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Wednesday 27 January 2021
Two Western PA Men Indicted on Drug Charges Related to “11 Hunnit” Street GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and a resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. This Indictment is related to four previous Indictments of 22 individuals, and a months-long investigation into the narcotics trafficking activities of several associates of a neighborhood street gang, known as "11 Hunnit" operating in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh and beyond.
The three-count Indictment named Brandon Quinn, 32, of Beaver Falls, and Jeremiah Irving, 31, of New Castle.
According to Indictment, Quinn and Irving conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and each is further charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack".
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to forty years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (Bureau of Narcotics Investigations) led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tolland Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that KENNETH W. SWEENEY, 58, of Tolland, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sweeney owned and operated a construction business known as K&S Construction LLC. For the 2013 through 2016 tax years, Sweeney typically used a tax return preparer for the preparation of his personal income tax returns. When meeting with his return preparer, Sweeney did not provide documents reflecting the gross receipts or expenses for his business and, instead, orally provided figures of income and expenses that he knew significantly underreported the gross receipts of his business and his income. Sweeney’s personal tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years, which Sweeney authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported Sweeney’s income, resulting in a tax loss of at least $100,000.
Sweeney pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Sweeney is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Three Defendants Charged in Methamphetamine RingRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Geraldine Hart, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department (“SCPD”), and Errol D. Toulon Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff (“SCSO”), announced a criminal Complaint charging three defendants with narcotics and firearms offenses. JOSEPH SWEENEY, JASMINE TABAK, and KEVIN TURNER, a/k/a “Tex,” were arrested yesterday on Long Island, New York, and will be presented today in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged in the Complaint, the defendants were responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine throughout New York City. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our partners at the FBI and the Suffolk County Police Department, the defendants now face federal charges for their alleged crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As this case demonstrates, illegal narcotics continue to plague our communities. As alleged, Sweeney, Tabak, and Turner conspired to distribute methamphetamines, and Sweeney brandished a firearm in furtherance of his crimes. Our action today should demonstrate the FBI’s Long Island Safe Streets Task Force, working together with our partners from the Suffolk County Police Department, remains committed to protecting the public from those who would seek to perpetuate the damage caused by the distribution of illegal narcotics.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said: “A highly addictive and dangerous stimulant, methamphetamine cannot be trafficked in our communities. This trio allegedly spent months distributing poison into the hands of the addicted, furthering the damaging impacts of narcotics in countless families’ lives. I would like to commend the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the members of the SCPD who took these dangerous individuals off the street and held them accountable for their alleged crimes.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said: “Over the last few years, the Sheriff’s Office has enhanced its intelligence-gathering capabilities to target dangerous drug dealers and those who earn a living from destroying other people’s lives. I want to congratulate all our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Southern District, the FBI and the SCPD, and all the men and women who were a part of this successful investigation.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
From at least 2020 up to an including the present, defendants SWEENEY, TABAK, and TURNER conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, some of which was obtained from suppliers in New York, New York. Law enforcement officers seized at least approximately 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from SWEENEY, TABAK, and TURNER during controlled purchases and a parcel seizure. In multiple recorded conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer and a cooperating witness, TURNER claimed that SWEENEY manufactured methamphetamine at SWEENEY’s Suffolk County residence.
On November 23, 2020, SWEENEY was arrested in Suffolk County after law enforcement officers observed SWEENEY engage in a hand-to-hand narcotics sale. In connection with the November 23, 2020, arrest, law enforcement officers seized methamphetamine and a loaded .38 caliber revolver from SWEENEY. In addition, on January 18, 2021, in connection with an undercover purchase of methamphetamine, TURNER told an undercover law enforcement officer that SWEENEY pointed a 9mm firearm at TURNER’s head because SWEENEY suspected that the undercover was a law enforcement officer.
SWEENEY, 39, TABAK, 34, and TURNER, 43, all from Bayport, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamines, a charge that carries a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison. In addition, SWEENEY, is charged with one count of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI’s Long Island Resident Agency. She also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Woodside Schrier and Emily A. Johnson are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Darius Jondi Edwards (42, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims he defrauded. Edwards is currently on federal supervised release and faces an additional 2 years in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervision. On September 23, 2020, Edwards appeared in federal court for violating his federal supervised release, and was detained. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, after pleading guilty in federal court in Jacksonville, in 2015, for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, Edwards was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. After printing the counterfeit currency, Edwards and others passed the currency throughout the Jacksonville area. After his release from prison, and while on federal supervised release, Edwards was arrested by officers from the Pinellas Park Police Department while in possession of counterfeit currency, partially completed counterfeit currency, and computer media used to manufacture counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Further investigation by law enforcement determined that Edwards had purchased the computer media used to manufacture the counterfeit notes in Duval County. He then transported the computer media to Pinellas County and began manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes.
This case was investigated by the Pinellas Park Police Department and the United States Secret Service (Jacksonville Field Office). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Springfield Woman Sentenced to 17 Years for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, woman was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy that distributed more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine in a three-county area.
Christina E. Gauger, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 17 years in federal prison without parole.
Law enforcement officers seized a total of more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Gauger in a series of traffic stops and searches of her residence. According to court documents, Gauger obtained a pound of methamphetamine per week during the conspiracy. She travelled to Kansas City, Mo., once or twice each week to purchase $30,000 to $40,000 worth of methamphetamine each trip. She then distributed the methamphetamine to at least five co-conspirators to distribute throughout Cass, Greene, and Miller counties.
On Aug. 8, 2019, Gauger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine to distribute on premises in which a minor was present, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Gauger admitted that she participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from May 14, 2017, to June 20, 2018. Gauger also admitted that she was in possession of a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Davis Industries .22-caliber derringer handgun on March 14, 2018.
Gauger was arrested during a traffic stop on May 14, 2017, and a Cass County sheriff’s deputy found a bag in her vehicle that contained 110.77 grams of methamphetamine. Gauger was arrested again during a traffic stop on Sept. 5, 2017, and a Springfield police officer found four bags that contained a total of 82.3 grams of methamphetamine in her vehicle, along with $1,446 and an additional 6.68 grams of methamphetamine in a cosmetic compartment.
Officers executed a search warrant at Gauger’s residence on Jan. 17, 2018, and found five bags of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 73.37 grams, a loaded Taurus .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol in her possession, $8,000 in a safe, $3,191 in her possession, and $1,431 in her purse.
Officers executed another search warrant at Gauger’s residence on March 14, 2018, and found a canvas bag that contained 1,985 grams (4.37 pounds) of methamphetamine and $400, a plastic bag that contained approximately one-quarter pound of marijuana, a gallon-sized plastic bag that contained 299.98 grams (.66 pounds) of methamphetamine, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a bathroom drawer, a Davis Industries .22-caliber derringer handgun in the trunk of her car, a DVR surveillance system with cameras mounted on the exterior of the residence, $1,008 on her bedroom floor and $268 in her purse.
Co-defendant Jordan H. Williamson, 31, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Jacob B. Piatchek, 26, of Springfield, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendants Jason L. Thomas, 42, Robin L. Self, 38, and Patrick R. Waters, 33, all of Springfield, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron Black. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
South Dakota and Montana Teams that Convicted Former IHS Doctor for Serial Abuse of Native American Children Honored with Attorney General’s AwardRead the Press Release
From Left: AUSA Sarah Collins, AUSA Eric Kelderman, USA Ron Parsons, Paralegal Lori Climis, HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Curt Muller, and Retired BIA-OJS Special Agent Fred Bennett(RAPID CITY, SD) – In a ceremony on January 25, 2021, United States Attorney Ron Parsons presented several federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials with the prestigious Attorney General’s Award, the highest honor given by the Department of Justice, for their exceptional efforts in the multi-district federal prosecution of Stanley Patrick Weber.
A longtime pediatrician with the Indian Health Service (IHS), Weber was convicted on multiple counts for the sexual abuse of Native American children on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. He was first sentenced in Montana by U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris to 18 years in federal prison. In South Dakota, he was then sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken to five consecutive life sentences plus an additional 45 years, all of which was ordered to also run consecutive to the Montana sentence. Collectively, Weber was fined more than $1 million.
Fifteen men and women working for federal and tribal law enforcement agencies on the Weber prosecutions were among those honored with the 68th Annual Attorney General’s Award, given to Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. The honorees were selected in late 2020 by then Attorney General William P. Barr. Typically, the U.S. Attorney General hosts a ceremony to honor recipients at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The coronavirus pandemic prevented this event in 2020.
Five of the honorees were present in Rapid City to receive their awards from U.S. Attorney Parsons, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman, and Paralegal Lori Climis, who handled the successful prosecution for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
Retired BIA-OJS Special Agent Fred Bennett also was present to receive his award. It was Special Agent Bennett, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe working as an investigator serving the Pine Ridge Reservation, who cracked the case that led to this successful result. He was the first law enforcement officer to convince one of Weber’s victims to go on record about the abuse that occurred. That critical event launched the investigation.
“This award honors the incredible work done by these talented and dedicated Federal and Tribal law enforcement professionals to bring this predator to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Just as importantly, it is a tribute to the true courage of Weber’s victims in stepping forward to reveal what was done to them as children to the juries who rendered these historic verdicts.”
"This case was always about getting justice for these victims who suffered from the actions of an evil man, a doctor who abused the kids entrusted to his care," added Special Agent Bennett, who recently retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs after many years of distinguished federal service.
The investigations in both South Dakota and Montana were overseen by Curt Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Health and Humans Services, Office of Inspector General, who also was present in Rapid City to receive his award. Three other members of Muller’s team at HHS-OIG who worked on the federal investigation also received the award but were unable to attend: Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anissa D. Andrews and Special Agents Justin W. Reedy and Justin C. Christman.
Also receiving the Attorney General’s award for the Montana facet of the Weber cases were Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey K. Starnes and Lori A. Suek, Paralegal Tammy M. Farris, and Victim-Witness Specialist Keri Leggett from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana and Blackfeet Tribal Police Officers Frank Goings, Charlie Wolftail, and Sarah Wolftail.
Weber began working for IHS in 1986 in Oklahoma but transferred to the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana in 1992. While there, Weber used his position of trust in the community to gain access to, and sexually abuse, young Native American boys. He remained in Browning until 1995 when he transferred to the IHS facility in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, where he remained for nearly 21 years before being put on leave under a cloud of suspicion. For most of this period, he resided in IHS housing near the hospital and it was there, and in his office at IHS, that investigators learned, decades later, he sexually preyed upon more young Native American boys.
Notwithstanding years of suspicion on the part of other IHS employees, Weber sexually molested numerous male child patients managing, at the same time, even to attain promotions in Pine Ridge to supervisory positions at the hospital ultimately becoming the acting clinical director until he left while under investigation in 2016. After four years of demanding, painstaking investigation and preparation, the Districts of Montana and South Dakota joined to successfully deliver justice to this serial child abuser.
The severity of the federal sentences imposed for Weber’s egregious abuse helped to assuage some of the national outrage that his conduct engendered. The significance of the prosecutions was reflected in the attention the cases received from media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and the investigative public television program Frontline. Notably, South Dakota Public Broadcasting Correspondent Victoria Wicks received the prestigious 2020 National Edward R. Murrow Award for her reporting on Weber’s trial from Rapid City.
Weber’s prosecution also directly resulted in the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System, whose mission was to help restore confidence in IHS after these crimes shook the faith and trust of Native American communities. The Task Force presented its findings and recommendations on July 26, 2020. (The report may be found here).
South Carolina Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting A Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Charleston, South Carolina, woman is facing a maximum eight years in prison for attacking a postal worker, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Kelly Lynne McCormick, 33, of Charleston, formerly of Bonaire, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count assault on a federal employee before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. McCormick faces a maximum eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 6.
On April 23, 2019, a female United States Postal Service (USPS) employee was on duty delivering mail at the Exxon convenience store at 4290 Dellwood Avenue in Macon. After parking her USPS vehicle in front of the store and delivering mail to the store clerk, the USPS employee received consent from the clerk to use the store’s bathroom. The USPS employee was given the key to the bathroom and went inside. A clearly intoxicated female, later identified as McCormick, was pacing back and forth outside the bathroom occupied by the USPS employee.
As the USPS employee exited the bathroom and attempted to shut the bathroom door and lock it, McCormick tried to force her way into the bathroom without having first gained consent from the store clerk. The USPS employee attempted to shut the door and eventually had to push McCormick back away from her once McCormick became angry and screamed in the USPS employee’s face. The two women grappled briefly before they pushed one another away and disengaged. The USPS employee then went about her business as McCormick stormed out of the store. As the USPS employee walked to her vehicle, McCormick began yelling at her. McCormick then charged at the USPS employee and struck her in the head with a closed fist and briefly grappled with her until several bystanders were able to separate the two women. The entire incident was recorded on the convenience store’s surveillance camera system.
“Attacks on federal postal employees will not be tolerated. Those who harm a postal worker will face prosecution and the possibility of federal prison, without parole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its work investigating this case.”
“U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to the safety of our Postal employees and will vigorously investigate all acts of violence against our employees and USPS infrastructure,” said USPS Miami Division Inspector In Charge, Tony Gomez.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Social Media Influencer Charged with Election Interference Stemming from Voter Disinformation CampaignRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Douglass Mackey, also known as “Ricky Vaughn,” with conspiring with others in advance of the 2016 United States Presidential Election to use various social media platforms to disseminate misinformation designed to deprive individuals of their constitutional right to vote. Mackey was arrested this morning in West Palm Beach, Florida and will make his initial appearance via videoconference today before United States Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart at the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“There is no place in public discourse for lies and misinformation to defraud citizens of their right to vote.” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “With Mackey’s arrest, we serve notice that those who would subvert the democratic process in this manner cannot rely on the cloak of Internet anonymity to evade responsibility for their crimes. They will be investigated, caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“According to the allegations in the indictment, the defendant exploited a social media platform to infringe one the of most basic and sacred rights guaranteed by the Constitution: the right to vote,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General McQuaid. “This indictment underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who would undermine citizens’ voting rights.”
“Protecting every American citizen’s right to cast a legitimate vote is a key to the success of our republic. What Mackey allegedly did to interfere with this process—by soliciting voters to cast their ballots via text—amounted to nothing short of vote theft. It is illegal behavior and contributes to the erosion of the public’s trust in our electoral processes. He may have been a powerful social media influencer at the time, but a quick Internet search of his name today will reveal an entirely different story,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
In 2016, Mackey established an audience on Twitter with approximately 58,000 followers. A February 2016 analysis by the MIT Media Lab ranked Mackey as the 107th most important influencer of the then-upcoming Election, ranking it above outlets and individuals, among others, such as NBC News (#114), Stephen Colbert (#119) and Newt Gingrich (#141).
As alleged in the complaint, between September 2016 and November 2016, in the lead up to the November 8, 2016, United States Presidential Election, Mackey conspired with others to use social media platforms, including Twitter, to disseminate fraudulent messages designed to encourage supporters of one of the presidential candidates (the “Candidate”) to “vote” via text message or social media and thus to fail to cast their ballots in a legally valid manner.
For example, on November 1, 2016, Mackey tweeted an image that featured an African American woman standing in front of an “African Americans for [the Candidate]” sign. The image included the following text: “Avoid the Line. Vote from Home. Text ‘[Candidate’s first name]’ to 59925[.] Vote for [the Candidate] and be a part of history.” The fine print at the bottom of the image stated: “Must be 18 or older to vote. One vote per person. Must be a legal citizen of the United States. Voting by text not available in Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska or Hawaii. Paid for by [Candidate] for President 2016.” The tweet included the typed hashtags “#Go [Candidate]” and another slogan frequently used by the Candidate. On or about and before Election Day 2016, at least 4,900 unique telephone numbers texted “[Candidate’s first name]” or some derivative to the 59925 text number, which was used in multiple deceptive campaign images tweeted by the defendant and his co-conspirators.
If convicted of the charge, conspiracy against rights, Mackey faces up to 10 years in prison. The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik Paulsen and Nathan Reilly are in charge of the prosecution, with Trial Attorney James Mann from the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section.
The Defendant:
DOUGLASS MACKEY
Age: 31
West Palm Beach, FloridaSocial Media Influencer Charged with Election Interference Stemming from Voter Disinformation CampaignRead the Press Release
A Florida man was arrested this morning on charges of conspiring with others in advance of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election to use various social media platforms to disseminate misinformation designed to deprive individuals of their constitutional right to vote.
Douglass Mackey, aka Ricky Vaughn, 31, of West Palm Beach, was charged by criminal complaint in the Eastern District of New York. He was taken into custody this morning in West Palm Beach and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart of the Southern District of Florida.
“According to the allegations in the complaint, the defendant exploited a social media platform to infringe one the of most basic and sacred rights guaranteed by the Constitution: the right to vote,” said Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This complaint underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who would undermine citizens’ voting rights.”
“There is no place in public discourse for lies and misinformation to defraud citizens of their right to vote,” said Seth D. DuCharme, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “With Mackey’s arrest, we serve notice that those who would subvert the democratic process in this manner cannot rely on the cloak of Internet anonymity to evade responsibility for their crimes. They will be investigated, caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“Protecting every American citizen’s right to cast a legitimate vote is a key to the success of our republic,” said William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office. “What Mackey allegedly did to interfere with this process – by soliciting voters to cast their ballots via text – amounted to nothing short of vote theft. It is illegal behavior and contributes to the erosion of the public’s trust in our electoral processes. He may have been a powerful social media influencer at the time, but a quick Internet search of his name today will reveal an entirely different story.”
The complaint alleges that in 2016, Mackey established an audience on Twitter with approximately 58,000 followers. A February 2016 analysis by the MIT Media Lab ranked Mackey as the 107th most important influencer of the then-upcoming Election, ranking his account above outlets and individuals such as NBC News (#114), Stephen Colbert (#119) and Newt Gingrich (#141).
As alleged in the complaint, between September 2016 and November 2016, in the lead up to the Nov. 8, 2016, U.S. Presidential Election, Mackey conspired with others to use social media platforms, including Twitter, to disseminate fraudulent messages designed to encourage supporters of one of the presidential candidates (the “Candidate”) to “vote” via text message or social media, a legally invalid method of voting.
For example, on Nov. 1, 2016, Mackey allegedly tweeted an image that featured an African American woman standing in front of an “African Americans for [the Candidate]” sign. The image included the following text: “Avoid the Line. Vote from Home. Text ‘[Candidate’s first name]’ to 59925[.] Vote for [the Candidate] and be a part of history.” The fine print at the bottom of the image stated: “Must be 18 or older to vote. One vote per person. Must be a legal citizen of the United States. Voting by text not available in Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska or Hawaii. Paid for by [Candidate] for President 2016.”
The tweet included the typed hashtags “#Go [Candidate]” and another slogan frequently used by the Candidate. On or about and before Election Day 2016, at least 4,900 unique telephone numbers texted “[Candidate’s first name]” or some derivative to the 59925 text number, which was used in multiple deceptive campaign images tweeted by the defendant and his co-conspirators.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik Paulsen and Nathan Reilly of the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney James Mann of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
San Bernardino County Man Who Extorted Sexually Explicit Images from Women on Facebook Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for blackmailing female friends and acquaintances on Facebook by threatening to publish nude photographs and videos of them unless they complied with his demands of sending him additional sexually explicit images.
Jorge Esteban Sanchez Ramos, 24, of Ontario, who used a series of online aliases, including “Jose Gonzalez,” “George Sanchez” and “Jorge Ramirez,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee, who said, he “inflicted harm in a sadistic manner.” Sanchez Ramos pleaded guilty in June 2020 to one count of stalking.
From April 2016 to May 2018, Sanchez Ramos used multiple aliases and Facebook accounts to mask his identity while he contacted his victims, who were friends, and acquaintances from high school. The purpose of establishing these accounts was to extort nude images and videos from the victims using explicit images of the victims that Sanchez Ramos previously obtained.
Sanchez Ramos’ anonymous communications took on a variety of forms, but their substance was the same: a threat to publish nude or sexually explicit photographs of the women if they did not send him more nude photographs or videos of themselves.
On certain occasions, when the victims resisted his demands, Sanchez Ramos followed through on his threats and published sexually explicit photos of the victims on social media. If a victim blocked the Facebook account Sanchez Ramos was using to contact her, he then would create a new Facebook account and mock the victim for attempting to block him. He also threatened to rape one of the victims if she did not comply with his demands, according to court documents.
“[Sanchez Ramos] engaged in a pattern of activity spanning over two years in which he terrorized young women acquaintances,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “[He] preyed upon their insecurities, convincing them to send explicit images of themselves to [him].”
The FBI and the Pomona Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Aron Ketchel of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
Romanian National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in ATM Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Romanian national was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to steal bank account information from thousands of customers by installing secret card-reading devices and pinhole cameras on ATMs throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Adrian Fichidiu, 37, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Fichidiu admitted he was part of an “ATM skimming” scheme that stole bank account information by installing hidden card-reading devices on ATMs throughout northern and central New Jersey. Fichidiu previously acknowledged that he and his conspirators created bank cards using the fraudulently obtained account information, which they used to unlawfully withdraw large amounts of cash from various ATMs. The scheme, which involved actual and attempted losses exceeding $1.5 million dollars, impacted over 1,000 bank customers.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Fichidiu to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution that will be finalized at a later date.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., detectives with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, and detectives with the Woodbridge Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Robert Hubner, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
Pittsburgh-area Man Headed to Halfway House for Damaging Pittsburgh Police Vehicle during ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to one day in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, six months in a halfway house, three years of supervised release, and $1,000 restitution to be paid to Pittsburgh Police for the destruction of one of their motor vehicles on his conviction of Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Brian Jordan Bartels, 21, Allison Park, PA 15101.
According to information presented to the court, on May 30, 2020, Bartels interfered with and obstructed the Pittsburgh Police during the course of the civil disorder that occurred in connection with the protests which took place in downtown Pittsburgh on that day. In particular, Bartels was convicted of initiating the destruction of a marked police vehicle that was parked on Centre Avenue above the PPG Arena. Bartels admitted to spray painting the vehicle, breaking a window out of the vehicle and smashing the windshield of the vehicle. Bartels also acknowledged that, when he did this, his actions encouraged others in the crowd to join in the destruction of the police vehicle. Several members of the crowd set fire to that vehicle shortly after Bartels left the area.
"Bartels’s actions incited riots in which police cars were burned, police officers were attacked and millions of dollars in property damage occurred in the city of Pittsburgh," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This office will protect ordered liberty and apply the rule of law to those who would use the cover of protest to incite violence, whether in Pittsburgh or at our national’s Capitol."
"Inciting violence is not something we will tolerate," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "The actions and decisions Mr. Bartels made that day, while he said were a mistake, should be a reminder to everyone of the consequences that come with putting people in danger. A federal felony conviction carries with it a life time of explanation. I hope this makes others think twice before deciding to incite violence."
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bartels.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Escaping Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal custody laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named De’Angelo King, 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, King is alleged to have escaped from federal custody on November 16, 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Arthur Lee Davis, III, 34, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 20, 2021, Davis, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The ATF and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zjaondezel Solomyn Douglas, of Zelionople, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Douglas, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Douglas admitted to working with another to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Hancock County.Douglas faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Indictment press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-west-virginia-and-pennsylvania-residents-indicted-drug-conspiracy-ohio-valley
Owner of Jackson Business Pleads Guilty to Illegally Discharging Industrial Waste into Jackson’s Sewer SystemRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Andrew Walker, 70, of Jackson, Miss., pled guilty today in Federal District Court before Judge Kristi Haskins Johnson to having illegally discharged industrial waste into the Jackson Sewer System, announced Jean E. Williams, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4; and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Walker was charged in a two count criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in September 2020.
Andrew Walker, the owner of Rebel High Velocity Sewer Services of Jackson, Mississippi, (“Rebel”) admitted to having entered into a conspiracy with the generators and transporters of industrial waste illegally to discharge the waste into the Jackson Sewer System in order to avoid the expense of treating the waste to reduce pollutant concentrations, as required by law, and to evade sewer usage fees and the cost of disposing of the waste at legal off-site facilities.
According to the two counts of the Information and statements made in open court, in October, 2016, state and municipal authorities discovered that a local manufacturing company had been discharging large quantities of its industrial waste directly into the sewer serving its facility. Government agencies ordered the company to stop this illegal dumping and to ship the waste off site for legal treatment and disposal. Yet, from November 2016 through October 2017, Mr. Walker and his coconspirators evaded this order, arranging for the illegal disposal of this untreated industrial waste, first by misrepresenting the industrial waste to be domestic waste and dumping it at Jackson’s treatment plant, and then by discharging hundreds of truckloads of industrial waste into a city sewer pipe they excavated at Rebel. By the time this illegal waste disposal was discovered by state officials, the defendant and his coconspirators had discharged over three million gallons of untreated industrial waste into the same Jackson sewer system to which they had already been prohibited from dumping.
“Those who disregard the health and safety of our community to pollute our natural resources and waterways for easy profit will find themselves standing before a court of law to answer for their wrongs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
"The defendant illegally disposed of more than 3.5 million gallons of industrial waste into the City of Jackson's sewer system in violation of the Clean Water Act," said Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division in Atlanta, GA. “Today’s charges demonstrate that anyone who intentionally disregards the laws designed to protect the environment will be held responsible for their actions.”
“The Clean Water Act is in place to not only protect the environment, but to safeguard our communities and residents from the risks of industrial waste,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin. “Circumventing the law to improperly dispose of waste in order to make a profit is a crime that the FBI and our partners take seriously. Criminal investigations into those who benefit from putting our communities’ health at risk will remain a priority for the FBI.”
Walker appeared for the change of plea hearing today before United States District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson. He remains released on conditions of bond pending a sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. Walker faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison for the count of conspiracy, and 3 years in prison for the count of discharging industrial waste. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the FBI’s Jackson Division, as well as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy Korzenik of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of DOJ, and Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Images and Videos Depicting the Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Ryan Rusty Rodriguez (45, Orlando) to 18 years in federal prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing images and videos depicting children being sexually abused. Rodriguez was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon the completion of his prison sentence and to register as a sex offender.
A federal jury had found Rodriguez guilty on October 29, 2020.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, during an undercover online investigation, FBI agents discovered that Rodriguez was using peer-to-peer networks to download and distribute child sex abuse materials over the internet. When agents executed a search warrant at Rodriguez’s home, he attempted to hide a hard drive as the agents were knocking on his door. Rodriguez also used his training in computers and specialized software to attempt to erase the evidence of his offenses. A subsequent forensic examination of Rodriguez’s computer media revealed evidence of thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Gardella, Shawn Napier, and Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
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.
Ohio County man faces child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Nicholas Wolf, of Wheeling, West Virginia, appeared in federal court today on a criminal complaint alleging child pornography possession, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The complaint was filed today after the Wheeling Island home of Wolf, 34, was searched and officers found evidence of child pornography. According to the complaint, the search found a thumb drive containing over a thousand images of what appeared to be juveniles. Wolf was charged with “Possession of Child Pornography.” He was arrested, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone, and released.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security and Wheeling Police Department are investigating.
A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina Tax Preparer Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Durham, North Carolina, returned an indictment yesterday charging a tax preparer with conspiring to defraud the United States, preparing false tax returns, filing a false personal tax return, and committing aggravated identity theft, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to the indictment, Andrea Marie Pasley worked at Jones and Stone Taxes, a tax preparation business in Durham, North Carolina. From 2012 through 2017, Pasley allegedly conspired to fraudulently inflate client refunds by claiming, among other things, false deductions to which the clients were not entitled. The false items purportedly included fabricated education expenses and dependents. The indictment further alleges that Pasley filed a false tax return and committed aggravated identity theft when she claimed a false dependent on her own 2015 personal return.
If convicted, Pasley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, and a statutory mandatory sentence of two years on the aggravated identity theft charge. The defendant additionally faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison on each count of filing a false tax return and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The defendant also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment or information merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Todd Ellinwood and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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North Carolina Tax Preparer Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Durham, North Carolina, returned an indictment yesterday charging a tax preparer with conspiring to defraud the United States, preparing false tax returns, filing a false personal tax return, and committing aggravated identity theft, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to the indictment, Andrea Marie Pasley worked at Jones and Stone Taxes, a tax preparation business in Durham, North Carolina. From 2012 through 2017, Pasley allegedly conspired to fraudulently inflate client refunds by claiming, among other things, false deductions to which the clients were not entitled. The false items purportedly included fabricated education expenses and dependents. The indictment further alleges that Pasley filed a false tax return and committed aggravated identity theft when she claimed a false dependent on her own 2015 personal return.
If convicted, Pasley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, and a statutory mandatory sentence of two years on the aggravated identity theft charge. The defendant additionally faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison on each count of filing a false tax return and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The defendant also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment or information merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Todd Ellinwood and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Nixa School Official Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An assistant principal at Nixa Junior High School in Nixa, Missouri, was charged in federal court today with the sexual exploitation of a child for the purpose of producing child pornography.
Colby Fronterhouse, 41, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., with one count of producing child pornography. Fronterhouse was employed at the junior high school at the time of the alleged offense.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, a Christian County sheriff’s deputy was contacted by a 13-year-old child victim and his father in September 2020. The child victim, identified in court documents as “John Doe,” had been engaging in a series of text messages for approximately a week with Fronterhouse, whom the affidavit says posed as a 14-year-old girl. Fronterhouse, posing as a 14-year-old, allegedly encouraged John Doe to transmit sexually explicit images of himself to Fronterhouse, made specific requests for poses or types of images, and had sexually explicit conversations with John Doe.
Investigators learned that the phone used by Fronterhouse was a burner phone number with a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) account, the affidavit says, but they were able to trace the account to Fronterhouse. Officers executed a search warrant at Fronterhouse’s residence on Tuesday, Jan. 26, and he was arrested. Investigators seized Fronterhouse’s cell phone and found evidence linking his cell phone to the burner account. Investigators confirmed that Fronterhouse had access to the child victim’s cell phone number through school records.
The public’s assistance is being sought in this investigation. Anyone with information regarding additional potential victims is asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer Joseph Fletcher at (417) 573-2606.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."New Bern Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A New Bern woman pleaded guilty today to Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Aiding and Abetting (Count One) and Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service (Count Two).
According to court documents, on January 22, 2020, Antoinette Charmane Becton, age 40, aided and abetted the distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement agents used a confidential informant and an undercover agent to arrange the purchase of one pound (approximately 453 grams) of methamphetamine from Becton, who stated that she would reach out to her supplier to obtain the methamphetamine.
Becton and her supplier then met with the confidential informant and undercover agent in a parking lot in Greenville, North Carolina where the transaction was completed. The drugs were field tested for the presence of methamphetamine, with positive results.
Prior to this crime, Becton owned and operated a tax return business known as Carolina Tax Services in New Bern. From 2014 to 2019, Becton conspired with others to electronically file false tax returns with the IRS.
By including false wage income, Becton caused the IRS to issue refunds the taxpayers were not entitled to.
At today’s hearing, the government proffered that Becton caused the filing of at least 489 false returns, seeking approximately $3.2 million in fraudulent refunds.
Becton faces a mandatory minimum of five years and maximum of 40 years in prison for the methamphetamine distribution offense. She faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for the tax fraud conspiracy when sentenced.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The Greenville Police Department, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Lemmon and Susan Menzer are prosecuting 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-16-M-3.
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Nashville Murder Suspect Charged with Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – January 27, 2021 – Robert Rasean Smith, 28, of Nashville, was charged yesterday with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the criminal complaint, Smith was wanted for the murder of an individual on November 14, 2020, outside of the Wireless Z store on D.B. Todd, Jr. Boulevard in North Nashville. On December 5, 2020, officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department located Smith sleeping in a car in the area of Haynes Park Court and arrested him. At the time of his arrest, Smith had a .45 caliber pistol in his waistband. Smith is a convicted felon and under federal law, is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Smith’s prior felony convictions listed in the complaint include convictions in May 2011 for attempted aggravated burglary, for which he received a two-year prison sentence; aggravated robbery, for which he received an eight-year prison sentence; and evading arrest, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison.
If convicted of the instant offense, Smith faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire is prosecuting the case.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Napa Man Charged with Possession of Five Pipe BombsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Ian Benjamin Rogers was charged yesterday in a federal criminal complaint with possessing five pipe bombs that were unregistered destructive devices, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
“We allege that Ian Benjamin Rogers possessed homemade pipe bombs and the materials to make more,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “We draw a bright line between lawlessness and our constitutional freedoms. We will prosecute illegal weapons stockpiles regardless of the motivation of the offender.”
“The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Napa Special Investigations Bureau discovered five pipe bombs and other explosive material during our joint investigation,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. “The FBI investigates all credible threats, and our highest priority is ensuring public safety. We urge the public to remain vigilant. We need the community’s support in reporting threatening behavior and suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.”
The criminal complaint alleges that Rogers, 43, of Napa, possessed five pipe bombs discovered by law enforcement officers and agents during a search of his business on January 15, 2021. The complaint states that on that date, Rogers was arrested and a search warrant was served on Roger’s home and business in Napa County. Upon his arrest, at Roger’s business officers found a large gun safe. Inside the safe, the officers and agents discovered and seized several guns and the five pipe bombs. They also identified other materials at the scene that could be used to manufacture destructive devices, including black powder, pipes, endcaps, and manuals, including The Anarchist Cookbook, U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook, and Homemade C-4 A Recipe for Survival.
At least 49 guns were seized from Roger’s home and business along with thousands of rounds of ammunition. Officers and agents also discovered a sticker on Roger’s vehicle window that is commonly used by so-called “Three-Percenters,” people who ascribe to extreme anti-government, pro-gun beliefs.
Rogers was arrested on January 15, 2021, and appeared in Napa County state criminal court on state illegal firearm charges. He is being held in state custody in lieu of a $5 million bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing. Federal prosecutors intend to seek Rogers’s appearance in federal court on the charges in the complaint upon the issuance of a federal order to transfer Rogers to the United States District Court in San Francisco. The date of such appearance has not yet been set.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rogers is charged with unlawful possession of unregistered destructive devices, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5861(d), 5845(a)(8), and 5845(f). If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The United States Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Napa Special Investigations Bureau.
Miamisburg man pleads guilty to coercing minors onlineRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Steven Shawn Smith, 48, of Miamisburg, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to attempting to coerce a minor while registered as a sex offender.
Parties involved in Smith’s case have recommended a sentence of 25 years in prison.
According to his plea, Smith created nine online dating profiles with the names “Sammy” and “Shaw.” From April 2020 through October 2020, Smith communicated with an undercover FBI agent posing as a minor. Smith requested nude images from the undercover agent on multiple occasions. The defendant also sent images of his nude genitalia to the undercover agent.
In one communication, when the undercover agent refused to send nude photos, Smith said, “I know that you don’t want to send me those pictures but I was hoping that you would understand just how much it would mean to me and how close it would bring us.”
Court documents detail that Smith discussed meeting with the undercover agent to engage in sexually explicit conduct and sent the officer $75 via Cash App so that the purported minor could buy a one-way bus ticket to Ohio.
In addition to communicating with the undercover agent, Smith messaged more than 170 other online users who identified themselves as minors. He received sexually explicit images from at least 21 of the purported minors and sent nude images of himself to at least 70 users.
Smith was convicted in 1994 in Athens County Common Pleas Court of one count of rape of a child, and as a result, is required to register as a sex offender.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, 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 Michael J. Newman. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Laura I. Clemmens and Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.
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Mexican national indicted for using deceased American’s identityRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 76-year-old Mexican national has been charged with making false statements in an application for a U.S. passport and theft of Social Security benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Alberto Betancourth Valdes allegedly used the identity of an American citizen for more than two decades. A federal grand jury returned the indictment today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case indicates Valdes submitted a renewal application for a U.S. passport by representing himself as a U.S. citizen from Texas. The passport application and documents were sent to the National Passport Center in Irving and subsequently referred to the fraud prevention unit, according to the charges. The documents were valid, according to the allegations, but the actual person had passed away in 1952.
According to the indictment, Valdes had previously been deported in 1975. He allegedly used the citizen’s identity to obtain Social Security benefits he would not have been entitled to receive under his true identity. Authorities took him into custody when he attempted to re-enter the United States using the fraudulently-obtained U.S. passport issued in the victim’s name, according to the charges.
If convicted, Valdez faces up to 10 years in federal prison for making a false statement in an application for a passport as well as five years for Social Security benefits fraud. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 fine, upon conviction.
Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Customs and Border Protection and Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Marin and Robert Thorpe are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Mexican National Indicted for Shooting at U.S. Border Patrol AgentsRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, a federal grand jury indicted 34-year-old Mexican national Sergio Trevino for allegedly shooting at two U.S. Border Patrol agents near Brackettville, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio Division; and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
According to court documents, on January 3, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop Trevino who was driving a Chevy Suburban northbound on Texas Ranch Road 334 just north of Brackettville. A high-speed chase ensued as Trevino attempted to abscond. During the pursuit, Trevino fired multiple shots at the agents.
Spike strips were used to bring the Suburban to a stop. Trevino fled from the vehicle and was later apprehended. Six Honduran nationals were found in the vehicle along with 28-year-old Jesseca Ann Whitmire, a U.S. citizen.
The indictment charges Trevino with one count of assault on a federal officer; one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence; one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; one count of felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The indictment also charges Whitmire, 38, of Houston with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
Trevino and Whitmire face up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Trevino also faces, upon conviction, up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault charge; between 10 years and life in federal prison for using a firearm during a crime of violence; up to 10 years in federal prison for felon in possession; and up to 10 years in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Trevino has a prior felony conviction for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony. Trevino and Whitmire have remained in federal custody since their arrests on January 3.
HSI and FBI are investigating this case. The Texas Department of Public Safety, Kinney County Sheriff’s Office and Real County Sheriff’s Office assisted Border Patrol agents in apprehending Trevino, Whitmire and the illegal aliens. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cooper is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment 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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McNairy County Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Bobby Earl Oliver, 33, of Adamsville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 26, 2019, an officer with the Selmer Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Oliver's vehicle for speeding. During the course of the traffic stop, Oliver admitted to having a pistol located beside the driver’s seat. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located a Jennings .380 caliber pistol beside the driver's seat.
Oliver is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of three counts of burglary in October 2008 and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver in April 2018 in Hardin County. Additionally, after he committed the present offense in September 2019, Oliver was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine in McNairy County in January 2020.
As a result of his felony convictions, Oliver is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition, and was determined to be an armed career criminal under the federal sentencing guidelines and subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 months.
On January 26, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Oliver to 180 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the Oliver was an armed career criminal who continued to commit crimes and possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history. There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this sentence removing him from the community for 15 years will make McNairy County and West Tennessee a safer place."
The Selmer Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues Fight Against Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As a founding member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office pledges to continue to combat human trafficking by working with our partners to investigate and prosecute traffickers and rescue victims. The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaborative effort of trafficking survivors, social workers, community organizers, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and citizen volunteers dedicated to eradicating human trafficking and providing support, treatment, and resources for human trafficking survivors. Our communities, including the vulnerable victims who are the targets of traffickers, benefit greatly from awareness of the types of human trafficking; indicators of human trafficking; and resources available to survivors of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is defined as using force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or engage in commercial sex acts. Often, traffickers make false promises of a job or pose as benefactors to lure their victims and force them into human trafficking. Although human trafficking is usually associated with commercial sex, labor trafficking is just as prominent. Forced labor is a category of human trafficking in which individuals are coerced into legitimate and illegitimate industries, including domestic service, massage parlors, agriculture, restaurants, hotels, and manufacturing sweatshops. According to the U.S. State Department, human trafficking is now the second highest grossing criminal enterprise, with more than $150.2 billion per year earned from the use of forced labor.
Human trafficking has many faces. Victims can be of any age, race, gender, nationality, and come from any socioeconomic group. Human traffickers often target the most vulnerable, including individuals who suffer from disenfranchisement, social exclusion, or economic vulnerability (including individuals who have a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, reside in an unstable living situation, and youths in foster care or the juvenile justice system). Foreign-born individuals face unique challenges, such as language barriers and economic instability, leaving them at the mercy of their traffickers.
Maryland is not exempt from the horrors of human trafficking. The close proximity between areas of affluence and poverty, a substantial immigrant population, and other factors create favorable conditions for human traffickers (and their customers) to exploit the vulnerable—including children, recent immigrants, the drug-addicted, and those facing housing instability. Maryland’s central location on the Eastern Seaboard makes it both a pass-through state and a destination for human traffickers. The Interstate 95 corridor’s numerous hotels, rest stops, truck stops, and bus stations are prime locations for traffickers to exploit their victims. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 187 instances of human trafficking in Maryland were reported to the Hotline through 2019, the most recent year with statistics. [https://humantraffickinghotline.org/state/Maryland] Hotline calls from 130 victims and survivors reported a connection to Maryland.
An effective way to combat human trafficking is to connect with fellow community members and look for key signals and indicators. Common indicators that a person could be a victim of human trafficking include (but are not limited to) a disconnection from social groups, dangerous or unsuitable living conditions, bruises in various stages of healing, and apparent coaching on what to say in response to questions. Other ways to combat human trafficking are by attacking the conditions that lead to trafficking, such as poverty, addiction, and homelessness; educating yourself and others on trafficking indicators; and reporting suspicious activity to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888)-373-7888. You can also Text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733. Visit the Department of Homeland Security and Investigation’s Blue Campaign for more indicators of human trafficking. For more information on human trafficking in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force’s website.
Federal Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases – Examples in 2020
United States v. Sirron Little: On September 30, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a four-count superseding indictment charging Sirron Little, age 29, of Washington, D.C., with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and related charges. The superseding indictment alleges, among other things, that Little used violence and threats of violence to coerce the victim to engage in prostitution in Prince George’s County, Maryland. If convicted, Little faces up to life in prison for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor; a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, and coercion; a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States v. Kenneth Hart: Kenneth Wayne Hart, a/k/a Redds, Wayne Hawkins, Hawk, Big Daddy, Billy Reds, and Bill Red Hart, age 59, of Beltsville, Maryland, was sentenced on October 7, 2020 to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; a sex trafficking conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; and witness tampering. Hart was convicted of those charges on March 12, 2020, after a seven-day jury trial. According to the evidence presented at trial, from December 2016 to April 2017, Hart and a co-conspirator ran a prostitution business. Hart recruited women to work in the prostitution business and supplied the victims with heroin and crack cocaine on a daily basis. Hart threatened to withhold—and did withhold—the narcotics if the victims displayed any sign of disobedience or tried to leave the locations where the commercial sex acts occurred. In order to maintain control over the women he recruited to prostitute, Hart demanded that the women surrender to him their personal belongings, including identification cards, credit cards, cash, clothing, and cellular phones, and confiscated their earnings from the commercial sex acts. As detailed in trial testimony, Hart installed a padlock on the bedroom door of a condominium Hart used for the prostitution business, and locked the victims in the room for hours or days at a time, using a daily combination of heroin and crack cocaine to control and coerce the victims. Hart also used physical force, threatened physical force, and verbally abused the victims to force them to engage in prostitution against their will. Even if the door to the bedroom was left open, the victims feared leaving the room and the condominium because they believed that Hart would find them no matter where they went, and that Hart would punish them for trying to leave him.
United States v. Aaron Crawford: On November 2, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a four-count superseding indictment charging Aaron Crawford, age 35, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, with coercion and enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, sex trafficking of a minor, and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. The superseding indictment alleges that Crawford trafficked two different minor victims in Prince George’s County, Maryland. If convicted, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment for coercion and enticement of a minor and for sex trafficking of a minor; a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; and a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States v. Dominique Bell: On November 18, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Dominique Bell, age 29, of Washington, D.C., with sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and with coercion and enticement. If convicted, Bell faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for coercion and enticement. The alleged conduct occurred in Prince George’s County. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States v. Ryan Odell Oliver: Ryan Odell Oliver, a/k/a Dre, Fame, and Foreign, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on December 2, 2020, on federal charges for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking; conspiracy related to interstate prostitution and interstate transportation for prostitution; enticement to travel interstate for the purposes of prostitution; and possession of ammunition by a felon. According to the 10-count indictment, from at least July 2018 through January 2019, Oliver and a co-conspirator recruited, transported, maintained, and trafficked two adult women, Victim 1 and Victim 2, using threats, force, and coercion to cause those victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Oliver and the co-conspirator (who died in March 2019) allegedly received money and other things of value by having the women engage in commercial sex acts. From January 2018 through August 2018, the indictment alleges that Oliver also caused Victim 3 to engage in commercial sex acts, for which Oliver received money and other things of value. At some point during the conspiracy Oliver allegedly physically assaulted all three of the victims, including forced sexual intercourse or other sex acts, striking them with his hands, choking them, and displaying a firearm to them. The indictment further alleges that Oliver illegally possessed 59 cartridges of 9mm and 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, which Oliver knew he was prohibited from possessing due to a previous felony conviction. If convicted, Oliver faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison for each count of sex trafficking; and a maximum of five years in federal prison for conspiracy related to interstate prostitution. He also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each count of two counts of interstate transportation for prostitution, for each of two counts of enticement to travel interstate for the purposes of prostitution, and for being a felon in possession of ammunition. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States v. Robert Diienno: Robert Carl Diienno, age 32, formerly of Laurel, Maryland, was sentenced on December 8, 2020, to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for enticing three victims to travel in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution. According to his plea agreement, from at least November 2016 through June 2017, Diienno acted as a pimp for Victim 1, and at other times for Victims 2 and 3, who were all adult women. During that time, Diienno persuaded, enticed, induced, and coerced the victims to engage in a prostitution enterprise that included travel along the Southeastern Seaboard. Diienno and the victims resided at a residence in Laurel, which was used as a group home and the base of the enterprise. “Meeting minutes” recovered from the house identify the location as “Duh ho house,” and include attendance at the meeting; a report on potential new recruits; and the “Comptroller’s Report” showing the amount earned by each of the victims related to their prostitution activities. Law enforcement also recovered documents titled, “ho Training Manual,” “ho Rules,” and “Pimp/ho Contract.” The documents stated requirements that a “ho” submits to the control of the “Pimp,” including accepting any punishment the Pimp decides to inflict, with certain limitations, such as punishment must not incur permanent bodily harm, and must stop immediately if blood is drawn, among others. On June 1, 2017, Laurel Police Department was called to the residence for a disturbance at that location. Victim 1 and Victim 3 were found hiding in a nearby treeline and reported that Diienno had assaulted Victim 1 when she refused to walk the streets. Diienno was arrested. During the subsequent investigation, two firearms belonging to Diienno were recovered from the Laurel residence.
Federal Grant Funding
On August 4, 2020, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur announced that Maryland received $999,990 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking. The grant, awarded to the Salvation Army and the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors, will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grant will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling. The Salvation Army and the University of Maryland SAFE Center were among 73 organizations nationwide receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.
On October 7, 2020, U.S. Attorney Hur announced $1,047,593 in Department of Justice grants to Howard County to assist human trafficking victims in Maryland. Howard County received the funds to support their collaborative task force to end human trafficking and to provide services to victims of this terrible crime.
Training
In 2020, despite COVID-19 concerns forcing the cancellation of the Human Trafficking Investigators Seminar, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners conducted seven training events for law enforcement and other professionals fighting human trafficking, training a total of 429 individuals.
So far in 2021, during Human Trafficking Awareness Month the U.S. Attorney’s Office is conducting the annual Maryland Human Trafficking Professionals Seminar (MHTPS) virtually, providing training to 123 individuals, including victim advocates, mental health professionals, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and prosecutors, with additional MHTPS events scheduled in the upcoming months.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has deployed many resources in the fight against human trafficking and we will continue to make the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases a priority.
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Marketing Company Agrees to Pay $150 Million for Facilitating Elder Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Epsilon Data Management LLC (Epsilon), one of the largest marketing companies in the world, has entered into a settlement with the Department of Justice to resolve a criminal charge for selling millions of Americans’ information to perpetrators of elder fraud schemes.
Epsilon entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Consumer Protection Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado in connection with a criminal information charging the company with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Under the terms of the DPA, which the parties submitted to the district court in Denver on Jan. 19, 2021, Epsilon agreed to pay a total of $150 million, with $127.5 million of that amount going to compensate victims of the fraudulent schemes that used consumer data sold by Epsilon. Epsilon also agreed to implement significant compliance measures designed to safeguard consumers’ data and prevent its sale to individuals or entities engaged in fraudulent or deceptive marketing campaigns. Further, the DPA requires Epsilon to maintain a procedure for consumers to request that it not sell their information to others.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, with its principal sales office in Westminster, Colorado, Epsilon used sophisticated data modeling to identify consumers most likely to respond to its clients’ marketing solicitations. As part of the DPA, Epsilon admitted that, from July 2008 through July 2017, employees in its Direct to Consumer (DTC) Unit knowingly sold modeled lists of consumers to clients engaged in fraud. In particular, Epsilon acknowledged that the DTC Unit sold consumer lists to a number of mass-mailing fraud schemes that sent false “sweepstakes” and “astrology” solicitations to consumers. Those solicitations stated that each consumer recipient had won a large prize or individualized psychic service that they could obtain by paying a fee. In reality, the solicitations — as known to DTC Unit employees — were mass-produced mailings and victims who paid a fee received nothing of value. As reflected in the consumer lists sold by the DTC Unit to perpetrators of the fraud schemes, the schemes disproportionately affected the elderly and other vulnerable individuals.
The consumer data sold by the DTC Unit to fraudsters came both from other fraudulent clients and from legitimate Epsilon clients, including non-profit and charitable organizations. DTC Unit employees continued to sell consumer data to clients engaged in fraud despite knowing that those and similar clients had been arrested, charged with crimes, convicted, and otherwise subject to law enforcement actions for false and misleading practices. Epsilon admitted that the DTC Unit sold more than 30 million consumers’ data to fraudulent schemes.
“By allowing clients engaged in fraudulent schemes to buy data on millions of consumers most susceptible to their schemes, Epsilon employees facilitated those schemes with staggering effect,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We are encouraged by Epsilon’s cooperation since the misconduct was discovered, its remediation efforts, and its commitment to stringent new compliance measures.”
“Companies who sell consumer information have a responsibility to avoid knowingly selling it to those who will use the data to defraud or swindle consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn for the District of Colorado. “I hope other data companies will take note of this outcome and ensure that they don’t likewise help fraudsters.”
“Postal Inspectors have always held consumer protection as a core tenet of our efforts to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Deputy Chief Postal Inspector Craig Goldberg of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “When data firms such as Epsilon use their extraordinary access to consumers’ personal information to provide laser-focused marketing lists supporting deceptive practices, more American consumers are placed in harm’s way. Firms that amass big data assume a big responsibility to ensure this data is not used by malicious actors. If you cater to criminals who are exploiting Americans through the U.S. Mail, Postal Inspectors are coming for you.”
The DPA provides that Epsilon must select, and cover the costs of, an independent claims administrator to distribute the $127.5 million to identified victims with established losses caused by fraud schemes that used Epsilon data. The claims administrator will contact identified victims directly. More information about the victim compensation amount and fund distribution will be posted at the following website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/case/united-states-v-epsilon-data-management-llc. Victims of elder fraud schemes may also contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers. The hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Alistair Reader and Ehren Reynolds of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hetal J. Doshi and Rebecca Weber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For information on the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-co.
Marketing Company Agrees to Pay $150 Million for Facilitating Elder Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Epsilon Data Management LLC (Epsilon), one of the largest marketing companies in the world, has entered into a settlement with the Department of Justice to resolve a criminal charge for selling millions of Americans’ information to perpetrators of elder fraud schemes.
Epsilon entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Consumer Protection Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado in connection with a criminal information charging the company with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Under the terms of the DPA, which the parties submitted to the district court in Denver on Jan. 19, 2021, Epsilon agreed to pay a total of $150 million, with $127.5 million of that amount going to compensate victims of the fraudulent schemes that used consumer data sold by Epsilon. Epsilon also agreed to implement significant compliance measures to safeguard consumers’ data and prevent its sale to individuals or entities engaged in fraudulent or deceptive marketing campaigns. Further, the DPA requires Epsilon to maintain a procedure for consumers to request that it not sell their information to others.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, with its principal sales office in Westminster, Colorado, Epsilon used sophisticated data modeling to identify consumers most likely to respond to its clients’ marketing solicitations. As part of the DPA, Epsilon admitted that, from July 2008 through July 2017, employees in its Direct to Consumer (DTC) Unit knowingly sold modeled lists of consumers to clients engaged in fraud. In particular, Epsilon acknowledged that the DTC Unit sold consumer lists to a number of mass-mailing fraud schemes that sent false “sweepstakes” and “astrology” solicitations to consumers. Those solicitations stated that each consumer recipient had won a large prize or individualized psychic service that they could obtain by paying a fee. In reality, the solicitations—as known to DTC Unit employees—were mass-produced mailings and victims who paid a fee received nothing of value. As reflected in the consumer lists sold by the DTC Unit to perpetrators of the fraud schemes, the schemes disproportionately affected the elderly and other vulnerable individuals. The consumer data sold by the DTC Unit to fraudsters came both from other fraudulent clients and from legitimate Epsilon clients, including non-profit and charitable organizations. DTC Unit employees continued to sell consumer data to clients engaged in fraud despite knowing that those and similar clients had been arrested, charged with crimes, convicted, and otherwise subject to law enforcement actions for false and misleading practices. Epsilon admitted that the DTC Unit sold more than 30 million consumers’ data to fraudulent schemes.
“Companies who sell consumer information have a responsibility to avoid knowingly selling it to those who will use the data to defraud or swindle consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “I hope other data companies will take note of this outcome and ensure that they don’t likewise help fraudsters.”
“By allowing clients engaged in fraudulent schemes to buy data on millions of consumers most susceptible to their schemes, Epsilon employees facilitated those schemes with staggering effect,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We are encouraged by Epsilon’s cooperation since the misconduct was discovered, its remediation efforts, and its commitment to stringent new compliance measures.”
“Postal Inspectors have always held consumer protection as a core tenet of our efforts to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Deputy Chief Postal Inspector Craig Goldberg of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “When data firms such as Epsilon use their extraordinary access to consumers’ personal information to provide laser-focused marketing lists supporting deceptive practices, more American consumers are placed in harm’s way. Firms that amass big data assume a big responsibility to ensure this data is not used by malicious actors. If you cater to criminals who are exploiting Americans through the U.S. Mail, Postal Inspectors are coming for you.”
The DPA provides that Epsilon must select, and cover the costs of, an independent claims administrator to distribute the $127.5 million to identified victims with established losses caused by fraud schemes that used Epsilon data. The claims administrator will contact identified victims directly. More information about the victim compensation amount and fund distribution will be posted at the following website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/case/united-states-v-epsilon-data-management-llc. Victims of elder fraud schemes may also contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers. The hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
The U.S. States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Alistair Reader and Ehren Reynolds of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hetal J. Doshi and Rebecca Weber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.
CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-00006-RM
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Man from To’hajiilee pleads guilty and is sentenced on federal escape chargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Kelewood, 35, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court on Jan. 13 to a charge of escape from the custody of the Attorney General.
According to court records, on Aug. 9, 2019, Kelewood, who was confined at a halfway house in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, for a previous felony conviction, walked away from the halfway house without permission and did not return. The United States Marshal’s Service located Kelewood a week later and arrested him. Kelewood was charged on Dec. 3, 2020.
Upon the guilty plea, the court sentenced Kelewood to eight months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison for Making Hoax Threats, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY JOSEPH GRAVELLE, also known as Roland Prejean, 53, last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making numerous hoax threats, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed his earlier federal convictions for sending threatening communications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters in 2010. He was released from prison in 2015.
In September 2018, while he was on federal supervised release, Gravelle used the U.S. mail, e-mail and telephone to threaten to harm people and explode property in Connecticut, Vermont and Washington. Certain letters that Gravelle mailed contained a white powdery substance and statements that the substance was Anthrax, a biological agent and toxin. Gravelle made threats to various mental health providers and facilities in New Haven, U.S. Probation Officers, a U.S. District Court Judge, an international airport in Vermont, a federal prison in Washington, occupants of a building in Old Saybrook, a credit union in Bristol, and organizations and religious centers in Connecticut. He also sent a letter threatening to kill the President of the United States.
Gravelle has been detained since his arrest on September 8, 2018. On January 6, 2020, he pleaded guilty to five counts of maliciously conveying false information about an explosive, one count related to the sending of hoax Anthrax letters, and one count of making threats against the President. He also admitted that he failed to comply with conditions of his supervised release.
Judge Dooley sentenced Gravelle to 86 months of imprisonment for his conduct in 2018, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release conditions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and many local police and fire departments, including departments from Bristol, Guilford, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Southington and Stamford, Yale University, and Burlington, Vermont. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Man Sentenced for Unlawful Conduct, Fraud, and Misuse of Immigration DocumentsRead the Press Release
A man was sentenced this morning after unlawful and fraudulent use of immigration documents, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Ronald A. Rodriguez-Paz, 36, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell and received time served. He has been detained for 14 months and is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation hearings. Rodriguez is from Honduras and is not a legal resident of the United States.
“Child labor trafficking is absolutely reprehensible and can be the equivalent of modern-day slavery. Ronald Rodriguez-Paz crafted a scheme in which he kept the immigration documents of a child from Honduras to ensure that child would stay with him, work for him, and pay him money he believed the child owed him,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I am grateful for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Heatherman and Chris Nassar and the agents at Homeland Security Investigations who worked to get justice for this young victim.”
In his plea agreement, Rodriguez-Paz admitted that from July 2019 to December 2019, he knowingly possessed immigration documents of a minor child in order to, without lawful authority, maintain the labor services of that child. Paz sponsored the minor, also from Honduras, to come live with him at his residence in Tulsa. He agreed that he knowingly kept the child’s immigration documents to ensure that the child continued to work and pay him the money he claimed the child owed him. Paz also admitted that from September 2016 to December 2019, he knowingly used and possessed false immigration documents. He admitted to knowingly possessing and using a fraudulently made lawful person resident card with the identification number of another actual individual. The card fraudulently contained his name and photograph.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Heatherman and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery of ATMRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUSTIN PIERCE, age 22, a resident of Slidell, pled guilty on January 26, 2021 to conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. PIERCE faces 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2021 before the Honorable Susie Morgan.
According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, PIERCE and others attempted to break into an ATM located in the drive-through of a Capital One Bank using sledgehammers, crowbars, chains, and a truck. Just prior to this robbery attempt, PIERCE and others were observed in the same truck attempting to break into an ATM at Hancock Whitney Bank.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor of the General Crimes Unit.
Man Charged with Trafficking 14-Year-Old out of DallasRead the Press Release
A Dallas man has been charged with trafficking a 14-year-old child who was recovered at a local hotel, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Anthony Lennell Acy, 33, was charged via criminal complaint with one count of child sex trafficking on Wednesday. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford on Wednesday.
“Child sex trafficking is one of the most vile crimes we see in north Texas. This defendant allegedly used and abused a middle-school-aged child for monetary gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “We are thankful that the North Texas Trafficking Task Force was able to not only apprehend the perpetrator, but also recover the victim and get her to safety.”
“Apprehending human traffickers that take advantage of our most vulnerable and rescuing those exploited will always be a top priority for HSI,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge HSI Dallas. “We will go to no end to combat the scourge that is human trafficking and the members of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force will never relent until every trafficker is behind bars and every victim is rescued.”
According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Acy allegedly trafficked at least two women, including a 14-year-old girl, out of a hotel off LBJ Freeway in Dallas.
The North Texas Trafficking Taskforce, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), arrested Mr. Acy as he was leaving the hotel, where they also recovered the 14-year-old Jane Doe inside a room on the second floor. She was immediately transported to the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center.
Jane Doe later told investigators that Mr. Acy ordered her to engage in commercial sex, forcing her to earn $1,000 a day, with all proceeds turned over to him. She said Mr. Acy physically assaulted her on multiple occasions and deprived her of food and shelter.
Investigators reviewed online advertisements, allegedly posted by Mr. Acy, that featured pictures of Jane Doe and offered various sexual services.
He was on bond for a state trafficking charge filed by Travis County when he was arrested by the feds.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Acy is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to life in federal prison.
The North Texas Trafficking Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the Colleyville Police Department, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebekah Ricketts is prosecuting the case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 2 Years of Probation for Extorting BusinessesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Devonere Johnson, 29, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to two years of probation for extortion. Johnson pleaded guilty to this charge on November 4, 2020.
On June 22, 2020, during a period of protests and civil unrest in downtown Madison, Johnson extorted two restaurants. At one restaurant, Johnson threatened to break the windows unless the owner sent him money through Venmo. At the other, Johnson and two others threatened to have 600 people show up and burn it down unless they were given free food.
In sentencing Johnson, Judge Conley noted the impact on the victims and that they supported a term of probation. In his sentencing memorandum, Johnson admitted that his conduct was intimidating, scary, and wrong.
The charges against Johnson were the result of an investigation conducted by Madison Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Local men charged with CVS and Randalls pharmacy burglariesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Four men are in custody and two are at large in relation to the theft of various opioids and stimulants such as OxyContin and Adderall, respectively, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned the sealed indictment Oct. 20, 2020, which was unsealed today, charging Houston residents Drexel Andre Ferguson, 32, Tyshawndre Dameion Mathis, 23, Frederick Bernard Eli, 28, Kenneth Ray Griffin, 33, Latrell Rayshod Phillips, 25, and Devon Lee Hailey, 42. With the exception of Hailey and Griffin, the others have already made appearances and remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Griffin and Hailey are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.
The seven-count indictment alleges three pharmacy burglaries, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II opioids and stimulants and conspiracy to do so.
Ferguson, Mathis, Eli and Phillips allegedly burglarized two Randalls pharmacies Nov. 4, and 11, 2017, respectively. The indictment also charges Ferguson, Griffin and Hailey with the burglary of a CVS pharmacy April 10, 2018.
The charges allege the theft of various Schedule II opioids such as Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone and OxyContin in addition to stimulants including Amphetamine, Adderall, Dextroamphetamine, Mydayis, Lisdexamfetamine and Vyvanse.
Each man is charged with possession with intent to distribute the opioids and stimulants stolen from the pharmacies, respectively, as well as conspiracy to possess and distribute the substances collectively stolen from all three pharmacies.
For his charges, Hailey could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison, while the others face a potential 20-year-sentence.
The FBI’s multi-agency gang task force conducted the investigation which included police departments in Houston and Baytown and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Kusin and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Lapwai Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Sade Tyel Bronson, 34, of Lapwai, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to ten years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Bronson to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Bronson pleaded guilty to the charge on October 14, 2020.
According to statements made in court, Bronson was the target of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) drug investigation and was identified as a methamphetamine supplier on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. On February 4, 2020, an Idaho State Police Trooper stopped the vehicle Bronson was driving near the Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston. Bronson was in possession of 88 grams of pure methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia indicating that she was a methamphetamine dealer. Because the methamphetamine weighed over 50 grams, a federal grand jury charged Bronson with a crime mandating a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence.
This case was investigated by the Hells Canyon Narcotics Working Group which includes the FBI, Idaho State Police, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lewiston Police Department. The Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office also assisted this prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Kenosha Man Indicted for Injuring Police Officer During Kenosha RiotsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 26, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Ashton L. Howard (age: 27) of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Count one stems from the civil disorder that erupted in Kenosha following the August 23, 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake. According to court documents, evidence indicates that on August 23, 2020, a Kenosha Police Department officer was helping to remove a damaged police vehicle when Howard threw a heavy object at the officer’s head, knocking him unconscious.
Count one charges Howard with obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3). A “civil disorder” is defined by law as a “public disturbance involving acts of violence” by a group of three or more people, which “causes an immediate danger” of “damage or injury” to property or persons. 18 U.S.C. § 232(1). If convicted of count one, Howard faces a maximum of five years of imprisonment.
Count two alleges that Howard subsequently possessed ammunition, despite his prior felony conviction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted of count two, Howard faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment.
“There must be accountability for anyone who attacks a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “I commend the painstaking investigative efforts of the FBI and Kenosha Police Department to bring this case.”
“The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold those responsible who obstruct law enforcement during civil disorder. We will continue to support our partners with appropriate resources to maintain a safe community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes.
The Kenosha Police Department partnered with the FBI to investigate an incident wherein a Kenosha police officer suffered a serious injury during an illegal civil disorder. This was not a case of legal protest; instead, it was a felonious assault on a police officer. This type of conduct cannot and will not be accepted,” said Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kenosha Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Proctor.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer
(414) 297-1700
Jury Convicts Rocky Mount Gang Member of Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Late yesterday a federal jury convicted a Rocky Mount man on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kalid Koron Ocean-Avent, 23, a member of the 9-Trey Bloods, led Rocky Mount Police Officers on a high-speed chase through the area of Cokey Road and Long Avenue at 2:00 a.m. on January 16, 2020. After Ocean-Avent wrecked his car and ran from the scene, officers chased down and arrested Ocean-Avent in a nearby yard. Upon searching Ocean-Avent’s car, officers found a stolen firearm in the open dash compartment, along with Ocean-Avent’s cell phone and marijuana.
At the time of his arrest, Ocean-Avent was on Federal post-release supervision stemming from a 2019 conviction in the Eastern District of North Carolina for distribution of heroin, a felony offense.
United States Attorney Higdon stated: “We are grateful for the jury’s verdict finding this defendant guilty. As part of our ongoing effort to Take Back North Carolina from violent criminals, we are pursuing gang members – particularly members of the United Blood Nation – and others who use and carry firearms illegally. Our goal is to remove them from our communities so that law abiding citizens can live without fear for their safety or their lives.”
Ocean-Avent faces a maximum penalty of 120 months in prison when sentenced on April 26, 2021, and an additional 24 months in prison for his pending revocation of his post-release supervision.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. The Rocky Mount Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.D. Koesters and Nick Miller are prosecuting 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-17-D.
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Judge sentences Jefferson County man to statutory maximum of 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Joshua Braman to 120 months in prison today. The 37-year-old Crystal City, Missouri resident previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, specifically a sawed-off shotgun.
In fact, on September 17, 2019, Joshua Braman beat a victim with the sawed-off shotgun and punched her dozens of times, causing her to bleed from her mouth and nose, to black out, and to ultimately need medical treatment. During the course of the assault, Braman bit his victim, keeping her in a stolen Mercury Grand Marquis, as he continued his assault. Braman also threatened to shoot this victim, dump her body in the river, and kill himself.
On October 23, 2019, Braman was apprehended at a residence in Campbell, Missouri. Not only did Braman have the stolen Grand Marquis parked outside the residence, but the sawed-off shotgun used to assault Braman’s victim, a 12 gauge Ever Best shotgun, was inside the vehicle.
“The courage the victim demonstrated during the judicial process is admirable,” said Colonel Mary T. Barton, St. Louis County Chief of Police. “I appreciate the manner in which the United States Attorney’s Office handled this case, and as always, I am extremely proud of the dedication of the officers of the St. Louis County Police Department.”
Sarah Pingsterhaus, Victim’s Advocate for the U.S. Attorney’s Office says, “Felon in possession offenses are often viewed as victimless crimes, but this is not always the case.” Oftentimes, these cases come to fruition as a result of law enforcement responding to a domestic violence call and discovering the abuser is a previously convicted felon who is in possession of a firearm.”
Domestic violence is growing at an alarming rate across the country, enhanced by the current pandemic. Stay-at-home orders were put in place to keep the public safe from the spread of the virus, but it also forced survivors to shelter in place with their abusers.
In June 2020, a representative from the Crime Victim Center reported “in April 2020 there was a 225% increase in domestic violence calls in the county and a 25% increase in the city."
If you are a victim of domestic violence, visit www.startherestl.org, for a list of organizations that can help, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case.
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Individual Under Domestic Violence Order Arrested and Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On January 25, 2021, a United States Magistrate Judge authorized a criminal complaint against Héctor M. Morales-Hernández, charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB).
According to the charging document, on January 23, 2021, the PRPB stopped a car in Carolina making an illegal U-turn and driven by Morales-Hernández. Agents stopped the car and perceived a strong marihuana odor, and observed one rifle round in the front passenger seat. A minor was sitting behind the front passenger seat. Also in the car was a Romarm/Cugir rifle, model Mini Draco, 7.62 caliber, loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.
Upon investigation, the agents learned that Morales-Hernández is the subject of a domestic violence protective order issued by a Puerto Rico court. The terms of the protective order prohibit Morales-Hernández from possessing a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juan C. Reyes and Jonathan L. Gottfried, Chief of the Violent Crimes and National Security Section, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.
This case is the result of the partnership for domestic violence gun prosecutions announced by the United States Department of Justice on September 30, 2020. This initiative combats domestic violence with the intent to prevent harm and loss of life before they occur. Working with federal, state, and local law enforcement and nonprofit entities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is making the investigation and prosecution of federal domestic violence crimes a priority. In particular, we recognize the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Puerto Rico Courts Administration.
Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Homestead Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 2-count Indictment named Rodric Sorrell, age 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Sorrell was charged with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. The Indictment further alleged that Sorrell possessed a firearm despite being prohibited from owning a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspector Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Heroin, fentanyl trafficking targeted in Operation Jump's Start, with seven indicted on federal chargesRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: Seven people have been charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy in an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court.
Operation Jump's Start, an investigation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, took aim at distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs in south Georgia, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Each defendant in the 12-count indictment is charged with conspiracy, which carries upon conviction a penalty of up to 20 years in prison – and there is no parole in the federal system.
“Opioids – particularly synthetic analogues like fentanyl – are highly addictive and frequently deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We are proud to collaborate with our network of law enforcement partners to target those who would distribute this poison in our communities.”
The investigation began in early 2019 when a source for the Glynn County Sheriff's Office identified distributors of heroin, cocaine and prescription pills in the Glynn and McIntosh County area.
With assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), investigators conducted controlled purchases of drugs, searched homes and vehicles, and charged seven defendants in the now-unsealed indictment. Each of the seven defendants in U.S.A. vs. Joseph, et. al, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine. The defendants, and any additional charges, include:
- Nickson Joseph, a/k/a “Cujo,” 55, of Brunswick, also charged with three counts of Distribution of Heroin; Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam (Xanax); Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Edwuardo Moran, 56, of Townsend, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Danielle Moran, 43, of Brunswick, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
- Yasmine Joseph, a/k/a “Midget,” 30, of Miami, Fla., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
- Kirk Westberry, 28, of Brunswick, Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl;
- Kelsey Little, 26, of Evans, Ga., Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; and,
- Tina Kalter, 42, of St. Simons Island, Ga.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Each of the defendants has had an initial appearance hearing in U.S. District Court and awaits further legal proceedings.
“It was through hard work and dedicated law enforcement. I am proud of the operation Jump's Start between the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office and DEA to bring these individuals to justice,” said Glynn County Sheriff E. Neal Jump. “We cannot allow individuals to sell drugs in our community. The joint operation was a success and I promise the citizens of Glynn County that we will continue to be proactive in our duties to protect and serve. As your Sheriff, I am very proud of my deputy assigned to DEA, our relationship with DEA, and the citizens who call and give us information to combat drugs in our county.”
“The dangerous substance Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. The combination of these deadly substances has claimed many lives,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the true spirit of law enforcement cooperation, we will halt the distribution of these dangerous and potentially deadly substances.”
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
Operation Jump's Start is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The case is being investigated by the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the GBI, the Georgia State Patrol, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, and the Darien Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah J. Abrams and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of A Child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Eco Hutke Haney, age 23, of Henryetta, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and Abusive Sexual contact of a child in Indian Country. Each count is punishable by any period of any term of years of imprisonment or for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Information alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the Defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage and attempt to engage in sexual acts with the victim, who was, as the defendant well knew, at that time incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct, physically incapable of declining participation in the aforementioned sexual acts, and who was physically incapable of communicating unwillingness to engage in the aforementioned sexual acts.
The Information further alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in and cause sexual contact with the victim, a person who had not yet attained the age of 12 years, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, and arouse and gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Greenwood man sentenced to 240 months for trafficking methRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – Acting United States Attorney John Childress announced today that Eric Middlebrook, 31, of Greenwood, Indiana, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Tanya W. Pratt for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine where children are present.
“Drug trafficking brings gun violence that Indianapolis and many other communities across the country are experiencing,” said Childress. “We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to do our part in reducing the violence, getting drugs and weapons off the streets, and delivering justice for the people we serve.”
For several years, Middlebrook has been a suspect, victim, and witness in numerous violent crimes in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. He has also engaged in drug trafficking for several years in and around Indianapolis.
Investigators discovered that Middlebrook utilized several individuals to transport methamphetamine and other controlled substances from California to Indiana, which he would then redistribute in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. He used several different locations, including a rented storage unit to store and distribute the drugs and to store money and firearms.
After investigation, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at Middlebrooks home and rented self-storage unit. Agents located over 3700 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, several firearms, and over $40,000. At the time of the search of Middlebrooks home, three young children were also discovered living at the residence.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our community,” said Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Middlebrook was using firearms and threats of violence to further his drug trafficking operation, and clearly endangering the community, including children living in the same home. We are committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady, who prosecuted this case for the government, Middlebrook must serve 7 years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s enduring commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, opioids, and synthetic opioids. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.3.
Greene County Man Indicted for Cyberstalking and Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of cyberstalking and interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The ten-count Indictment named Kaleb Levicky, 23, formerly of Carmichaels, PA 15230, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Levicky is charged with cyberstalking from in around November 3, 2020, to in and around November 30, 2020. Levicky is also charged with the interstate communications of threats to injure on November 24, 2020, November 30, 2020, December 13, 2020 and December 14, 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both, at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Levicky is currently detained pursuant to this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Freeland Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police, Cumberland Township Police Department, and Arizona State University Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Dewayne Veasy, 30, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and with possessing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute on July 2, 2020. The indictment also charges Veasy with possessing a firearm as a felon and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed a handgun on July 2, 2020.
If convicted, Veasy faces a mandatory penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each drug charge and 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm charge. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The charges against Veasy are the result of an investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Justin Miner, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with three drug crimes and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on October 20, 2020, he distributed methamphetamine, and that on October 29, 2020, he possessed heroin with intent to distribute, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment further alleges that on October 29, 2020, he possessed a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
If convicted, Miner faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of the other drug charges and 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Menomonie Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm & Ammunition
Xavier Gentry, 32, Menomonie, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a 9mm handgun and ammunition on June 7, 2020.
The charge against Gentry is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crime
Roy Hopp, 40, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded .380 caliber pistol and ammunition on November 12, 2020.
The charge against Hopp is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Charged with Making False Statement During Purchase of Firearm
Abiel Howard, 25, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer while purchasing a firearm. The indictment alleges that on January 11, 2020, Howard stated that he was the actual buyer of a .40 caliber pistol, when he was not the actual buyer.
If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Illinois Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Leroy D. Hampton, 29, Urbana, Illinois, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on November 12, 2020.
If convicted, Hampton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Business Owner Charged with Failing to Account For & Pay Payroll Taxes
Joseph Kott, 42, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with 17 counts of failing to account for and pay over to the IRS all of the federal income taxes withheld and Social Security and Medicare taxes (“FICA taxes”) due to the United States, on behalf of Alpha Electric, LLC (“Alpha”) and its employees. Kott was the owner and operator of Alpha, an electrical installation and services business located in Sun Prairie.
The indictment alleges that Kott failed to file quarterly employment tax returns for Alpha, failed to pay FICA taxes withheld from wages of Alpha’s employees, and failed to pay the employer’s matching share of FICA Taxes. The 17 counts of the indictment allege that Kott failed to pay to the IRS a total of $377,855.24 in payroll taxes between 2014 and 2018.
If convicted, Kott faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against Kott are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber is handling the prosecution.
Man Charged with Escape
Larry Dollar, 49, is charged with escape. The indictment alleges that he escaped from the custody of Rock Valley Community Programs in Janesville, Wisconsin, on December 14, 2020.
If convicted, Dollar faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Grand Jury - January 2021Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 unsealed Indictments charging 28 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Mitchell D. Abraham, age 22, of Omaha, is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity beginning on December 8, 2020 and continuing through December 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Megan Louise Anderson, age 35, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning November 4, 2020 and continuing through November 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marcos Aviles-Cruz, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about December 22, 2020, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eliseo Barrera-Peraza, age 48, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is charged with distribution of 500 grams of methamphetamine (mixture) on November 17, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Perrion Bluford, age 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and methylenedioxymethamphetamine on January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about January 13, 2021.
* David Cantu a/k/a Eswin Lopez, age 27 of Crete, Nebraska, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor beginning October 27, 2020 through on or about January 15, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cody A. Cape, age 21, of Blair, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer beginning on November 1, 2020 through on or about December 25, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with interstate kidnapping beginning on or about December 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about December 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years’ consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carla Colliers a/k/a Carla Kochen a/k/a Carla Arndt, age 44, and James Finley, age 36, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning on June, 2020 and continuing through November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Colliers with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about September 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Colliers with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Finley with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about September 24, 2020.
* Samuel D. Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Dean Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Donkey Edwards, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender beginning October, 2019 through on or about January, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Valentin Diaz Hernandez, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about January 1, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Bryan A. Erdman, age 49, of Omaha, is charged in a nine-count Indictment with failure to pay over withholding and FICA taxes beginning 2015 through on or about 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Brandon Escamilla, age 18, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charge the defendant with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with unlawful user in possession of firearms on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brandon Goodsell, age 33, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charge the defendant with using, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with prohibited person in possession of firearm on August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Patricia Jacobsen, age 34, of Omaha, Elycia Washington, age 22, and Brandy Williamson, age 38, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning in August, 2020 and continuing through October 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $50,000,000 fine, 10-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Jacobsen with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 20, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $50,000,000 fine, 10-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Washington and Williamson with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about October 20, 2020.
* Aarion Jenkins, age 25, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment with distribution of marijuana beginning on November 22, 2019 and continuing through December 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Felipe Licea-Salazar, age 23, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 9, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Arturo Maldonado-Medina, a/k/a Fidencio Alvarez Avila, a/k/a Oscar Hernandez Lara, age 46, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about December 26, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jesse Neri, age 20, of Omaha, and Oswaldo Neri, age 28, of Omaha, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning January 1, 2021 and continuing through January 8. 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Jesse distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 5, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Charles Pierce, age 58, of Milford, Nebraska, is charged with obtaining oxycodone by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge on or about January, 2020 to on or about September, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 4 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Stetson Reinick, age 32, of Potter, Nebraska, and Stephanie Mitchell, age 27, of Potter, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on September 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Reinick with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Katherine L. Woitaszewski, age 33, of West Point, Nebraska, and Henry Poteet, age 64, are charged with conspiracy to commit escape from a Bureau of Prisons facility on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Katherine L. Woitaszewski, age 33, of West Point, Nebraska is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on September 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.