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to nine years’ imprisonment for her role in a Luzerne County-based methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Boyle previously pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in the Luzerne County area between January 2017 and December 2018. Boyle was one of five individuals indicted by a grand jury in December 2018 for methamphetamine trafficking in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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 the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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Local man pleads guilty to unlawfully possessing pipe bombRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A Dayton man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to unlawfully possessing a pipe bomb.
Michael J. Rhea, 27, pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered explosive device and to illegally possessing the explosive device as a frequent user of controlled substances.
According to court documents, in March 2020, officers with the Kettering Police Department encountered Rhea, who had a warrant out for his arrest. Officers explained to Rhea that he was going to be detained and discovered three methamphetamine pipes and a pipe bomb on Rhea and in his vehicle.
The Dayton Police Department’s Regional Bomb Squad was called to the scene and safely removed the pipe bomb, which had a protruding fuse and was filled with powder and BBs.
During a prior arrest, Rhea told law enforcement he uses methamphetamine daily.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl and Kettering Police Chief Christopher N. Protsman announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller and Deputy Criminal Chief Dominick S. Gerace are representing the United States in this case.
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Las Cruces woman pleads guilty to wire fraud and fraudulent tax returnsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Sandra Roberto, 42, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court on Jan. 29 to wire fraud and fraudulent tax returns stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court records, from 2011 to 2018, Roberto used her position in the accounting department for Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) to embezzle over a million dollars. As MVT’s primary contact with two third-party payment processors, Roberto deposited checks ranging from $400 to $975 into her personal bank account. Upon discovering her embezzlement scheme, MVT terminated her employment in 2018.
In addition to wire fraud, Roberto also falsified her income tax returns by failing to report any of the illegally embezzled funds to the IRS. For example, in 2017, Roberto embezzled $217,260, but only reported $31,932 as taxable income. The Form 1040 U.S. Individual Tax Return includes a declaration that the information is reported under the penalties of perjury.
Roberto faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ry Ellison and Richard C. Williams are prosecuting the case.
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Lakeland Man Indicted on Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Julio Gonzalez (45, Lakeland) with four counts of theft of public money and two counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for each of the theft of public money counts and a mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies Gonzalez that the United States is seeking a money judgment of $110,102.90, the proceeds of the alleged offense.
According to the indictment, Gonzalez used the identity of another individual to commit Social Security fraud and theft of government funds. The indictment also alleges that between approximately February 2014 and February 2018, Gonzalez stole Social Security benefits being paid out on behalf of four different individuals.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler and Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.
Kurt R. Erskine named acting U.S. Attorney for Northern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Kurt R. Erskine has been named Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia effective February 1, 2021, by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act. Bobby L. Christine resigned as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, but remains the Presidentially-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Incarcerated Southside Locos Member Sentenced to More Than 20 Additional Years in Federal Prison for a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Orchestrated from PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, KEVIN VIGIL JR., 29, of Oklahoma City, and a member of the Southside Locos gang currently incarcerated in state prison, was sentenced to serve an additional 250 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
On December 4, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an 81-count Indictment charging Vigil and dozens of co-defendants with crimes related to a large-scale drug trafficking operation orchestrated from state prison. According to the Indictment, the operation primarily focused on distributing methamphetamine and heroin, using contraband cell phones from prison.
On July 29, 2020, Vigil pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, alleging a drug conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The remaining counts of the Indictment pertaining to Vigil were dismissed pursuant to his guilty plea.
According to court documents and public records, Vigil is a member of the Southside Locos prison gang serving an 18-year sentence with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for several offenses, including assault and battery with a deadly weapon, following his shooting of a man in Oklahoma City in 2010. From 2018 to 2019, Vigil and other incarcerated Southside Locos gang members used non-incarcerated gang members and associates to facilitate the distribution of drugs, to collect drug-related proceeds, and to traffic firearms throughout Oklahoma.
On January 26, 2021, Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Vigil to serve 250 months in federal prison beginning after the completion of his time in state prison, which is currently scheduled to end in March 2026. Judge Friot also ordered 25 years of supervised release to follow the completion of Vigil's federal prison term. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Friot noted Vigil’s role in the gang organization and his continued propensity to engage in criminal activity despite incarceration. Vigil is the first defendant to be sentenced from this Indictment.
This case resulted from a nearly two-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Division, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections—Security Threats Intelligence. The investigation ultimately led to the federal indictments of more than 40 defendants related to this drug trafficking enterprise. Thirty-five defendants have already pleaded guilty, and five defendants are still awaiting trial or plea hearings due to this investigation.
This prosecution is also a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley and David McCrary prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Houston man ordered to prison for more than 40 years for multiple Christmas week robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 43-year-old local man has been sentenced to nearly 42 years for the robberies of multiple phone and others stores during Christmas week in 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A Houston federal jury deliberated for two hours before returning guilty verdicts against Robert Charles Wooten following a two-day trial. He was convicted of five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and five related charges of using, carrying or brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Lynn H. Hughes handed Wooten a combined 80-month sentence for the robberies. He also received an additional 420 months for the firearms charges which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. At the hearing, the court noted that although his prior offenses were not violent in nature, Wooten is a menace to society.
“This investigation shows the impact that law enforcement has against violent criminals who use firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Wooten was convicted of the armed robbery of the Walgreens on Little York on Christmas Day in 2017. Over the course of the next five days, he also committed the robberies of three Metro PCS stores, Bayou Pawn on Shepherd and Family Dollar on Tidwell, all located near his residence.
At trial, the jury heard Wooten has numerous tattoos on his face, but would enter the commercial businesses wearing make-up, cream or bandages to aid in covering them. He would then show a gun to the employees and demand money.
Testimony revealed that during the Dec. 25 Walgreens robbery, he waited in line before approaching the victim. He then showed a firearm and demanded the cashier place money and cigarettes into a duffle bag he had brought with him into the store.
He then committed similar robberies of the Metro PCS on North Shepherd and W. Little York, Dec. 27 and 28, respectively, during which time employees were frightened and complied with his demands.
Then, on Dec. 29, Wooten entered the Bayou Pawn – a shop where he would frequently conduct business. Upon his arrival, he initially acted as though he wanted to sell a bicycle. Once the employee was near him, Wooten pushed a firearm into her side and demanded money. The employee was afraid.
The manager of the store testified that he had been watching from the back. He saw Wooten put his hands on the employee and came out to confront him, not knowing Wooten was actually trying to rob the store. Wooten acted as if nothing was wrong and asked the manager to come outside and look at the bicycle. The victim then called the police.
The same day, Wooten asked his son to drive him to a separate Metro PCS. He did so and went door to Family Dollar. Soon after, Wooten stuck his head inside the store and told his son they needed to leave immediately. Wooten’s son got in the car, but noticed people taking photos of him, his dad and his vehicle. He asked Wooten about it, but he just ordered his son to drive.
The son later learned his dad had robbed the Metro PCS and alerted authorities.
Authorities identified Wooten based on the make-up and similar items he used in the robberies. Several victims also testified and identified him as the one who terrorized them during the robberies.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the witnesses had misidentified Wooten. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
Wooten has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Stotts and Erin Epley are prosecuting the case.
Hospital researcher sentenced to prison for conspiring to steal trade secrets, sell them in ChinaRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Dublin, Ohio woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 30 months in prison for conspiring to steal exosome-related trade secrets concerning the research, identification and treatment of a range of pediatric medical conditions.
Li Chen, 47, also conspired to commit wire fraud.
Chen admitted in her guilty plea in July 2020 to stealing scientific trade secrets related to exosomes and exosome isolation from Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Research Institute for her own personal financial gain.
Chen and her husband, co-conspirator Yu Zhou, 50, worked in separate medical research labs at the Research Institute for 10 years each (Zhou from 2007 until 2017 and Chen from 2008 until 2018). They pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal at least five trade secrets related to exosome research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Exosomes play a key role in the research, identification and treatment of a range of medical conditions, including necrotizing enterocolitis (a condition found in premature babies), liver fibrosis and liver cancer.
Court documents detail that Chen conspired to steal and then monetize one of the trade secrets by creating and selling exosome “isolation kits.” Chen started a company in China to sell the kits.
Chen received benefits from the Chinese government, including the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She also applied to multiple Chinese government talent plans, a method used by China to transfer foreign research and technology to the Chinese government.
“Chen and her husband executed a scheme over the course of several years to set up businesses in China, steal American research and profit from doing so,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “Chen willingly took part in the Chinese Government’s long-term efforts to steal American intellectual property. She deserves time in federal prison.”
“Chen’s sentencing today is a recognition of the seriousness of this offense,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman. “Chen admitted to abusing the trust of Nationwide Children’s Hospital by stealing cutting-edge research to establish a company in China for her own financial gain. This sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone else committing similar acts that the FBI will work closely with our partners to ensure the United States remains a world leader in science and technology innovation.”
Chen will forfeit approximately $1.45 million, 500,000 shares of common stock of Avalon GloboCare Corp. and 400 shares of common stock of GenExosome Technologies, Inc. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution.
Chen and Zhou were arrested in California in July 2019 and their case was unsealed in August 2019 when they appeared in federal court in Columbus. Zhou has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Special Assistant United States Attorney J. Michael Marous and National Security Division Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie, are representing the United States in this case.
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Hospital Researcher Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Steal Trade Secrets, Sell Them in ChinaRead the Press Release
A former Dublin, Ohio, woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 30 months in prison for conspiring to steal exosome-related trade secrets concerning the research, identification and treatment of a range of pediatric medical conditions.
Li Chen, 47, also conspired to commit wire fraud.
Chen admitted in her guilty plea in July 2020 to stealing scientific trade secrets related to exosomes and exosome isolation from Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Research Institute for her own personal financial gain.
Chen and her husband, co-conspirator Yu Zhou, 50, worked in separate medical research labs at the Research Institute for 10 years each (Zhou from 2007 until 2017 and Chen from 2008 until 2018). They pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal at least five trade secrets related to exosome research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Exosomes play a key role in the research, identification and treatment of a range of medical conditions, including necrotizing enterocolitis (a condition found in premature babies), liver fibrosis and liver cancer.
Court documents detail that Chen conspired to steal and then monetize one of the trade secrets by creating and selling exosome “isolation kits.” Chen started a company in China to sell the kits.
Chen received benefits from the Chinese government, including the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She also applied to multiple Chinese government talent plans, a method used by China to transfer foreign research and technology to the Chinese government.
“For far too long, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has encouraged the outright theft of American trade secrets through Chinese government programs that reward researchers for stealing what China cannot produce through its own ingenuity,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the National Security Division. “These programs, like the Thousand Talents, are not innocuous platforms for academic collaboration. Today’s conclusion of yet another successful prosecution for theft of trade secrets encouraged by the PRC Government serves as a warning to all who might seek to profit from China’s illicit efforts to achieve technological dominance through thievery.”
“Chen and her husband executed a scheme over the course of several years to set up businesses in China, steal American research and profit from doing so,” said U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers for the Southern District of Ohio. “Chen willingly took part in the Chinese government’s long-term efforts to steal American intellectual property. She deserves time in federal prison.”
“A hospital’s most important mission is to help people live longer and healthier lives. The defendant’s mission, however, was to steal trade secrets and create a company in China to make money off those stolen trade secrets,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI will not stop its efforts to identify people who steal technology for their own financial benefit or for the benefit of a foreign government.”
“Chen’s sentencing today is a recognition of the seriousness of this offense,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division. “Chen admitted to abusing the trust of Nationwide Children’s Hospital by stealing cutting-edge research to establish a company in China for her own financial gain. This sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone else committing similar acts that the FBI will work closely with our partners to ensure the United States remains a world leader in science and technology innovation.”
Chen will forfeit approximately $1.25 million, 500,000 shares of common stock of Avalon GloboCare Corp. and 400 shares of common stock of GenExosome Technologies Inc. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution.
Chen and Zhou were arrested in California in July 2019 and their case was unsealed in August 2019 when they appeared in federal court in Columbus. Zhou has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
The FBI Cincinnati Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous and National Security Division Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie, are representing the United States in this case.
Former natural gas trader pleads guilty for role in commodities insider trading schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former natural gas trader pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud for his role in an insider trading scheme.
John Ed James, 51, Katy, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 26.
“That executives continue to use inside nonpublic information for their own gain, illustrates that prosecutors must investigate and pursue these cases,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “These conspirators cooked the books and shared the loot - plain and simple.”
“When individuals engage in deceptive trade practices and manipulate the commodities market for their personal gain, they undermine the public’s confidence in the U.S. markets and stack the deck against other traders and investors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in such activity.”
“Commodities fraud and insider trading undermine the integrity of the markets, in this case the energy market which plays a key role in the Houston area economy,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The FBI will continue to combat criminal violations of the commodities laws to eliminate unscrupulous activity and protect market participants so that the public will continue to have trust in the system.”
As part of his guilty plea, James admitted he conspired with others to misappropriate material, nonpublic information and to use that information to engage in fraudulent, pre-arranged trades in natural gas futures contracts. These pre-arranged trades generated approximately $966,403 in illicit proceeds. He further admitted the net profits from these fraudulent trades were split between himself and others involved in the fraudulent trading scheme. James also admitted he and others agreed to falsely document certain proceeds as income on IRS forms in part to conceal the true nature of the funds and to make the illicit profits appear to be legitimate income paid.
In a related case, Marcus Schultz, 41, previously pleaded guilty before Judge Gilmore July 20, 2020, to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act including 17 C.F.R. § 180.1. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14.
This matter marks the Department of Justice’s first effort to prosecute insider trading in the commodity markets under Section 180.1.
The FBI’s Houston Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Jennifer Farer, Drew Bradylyons and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country and is the national leader in prosecuting fraud and manipulation in the U.S. commodity markets.– A former natural gas trader pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud for his role in an insider trading scheme.
Former Westminster Police Officer Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison on Sexual Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason Dunn announced that Curtis Arganbright, 43, a former Westminster Police Department (WPD) officer, was sentenced today in federal court in Denver, Colorado, to six years (72 months) in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition to his prison sentence, Arganbright will forfeit his law enforcement certification and be required to register as a sex offender. Arganbright previously pleaded guilty to one count of violating the civil rights of a woman whom he sexually assaulted. The federal charge was filed after Arganbright was sentenced to 90 days in county jail, after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual contact and official misconduct in state court.
“Curtis Arganbright’s heinous conduct not only victimized a person in his care, it shattered the public’s trust given to him as a police officer,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “This sentence is important because it demonstrates my commitment and that of this office to hold accountable those in positions of authority and to seek full justice for victims.”
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate law enforcement officers who use their authority to prey on vulnerable victims and sexually assault them,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gregory B. Friel of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases in an effort to secure justice for the victims of these reprehensible crimes and ensure that perpetrators who use their unique power to take advantage of others are held accountable.”
“Curtis Arganbright abused his power and authority as a peace officer to terrorize and victimize a member of our community while on duty. Such behavior damages the public’s trust in law enforcement officials and is contrary to the oath we all take. The dedication of our agents, our partners at the Broomfield and Westminster Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrates our commitment to holding all law enforcement officials who abuse their power and violate the constitution accountable for their actions,” said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The FBI takes allegations of civil rights and color of law violations extremely seriously, and will always seek justice for the victims and our community.”
According to court documents, Arganbright worked as a police officer for WPD in August 2017. While on duty in the early morning hours of August 24, 2017, Arganbright responded to a call of a theft at St. Anthony Hospital. After hospital personnel declined to press charges against the victim, Arganbright agreed to drive the victim home. During the transport home, Arganbright pulled off the main road and sexually assaulted the victim.
The Denver Division of the FBI conducted the investigation, with substantial assistance from the Broomfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Fields of the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Case Number: 19-cr-00445
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Former United States Air Force Officer Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Julio M. Gomez, 53, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 37 months (3 years, 1 day) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor. Gomez was also ordered to pay $29,900 in restitution to the victim and a fine of $10,000.
Julio M. Gomez pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual abuse of a minor on October 3, 2019. According to information presented to the court, an investigation was conducted by the United States Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations after receiving a complaint alleging sexual misconduct in 1997 with a 13-year old female while he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. The investigation revealed that between January 1997 and December 1998, Gomez did sexually abuse a 13-year old minor victim while living at his base residence. Gomez was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force at the time of the incident.
The United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
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Former Superintendent of Rockbridge County Regional Jail Convicted of Federal Civil Rights ChargesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Virginia - John Marshall Higgins, the former superintendent of the Rockbridge County Regional Jail, and a former member of the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors, was convicted yesterday on multiple charges related to federal civil rights violations and public corruption in an opinion issued by U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police announced today.
“For years, Higgins acted as though he was above the law and ran the jail accordingly—failing to protect and assist certain inmates in need of medical care, but providing special treatment to another inmate that could enrich him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar. “I am proud of the hard work put in by our partners at the FBI and VSP and our prosecution team that brought about this just result.”
Higgins, 62, and Gary Andrew Hassler, 58, the former head nurse at the jail, were indicted in August 2018 and charged with multiple federal crimes related to Higgins’ failure to protect inmates, denial of medical care for an inmate’s serious medical needs resulting in bodily injury, and charges related to Higgin’s use of his position of authority at the Rockbridge Regional Jail to improperly enrich himself. Hassler was charged with falsifying documents to obstruct a federal investigation.
Following a three-day trial in July 2019, a jury convicted Hassler of one count of impeding a federal investigation into civil rights violations at the Rockbridge Regional Jail by falsifying a document. Evidence at trial showed that on March 5, 2017, Hassler falsified a document to claim an inmate at the jail refused medical care. Hassler was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of twelve months and one day
After a six-day bench trial in August 2020, the Court found Higgins guilty of three counts of deprivation of civil rights for denying medical care to an inmate and failing to protect that inmate from physical abuse, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and honest services fraud, and two counts of mail and honest services fraud for accepting things of value in exchange for engaging in official acts.
According to evidence presented at his trial, Higgins, as superintendent of the jail, failed to protect the rights of inmates at the regional jail by failing to provide an inmate with medical treatment and failing to protect that inmate from physical abuse from other inmates, which resulted in bodily injury. On multiple occasions Higgins was made aware of abusive conduct towards certain inmates and did nothing to prevent the abuse from occurring. On one occasion, Higgins refused to allow an inmate with potentially serious injuries to be seen by a physician for three days. The inmate was only provided medical care after other staff members sent the inmate to the hospital emergency room.
In addition, evidence demonstrated that Higgins, while superintendent of the jail, agreed to accept things of value from the family and friends of an inmate at the Rockbridge Regional Jail in exchange for providing preferential treatment to the inmate. These family members and friends provided at least $3,000 in payments and other items to a scholarship fund operated by Higgins and his family. The evidence demonstrated that in exchange for these payments, the inmate, who had been ordered to serve a three-year sentence at the Department of Corrections for vehicular manslaughter, received significant privileges while incarcerated at the Rockbridge Regional Jail. These privileges and preferential treatment included, but were not limited to, unsupervised contact visits with family and friends at the jail and at a farm located in Rockbridge County and deliveries of ice cream from Higgins to the inmate. Higgins’ also upgraded the cable package at the jail at the inmate’s request, granted the inmate’s unfettered access to jail facilities and Higgin’s personal office. Finally, at Higgins’ direction, the inmate was never sent to the Virginia Department of Corrections to serve his sentence, as dictated by policy and procedure, but instead served his entire sentence at the Rockbridge Regional Jail.
The court has not yet set a sentencing date.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for Rockbridge County assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former Natural Gas Trader Pleads Guilty for Role in Commodities Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
A former natural gas trader pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud for his role in an insider trading scheme.
John Ed James, 51, of Katy, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore of the Southern District of Texas. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 26, 2021, before Judge Gilmore.
“When individuals engage in deceptive trade practices and manipulate the commodities market for their personal gain, they undermine the public’s confidence in the U.S. markets and stack the deck against other traders and investors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in such activity.”
“That executives continue to use inside nonpublic information for their own gain illustrates that prosecutors must investigate and pursue these cases,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “These conspirators cooked the books and shared the loot – plain and simple.”
“Commodities fraud and insider trading undermine the integrity of the markets, in this case the energy market which plays a key role in the Houston area economy,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The FBI will continue to combat criminal violations of the commodities laws to eliminate unscrupulous activity and protect market participants so that the public will continue to have trust in the system.”
As part of his guilty plea, James admitted that he conspired with others to misappropriate material, nonpublic information and to use that information to engage in fraudulent, pre-arranged trades in natural gas futures contracts. These pre-arranged trades generated approximately $966,403 in illicit proceeds. He further admitted that the net profits from these fraudulent trades were split between himself and others involved in the fraudulent trading scheme. James also admitted that he and others agreed to falsely document certain proceeds as income on IRS forms in part to conceal the true nature of the funds and to make the illicit profits appear to be legitimate income paid.
In a related case, Marcus Schultz, 41, previously pleaded guilty before Judge Gilmore on July 20, 2020, to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, including 17 C.F.R. § 180.1. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14, 2021. This matter marks the Department of Justice’s first effort to prosecute insider trading in the commodity markets under Section 180.1.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Houston Field Office and the IRS-CI’s Houston Field Office. Trial Attorneys Jennifer Farer, Drew Bradylyons, and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady of the Southern District of Houston are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country and is the national leader in prosecuting fraud and manipulation in the U.S. commodity markets.
Former Gainesville Resident Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE – A former resident of Gainesville, Florida, was recently expelled from a foreign country and returned to the United States by the FBI for prosecution. Mohamed Fathy Suliman, age 33, a U.S. citizen, is charged in a criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support, including personnel (himself) and services, to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. It is alleged that Suliman left Gainesville, Florida, travelled to Turkey, and attempted to enter Syria illegally in 2014 in an effort to join and support ISIS. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the arrest.
“This arrest resulted from years of work and coordination by our prosecutors and FBI agents from the Jacksonville Field Office,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Terrorists and would-be terrorists need to understand that no resource will be spared when it comes to protecting U.S. citizens and prosecuting those who seek to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
According to the criminal complaint, Suliman made a one-way flight reservation in June 2014, from Orlando, Florida, to Alexandria, Egypt, with stops in Chicago, Illinois, and Istanbul, Turkey. Suliman initiated his travel on June 12, 2014, but when he arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, rather than traveling on to Egypt, Suliman paid cash for a one-way airline ticket to the Turkish/Syrian border town of Gaziantep, Turkey.
On June 14, 2014, Suliman was arrested by Turkish authorities for illegally crossing into Syria from Turkey. According to the criminal complaint, during an interview of Suliman by an FBI agent in 2018, Suliman stated that he had researched how to get to Syria, and had purchased the plane ticket to Egypt to disguise his true travel plans from family and others. Suliman also allegedly admitted that he purchased the airline ticket to Gaziantep, Turkey, with cash to avoid creating an electronic record of the purchase. Suliman went on to admit that he attempted to enter Syria and was arrested by Turkish authorities.
“This case illustrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to protecting Americans from threats posed by violent terrorist organizations and those who attempt to provide them with material support,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The FBI Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force will never waiver in our efforts to identify and bring to justice those who threaten our national security by assisting foreign terrorist organizations and promoting violent extremism.”
Turkey is known to be a primary pathway used by foreign fighters aspiring to join ISIS forces in Syria, due to the land border shared by the two countries. Like others, Suliman allegedly disguised his intentions from his family by only telling them he planned to travel to Egypt. According to the complaint, Suliman's actions are consistent with those of other individuals who have sought to join ISIS and crossed from Turkey into Syria at the Kilis border crossing, after traveling to Gaziantep.
According to the criminal complaint, a search of an email account subscribed to by Suliman revealed approximately 36 email attachments that contained various audio files that consisted of messages calling for jihad, justifications for jihad, rewards for those who participate in jihad and martyrdom, and that encouraged fighting against the crusaders, infidels (non-Muslims), and those that insult the Prophet Muhammad. The email attachments were dated from May 2009 through October 2012. The criminal complaint also alleges that in both August and December of 2014, Suliman’s Facebook account displayed an ISIS profile photo featuring the black flag that is ISIS’s symbol.
If convicted, Suliman faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Suliman’s initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Gainesville.
This arrest resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen M. Kunz is prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation by a sworn affiant that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to due process, to include a fair trial, during which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - U.S. v. Suliman Complaint - U.S. v. SulimanFormer Franklin County Middle School Teacher of the Year Sentenced for Child Exploitation Crimes Involving Former StudentRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY. – Robert Alan Thompson, 34, of Hodgenville, Kentucky, was sentenced by United States District Judge David J. Hale on Thursday, January 29, 2021, to 15 years in prison followed by a 15-year term of Supervised Release for online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett.
According to the Plea Agreement, on April 21, 2020, law enforcement officials executed a state search warrant at the residence where Thompson was living in LaRue County, Kentucky, and seized Thompson’s iPhone. During a post-Miranda interview, Thompson indicated that he would receive images and videos of child pornography via online links and visit teen chat rooms pretending to be a teenage boy. Thompson further stated that about a month prior to the search he had received two pictures of underage boys engaging in sexually explicit conduct from a friend.
A Detective with the Kentucky Office of Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations conducted a full file system extraction of the iPhone. During the review, the Detective found evidence of child pornography and evidence that, earlier in April 2020, Thompson initiated a conversation with a former 8th grade student of his – who was then 17. Thompson directed the conversation to sexual topics and subsequently asked for, and received, sexually explicit images of the former student.
“I commend the outstanding work of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations in thoroughly pursing all aspects of this case and the valuable assistance provided by the United States Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, and the Radcliff Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. “The teamwork of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors sends a clear message to those who sexually exploit children in the Commonwealth - you will identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who work together to stop child exploitation in the Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Cameron. “Our Department of Criminal Investigations and investigator Mike Littrell worked diligently on this case, and we are grateful for the work of Acting U.S. Attorney Bennett and his team, including AUSA Jo Lawless, the United States Secret Service, the Kentucky State Police, and the Radcliff Police Department.”
Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Kentucky Office of Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation, with assistance from the United States Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, and Radcliff Police Department.
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This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Colorado Police Officer Sentenced on Sexual Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
Curtis Arganbright, 43, a former Westminster Police Department (WPD) officer, was sentenced today in federal court in Denver, Colorado, to 72 months in prison and three years supervised release. In addition to his prison sentence, Arganbright will forfeit his law enforcement certification and be required to register as a sex offender.
Arganbright previously pleaded guilty to one count of violating the civil rights of a woman whom he sexually assaulted.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate law enforcement officers who use their authority to prey on vulnerable victims and sexually assault them,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gregory B. Friel of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases in an effort to secure justice for the victims of these reprehensible crimes and ensure that perpetrators who use their unique power to take advantage of others are held accountable.”
“Curtis Arganbright’s heinous conduct not only victimized a person in his care, it shattered the public’s trust given to him as a police officer,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn for the District of Colorado. “This sentence is important because it demonstrates my commitment and that of this office to hold accountable those in positions of authority and to seek full justice for victims.”
“Curtis Arganbright abused his power and authority as a peace officer to terrorize and victimize a member of our community while on duty. Such behavior damages the public’s trust in law enforcement officials and is contrary to the oath we all take. The dedication of our agents, our partners at the Broomfield and Westminster Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrates our commitment to holding all law enforcement officials who abuse their power and violate the constitution accountable for their actions,” said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The FBI takes allegations of civil rights and color of law violations extremely seriously and will always seek justice for the victims and our community.”
According to court documents, Arganbright worked as a police officer for WPD in August 2017. While on duty in the early morning hours of Aug. 24, 2017, Arganbright responded to a call of a theft at St. Anthony Hospital. After hospital personnel declined to press charges against the victim, Arganbright agreed to drive the victim home. During the transport home, Arganbright pulled off the main road and sexually assaulted the victim.
The Denver Division of the FBI conducted the investigation, with substantial assistance from the Broomfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Fields of the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Five Charged in El Paso for Smuggling Drugs and Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Today in El Paso, federal authorities filed two criminal complaints charging five individuals for smuggling an estimated $5.4 million worth of marijuana and methamphetamine and 77 illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson, U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez and Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin.
One criminal complaint charges four Mexican nationals – 40-year-old Jose Jesus Cardenas-Gonzalez, 21-year-old Cristian Armando Lucero-Gonzalez, 27-year-old Damian Arturo Izaguirre-Velasquez and 36-year-old Luis Francisco Galaz-Baldenegro – with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The other criminal complaint charges 25-year-old Mexican national Manuel Uriel Pinuelas Salas with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to court documents, on January 28, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped five pick-up trucks travelling in a caravan approximately 10 miles north of the border on Lopez Road near the base of the Quitman Mountain range in Hudspeth County. Agents discovered a total of 77 illegal aliens inside four vehicles. The fifth vehicle, driven by Pinuelas, contained over 450 pounds of marijuana and more than 157 pounds of methamphetamine.
Upon conviction, Pinuelas faces between 10 years and life in federal prison. The other four defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction. All five remain in federal custody pending detention hearings anticipated to take place later this week.
The HSI, DEA and U.S. Border Patrol continue to investigate this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spencer Kiggins is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal Arrest Announced as Part of Dollar General Shooting InvestigationRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason Dunn announced that Johnny Ray McCaslin, age 49, of Arvada has been charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Mr. McCaslin is scheduled to have his initial appearance in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado on Monday afternoon.
According to facts contained in the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, evidence supporting the firearm charge was obtained as part of an investigation into a shooting at a Dollar General store in Arvada on January 26, 2021. Mr. McCaslin was identified as a suspect in that shooting, which led to a search warrant for his residence. During that search, investigators located two firearms and ammunition. Mr. McCaslin has previously been convicted of felonies in the State of Colorado and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This matter is being investigated by the ATF and multiple law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jena Neuscheler.
Case Number: 21-mj-00015
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Ex oficial de Policía condenado por cargos de agresión sexualRead the Press Release
Curtis Arganbright, 43, ex oficial del Departamento de Policía de Westminster (WPD), fue sentenciado hoy en la Corte Federal de Denver, Colorado, a 72 meses en prisión y tres años de libertad supervisada. Además de su sentencia de prisión, Arganbright perderá su certificado del orden público y se requerirá que se registre como agresor sexual.
Arganbright se declaró culpable previamente a un cargo de violación de los Derechos Civiles de una mujer a la que atacó sexualmente.
“El Departamento de Justicia no tolerará que los oficiales de orden público usen su autoridad para hacer presas a víctimas vulnerables y que las ataquen sexualmente”, dijo el Subsecretario del Fiscal General Gregory B. Friel de la División de Derechos Civiles. “La División de Derechos Civiles continuará persiguiendo energéticamente estos casos en un esfuerzo para garantizar justicia a las víctimas de estos crímenes reprensibles y garantizar que se hace responsable a los perpetradores que utilizan su poder único para sacar ventaja de otros”.
“El infame comportamiento de Curtis Arganbright no sólo de victimizar a una persona bajo su cuidado, destruyó la confianza que le tenía el púbico como oficial de policía”, dijo el Fiscal de EE.UU. Jason Dunn para el Distrito de Colorado. “Esta sentencia es importante porque demostrará mi compromiso, y el de esa oficina, para hacer responsables a aquéllos en posiciones de autoridad y para buscar la justicia plena para las víctimas”.
“Curtis Arganbright abusó de su poder y autoridad como oficial de la paz al aterrorizar y victimizar a un miembro de nuestra comunidad mientras estaba de guardia. Tal comportamiento daña la confianza del público en los oficiales del orden público y es contrario al juramento que hacemos”. La dedicación de nuestros agentes, nuestros socios en los Departamentos de Policía de Broomfield y Westminster y la Oficina del Fiscal de EE.UU. demostraron su compromiso para hacer responsables de sus actos a todos los oficiales del orden público que abusan de su poder y violan la constitución”, dijo el Agente Especial del FBI de Denver a Cargo, Michael Schneider. “El FBI tomas los alegatos de violación a la ley de Derechos Civiles y color extremadamente serios y siempre buscará justicia para las víctimas y nuestra comunidad”.
De acuerdo con los documentos de la corte, Arganbright trabajó como oficial de la policía de WPD en agosto de 2017. Mientras se encontraba en funciones, temprano en la mañana del 24 de agosto de 2017, Arganbright respondió a una llamada de robo en el Hospital de St. Anthony. Después el personal del hospital se negó a presentar cargos contra la víctima. Arganbright aceptó llevar a la víctima a su casa. Durante el transporte a casa, Arganbright se salió del camino principal y agredió sexualmente a la víctima.
La División de Denver del FBI llevó a cabo una investigación, con asistencia del Departamento de Policía de Broomfield. El caso fue perseguido por el Asistente del Fiscal de EE.UU. del Distrito de Colorado y los Abogados Litigantes Maura White y Katherine DeVar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU.
EDVA Commemorates Black History MonthRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As part of a long-standing tradition spanning more than 25 years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) will honor the contributions and history of the African American community during this year’s Black History Month.
“Our Office will continue to recognize the proud traditions and rich history of the African American community, while also acknowledging the challenging realities, both past and present, that Black Americans have experienced here in Virginia and across our Nation,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As it is inscribed on the walls of the U.S. Department of Justice Building, ‘the place of Justice is a hallowed place,’ and we are deeply committed in EDVA to ensuring that all participants in the legal process—including victims, parties, and members of the Bench and Bar—are treated with respect and dignity as we seek equal justice under the law. As part of that commitment, we are dedicated to furthering our collective efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in all forms through our hiring, advancement, and community outreach practices.”
The annual tradition of Black History Month in February is commemorated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which establishes a national theme for each year. The theme for 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” For over 25 years, EDVA has hosted events based on the national theme, or closely related topics, with speakers and performers appearing during programs held at EDVA’s offices. Those speakers have included prominent members of the legal community—such as judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Justice Department leadership, and law professors—as well as scholars, historians, and performing artists.
Notable examples of memorable Black History Month programs held in EDVA have included a 2014 panel with members of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School Football Team, who inspired the 2000 film Remember the Titans; Deval L. Patrick, then-Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Civil Rights Division (1995); John W. Marshall, then-U.S. Marshal for EDVA (1998); Eric H. Holder, Jr., then-Deputy Attorney General (2000); Lt. General Daniel James III, then-Director of the Air National Guard (2005); Virginia Supreme Court Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn (2016); U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson (2018); and representatives of the renowned National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (2017, 2019).
EDVA’s tradition of hosting annual Black History Month celebrations began in 1994 and has been led by EDVA’s Black Affairs Special Emphasis Program Manager, Sabrina A. Black, since inception. The Diversity Committee was established in 2010 and includes a cross-section of EDVA’s administrative staff, legal support, and attorneys, and it has been instrumental in tackling key issues such as work/life balance, training and retention of existing employees, and diversity and inclusion in EDVA’s recruitment and hiring practices. Over time, EDVA has increased the diversity of its senior management ranks, with half of the current senior management team consisting of women and racial minorities, including Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh, the first person of color to lead the Office.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the members of EDVA’s Black History Month and Diversity committees for their leadership and commitment in spearheading our diversity and inclusion-oriented programs for the benefit of the entire Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh. “EDVA’s dedicated and selfless workforce is, and will always be, the heart and soul of our Office.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Dracut Construction Business Owner Charged with $1 Million Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a commercial and residential construction business in Dracut was charged on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 with an income diversion and payroll tax scheme resulting in a tax loss that exceeded $1 million.
James P. Enwright, 53, was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of failure to pay over taxes. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the charging documents, Enwright owned and operated Enwright Construction. From 2013 through 2018, Enwright allegedly withheld from his tax preparer over $2.8 million of Enwright Construction’s gross receipts. In addition, during the tax quarters ending March 31, 2013 through Sept. 30, 2019, it is alleged that Enwright paid over $3 million in wages to his employees in cash “under the table.” As a result of his conduct, Enwright underreported his personal income tax obligations and failed to report and pay the IRS the employment taxes owed on the cash wages. In total, Enwright allegedly caused a loss to the IRS of $1,025,312.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Denton Man Sentenced for Trafficking 17-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
A Denton man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
In September 2020, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against William Adam Jonathan Smith, convicting him of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. He was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.
According to evidence presented during his trial, Mr. Smith, 31, met and befriended the 17-year-old victim in the summer of 2019. He introduced her to Charity Cantu, his longtime girlfriend, who worked for him as a prostitute. Mr. Smith told Ms. Cantu that she was to groom and train the victim too make money for him providing commercial sex services.
From August thru October 2019, the victim accompanied Ms. Cantu to hotels in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas and engaged in commercial sex acts. All of the proceeds from the commercial sex acts performed by the victim were given to Mr. Smith.
Ms. Cantu, 25, pleaded guilty in March 2020 to a racketeering charge. In court documents, she admitted that although she knew the victim was a minor, Ms. Cantu groomed the girl for commercial sex and posted ads for her sexual services online. She testified at Mr. Smith’s trial and was sentenced in October 2020 to two years in federal prison.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Denton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Doug Allen and Brandie Wade tried the case.
Connecticut Behavioral Health Clinician Group Pays $100K to Settle False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NEIL QUATRANO, and his business, BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and will pay more than $100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Behavioral Management is a private behavioral health practice located in North Haven, that provided after school and school break programs for children with behavioral and mental health issues. Behavioral Management is enrolled as both a Behavioral Health Clinician Group and a Professional Counselor Group in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program. Quatrano has a bachelor’s degree in social work, but he is not a licensed behavioral health provider in Connecticut.
It is alleged that Quatrano and Behavioral Management submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid under CPT code 90876 for participants of the after-school and school-break program. CPT code 90876 requires “individual psychophysiological therapy incorporating biofeedback training by any modality (face-to-face with patient), with psychotherapy (e.g., insight oriented, behavior modifying or supported psychotherapy); 45 minutes.” Quatrano and Behavioral Management falsely represented that a licensed provider had rendered the services when, in fact, an unlicensed individual rendered the services. Quatrano and Behavioral Management also falsely represented that 45 minutes of one-on-one psychotherapy services were provided when in fact 20 minutes of group services were provided. Finally, Quatrano and Behavioral Management falsely represented that the services provided included biofeedback when, in fact, they did not.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Quatrano and Behavioral Management LLC have agreed to pay $100,842.86 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,665 to $23,331 for each false claim.
This case stems from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services, which has been jointly conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, with support from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Joshua L. Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Two RobberiesRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason Dunn announces that Dustin Alan Wall, age 31, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for his role in two robberies in Colorado Springs.
According to the facts contained in the plea agreement, Wall aided and abetted robberies of both a Days Inn and an ENT Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs. Specifically, on February 16, 2018, Wall drove two co-defendants to a Days Inn in Colorado Springs. Wall told one of the co-defendants that, as part of a gang initiation, the co-defendant would get money and respect from the robbery. Inside the motel, the robbers assaulted a victim, hitting him over the head, causing injuries. The men stole less than $200.
A month later, on March 14, 2018, Wall drove with two other co-defendants to the ENT Federal Credit Union. One of the co-defendants was provided with a gun and a note to use in the robbery. Inside the ENT Federal Credit Union, the co-defendant demanded a teller provide cash or he would “blow [his] brains out.” The co-defendant stole less than $6,000, which was later divided up among the group.
“Taking violent gang members off the street is what we do best, said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Colorado Springs is safer as a result of the good work of this office and our colleagues at the FBI, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Dustin Wall, a ranking Rolling 60s Crips gang member, recruited and organized young gang members to commit violent armed robberies of banks and businesses in the Colorado Springs area, terrorizing innocent employees and witnesses at gunpoint and stealing cash, all to further the insidious needs of his gang,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The Colorado Springs community is safer with him behind bars. We thank our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department Robbery Unit, Task Force Officers at El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for helping us hold this dangerous criminal accountable.”
United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez sentenced Wall on January 29, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the FBI, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kurt Bohn is prosecuting the case.
CASE NUMBER: 18-cr-000360
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California man sentenced to three years in prison for bank robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Randy Matthew Peraza, 48, of Needles, California, was sentenced on Jan. 27 in federal court to three years in prison for bank robbery.
Peraza pleaded guilty on July 9, 2020. In his plea agreement, Peraza admitted to walking into a bank in Roswell, New Mexico, on March 13, 2020, announcing, “This is a robbery,” and demanding money from a bank teller. As the teller gathered cash, Peraza applied hand sanitizer to his hands and used a lighter to light his hands on fire. Peraza then took money from the teller, left the bank, walked across the street and sat in the grass where officers responding to the bank alarm found and arrested him.
Upon his release from prison, Peraza will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Feuerhammer prosecuted the case.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Scott Alexander Laney, 38, of Boise, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 42 months in federal prison for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Laney to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence, pay restitution totaling $29,795.49, and a fine of $2,500. Laney was convicted on October 5, 2020, following a bench trial.
During the five-day trial, the Court heard evidence that Laney executed a scheme to defraud Medicare and Idaho Medicaid in connection with the delivery and payment of urine drug screenings and committed aggravated identity theft. Laney worked as a sales representative in connection with two national companies that performed laboratory testing of urine drug samples. In that role, Laney setup fraudulent accounts using the names and identifying information of multiple nurse practitioners without authority. Laney’s misuse of the nurse practitioners’ information caused the payment of fraudulent health care claims that were not authorized by a medical provider and were not reasonable or medically necessary.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Payette Police Department and Idaho Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
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Akumin Corporation to Pay U.S. over $700,000 to Resolve Health Care Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Akumin Corporation and Delaware Open MRI Radiology Associates, LLC have agreed to a $749,600.00 settlement with the federal government to resolve allegations of health care fraud arising under the federal False Claims Act. Akumin provides diagnostic medical imaging services at more than 125 locations across seven states including eight locations in Delaware.
Although diagnostic imaging studies are typically performed by technicians, Medicare regulations require that certain procedures be supervised by a physician who is present in the office suite during the procedure. During an investigation of Akumin’s practices at its sites in Delaware and Texas, the government identified over 1,500 instances, most of them between 2015 and 2017, in which either no physician was present for studies that required supervision or Akumin was unable to determine whether a physician was present.
The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. The government’s claims are based on a whistleblower suit filed by a former Akumin employee. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblower with a share of the government’s recovery.
“The regulations that apply to Medicare procedures are designed to ensure patient safety and to protect the integrity of the Medicare program,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss. “When providers fail to comply with Medicare regulations and properly document their compliance, they undermine both the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of the program. This office is committed to investigating and recovering payments from providers who falsely certify that they have complied with these regulations.”
“It is imperative that Medicare requirements be followed in order to ensure patient safety and uphold the high standards of care patients deserve and expect,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Working with law enforcement partners we will continue protecting federal health care programs and their enrollees.”
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg represented the United States in this matter.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cv-1593-MN.
Friday 29 January 2021
Wyoming man sentenced to prison for harassing, stalking Laurel woman in violation of protective orderRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Cody, Wyoming, man who admitted violating a protective order by stalking and harassing a Laurel woman and her family was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,600 in restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Donald Raymond Foote, Jr, 50, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2020 to interstate violation of a protective order.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters ordered Foote detained.
The prosecution said in court documents that in August 2017, the victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, began living on Foote’s property and that Foote became infatuated with her. Jane Doe 1 moved to the Laurel area in November 2017 and Foote continued to maintain contact with her. The relationship between Foote and Jane Doe 1 deteriorated. Foote began contacting the victim on a repeated basis by phone, text and through social media, and he continued to contact Jane Doe 1’s family and friends.
After an incident in August 2018, Jane Doe 1 obtained a temporary restraining order against Foote from Billings Municipal Court. In October 2018, the court issued a permanent order of protection, prohibiting Foote from threatening or committing acts of violence, harassing, annoying, disturbing the peace or communicating, directly or indirectly, with Jane Doe 1, and with two other victims. The order also required Foote to stay 1,500 feet from the victims as well as their residences, jobs and vehicles.
In December 2018, Foote’s vehicle was observed outside of Jane Doe 1’s residence. Law enforcement arrived and found Foote nearby. Foote claimed he had traveled to Billings from Cody to buy materials for his construction business and did not know where Jane Doe 1 lived. In subsequent searches of Foote’s vehicle and residence, law enforcement found multiple electronic devices and photographs of Jane Doe 1 and other victims. Evidence from the devices linked Foote to a fake “private investigator” Facebook page he used to contact Jane Doe 1 as well as several internet searches for the victim’s residence in Montana.
Law enforcement’s investigation found that Foote used multiple aliases designed to conceal his tracks and that he made more than 1,500 calls to Jane Doe 1 in the Fall of 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Billings Police Department, Laurel Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
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United States Attorney’s Office Launches Law Enforcement Task Force Focused on Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced today that her office, together with federal, state, and local law enforcement, has launched a law enforcement task force focused on combating human trafficking.
The task force is comprised of members from the United States Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; New York State Police; the Police Departments of Albany, Colonie, Rotterdam, Schenectady, Troy; Sherriff’s Offices of the Counties Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Ulster; Rensselaer County Probation Department; and the Offices of the District Attorneys of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties. The United States Attorney’s Office plans to expand the task force to cover all 32 counties it serves.
This week, the United States Attorney’s Office hosted a virtual training for members of the task force. National experts from the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecutions Unit lectured on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, coercion-based sex trafficking and forced labor, trauma informed interviewing, and proactive strategies to detect trafficking crimes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bacon said, “Human trafficking is modern day slavery. Ruthless traffickers use force, lies, threats, coercion, and sometimes even drugs, to force victims into a life of commercial sex or tedious labor. Victims are trapped; and they need our help to reclaim their freedom. We launched this task force, during the 10th Annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, to enhance law enforcement’s ability to dismantle human trafficking networks and to help restore victims’ lives.”
“Human trafficking is an incredibly dangerous crime and its impact on victims is immeasurable," stated Thomas Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. "That’s why it's not enough to simply identify the violation, we must work together to prevent exploitation. Having a dedicated task force with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address these issues here at home provides us more resources to identify, investigate, and arrest any perpetrator of this horrific activity.”
“Human trafficking is an egregious crime that dehumanizes its victims,” said Kevin Kelly, HSI Special Agent in Charge. “Through this task force, HSI is committing to work collaboratively in a victim-centered approach to investigate these heinous crimes and bring to justice those who prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.”
“There is an intrinsic relationship between human traffickers and drug-related crime,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Zon. “This training cements a law enforcement partnership focused on investigating and bringing to justice those responsible for crimes associated with human trafficking. I applaud the Northern District of New York for their focus and leadership in this Task Force.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “As law enforcement, any tool or additional working group we can be a part of, in order to fight and prevent a crime, is a welcome one. Human trafficking is a complex crime, and any person, regardless of race, sexuality or gender can be a victim. We will continue to work with all of our partners to make sure human traffickers are put in prison, and their victims get the help they need.”
Albany County District Attorney David Soares said, “Human Trafficking is a global issue and it will only improve our response to unify beyond the borders of our respective jurisdictions and work together to detect and combat this issue on all fronts. Recognizing that a strong and widespread law enforcement response to these types of crimes will effectuate the greatest change in the life of the individual victim as well as the larger community, my office is grateful to be included in this regional taskforce."
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the United States Attorney’s Office and other agencies as I believe a multi-agency approach is most effective. This is an opportunity to share knowledge and resources in order to combat human trafficking, prosecute those involved and assist those affected.”
Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said, “The Saratoga District Attorney’s Office is pleased to join with the other Task Force members in a coordinated and collaborative effort to combat the devastating impact of human trafficking in our region. Our office is committed to hold offenders of trafficking accountable for their criminal conduct by working with our Task Force partners.”
Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo said, “I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking this initiative and we will assist in any way we are able.”
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, “I want to express my appreciation to the US Attorney's Office for recognizing the need for a Human Trafficking Task Force. We realize there is a need to combat this issue not only in Ulster County but throughout New York State. Human trafficking involves our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to the illegal sex trade and unfair labor practices. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office is PROUD to have a member participate in a collaborative effort to help combat human trafficking."
“Human trafficking can occur in any community and those victimized may be reluctant to come forward,” said Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. “This newly launched task force will allow for law enforcement partners at all levels of government to collaboratively investigate incidents of human trafficking and bring offenders to justice. In addition, the task force will help to raise awareness about human trafficking in our communities while empowering and assisting victims. I commend Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon for her leadership in launching this task force and look forward to its success.”
“Having multiple agencies on the task force will increase its ability to investigate these crimes and result in more victims rescued and suspects apprehended,” said Colonie Police Chief Jonathan Teale.
Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford said, “The Schenectady Police Department is proud to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local partners to combat human trafficking. I would like to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Bacon for leading this effort in the Northern District of New York and look forward to working with our community partners to bring attention to human trafficking and combat it in our city.”
Laura Bauer, Director, Rensselaer County Department of Probation said, “Rensselaer County Probation is looking forward to working with all involved with this valuable collaborative to combat human trafficking. Probation Officers recognize the devastating effect human trafficking has on victims, who are at times discovered to be the youth and adults with whom we work.”
The United States Attorney’s Office and its partners encourage the community to join in our efforts by staying alert for signs of trafficking, including:
- Is the person in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or, someone who seems to be in control of the situation, for example where they go or who they talk to?
- Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
- Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
- Does the person lack personal items and appear not to have a stable living situation?
- Does the person have freedom of movement? Can he or she leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?
- Does the person seem preoccupied with his or her cellphone or internet-capable devices?
- Does the person have items, for example clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, that he or she should not be able to afford?
- Is the child missing school or missing parts of the school day without explanation?
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact local law enforcement or report it to federal law enforcement through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 1-866-347-2423.
U.S. Attorney Warns Public to Be Wary of COVID-19 Vaccine ScamsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank is cautioning the public to be extremely skeptical of unsolicited offers to purchase COVID-19 vaccines.
Federal, state and local agencies have received complaints about scammers capitalizing on demand for the vaccine to access individuals’ personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers, and money, using various schemes.
Among the tactics the scammers use are advertisements that promise early access to COVID-19 vaccines in exchange for a deposit or fee as well as offers to be put on a vaccine waiting list, again in exchange for money.
“These scammers are ruthless and relentless, and everyone needs to have their guard up,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “People here in Maine, particularly the elderly, are desperate to get vaccinated as quickly as possible, and the con artists are exploiting that desperation to get access to their money and personal information.”
The FBI recommends checking your state’s health department website for accurate information on vaccine availability. The Maine CDC website has up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccine availability.
For more information on COVID-19 scams, visit fbi.gov/coronavirus. If you are the victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721, or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
Two Kirtland men charged with trafficking meth and illegal possession of 16 AR-15 style rifles, sniper rifles, shotguns and handgunsRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned an eight-count indictment charging Ernest Corrigan, age 57, and Andrew Householder, age 43, both of Kirtland, Ohio, with numerous federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Defendants Corrigan and Householder are both charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and oxycodone and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In addition, defendant Corrigan is charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, in June of 2020, law enforcement agents identified the defendants as known traffickers of methamphetamines in Ohio and began surveillance measures. From August through December of 2020, law enforcement officers conducted a number of controlled buys of methamphetamines from a residence used by the defendants. On December 30, 2020, a search warrant was obtained for the residence used by the defendants. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement agents allegedly obtained more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and detectable amounts of heroin, cocaine and oxycodone. In addition, agents recovered 16 firearms, including AR-15 style rifles, sniper rifles, shotguns, and handguns; thousands of rounds of ammunition of all calibers and approximately $4,000 in cash.
While searching the residence, law enforcement agents also discovered a methamphetamine lab and pill press allegedly used to make counterfeit Adderall pills, which contained methamphetamine.
Defendant Corrigan is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to two previous federal convictions for trafficking methamphetamine and a conviction for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Geauga County Sheriff's Office and Cleveland Heights Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two Durham Men Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two men from Durham, North Carolina, were sentenced to federal prison in separate cases this week, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
RYAN KENNETH RICHMOND, 25, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2020, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. On January 28, 2021, United States District Judge Catherine C. Eagles sentenced RICHMOND to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In a separate case, RASHAAD ALMADD COX, 34, was sentenced by Judge Eagles on January 25, 2021, to 115 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. COX pleaded guilty on May 7, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“The lengthy sentences handed down this week are proof that we mean business when it comes to violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Matt Martin. “We are working hard with our state and local law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in Durham, and we will continue to seek the maximum penalties available under law for violent offenders in Durham and other violent crime hotspots.”
RICHMOND was described in filed documents and court proceedings as a Southside Blood gang member associated with the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods in Durham. A feud between this group and the Eight Trey Gangster Crips escalated on December 3, 2019, when multiple members of both groups were calendared to appear in the Superior Court of Durham County. Following an argument at the courthouse, four men, including RICHMOND, got into a stolen silver Hyundai. A dark gray Chrysler 300 stopped next to the Hyundai and began shooting at the Hyundai. The cars then chased each other past the American Tobacco Campus and through downtown Durham, exchanging gunfire. The Hyundai eventually pulled into a parking lot adjacent to a church on Duke Street. Church members, operating a daycare in the building, heard multiple gunshots and saw four men walk away from the vehicle. The Durham Police Department responded and found that the vehicle had been shot multiple times, the windows were shot out, there appeared to be blood in the rear passenger area, and there were numerous spent 9mm and .300 caliber cartridges inside the vehicle. They recovered four firearms from the parking lot.
The courthouse shooting incident led to more violence over the next two days, including drive-by shootings that occurred at the Oxford Manor housing complex and at a convenience store in south Durham.
RICHMOND was arrested on December 9, 2019. Various firearms and ammunition recovered in the investigation were linked to RICHMOND, who was convicted in 2017 of the following felonies: fleeing to elude arrest, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle to keep or sell a controlled substance.
According to court documents, on June 6, 2019, COX and a passenger were stopped on Tower Boulevard by detectives with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Anti-Crime/Narcotics Unit. The passenger refused to comply with several directions and warnings, and COX put the car into drive and sped away, nearly hitting the detectives in the process. After a high-speed chase, COX crashed into a tree at a church playground in the Hope Valley neighborhood and he and the passenger fled on foot. Both were apprehended. Detectives found oxycodone and MDMA pills in a discarded fanny pack that matched one COX was seen wearing. The next day, detectives found a 9mm handgun in debris where COX had crashed and fled the vehicle. COX was charged by the state but bonded out of pre-trial custody.
Approximately six weeks later, on July 16, 2019, officers with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Probation and Parole (NCPP) conducted a warrantless search and probation check at COX’s residence. COX was then on probation for an April 3, 2019 conviction in the Durham County Superior Court for Elude Arrest Motor Vehicle with Two Aggravating Factors. During the search, officers seized a total of six firearms, twelve magazines (four with extended capacity), and 647 rounds of ammunition.
The RICHMOND case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Durham Police Department.
The COX case was investigated by the FBI’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Probation and Parole.
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Tulsa Man to Spend 3 Years in Federal Prison for Impeding a Domestic Violence ProsecutionRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced today in federal court for trying to stop a victim from testifying against him, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jonathan David Arneecher, 36, to 36 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. On Oct. 30, 2020, the defendant pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, or informant by intimidation, threats, corrupt persuasion, or misleading conduct.
“Jonathan Arneecher was so afraid of the truth that he tried to persuade a domestic violence victim to change her story and skip her court appearance. His witness tampering actions only made his bad situation worse,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Domestic violence victims are often more resilient than their abusers give them credit. This case was no different. I hope that this victim can get the services she needs while Arneecher spends the next three years in federal prison.”
In his plea agreement, Arneecher admitted that he acted with intent to influence, delay and prevent the victim’s testimony in his pending criminal case. On Aug. 23, 2020, while he was incarcerated on charges of assaulting an intimate partner, he called the victim from jail and attempted to persuade her to contradict her earlier sworn testimony. He specifically urged the victim to tell federal agents and prosecutors that she lied about his assault against her. On Aug. 25, he again called the victim and told her not to show up at court and to stay at his mother’s house.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella prosecuted the case.
Sinaloa Cartel-Linked Fentanyl and Heroin Traffickers Plead Guilty, Sentenced in Operation CookoutRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The mastermind behind an extensive drug trafficking ring entered a guilty plea this week, and four other defendants either entered pleas or were sentenced recently to substantial terms in prison for distributing large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Newport News and North Carolina.
“Fentanyl and heroin have inflicted immeasurable amounts of pain and brought devastation to families across the United States and in EDVA,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Due to their tenacity and commitment, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners seized 24 illegal firearms, 30 kilograms of heroin, and enough fentanyl to kill over 14 million people, saving our communities from significant loss of life and destruction.”
According to court documents, Ramiro Ramirez-Barreto, 44, from the Mexican State of Morelos, operated a continuing criminal enterprise with ties to Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and California. Ramirez-Barreto was linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, as were his drug sources, and his operation supplied cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to numerous drug trafficking organizations in Newport News, Virginia and in Henderson and Greensboro, North Carolina. According to one of Ramirez-Barreto’s many North Carolina customers, Ramirez-Barreto supplied him with 60 kilograms of heroin from early 2018 to mid-2019. Another one of Ramirez-Barreto’s customers was an inmate in federal prison operating a drug trafficking organization in Henderson, NC using a bootleg mobile phone.
Ramirez-Barreto entered his guilty plea on January 25, 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2021, by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Ramirez-Barreto’s residence—where law enforcement found 19 kilograms of heroin and over $600,000 in cash—is being forfeited in connection with this case. In addition, he faces a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison.
In addition to Ramirez-Barreto, four additional defendants either entered guilty pleas or were sentenced this week by Judge Novak for their role in the drug trafficking conspiracy described above:
- Tangynika Johnson, 44, of Henderson, NC, assisted co-defendant Cory Bullock, an inmate in a West Virginia federal prison, in getting drug proceeds delivered to Ramirez-Barreto. Johnson pleaded guilty on January 29, 2021, to using a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
- James Noyes, 55, of Newport News, was a mid-level heroin distributor within co-conspirator Damarcus Mackie’s drug trafficking organization. Noyes was sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 29, 2021.
- Keith A. Brownson, 42, of Henderson, NC, was a cocaine and heroin dealer who arranged drop-offs of drugs and drug proceeds with Ramirez-Barreto. Brownson pleaded guilty on January 29, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2021, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
- Russell P. Johnson, 50, of Suffolk, VA, was sentenced to 140 months in prison on January 25, 2021, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Background on Operation Cookout
In August 2019, over 120 law enforcement officers from 30 law enforcement agencies in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas executed a major operation, known as Operation Cookout, which resulted in 35 defendants being arrested for their respective roles in the conspiracy, along with the seizure of 24 firearms, 30 kilograms of fentanyl, 30 kilograms of heroin, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and over $700,000 in cash.
“This operation shows our resolve, along with our area law enforcement partners, to never stop working—even throughout a global pandemic—to protect the communities we serve from these deadly drugs,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. “Operation Cookout successfully removed a number of violent drug organizations from the streets, and will enable these communities to focus on what matters most right now—the health and safety of their loved ones.”
“Operation Cookout demonstrates the extraordinary results that can be achieved when local and federal law enforcement work together to combat drug trafficking,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. field office. “Drug trafficking is a transnational problem and coordination like what we’ve seen here is the best way to combat and disrupt these trafficking networks.”
To date, 45 total defendants have been charged in Operation Cookout. Of those, 42 have admitted their criminal conduct and pleaded guilty. Thus far, 30 defendants have been sentenced, with the majority being sentenced to prisons terms ranging from two to ten years, and three defendants sentenced between 15 to 25 years in prison.
These prosecutions are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington D.C.; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division; Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton A. Bell made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter G. Osyf and Kevin Hudson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross are prosecuting the case.
The following law enforcement agencies provided significant assistance during the investigation and arrest operation: U.S. Marshals Service, Newport News Sheriff’s Office, Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Amarillo Police, and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Approximately 30 law enforcement agencies assisted in the arrest operation in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-47.
- Tangynika Johnson, 44, of Henderson, NC, assisted co-defendant Cory Bullock, an inmate in a West Virginia federal prison, in getting drug proceeds delivered to Ramirez-Barreto. Johnson pleaded guilty on January 29, 2021, to using a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Shreveport Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Lamarquez Harris, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 60 months (5 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On May 4, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers stopped Harris for a traffic violation. Officers observed a loaded semi-automatic handgun in plain view between the driver’s seat and the console. Harris, who has numerous previous felony convictions, admitted that he knew the gun was in the car and that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms. His prior convictions are for aggravated assault with a firearm (2014); attempted possession of a firearm (2015); and illegal possession of a stolen firearm (2017). Harris pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2020.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
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. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Shiprock man charged with assault with a dangerous weaponRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Quincee Zohnnie, 24, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court on Jan. 28 on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Zohnnie was ordered detained pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on or about June 14, 2020, Zohnnie allegedly drove by and fired gunshots into an occupied house, intending to cause harm to John Doe. There was a child in the home at the time of the shooting. The alleged incident occurred in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.
If convicted, Zohnnie faces a minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.
Selma Resident Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced defendant Stanley Young, a/k/a “New York,” a/k/a “Shoota,” 32, of Selma, Alabama, to imprisonment for 17 years for committing an armed bank robbery. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Young undergo five years of supervised release, pay $47,423 in restitution, and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment.
On December 30, 2019, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Young and his two codefendants, Jabriel Bell and Fortune Hoppins, for robbing the bank and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Hoppins and Bell pleaded guilty to the bank robbery charge last July. The Court sentenced Hoppins and Bell each to 10 years in prison.
In October 2020, a trial jury convicted Young on both charges following a three-day trial.
The jury heard the evidence that in September of 2016, Young, Bell, and Hoppins robbed the West Alabama Bank & Trust, a federally insured bank in Marion, Alabama. The victim tellers testified that one robber, Bell, held them at gunpoint while another robber, Hoppins, stole money from the tellers’ drawers. Bell and Hoppins forced one of the tellers to go to the bank’s vault and ordered her to open it. All told, the robbers stole $46,923 from the bank.
Eyewitness testimony and expert analysis of historical cell-site records established that Young was the getaway driver. After the robbery, the defendants fled the crime scene, burned the getaway car, and moved to another car to continue their flight from Marion to Selma.
In November 2016, Young and Hoppins—fugitives from justice for the bank robbery—were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Bridgeport, Connecticut on outstanding warrants from Perry County, Alabama. At the time of his arrest, agents found Young in possession of a backpack containing a stolen and fully loaded Glock Model 17 9mm pistol.
The jury also heard testimony about the burglary of a gun store in Safford, Alabama that occurred after Young and Hoppins had returned to Alabama in 2017. Young pleaded guilty in a separate federal case to stealing 50 guns with Hoppins and Bell in the Safford burglary. Young had been previously sentenced to 60 months in prison for that crime.
Furthermore, the jury heard evidence that Young attempted to tamper with two material witnesses while awaiting trial on the bank robbery charges. The evidence showed that Young used contraband phones at the jail to access Facebook and offered to pay other inmates $500 to assault one of the witnesses. The second witness was convinced by Young to plead guilty to a crime, lie to federal agents about Young’s involvement, and offer false testimony in court exonerating Young.
The FBI, the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Selma Police Department, and the Bridgeport, Connecticut Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Sinan Kalayoglu and Justin Roller prosecuted the case.
Rosebud Man Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury.
Mason Drew Reddy, age 25, was indicted on January 12, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 27, 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 December 4, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Reddy assaulted an individual with a sharp edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Reddy is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Reddy was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Prior Felon Arrested After Gun and Ammunition Are Found in His ResidenceRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Derrick A. Miller, 34, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 20, 2020, the Buffalo Police Department and ATF executed a state search warrant at the defendant’s Deerfield Avenue residence. During the search, investigators recovered .22 caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. In March 2008, Miller was convicted in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison. As a result, the defendant is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Pennsylvania man charged with forcibly assaulting federal law enforcement officers in ClevelandRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned a three-count indictment charging Dewayne Taylor, age 31, of Harrisburg, PA, with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding or interfering with federal law enforcement officer; using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2020, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) were searching for the defendant due to an arrest warrant issued by the State of Pennsylvania Parole Authority. NOVFTF officers received information that the defendant was at a Walmart in the city of Cleveland and attempted to make an arrest. During the attempt, it is alleged that the defendant noticed the NOVFTF members, got into his vehicle, and pointed a firearm at one of the officers. In response, some of the NOVFTF members discharged their firearms, striking the defendant in the shoulder. The NOVFTF members rendered first aid until EMS arrived and transported the defendant to the hospital.
The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions for conspiracy to commit burglary and burglary in the in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshal’s Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.
Parmelee Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Matthew M. Horned Eagle, Jr., age 31, was indicted on January 12, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 27, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 April 13, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Horned Eagle did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact. The Indictment further alleges that on November 27, 2020, Horned Eagle did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.
The charges are merely accusations and Horned Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Horned Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pamlico County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 100 MonthsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Pamlico County man was sentenced on Thursday, January 28, 2021, to 100 months in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court documents, Curtis Trevore Bell, 38, began selling methamphetamine and cocaine almost immediately after serving a ten-year sentence for murder. In a thirteen-month period, authorities purchased narcotics from Bell, a known member of the United Blood Nation, fourteen times. During the same time frame, U.S. Marshals removed Bell from a Federal courthouse in Elizabeth City when Bell appeared at a trial of a notorious drug dealer in New Bern to intimidate the Government’s witnesses.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the Eastern District of North Carolina focusing on narcotics distributors in Pamlico County. The Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the District Attorney's Office in Prosecutorial District 4 assisted with the investigation of the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney J.D. Koesters 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. 4:20-cr-00043-BO.
Ontario Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges of Illegally Operating Bitcoin-Cash Exchange Business and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man was charged today with running an unlicensed company that exchanged tens of millions of dollars in Bitcoin and cash.
Hugo Sergio Mejia, 49, of Ontario, was charged in a two-count information with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering. In a plea agreement also filed today, Mejia agreed to plead guilty to these felony offenses. Mejia is expected to plead guilty to the information in United States District Court in March.
According to his plea agreement, from May 2018 to September 2020, Mejia operated a virtual currency business that exchanged Bitcoin for cash, and vice versa, charging commissions for these transactions. Mejia admitted he never registered his business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau with the United States Department of the Treasury that collects and analyzes information to combat financial crimes, including money laundering.
During the nearly 2½-year period, according to the plea agreement, Mejia exchanged at least $13 million.
Mejia also admitted he established companies to mask his true activity, including Worldwide Secure Communications LLC, World Secure Data, and The HODL Group LLC. Mejia advertised his business online and was referred to customers by word of mouth, communicating with them via encrypted messaging services, and meeting them in person at coffee shops, the plea agreement states.
On several occasions between May 2019 and March 2020, Mejia met with a client, who was working with law enforcement, to exchange Bitcoin for tens of thousands of dollars in cash, according to the plea agreement. On March 12, 2020, Mejia met with the client at a coffee shop in Irvine and facilitated the exchange of 14.273 Bitcoin for $82,150 in cash plus fees. During this meeting, the client informed Mejia that his primary customer was a methamphetamine buyer in Australia who purchased methamphetamine every four to six weeks and sold it in Australia for five times more than the average price in the United States, according to the plea agreement.
Mejia and the client who was working with law enforcement conducted five Bitcoin-cash transactions that cumulatively exceeded $250,000, the plea agreement states.
Mejia further agreed to forfeit all assets derived from the illegal conduct, including $233,987 in cash seized from residences in Santa Ana and Ontario, silver coins and bars, and approximately $95,587 in various cryptocurrency seized.
Once he pleads guilty to the two counts in the information, Mejia will face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
This matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, which received assistance from the Costa Mesa Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Puneet V. Kakkar and Brittney M. Harris of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Brent A. Whittlesey of the Asset Forfeiture Section is handling the forfeiture aspect of the case.