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26 February 2021
Owners of Westfield Transport Indicted on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two West Springfield men were charged in federal court in Springfield in connection with falsifying driving logs, instructing others to do so and making a false statement to investigators. The charges are the result of a review of Westfield Transport, Inc., following a crash involving one its vehicles that caused the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire on June 21, 2019.
Dunyadar Gasanov, a/k/a Damien Gasanov, 36, was indicted on one count of falsification of records, one count of conspiracy to falsify records and one count of making a false statement to a federal investigator. Dartanayan Gasanov, 35, was indicted on one count of falsification of records. Dartanayan Gasanov was arrested this morning and will make an initial appearance at 12:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson. Dunyadar Gasanov is wanted by law enforcement.
According to the indictment, the defendants owned Westfield Transport, Inc., a for-hire interstate motor carrier that transported vehicles primarily in the northeastern United States. It is alleged that, from May 3, 2019 to June 23, 2019, the defendants falsified driving logs in order to evade federal regulations designed to ensure the safety of roadways and drivers. It is further alleged that Dunyadar Gasanov instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, thereby exceeding the number of permissible driving hours, and then made a false statement to a federal inspector regarding the manipulation of recording devices that track drivers’ on and off duty hours in order to evade regulations.
The charge of falsification of records provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to falsify records provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement to a federal investigator provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Daniel Helzner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
One Anchorage Man and Two Anchorage-Based Companies Sentenced for Criminal Violations of the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Tae Ryung Yoon, aka Thomas Yoon, 64, Yoo Jin Management Company, Ltd. and Mush Inn Corporation were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joshua M. Kindred today, for asbestos work violations under the Clean Air Act.
Yoo Jin Management Company Ltd. and Mush Inn Corporation were sentenced to 3 years of probation and ordered to jointly and severally pay $30,000 in restitution and a $35,000 fine. The government will be seeking an additional $27,081.14 in restitution for the medical monitoring costs of the victims exposed to asbestos at an upcoming restitution hearing scheduled for March 15.
Tae Ryung Yoon, aka Thomas Yoon, was a contracted employee for the Northern Lights Center and was was sentenced to a term of 2 years of probation and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
A 10-count indictment was filed in September 2019, which alleged that from January 2015 through March 2015, Thomas Yoon, Yoo Jin Management Company, Ltd., and Mush Inn Corporation knowingly violated Clean Air Act asbestos work practice standards and asbestos disposal standards with regard to the renovation of a an old boiler room at the Northern Lights Center, located at 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd. in Anchorage. Further, the owners and operators of the facility failed to submit notification to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required when renovating 393 square feet of Regulated Asbestos Containing Material.
According to Court Documents, Yoo Jin Management Company Ltd. and Mush Inn Corporation, (now known as NLSC Investments, Inc.) jointly owned Northern Lights Center since 2006. In November of 2014, they entered into a contract with a handyman/contractor to remove insulation, pipe, pump, electric power lines and the unused boilers located in the old boiler room at the facility. The contractor was not a certified asbestos abatement contractor. Despite having knowledge that there had been asbestos discovered during prior renovation projects, they failed to have an asbestos survey completed prior to the renovation commencing in January 2015 and failed to inform the contractor of the possibility of asbestos in the old boiler room. Between January and March 2015, the contractor began removing the insulation that surrounded the pipes and boilers. During the months the contractor was engaged in work, three workers were required to enter the boiler room to replace filters for the heating and ventilation system (HVAC). The work in the boiler room was eventually halted when two of the HVAC workers raised concerns about asbestos. The EPA was notified, and an inspector surveyed the boiler room. The EPA inspector discovered white dust and flakes throughout the boiler room. Samples taken from the boiler room were later confirmed by the EPA laboratory to contain 2%, 5%, 7% and 17% asbestos respectively.
The EPA and Congress have determined there is no safe exposure limit for asbestos. In 1971, asbestos became the first hazardous air pollutant listed under the Clean Air Act. Because there is no concentration of asbestos that is considered safe, the EPA disseminated work practice standards for renovations and demolition projects that direct the handling and disposal of regulated asbestos containing material.
“The defendants’ illegal practices for the removal of asbestos containing material exposed four workers to asbestos and these workers now face extended periods of medical monitoring,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Alaska. “EPA is taking action to hold the defendants accountable for their actions.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charisse Arce and Karla Gebel Perrin, Special Assistant U. S. Attorney, U.S. EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Mail and Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for participating in a scheme to steal, alter, and cash business checks from Richmond-area mailboxes.
Sammy Marquelle Bethea, 25, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud following a four-day jury trial in October 2020. According to the government’s evidence at trial, in 2018, Bethea and his cousin, Lareese Mallety, 27, repeatedly traveled from their North Carolina homes to the Richmond area to steal business checks from mailboxes in and around industrial parks. The cousins would manually alter the checks using razorblades and a typewriter, after which they would add the name of a recruited homeless or indigent individual who would walk the check into a local Virginia bank to obtain cash. In 2018, members of the conspiracy successfully cashed more than $30,000 worth of stolen and counterfeit checks.
Law enforcement uncovered the scheme in October 2018, when Bethea and Mallety's vehicle was stopped by the Virginia State Police while traveling to Richmond. At that time, the officers discovered that Bethea and Mallety were in possession of a pry bar, typewriter, and razorblades, as well as stolen packages and nearly 50 checks stolen from more than 40 businesses worth over $120,000.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Garnett and Kevin Elliker prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-77.
New Jersey Man Admits Conspiring with White Supremacists to Vandalize Synagogues Across the CountryRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to his role in conspiring with members of a white supremacist hate group to threaten and intimidate African Americans and Jewish Americans by vandalizing minority-owned properties throughout the country in September 2019.
Richard Tobin, 19, of Brooklawn, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy against rights. U.S. District Court Judge Robert B. Kugler scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2021.
“Conspiring with others to vandalize and destroy property owned by African-Americans and Jewish Americans will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pam Karlan of the Civil Rights Division. “Every person should feel secure knowing they have the right to own and use their property free from being targeted because of their race or religion. We will continue to protect the civil rights of all individuals and vigorously prosecute bias motivated crimes.”
“Americans should never have to fear racist, anti-Semitic or any other form of bias-motivated violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig for the District of New Jersey. “This defendant encouraged hateful acts of violence against individuals and their houses of worship, based solely on their religion or the color of their skin. Together with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, this office will continue to work every day to identify individuals like him and bring them swiftly to justice.”
“The FBI and our partners simply won’t tolerate crimes spurred by hate, which are meant to intimidate and isolate the groups targeted,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “People of all races and faiths deserve to feel safe in their communities. Richard Tobin encouraged others to victimize innocent people, in furtherance of his abhorrent white supremacist beliefs. While we all have the right to believe whatever we want, when those views lead to violence, that’s a different and dangerous story.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tobin admitted that from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, 2019, he was a member of a white supremacist group, “The Base,” and during that time, he communicated online with other members and directed them to destroy and vandalize properties affiliated with African Americans and Jewish Americans. Tobin dubbed this coordinated attack “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass,” after an attack in Germany on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, in which Nazis murdered Jewish people and burned and destroyed Jewish homes, synagogues, stores and schools. Tobin implored members of The Base to post propaganda flyers and to break windows and slash tires belonging to African Americans and Jewish Americans. On Sept. 21, 2019, members of The Base vandalized synagogues in Racine, Wisconsin, and Hancock, Michigan, by spray painting them with hate symbols.
A conspirator, Yousef Omar Barasneh, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, for his role in vandalizing the synagogue in Racine, Wisconsin.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section.
Navajo man sentenced to two years in prison for sexually abusing a child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Wilson Davis, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on Feb. 23 in federal court to two years in prison for sexually abusing a child in Indian Country. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Davis will be subject to five years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Davis pleaded guilty to the offense on Oct. 22, 2020. In his plea agreement, Davis admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victim, who he knew was a minor. At the time of the abuse, the victim was younger than 16 years old. Davis committed the offense in McKinley County on the Navajo Nation.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.
National Leader of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Charged with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Suffolk County, New York, man was arrested today for illegally possessing a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Keith Richter, aka “Conan,” 62, of Bay Shore, New York, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Richter is the national president of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, an outlaw motorcycle gang known by law enforcement to engage in illegal activity, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and violent crimes.
On Feb. 20, 2021, the Pagans hosted a party in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While Richter was traveling home from the party late at night, he was stopped by law enforcement officers in Mercer County, New Jersey. Officers recovered a loaded Ruger P345 .45 caliber handgun from the vehicle.
Richter was previously convicted of felony offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, for which he served 16 years in prison.
The count of being a felon in possession of a weapon carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson in Newark; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Timothy D. Sini; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to these charges.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Frazer, R. Joseph Gribko, and Samantha C. Fasanello, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
NDTX Round up: February 19-26Read the Press Release
SENTENCING – ILDERALDO DEANDRE LIMA-MOSLEY
On February 22, Ilderaldo Deandre Lima-Mosley, 32, was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. In May 2020, Lima-Mosley, a previously convicted felon, met an individual at a Dallas area tobacco shop to sell a .380 pistol and several magazines containing ammunition for $740. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phelesa Guy prosecuted this case.
GUILTY PLEA – SALVADOR GALLEGO
On February 25, Salvador Gallego, 29, plead guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. In June, Gallegos sold one kilogram of methamphetamine to another person for $7,000. Five days later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a location used by Gallegos to process methamphetamine. Agents seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, $279,491 in drug proceeds, a firearm, and a drug ledger. Gallego faces up to 40 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kull is prosecuting the case.
SENTENCING – ALMA JEAN GILBERT
On February 26, Alma Jean Gilbert, 52, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $11,991,265 restitution for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return. Gilbert owned a tax preparation business, where she hired employees to prepare taxes and obtained Electronic Filer Identification Numbers from the Internal Revenue Service. Between 2012 and 2017, Gilbert knowingly prepared and caused to be filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns for clients. The fraudulent tax returns contained materially false credits and deductions for the purpose of increasing the refunds to the clients. Some of the false items include education credits, fuel tax credits, and business losses. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis prosecuted the case.
Multi-State Bank Robbers Indicted in the Eastern District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Charles Pingley, 52, of North Carolina, and his sister, Loretta Johnson, 50, of Maryville, Tennessee, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on February 17, 2021, for one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and two counts of Bank Robbery. The case has been set for trial on April 27, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, before the Honorable Judge Katherine Crytzer, United States District Judge.
The indictment alleges that, between October to December 2020, Pingley and Johnson conspired to rob banks in North Carolina and Tennessee. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on October 6, 2020, Pingley and Johnson robbed the First Citizens Bank in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, taking over $15,000 in cash. The indictment also alleges that Pingley and Johnson robbed the Foothills Federal Credit Union in Lenoir City, Tennessee on November 5, 2020, taking over $9,000.00 in cash. Lastly, the indictment alleges that on November 27, 2020, Pingley and Johnson robbed the Simmons Bank in Vonore, Tennessee, taking over $22,000 in cash.
If convicted for the bank robberies, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to three years, any applicable forfeiture, and a $100 special assessment for each count of bank robbery. If convicted of the conspiracy to commit bank robbery charge, the defendants face up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, one year of supervised release, and $100 special assessment
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Knoxville Division, Carolina Beach Police Department, North Carolina, Lenoir City Police Department, Tennessee, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina, Dunn Police Department, North Carolina, Loudon County, Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee, and the Vonore, Police Department, Tennessee.
Assistant United States Attorney Alan Kirk will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 17 ½ Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Battle, age 29, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for participating in a conspiracy that forced or coerced women to engage in prostitution in northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Battle, who used the street name “Buck,” previously pled guilty to conspiring with others to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion between 2011 and 2015.
Battle’s conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation into the activities of a street gang known as the “Black P-Stones.” The fourth superseding indictment alleged that females were “sexed-in” to the gang by being forced to engage in sex with male gang members; recruited and coerced to engage in prostitution; advertised as adult escorts on a website; provided with heroin and other drugs; and placed in various are hotels/motels to work as prostitutes. Gang members, including Battle, used threats, force, drugs, and intimidation to coerce females to engage in prostitution.
Judge Mannion also ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Battle must also comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements.
The leader of the Black P-Stones, Sirvonn Taylor, was previously sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. Other high-level gang members that have been sentenced in the case include: Jose Velasquez—17 ½ years’ imprisonment; Jamiell Sims—12 ½ years’ imprisonment; Arthur Taylor—7 years’ imprisonment; and Jordan Capone—7 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Middle Georgia defendants indicted in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
MACON, GA: Twelve defendants have been charged in a newly unsealed federal indictment alleging a middle Georgia drug trafficking conspiracy.
Eight men and four women are charged as part of Operation Breaking the Bond, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation centered in the Bibb County area, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia is recused from the case, which is being prosecuted by the Southern District.
As described in the recently unsealed indictment, each of the 12 defendants is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances, including 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; 28 grams or more of “crack” cocaine; and a quantity of marijuana. The charge carries upon conviction a penalty of up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This operation demonstrates the hard work and dedication of federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals in interdicting and disrupting the channels of illegal drug distribution in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “The number of illegally possessed firearms seized in this case also provides a glimpse into the dangerous underworld of narcotics trafficking.”
The operation, which started in mid-2019, targeted sources of illegal drugs brought into and distributed in the Macon area, and led to a series of searches in which large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana were seized, along with nearly $97,000 in cash, a machine for pressing kilo-sized “bricks” of cocaine, money counters, scales, and drug packaging materials. Investigators also seized 39 illegally possessed firearms, ranging from pistols and shotguns to assault-style rifles. Two homes alleged to have been involved as locations for drug storage or distribution also are subject to forfeiture proceedings in the indictment.
The defendants charged in the 24-count indictment, most of whom have made initial court appearances, include:
- Prentice Bond, a/k/a “P,” a/k/a “Peze,” 35, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Distribution of Cocaine; two counts of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and a Quantity of Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
- Travis Robinson, a/k/a “T-Roc,” 45, of Fairburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
- Xavier Cross, a/k/a “Ro,” a/k/a “Kairo,” 45, or Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; three counts of Distribution of Cocaine; two counts of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Oxycodone; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
- Charles Seang, 28, of Lilburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana;
- Chester Hall, a/k/a “Cheeseburger,” a/k/a “Cheese,” 40, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Oxycodone; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
- Geneva Harvey, 39, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
- Shaneka Jackson, 43, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack, and a Quantity of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Rodreco Jones, a/k/a “Freako,” a/k/a “Rico,” 39, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana;
- Earnest Milline, a/k/a “Rome,” a/k/a “Jerome,” 62, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; two counts of Distribution of Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana;
- Morgan Allison, 22, of Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- George Leverett, 28, Macon, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; and,
- Tawana Daniels, 40, of Fairburn, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
A total of 60 felony counts are alleged in the indictment. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis said, “This case illustrates the continued commitment of Bibb Investigators and our local and federal partners to rid our streets of dangerous drugs and illegal firearms. We can be grateful that countless individuals have been saved from a drug overdose or a gunshot wound by the work of the law enforcement professionals in this operation.”
“This case is a direct result of what can be achieved when DEA and its law enforcement partners confront, engage and eliminate drug trafficking,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “The distribution of dangerous substances like, cocaine, crack, and marijuana continue to plague many communities. The Macon area is much safer because of this operation.”
“Operation Breaking the Bond is another example of the FBI’s willingness to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle organizations that endanger our communities,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “With the removal of drugs, weapons and money and 12 defendants from the streets, the citizens of Bibb County will be immediately safer.”
“Illegal drugs and illegally possessed firearms have no place in Georgia,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
Operation Breaking the Bond 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 operation is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Braselton Police Department and the Union City Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah J. Abrams and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Devon Lamar Lockridge, 34, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Lockridge was previously charged as a result of a traffic stop in the city of Beckley.
“After being caught in Beckley with approximately 800 grams of meth and 46 grams of heroin, this Detroit drug dealer will spend five years in federal prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Our law enforcement partners working in the Beckley, Raleigh County area do an excellent job of protecting their communities from drug dealers like Lockridge.”
Lockridge previously admitted that on August 12, 2020, he was a passenger in a taxi in Beckley that was pulled over by police for speeding. During the traffic stop, officers smelled marijuana. Lockridge admitted to smoking marijuana. A drug detecting canine also indicated to the presence of controlled substances in the taxi. Based on this information, officers searched the car. During the search, officers found a bag belonging to Lockridge. In the bag, officers found almost 800 grams of methamphetamine packaged in fourteen separate bags, and approximately 46 grams of heroin. Lockridge admitted that he knew the drugs were in that bag and that he intended to distribute the drugs to others.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, (ATF), the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley Police Department, and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00155.
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Members of Identity Theft Ring Plead Guilty to Fraud Targeting Virginia ABC StoresRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two Norfolk men pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft as part of a scheme to purchase alcohol for resale from Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) stores with stolen credit, debit, and pre-paid gift card numbers.
According to court documents, Dion Melton, 28, and Dominic Smith, 29, joined with two other men to defraud Virginia ABC stores by using credit, debit, and pre-paid gift cards re-encoded with the stolen financial information of identity theft victims. The conspirators obtained the stolen credit and debit card numbers by purchasing the numbers online, among other means. Investigators have identified 31 direct victims of identity theft from Smith’s role in the scheme and 18 direct victims of identity theft from Melton’s role in the scheme. There are at least 82 victims of the broader conspiracy.
Melton and Smith are scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. The conspiracy to commit wire fraud offense carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and the aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison. Their codefendant, Tyrell Jackson, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges on December 9, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, and Tom Kirby, Chief of Virginia ABC’s Bureau of Law Enforcement, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the pleas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-45.
Maria Chapa Lopez Announces Resignation as United States Attorney for the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - After 21 years with the Department of Justice, and 32 years’ government service, United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) on February 27, 2021.
“Serving as the United States Attorney for the MDFL these past three years has been my highest honor and, serving the United States for these last 32 years has been my highest privilege,” said Chapa Lopez. “It has been my honor to serve with a fantastic group of federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Together, we have done great work to protect our communities here in the MDFL. It has also been my greatest honor to work with the tremendously talented group of AUSAs and staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office here in the MDFL. Thank you all for your partnership and support these last three years. My respect for each and every one of you is immeasurable. Team MDFL is the best!”
Chapa Lopez also said, “I want to thank Senator Marco Rubio and former Senator Bill Nelson for their support and confidence in me to lead this office. I am grateful to Attorney General Jeff Sessions for trusting me with this position when he appointed me interim U.S. Attorney, and to Attorney General Bill Barr for his trust in my abilities when he asked me to be on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.”
U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez came to the job with a significant amount of experience that prepared her to lead the MDFL. Previously, she served on active duty as a United States Army Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In April of 2000, she joined the USAO-MDFL as an Assistant United States Attorney as a narcotics prosecutor, working to dismantle transnational drug trafficking organizations. Immediately prior to serving as U.S. Attorney, Chapa Lopez served as DOJ Deputy Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, working closely with Mexican Justice and Law Enforcement counterparts, as well as other international stakeholders, to disrupt cross-border crime.
“Maria Chapa Lopez rendered good and faithful service as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. In her dealings with the Court, Ms. Lopez always represented the United States with the utmost professionalism. The Court wishes her well in her future endeavors” said Timothy J. Corrigan, Chief Judge, Middle District of Florida.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis commends USA Chapa Lopez for her outstanding leadership. “During her tenure, she has supported all the agencies focused on reducing supplies of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, diverted prescription drugs, cocaine and related violence impacting our Florida Communities,” said SAC Weis. “She has been instrumental in dismantling significant transnational criminal organizations narcotics smuggling and money laundering operations from South America to shores of the United States. USA Chapa Lopez has been extremely dedicated to enforcing the rule of law with the tireless goal of helping those communities and families adversely affected by illicit drug distribution. The DEA wishes USA Chapa Lopez the best in her next endeavors, she is an invaluable leader and friend who will be greatly missed by law enforcement.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa López has been a quintessential partner in combatting violent crime throughout the Middle District Florida for more than 20 years. Mrs. Chapa López tirelessly worked with the ATF Tampa Field Division to investigate and aggressively prosecute some of the most violent offenders in the Middle District. On behalf of the women and men of the ATF Tampa Field Division, I thank Mrs. Chapa López for her service to the United States. Her leadership as United States Attorney made our communities safer. You will be missed,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier.
“Under the leadership of United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, the law enforcement community across the Middle District of Florida has become more united and collaborative. Her commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our communities as well as the way she led her office to take on emerging threats is just part of the legacy she leaves. We wish you all the best in your next chapter Maria.” said Kevin Sibley, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations.
“It has truly been an honor and a privilege working alongside US Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez over the past three years protecting and defending the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County. “I am saddened to see her leave, but truly grateful for the dedication she has put into causes that affect our Hillsborough County residents. Through our partnership, we have worked to combat issues of both opioid abuse and human trafficking throughout our state, bringing drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses to justice and putting behind bars those who seek to buy or profit off of the exchange of another individual’s body for sex. I look forward to continuing the work we have started together as she moves on to the next step in, what is sure to be, a continuously rewarding career in service.”
“The St. Petersburg Police Department has enjoyed a cooperative and mutually supportive relationship with our valued criminal justice partners at the Department of Justice, led by U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez,” said Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department. “The DOJ is staffed with tremendously talented members and I am proud of our collective achievements and the significant progress that has been made toward improving the lives of individuals in our community through better public safety and police protection and most recently for the support of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. I look forward to the opportunity to work together someday soon and seeing her many future accomplishments.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has truly made Manatee County a safer place to live,” said Sheriff Rick Wells. “Under her leadership, several high-profile drug dealers and gang members have been removed from our community. I will be forever indebted to her and the commitment she made to prosecute those responsible for distributing fentanyl throughout Manatee County. She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
“We’ve had a productive and strong working relationship with U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. Her reputation is one of being committed to her work and has shown through her accomplishments during her appointment. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County.
“Maria Chapa Lopez led undeniable efforts that resulted in fewer victims of crime and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Chief Brian Dugan, Tampa Police Department. “Although she will be missed, our law enforcement agents are better prepared and trained to take on any criminal element due to her years of dedicated service.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has done an outstanding job protecting the citizens of the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Christopher Nocco, Pasco County. “From terrorism to illegal pharmaceuticals, violent crime, and human trafficking, her leadership to prosecute criminals and build coalitions worked to make Pasco, along with all of Tampa Bay, a safer community.”
“Our relationship with the Middle District of Florida is paramount to the cycle of success needed to combat and counter transnational organized crime. I thank my colleague, Ms. Maria Chapa Lopez, for her professionalism and dutiful service as US Attorney for the past three years, and deeply value her leadership and gracious friendship. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her successor and I wish Maria the very best,” said Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones, Seventh District Commander.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a key partner with U.S. Probation. Under Maria’s leadership, the communication between our agencies has flourished. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been a responsive and reliable partner in our promotion of the fair administration of justice,” said Joe Collins, Chief U.S. Probation Officer.
“Maria has been a dedicated partner and a trusted ally who has served the Middle District of Florida with honor and distinction,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. “She undoubtedly will continue to do great things in her community.”
Upon the U.S. Attorney’s resignation, Karin Hoppmann, who served as Ms. Chapa Lopez’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, will become Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act. Ms. Hoppmann becomes Acting U.S. Attorney for up to 300 days, and she will serve in that position until such time as an Interim U.S. Attorney is appointed or the President nominates and the United States Senate confirms a new United States Attorney.
Link to summary of highlights of the USAO MDFL’s work during U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez’s tenure.Man Sentenced to More Than 34 Years in Federal Court for Planning and Aiding Pair of Jewelry Store Robberies in Elizabeth City and GarnerRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A High Point man was sentenced today to 411 months in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence, witness tampering and aiding and abetting in those crimes.
Charles Walker, Jr., a/k/a “Supreme,” 56, was convicted on December 11, 2020, after a jury trial in New Bern. The case involved two Hobbs Act robberies at Kay Jewelry stores, one in Elizabeth City and one in Garner. The robbers were able to get away with almost $600,000.00 worth of jewelry. These were violent robberies as firearms were brandished during both robberies. During one of the robberies, a store employee was handcuffed behind her back and left in a backroom of the store. During the trial, the defendant took the stand and admitted during cross-examination that he is closely associated with a high-ranking blood member in Greensboro.
Walker is an extremely violent and dangerous individual. He was previously convicted of first-degree murder. He ultimately won a new trial and pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and accessory after the fact to murder after he had served 17 years in prison.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Garner Police Department, and the Greensboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Dodson and Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-CR-37-FL-1.
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Lời Phát Biểu của Pamela Karlan, Phó Trợ Lý Tổng Chưởng Lý của Bộ Dân QuyềnRead the Press Release
Download Karlan Statement - Vietnamese
Louisville Physician Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Distributing and Dispensing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States District Court Judge David J. Hale sentenced Louisville physician Peter Steiner to 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for knowingly and intentionally distributing and dispensing Schedule II, Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances without any legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett. There is no parole in the federal system. Steiner was also ordered to forfeit $225,000.
Steiner admitted that he prescribed high dosages and large quantities of controlled substances, prescribed early refills for controlled substances, continued to prescribe controlled substances to patients even though he knew they were addicted, continued to prescribe controlled substances to patients even though he knew they tested negative for those substances, prescribed controlled substances in return for sexually graphic photos and videos, prescribed controlled substances that were contraindicated for patient medical concerns, prescribed controlled substances not typically associated with psychiatric complaints, and prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Wesier and Joseph Ansari. The case was investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), Kentucky State Police (KSP), Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General (KY CHFS-OIG), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Diversion Section, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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Lincoln Men Convicted of Robbery Resulting in Murder and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned guilty verdicts today against Tawhyne Patterson, Sr. and Damon Williams. Patterson and Williams, both of Lincoln, were convicted of: two counts of attempted interference with commerce by robbery; using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; murder while using a firearm during a crime of violence; and conspiracy to possess firearms during a crime of violence. Today’s verdicts subject Patterson and Williams to prison terms of up to life. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 21, 2021.
The evidence at trial established that Patterson and Williams were part of a crew that targeted a Lincoln marijuana dealer for robbery. They went to the home on July 30, 2018 and returned on July 31, 2018 intent on stealing drug money.
On July 31, 2018, Patterson forced open the door and was joined by two others claiming to be Lincoln Police Officers. The robbers zip tied and restrained three children, including a child on a sleepover. Jessica Brandon, mother of two of the children, was shot as she found herself between Patterson and a safe where the robbers expected to find cash and drugs. Brandon was brought to a hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Video was recovered from the crime scene. Williams and Patterson were identified through tips from the public. They fled to Texas and were later arrested.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Woods and Dan Packard. U.S. Attorney Kelly expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster County Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their outstanding efforts in the investigation and assistance during trial.
Judge sentences Warren County man to 30 years in prison for attempting to kill federal officersRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Elijah Moore to 360 months in prison today. The 38-year-old Warrenton, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to kill a federal officer, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of carjacking.
On July 29, 2019, a Task Force Officer (TFO) with the U.S. Marshals Service went to a residence in Wentzville to assist the St. Charles County Police Department in an attempt to locate a suspect in a Warren County home invasion.
The TFO noticed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle taken during the home invasion robbery. St. Charles County SWAT found two people and made two arrests. One of those arrested told officers Moore had fled from the residence, tried leaving in the stolen vehicle, but it became stuck in the mud.
Later in the afternoon, a nearby homeowner discovered his home had burglarized and reported several firearms, ammunition and a vehicle as stolen. The TFO and a St. Charles County Police Department detective who was assisting in the operation located Moore later that day. Moore was the passenger in a blue Mustang driven by a female. The blue Mustang fled from officers at a high rate of speed until it stopped in a gravel parking lot. Moore jumped from the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the officers.
The TFO and detective prepared to return fire; however, the driver of the blue Mustang screamed that there were children in the vehicle. Fearing injury to the children, the officers did not return fire, allowing Moore to escape through the woods while continuing to shoot at officers. Moore then stole a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a nearby business, firing shots to ward off law enforcement and others. Moore once again fled, shooting at pursing officers. He eventually crashed, at which time a gun-battle ensued with Moore continuing to fire at officers. Officers returned fire, striking Moore in the legs. He was taken into custody and crime scene investigators found nearly two dozen bullets and a revolver containing three fired cartridges and three unfired bullets.
“The sentence handed down today will allow Elijah Moore to have three decades to ponder why he ever decided to shoot at law enforcement officers. Let this be a reminder to others who might ever give a moment’s thought of shooting at law enforcement officers: it’s a fast track to prison,” said U.S. Marshal John Jordan.
“Our office will not tolerate individuals, like Elijah Moore, who commit violent crimes against law enforcement and others. The brave men and women of area law enforcement are to be commended for risking their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “This is a good example of our federal, state and local partners working together to make the community a safer place for everyone.”
The St. Charles County and Wentzville Police Departments, United States Marshals Service and St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office investigated this case.
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John Huber Leaves his Post as Longest-Serving United States Attorney in the NationRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY– After six years of leadership as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah, America’s longest currently serving U.S. Attorney is moving on. John Huber’s last day as the United States Attorney is February 28. Huber was first nominated to the post by President Barack Obama, and was confirmed by the United States Senate in June of 2015. He was later re-nominated by President Donald J. Trump, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate for another four-year term as U.S. Attorney beginning in 2017.
During his time as United States Attorney, Huber served as a close advisor to three Attorneys General and served as the Vice-Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee for Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions and Attorney General William Barr. Huber also led the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Terrorism and National Security and the interagency Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee in Washington D.C.
During his tenure, the cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah increased in numbers, complexity, and notoriety. Huber transformed the culture of the office while preaching productivity, and oversaw the physical move of the office in downtown Salt Lake City.
On the national security front, Huber oversaw the prosecution of two international terrorists in Utah; many domestic terrorism matters; and a former United States Government employee acting as a spy for China. Huber also spoke regularly on the Department of Justice’s China Initiative in order to educate leaders of Utah industry on the threat posed by China.
On the violent crime front, Huber launched the Utah Gang Initiative within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under his leadership, the office has prosecuted several high-profile gang cases, including that of the nationally known white supremacist gangs Soldiers of Aryan Culture and Silent Aryan Nation. In addition, federal prosecutors have led high level prosecutions against the Norteno and the Glen Mob Street Gangs and numerous other gangs along the Wasatch Front with connections to Mexican drug cartels.
Prosecutors in his office successfully prosecuted what was the largest illicit dark web trafficker of fentanyl-laced oxycodone in the United States and obtained a lengthy prison sentence against a Utah doctor who illegally prescribed opioids to drug addicts. Huber also prioritized cases involving child victims and his office brought numerous cases involving the exploitation of minors, including the conviction of an ex-Ute Tribal leader who sexually abused a girl starting at the age of 10.
Huber was also a proponent of using targeted federal, state, and local partnerships to combat violent crime in urban areas. Huber helped to lead a violent crime reduction partnership in Ogden, Utah, that contributed to the decrease in violent crime by as much as 30% and helped to create a similar partnership that is ongoing in Salt Lake City.
Huber also reached out to all of Utah’s rural counties and offered to prosecute criminals that had disproportionate impacts on their communities. One of the most important prosecutions during his tenure was convicting the murderer of Millard County Deputy Sheriff Josie Greathouse-Fox, a case that Huber says “will impact him for the rest of his life.”
On the financial crime front, the United State’s Attorney’s Office took on record-breaking fraud schemes in Utah. Huber’s office played a role in the prosecution of Northern Utah’s Kingston Polygamist Clan, which defrauded the United States out of close to $500 million dollars, as well as the prosecution of Lyle Jeffs and members of the Fundamentalist LDS Church in Southern Utah, who were found to have defrauded the United States’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Prosecutors in his office obtained a conviction and a lengthy prison sentence against Rick Koerber, and have now turned their sites on the pending Rust Rare Coin case, a case that prosecutors allege is one of the largest and most destructive frauds Utah has ever seen.
On the civil side, Huber’s office successfully fought to keep snowboarders out of Alta Ski Resort, a decision that still garners mixed reviews amongst snowboarders in Utah. In addition, the office engaged in important civil rights work related to Utah’s public universities; successfully held doctors and pharmacies accountable in the midst of the opioid epidemic; and engaged in numerous cases related to the misuse of taxpayer funds amidst the global pandemic.
Of all of his accomplishments, Huber is most proud of the fact that he has hired over 50 percent of the office’s nearly 60 prosecutors. This, Huber says, will be his most important legacy, as he will be “extremely proud to see all that they will accomplish on behalf of the United States of America.”
Leaders in the law enforcement community offered accolades regarding U.S. Attorney Huber’s Service.
“For the past six years, John Huber has been a valuable partner and a strong supporter of the FBI and our mission,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Meacham of the Salt Lake City FBI. “As Utah's U.S. Attorney, Huber had a genuine interest in keeping our communities safe. He never hesitated to devote resources to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases, from gangs and drugs to fraud, and national security threats. He was hard on crime but maintained a personable relationship with those of us in the law enforcement community. All of us at FBI Salt Lake City wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
United States Marshal for the District of Utah, Matthew Harris stated that “what I respect the most about John, is that he is the same imperturbable man he was nearly two decades ago when I first met him, a dedicated public servant of the highest moral character, who used the ascendancy of his position, not to enrich himself, but to make Utah a safer place for its citizens. Not only was John a friend of federal law enforcement, but he earned the respect of local and state officials by helping remove the most violent criminals from their communities. He is the epitome of what Americans should expect from their U.S. Attorney. His leadership will be greatly missed.”
Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Denver Field Division David S. Booth stated that “Mr. Huber is a strong advocate for ATF and violence related prosecutions, especially those cases involving the use of firearms. This stance has led to a marked reduction in violent crime in the State of Utah. The collaboration between ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah under Mr. Huber has led to hundreds of violent criminals being taken off the streets and has made Utah a safer place. John balances this approach with absolute respect for fairness and an unwavering adherence to equal justice under the law. ATF has been proud to partner with Mr. Huber. He is a true defender of the law and a public servant to the people of Utah. He is professional, passionate, knowledgeable, and someone whose vision of serving the people of Utah mirrors ATF’s core mission of fighting violent crime.”
Michael J. Tinkler, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City Drug Enforcement Agency stated that “on behalf of the Drug Enforcement Administration, I would like to thank U.S. Attorney John Huber for his outstanding support and partnership with the Salt Lake City District Office and the Metro Narcotics Task Force. John has been a friend and mentor to many throughout these past six years and will be sorely missed. During his tenure, several significant drug trafficking organizations were disrupted that directly impacted the citizens of this state and nation. His dedication to upholding the rule of law and serving others are tenets that he followed and served as a motivation for others.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is fortunate to have U.S. Attorney John Huber as an advocate and partner in prosecuting criminals in the great state of Utah,” said Steve Andres, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Utah. “His tireless advocacy for justice resulted in several significant outcomes including the successful prosecution of a North Korean state actor seeking sensitive U.S. technology, a life sentence for a major DarkWeb narcotics dealer and ensuring numerous child predators were put behind bars. We appreciate his dedication to our shared mission of protecting the homeland and will miss his leadership.”
"Change is never easy, especially when that change brings an end to such a great working relationship. U.S. Attorney John Huber has been a great partner to our department, and I have enjoyed working with him. It is obvious he cares about the safety and security of Salt Lake City and the state of Utah,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown.
Huber graduated with honors from The University of Utah, and went on to complete his juris doctor degree at The University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. He began his public service in the Weber County Attorney’s Office, and later served as the Chief Prosecutor for West Valley City before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Huber first served joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and rose within the office to become the Executive Assistant United States Attorney until his appointment as the United States Attorney. His resignation ends a chapter of 27 years of continuous public service.
Irondequoit Woman Pleads Guilty to Forging Motor Vehicle Documents for Classic CarsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Marcella Samuels, 44, of Irondequoit, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to mail fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between 2015 and 2020, the defendant created and sold forged State of Maine vehicle titles and registration documents to individuals attempting to title and register classic cars. As part of the scheme, Samuels advertised under the pseudonym “Titleman” in the periodical “Old Cars Weekly,” offering title and registration services for owners of classic cars. The defendant used the US Mail to send payment and advertising applications to Old Cars Weekly. Individuals seeking to title or register vehicles would mail payments of $300 to $350 to the defendant, who would then forge and mail the documents back to customers. Over the course of the scheme, the Government believes Samuels collected approximately $292,000 in proceeds from the fraud.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, under the direction of Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2021, before Judge Geraci.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 23 was:
Eric Kendrick Buchanan, 43, transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Buchanan faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a minimum mandatory consecutive five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Buchanan was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.
Appearing on Feb. 25 and pleading not guilty was:
Jesus Valdez Martinez Jr., 45, of Bakersfield, CA, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Martinez faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years in prison on the drug counts, and a minimum mandatory consecutive five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Martinez was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-06.
Chad Henry Swoboda, 36, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Swoboda faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Swoboda was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-47.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb 25 was:
Jacyln Lee Henderson, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Henderson faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Henderson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-07.
Nash Devine Angel Ingraham, 19, Browning, on charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, strangulation, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ingraham faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Ingraham was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 21-06.
Clayton Cree Morsette, 23, of Havre, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morsette faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kalispel Tribe Public Safety Department, Washington, and Airway Heights Police Department, Washington, investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.
James Tino White, Jr., 28, of Box Elder, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-88.
Gurpal Singh Gill, 39, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gill faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gill was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. PACER reference. 21-05.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 22 was:
Rastefaye Alpha Neil, 39, of Washington, D.C., on charges of transportation of illegal aliens. If convicted of the most serious crime, Neil faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Neil was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and Eureka Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-07.
Appearing on Feb. 23 and pleading not guilty was:
Christopher White, 40, of New York and Jamaica, on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Eureka Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-08.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Harrison County man admits to drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Andrew Yatulchik, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Yatulchik, also known as “Utah,” 50, pleaded guilty this week to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Felon.” Yatulchik admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from February 2017 to June 2018 in Harrison County and elsewhere. Yatulchik, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, also admitted to having two shotguns in May 2018 in Harrison County.
Yatulchik faces not less than five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the drug count and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County Woman Sentenced on Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison today for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Rachel Naomi Hernandez, 32, pleaded guilty on September 23, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap.
“Drug trafficking organizations prey on vulnerable addicts for profit in an illegal marketplace that encourages violence and lawlessness,” said Acting U.S. Nicholas J. Ganjei. “We are dedicated to dismantling these organizations and disrupting every link in their chain of supply.”
According to information presented in court, on May 20, 2018, police stopped Hernandez for a traffic violation, during which she admitted to possessing a firearm. The officer confirmed through dispatch that Hernandez was a convicted felon, and arrested her for being felon in possession of a firearm. A subsequent search of Hernandez’s vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of 270 grams of methamphetamine, a pistol, various pills, vials containing suspected PCP, digital scales, and $4,762 in U.S. Currency. Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 18, 2019, and charged with violations of federal drug trafficking and firearms laws.
This is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall Police Department. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
Harlem man sentenced for fatal ATV crashRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Harlem man who admitted to drinking and driving a four-wheeler when it crashed, killing his passenger on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, was sentenced on Thursday to 16 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Taylor Gardipee Walker, 23, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2020 to involuntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered restitution of $375.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Dec. 31, 2019 and into the early morning hours on Jan. 1, 2020, Walker was drinking to the point of intoxication. At about 3 a.m., Walker and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, went for a ride on a four-wheeler on Rodeo Drive, with Walker driving. Walker lost control of the ATV, causing it to roll over and sending him and the victim onto the pavement. Walker was seen fleeing the scene on foot.
Law enforcement officers and emergency responders arrived and found the victim unresponsive. The victim ultimately was transported to a Great Falls hospital, where she died from her injuries later that day.
Officers found Walker’s wallet at the scene and located Walker hiding in a bedroom closet of a residence. Walker, who had blood on his clothing and abrasions on his hands, was arrested for failing to report an accident. After initially saying he was not the driver, Walker admitted had been driving the ATV and had lost control and crashed. The investigation determined that Walker had a blood alcohol concentration of .0145 percent approximately three and a half hours after the crash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.
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Ghanaian National Arrested for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Arising from $1.7 Million “Romance Scam”Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A Ghanaian national was arrested yesterday on wire fraud and money laundering charges involving funds obtained from “romance scam” victims.
Kofi Osei, a/k/a Paul Proia, a/k/a Kenneth Buck, a/k/a Jeffrey Anashe, 28, who most recently resided in Randolph, was indicted on seven counts of making a false statement to a bank, six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Osei was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2016 to at least 2020, Osei opened bank accounts in the greater Boston area using fake identity documents. Those bank accounts were used to receive fraudulently obtained funds from a number of victims of romance scams, in which perpetrators created fictitious online personas to develop online romantic relationships with individuals in the U.S., and then leveraged those relationships to obtain money and/or property. Once the fraudulently obtained funds reached the accounts, it is alleged that Osei generally withdrew the money in cash, used the funds to purchase cashier’s checks or spent the money on personal purchases. Altogether, the fraudulent accounts received $1.7 million.
The charge of making a false statement to a bank provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding the Medicaid Programs in South and North CarolinaRead the Press Release
Charlotte, North Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., of the District of South Carolina and United States Attorney Andrew Murray of the Western District of North Carolina announced that Markuetric Stringfellow, 37, of Powder Springs, Georgia, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for defrauding the South and North Carolina Medicaid programs. In addition to the prison term imposed, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell also ordered Stringfellow to pay over $5 million as restitution, including more than $700,000 to the South Carolina Medicaid program.
The South Carolina Scheme
According to court documents filed with the U.S. District Court in South Carolina, Stringfellow was a franchise owner of Wrights Care Services LLC (Wrights Care), a qualified provider of Medicaid rehabilitative behavioral health services in South Carolina. Wrights Care was located at 1320 Main Street, in Columbia, South Carolina, and maintained separate franchise locations throughout South Carolina, including in Spartanburg, Pickens, Cheraw, Society Hill, Bennettsville, Hartsville, and Conway. In April 2014, Wrights Care became a participating provider in the South Carolina Medicaid program, which allowed Wrights Care to submit claims for behavioral mentoring services reimbursable under Medicaid.
Starting in or around 2014, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators defrauded the South Carolina Medicaid program by filing fraudulent claims for services that were either not provided, partially provided, or did not qualify for reimbursement. According to court records, to support the fraudulent reimbursement claims filed with the South Carolina Medicaid, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators submitted falsified patient billing records and fake medical notes. Furthermore, court records show that after learning there was a Medicaid audit for Wrights Care, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators attempted to deceive South Carolina Medicaid auditors. In or about March 2015, Stringfellow met other associates of Wrights Care in Columbia for a “note party,” during which the co-conspirators created false and fraudulent billing records to substantiate previously-submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims, forged signatures, and falsified records subject to the audit, which they then submitted to South Carolina Medicaid auditors in response to the audit.
The North Carolina Scheme
In addition to executing a fraudulent scheme in South Carolina, Stringfellow defrauded the North Carolina Medicaid program. According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Stringfellow was a resident of Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina, and a partner in Everlasting Vitality, LLC (EV) and Do-It-4-The Hood Corporation (D4H). D4H operated after-school programs in Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Rocky-Mount, North Carolina. Beginning in or about January 7, 2016, and continuing through November 12, 2018, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators executed a conspiracy to defraud the North Carolina Medicaid program by soliciting illegal kickbacks from various drug testing laboratories, in exchange for referrals of North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries obtained through the after-school programs operated by EV and D4H.
According to court documents, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators paid individuals to recruit at-risk youths, in particular children who were Medicaid eligible, for EV’s or D4H’s after-school and youth mentoring programs. Once enrolled, children were required to submit urine specimens for drug testing. Stringfellow and his co-conspirators conspired with certain laboratories to perform the drug testing of the urine specimens submitted in the names of children enrolled at EV and D4H and received kickbacks after the laboratories were reimbursed by the North Carolina Medicaid.
In addition to the kickback scheme, Stringfellow and his conspirators devised a scheme to defraud North Carolina Medicaid by referring clients to laboratories which they knew would file fraudulent claims and receive reimbursement based on drug testing services that did not meet the drug testing policy requirements. For example, on some occasions, Stringfellow and his co-conspirators obtained personal identifying information (PII) of D4H clients, such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and Medicaid beneficiary numbers, which they provided to drug testing laboratories. In turn, the laboratories used D4H clients’ PII to submit drug testing claims to the North Carolina Medicaid that were fraudulent because, among other reasons, the drug tests were not medically necessary, or the urine specimens were not of the Medicaid beneficiaries under whose names they were submitted. Once North Carolina Medicaid paid the fraudulent claims submitted by the testing laboratories for these unauthorized and medically unnecessary drug tests, the labs then paid companies under the control of Stringfellow and others, at an agreed percentage of their Medicaid reimbursement.
In July 2020, the criminal case pending against Stringfellow in South Carolina federal court was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina for further proceedings. On August 21, 2020, Stringfellow pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Medicaid fraud in connection with both federal prosecutions.
Stringfellow will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney McCoy and U.S. Attorney Murray commended the investigative work of the FBI field offices in Columbia, Charlotte, and Atlanta, as well as the Medicaid Investigation Divisions in Columbia, Raleigh, and Atlanta; and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia for their assistance and coordination.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brook Andrews with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbia and Michael Savage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
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Four New Defendants Added to Federal Indictment Alleging Multi-Million Dollar Embezzlement Conspiracy Resulting in Failure of Chicago BankRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An ongoing federal criminal investigation into the failure of Washington Federal Bank for Savings has resulted in charges against four new defendants, three of whom are alleged to have embezzled a total of more than $23 million from the Chicago bank.
Washington Federal was shut down in December 2017 after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency determined that the bank was insolvent and had at least $66 million in nonperforming loans. Four former Washington Federal employees, including the bank’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, were indicted last year for allegedly conspiring with an Illinois attorney – ROBERT M. KOWALSKI, of Chicago – and others to embezzle money from the bank in the years preceding the closure. On Thursday, a federal grand jury in Chicago returned a superseding indictment that added four more defendants, including the bank’s former Vice President, bringing the total number of charged defendants to ten.
The new charges allege that the Vice President – JAMES R. CROTTY, 41, of Tinley Park, Ill. – joined several of the other defendants in a conspiracy to embezzle at least $31 million in bank funds. Crotty and the other conspirators transferred bank funds to the attorney and the three other new defendants – real estate developers BOGUSLAW KASPROWICZ, 63, of Burbank, Calif., and MIROSLAW KREJZA, 62, of Chicago, and contractor MAREK MATCZUK, 57, of Park Ridge, Ill. – and others, without all of the required documentation and often without any documentation whatsoever, the indictment states. The conspirators allegedly falsified bank records to conceal the embezzlement from the OCC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
The new charges further allege that, of the $14.3 million that Kasprowicz embezzled, at least $1.6 million was used by Kasprowicz for the benefit of the bank’s former President, who has since died and is not charged in the indictment. Kasprowicz allegedly paid credit card accounts in the name of the bank President or an entity associated with him, and also made payments to another bank for a loan on the purchase of a $450,000 Sea Ray powerboat called “Expelliarmus.”
The superseding indictment charges all ten defendants with conspiracy to commit embezzlement. Kasprowicz also faces several tax charges for allegedly underreporting his personal and corporate income in numerous tax returns. The indictment also renews tax charges against Robert Kowalski, as well as bankruptcy fraud charges against Robert Kowalski and his sister, JAN R. KOWALSKI, of LaGrange, for allegedly defrauding Robert Kowalski’s creditors and the trustee in his bankruptcy case.
In addition to Crotty, the former bank employees charged in the conspiracy are: ROSALLIE C. CORVITE, of Chicago, who served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; JANE V. IRIONDO, formerly known as Jane V. Tran, of Boise, Idaho, who served as Corporate Secretary; ALICIA MANDUJANO, of Chicago, who worked as a loan servicer; and CATHY M. TORRES, of Chicago, who worked as a loan officer.
Arraignments on the new charges are set for March 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall in Chicago.
The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jay N. Lerner, Inspector General of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General; Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Catherine Huber, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Brad Geary, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General in Chicago; Joseph M. Ferguson, City of Chicago Inspector General; and Elissa Rhee-Lee, Chicago Housing Authority Inspector General. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Trustee Program and the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Netols, Michelle Petersen, Jeremy Daniel, and Nicholas Eichenseer.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fort Walton Beach Man Convicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal jury Tuesday afternoon convicted Cedric O. Valentine of Fort Walton Beach on multiple charges related to drugs ranging from methamphetamine and fentanyl to heroin and marijuana, as well as firearms charges. The conviction, which followed a two-day trial that began Monday morning, was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Valentine is well known to law enforcement agencies in North Florida as a dangerous career criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our partners at the DEA and local law enforcement, our skilled team of prosecutors and support staff proved this case beyond a reasonable doubt. This violent, armed drug trafficker has been called to account for his criminal conduct, and the citizens of our District are now safer.”
The jury found Valentine guilty of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine; 40 grams or more of mixture of fentanyl; 100 grams or more of mixture of heroin; and marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Specifically, during a search of Valentine’s residence last May 15, law enforcement seized 335 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 991 grams of methamphetamine, 792 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of cocaine, and 5 grams of hydrocodone. In addition, officers seized $24,796 in cash, along with two loaded handguns, an AR-15 style rifle, and a loaded extended magazine for the AR-15 style rifle.
“A collaborative effort between all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners shut down this distributor of extremely dangerous narcotics in Northern Florida.” said DEA’s Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. “We will continue to focus our collective resources against any individual that threatens the well-being and safety of our communities.
Valentine’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2021, at 10:00AM at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
“When you see the results of that search warrant, it’s clear this case is a prime illustration of the effectiveness of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partnerships to shut down major drug dealing operations that threaten not only our citizens’ health and safety, but their quality of life as well,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Love, Criminal Division Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - U.S. v. ValentineFormer State Attorney Indicted for Extortion as Part of Conspiracy with Defense Attorney, as Well as Bribery, Wire Fraud, and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jeffrey Siegmeister (52, Live Oak) and Marion Michael O’Steen (41, Old Town) with conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, and aiding and abetting extortion. Siegmeister is additionally charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, federal program bribery, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns. O’Steen is additionally charged with failure to file a form in connection with the receipt of currency. [See Penalties Chart at bottom of release]
Siegmeister was arrested in Arizona today, and will make his initial appearance in federal court (Flagstaff, AZ) on Monday, March 1. O’Steen appeared in federal court (Jacksonville, FL) today and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
According to the indictment, Siegmeister was the elected State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida from 2013 through 2019, and O’Steen was a defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by Siegmeister’s office. As part of the conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, between approximately November 2017 and May 16, 2019, O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his clients, and the delay of official actions in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients—for which Siegmeister solicited bribes from O’Steen.
Regarding the extortion charges, O’Steen solicited Siegmeister to resolve a case against one of his clients through pre-trial intervention (“PTI”). O’Steen demanded $60,000 from that client in order to procure the PTI agreement from the State Attorney’s Office. O’Steen and Siegmeister then coordinated to withhold the finalization of the PTI agreement until the client paid $60,000 in cash to O’Steen. In connection with this case, Siegmeister solicited O’Steen to purchase a bull from a herd of livestock he owned for $4,000, and to make a political contribution.
Additionally, O’Steen is charged with failing to file within 15 days the required Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to acknowledge his receipt of more than $10,000 in cash from the client.
Siegmeister is separately charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and federal program bribery in connection with another prosecution by the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit. According to the indictment, Ernest Maloney Page, IV, was a defense attorney representing a client charged with two Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) offenses. The client’s family owned a tractor dealership. In or around September 2017, Siegmeister informed Page that he would favorably resolve one of the client’s DUI charges in exchange for a $10,000 discount on a tractor Siegmeister wanted to buy from the client’s dealership, and favorably resolve both DUI charges in exchange for a $20,000 discount. Ultimately, Siegmeister and his wife purchased a tractor and accessories from the client’s dealership, the price of which Page’s client discounted by approximately $20,000. In exchange, Siegmeister dismissed the DUI charges and Page’s client pleaded guilty to charges of reckless driving with alcohol and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test. On August 20, 2020, Page pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery for his role in facilitating this transaction.
Siegmeister is also charged with wire fraud in connection with his legal guardianship of an elderly individual who lived in Columbia County. According to the indictment, from approximately January 2010 through April 2016, Siegmeister engaged in a scheme to defraud his ward and his ward’s estate by, among other things, transferring the victim’s assets for his own benefit, filing materially false documents with the court to conceal those transfers, and by creating a Last Will and Testament for the victim which designated Siegmeister’s relative as the sole beneficiary of the victim’s estate.
Siegmeister is also charged with filing false tax returns for tax years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian.
Penalties Chart
Counts
Maximum Penalty
One
5 years’ imprisonment
Two/Three
20 years’ imprisonment
Four (O’Steen)
5 years’ imprisonment
Five (Siegmeister)
5 years’ imprisonment
Six (Siegmeister)
10 years’ imprisonment
Seven/Eight/Nine
(Siegmeister)
20 years’ imprisonment
Ten/Eleven/Twelve
(Siegmeister)
3 years’ imprisonment
Former Postal Service Employees Among Eleven Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Steal Credit Cards from the MailRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Former U.S. Postal Service employees are among eleven individuals charged with conspiring to steal credit cards and other financial instruments from the mail.
Law enforcement uncovered the 18-month conspiracy through a federal investigation dubbed Operation Cash on Delivery. The former USPS employees, who at the time worked as mail carriers in the Chicago area, stole credit cards and other financial instruments from the mail and provided them to others in exchange for cash or other items, according to a 20-count indictment unsealed Thursday in federal court in Chicago. Two of the defendants unlawfully obtained USPS customers’ personal identifying information, including dates of birth and Social Security numbers, which was then used to fraudulently activate the stolen cards and make purchases at various retailers, including Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics, Walmart, and Meijer, the charges allege.
Many of the defendants were arrested Thursday and have begun making initial appearances in federal court in Chicago.
The indictment and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; William Hedrick, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; Andre Martin, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Great Lakes Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and R. Sean Fitzgerald, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shy Jackson and Paige Nutini, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Madrinan.
“Individuals who attempt to steal from the mail or illegally access personal identifying information must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these serious offenses.”
“Postal Inspectors are committed to ensuring the public’s trust in the U.S. mail system,” said USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Hedrick. “The U.S. Postal Service relies on its employees to perform their duties with honor and pride. Postal Inspectors, along with our federal partners, bear the burden of holding responsible those individuals who compromise the security of the U.S. mail at the expense of the public. Furthermore, this investigation aims to restore the integrity of the mail and deliver justice to the victims of those arrested today.”
“These arrests represent our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity and trust in the U.S. mail,” said USPS-OIG SAC Martin. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS OIG, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
“The actions in this case demonstrate our commitment to protecting our communities from criminal enterprises seeking to steal identities and defraud honest, hard-working people,” said HSI Acting SAC Fitzgerald. “HSI is proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our law enforcement partners in this investigation.”
Charged with conspiring to steal mail and commit unauthorized access device fraud are former USPS employees REBECCA OKUNOREN, 28, of Chicago, JESSICA JEFFERSON, 32, of Broadview, Ill., MONIQUE D. LOVE, 29, of Chicago, MYIESHA WEAVER, 34, of College Park, Ga., and DOMINIQUE SYKES, 28, of Chicago. Also charged in the conspiracy are DAVEY HINES, 28, of Naperville, Ill., BILLYE HARRIS, 26, of Harvey, Ill., TERRANCE SCALES, 29, of Chicago, STEPHON JOHNSON, 33, of Alsip, Ill., LOREAL ROSS, 31, of Chicago, and BRITTNAY P. SHEPARD, 28, of Chicago. Hines, Harris, Johnson, and Ross also face charges of unauthorized access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The federal investigation previously resulted in charges last summer against five other individuals, including four other former U.S. Postal Service employees.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Former Member of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.
Angel Ortiz, a/k/a “King Ortiz,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2020, Ortiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members. The Devon Street Kings, in turn, reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state. Ortiz admitted to conspiring with gang members to further the operations of the Latin Kings by attending meetings and discussing crimes of violence and witness retaliation.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Ortiz is the 18th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Attorney Charged with Sexually Abusing Children in CambodiaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Rugh James Cline (40, Tampa) with five counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of possessing child exploitation materials. If convicted, Cline faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possessing child pornography. Cline will be deported to the United States after he completes serving his prison sentence in Cambodia on local charges.
According to the
indictment , in February 2019 and May 2019, Cline, a United States citizen and Florida-licensed attorney, traveled to Cambodia. While in Cambodia, Cline paid to sexually abuse four different minors. The indictment also charges Cline with traveling to Cambodia while possessing materials depicting the sexual abuse of children.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Department of State and the Cambodian National Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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.
Final Member of Crew that Robbed a Lanett, Alabama Bank Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Lamartrez Oshun Story, a 24-year-old from Lafayette, Alabama, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for his role in robbing a Lanett, Alabama bank, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. In addition to his prison sentence, Story was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Two of Lamartrez Story’s co-conspirators, both from Lanett, Alabama, were sentenced late last year. In December of 2020, Jacobie Phillips, 27, received a 27-month sentence and Cordero Jakevion Story, 24, received an 84-month sentence in prison.
Lamartrez Story was found guilty of bank robbery after a two-day trial that took place in November of 2020. Evidence during the trial revealed that, in July of 2018, Lamartrez Story participated in the robbery of a Lanett, Alabama bank as the getaway driver. The jury heard testimony that Lamartrez’s cousin, Cordero Story, decided to rob a bank and he solicited Lamartrez and a friend, Jacobie Phillips, to assist. Lamartrez Story drove Cordero Story and Phillips to the Farmers & Merchants Bank in a red Mustang on July 24, 2018. When they arrived, Cordero Story went into the bank, jumped over the counter, threatened the teller with a gun, and demanded money. Phillips’ role was to enter the bank with bricks and put them just inside the bank door to prevent he and Cordero Story from being trapped inside. Lamartrez Story waited in the car. After grabbing $2,257.00 from the teller’s money drawer, Cordero Story and Phillips ran out of the bank, returned to the vehicle where Lamartrez Story was waiting, and they all sped away. While on the road, Cordero Story and Phillips began throwing some of the clothing they had worn, including gloves and masks, out of the car window. A short time later, a Chambers County Drug Task Force officer spotted the red Mustang and initiated a stop. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a black and silver revolver, the money from the bank, and a green piece of paper with the bank teller’s login information. Law enforcement also recovered the clothing items that had previously been thrown out of the vehicle. The money stolen from the bank was returned.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Lanett Police Department, the Chambers County Drug Task Force, the Auburn Police Division, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Kirkpatrick and Stephanie Billingslea prosecuted the case.
Federal Prosecutions Demonstrate A Sustained Effort to Bring Law and Order to the Tenderloin District of San FranciscoRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO- On August 7, 2019, U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson announced a new federal initiative to address crime in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. The program, called the Federal Initiative for the Tenderloin (FIT), has brought together the resources of more than 15 federal law enforcement agencies to combat endemic drug trafficking, firearms offenses, robberies and other crime in the neighborhood. U.S. Attorney Anderson pledged to assign 15 federal prosecutors to handle cases brought against offenders violating federal law in the neighborhood.
“The Tenderloin is a wonderful neighborhood mostly populated by good people leading law-abiding lives,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “It is not fair to tolerate lawlessness in the Tenderloin that we simply would not accept in other neighborhoods in San Francisco. The good people of the Tenderloin should have equal access to schools, stores, transportation, and other services without having to run a gauntlet of crime.”
The Tenderloin neighborhood encompasses about 50 square blocks of downtown San Francisco. Generally, it is bounded on the north by Geary Street, on the east by Powell Street, on the south by Mission Street, and on the west by Van Ness Avenue. The FIT initiative has prioritized federal charges for criminal misconduct with a nexus to the Tenderloin.
Since announcing the initiative, cases have involved a broad array of criminal conduct ranging from mail theft to attempted murder. Cases brought against defendants also include charges of bank fraud, escape, firearms offenses, transportation of child pornography and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. So far, 244 defendants have been charged and 114 have been sentenced. Sixteen cases were resolved in just the past six months, including the following:
Defendant Name
Sentence imposed
Charges
Manuel Arteaga (aka Angel David Centeno)
36 months
Conspiracy to Distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, and heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a), 846
Arturo Salamanca
65 months
Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)
Darwin Villatoro
28 months
Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)
Brazil Harris
40 months
Possession with Intent to Distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Chantel Williams
81 months
Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1594(C)
U.S. Attorney Anderson pledged to continue with the effort for a minimum of one year and there are no current plans to terminate or provide an end date for the initiative.
Federal Inmates Plead Guilty to Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two federal inmates pled guilty to possessing weapons. Jerry Stewart, 31, and Elijio Perez, 30, inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Beckley, both admitted to possessing a handcrafted weapon, commonly known as a “shank.”
Stewart admitted that on February 13, 2020, he possessed a handcrafted weapon known as a shank while he was an inmate at the FCI Beckley. A staff member at the prison saw Stewart place the shank on the ground in the compound at the prison after an incident with another inmate. A staff member then recovered the weapon. The weapon was a piece of metal about six inches long, sharpened to a point on one end with a cloth handle on the other end.
Perez admitted that on March 31, 2020, he also possessed a handcrafted weapon while he was an inmate at the FCI Beckley. Perez admitted that a staff member found the weapon after Perez had placed it on the floor between a desk and a wall in an office at the prison. The weapon was a piece of metal about 9 ½ inches long and sharpened to a point on one end.
Both defendants admitted that the shanks were designed and intended to be used as weapons.
Both Stewart and Perez face up to five years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentences they are now serving. Sentencing for both defendants is set for June 11, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the plea hearings.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:20-cr-000204(Stewart) and 5:21-cr-00001(Perez).
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ten for Their Roles in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Operating in CharlestonRead the Press Release
Five Others Charged in Federal Criminal Complaints
Approximately 15 Pounds of Meth, 45 Firearms including a Fully Automatic Weapon, and More Than $375,000 Seized
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging 10 individuals for their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO), with ties to the Bloods and Gangster Disciples criminal gangs, responsible for distributing large quantities of meth in the Charleston area. Joining Stuart for the announcement were Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Jack Sparks, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) ASAC Lissa Jordan, Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt, MDENT Commander Ryan Higginbotham, U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous, and Appalachia HIDTA West Virginia State Coordinator Chad Napier.
Charged in a 15 count indictment are Jermaine Williams, 20; Tyjaha Watson, 26; Memphis Ross, 20; Dante Williams, 24; Joshua Lawson, 30; and Darius Coles, 23, all of Charleston; as well as Myreo Dixon, 34, of Michigan: Elijah Figg, 21, of Huntington; and Kassie McNeeley, 21, of Lesage. The indictment charges the nine defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around Charleston from July 2020 to February 2021. The indictment further charges various drug and gun crimes carried out in connection with the DTO. In a separate indictment, Erica Ratliff, 36, of Charleston, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, which spanned nearly a year, law enforcement seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 firearms, including a fully automatic weapon, and more than $375,000 in cash.
In addition, Maylik Watson, 27, Devonte Lavauhn Andrews, 28, Sydni Watson, 29, and William Edward Byers II, 44, all of Charleston, and Jaquan Jeremiah Wright, 22, of New York, have been charged by federal criminal complaints in connection with this investigation.
“From Day 1, my priority has been keeping the good people of West Virginia safe. The West Side has been a source of violence and calamity for too long. No more,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Throughout my tenure as U.S. Attorney, I have been laser focused on improving public safety on Charleston’s West Side. My team has been committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to rid the community of violence and poison peddling. The dismantling of this network of violent meth traffickers is a big win for law enforcement and the West Side community.”
“For too long, this gang has been a blight on Charleston,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “Between the violent acts they’ve committed and the drugs they’ve distributed throughout the community, Maylik Watson and his associates have shown little to no regard for human life. Thanks to the dedicated men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners, the people of Charleston can sleep more soundly, knowing these people are off the streets.”
“All too often, drug dealers use firearms to further their criminal activities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow, of the Louisville Field Division. “This drug trafficking organization threatened the safety of the Charleston community with both meth and firearms. Working with our law enforcement partners, ATF provides significant resources to prosecute these offenders and remove them from our West Virginia communities.”
The long-term investigation, dubbed the “Woo Boyz,” was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. The Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) provided critical support to the investigative agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman is handling the prosecution.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Please note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00032(Williams, et al.), 2:21-cr-00033(Ratliff), 2:21-MJ-00021(M. Watson), 2:21-MJ-00026(D. Andrews), 2:21-MJ-00025(J. Wright), 2:21-MJ-00045(S. Watson) and 2:21-MJ-00046(Byers).
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Eleven Additional Defendants Plead Guilty in $300 Million Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty pleas of eleven additional defendants for their roles in a $300 million telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted elderly and other vulnerable victims. The defendants, who were indicted on October 27, 2020, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to their guilty pleas and documents filed with the court, the defendants participated in the fraud scheme in various roles, including telemarketers, call center managers, or magazine company owners. The defendants used, or directed their co-defendants to use, fraudulent sales scripts to defraud victim-consumers, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable, out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The fraudulent sales scripts were designed to induce consumers, through a series of lies and misrepresentations, into making large or repeat payments to the companies.
JANNICE KRISTINA LAUR, 39, the manager of a telemarketing call center in Pompano Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of her guilty plea, LAUR agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
VASEAN BERIOISOVA RICKS, 53, a telemarketer at a call center in Oxford, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of her guilty plea, RICKS agreed to pay $15,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
JARED THOMAS MICHELIZZI, 37, the owner and operator of fraudulent magazine sales companies in Fridley, Minnesota, and San Diego, California, , pleaded guilty on February 25, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, MICHELIZZI agreed to pay $22,076,363 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
JAMES ANTHONY SIERRA, 55, the manager of telemarketing call centers in Tempe, Arizona, pleaded guilty on February 22, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, SIERRA agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
DANIEL MATHIAS, 62, the owner and operator of an Oxford, Mississippi-based company involved in fraudulent magazine sales, pleaded guilty on February 17, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, MATHIAS agreed to pay $2,746,547 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
LLOYD JOSEPH LOFTIS, 60, the manager of a telemarketing call center in Cape Coral, Florida, pleaded guilty on January 28, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, LOFTIS agreed to pay $50,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
CORLOS KENTRELL SMITH, 41, a telemarketer at a call center in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on January 5, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, SMITH agreed to pay $15,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
IRMA BEATRICE TIMMERMAN, 47, an owner and operator of Arizona-based companies involved in fraudulent magazine sales, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court. As part of her guilty plea, TIMMERMAN agreed to pay $1,853,293 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
RONALD OLLO COLEMAN, 59, an owner and operator of Georgia-based companies involved in fraudulent magazine sales, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, COLEMAN agreed to pay $1,762,912 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
JOHN MICHAEL BLALOCK, 53, the owner and manager of a fraudulent magazine sales company in Cape Coral, Florida, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, BLALOCK agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
SHARON DENISE MCEWEN, 54, a telemarketer at a cell center in Oxford, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court. As part of her guilty plea, MCEWEN agreed to pay $15,000 in restitution to all identified victims in this and related cases.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has set up website containing additional information about the case, including information about how victims of the fraud scheme can submit claims for restitution. The website is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/magazine-scam-victim-information
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Additional assistance was provided by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, and Melinda A. Williams are prosecuting the case.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Eight Individuals Indicted for Transnational Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas has returned an indictment charging eight individuals with various federal violations related to a complex international drug trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Debbie Mercer, 58, and Kayleigh Moffett, 33, both of Oklahoma City; Federico Machado, 53, of Florida; Carlos Villaurrutia, 40, of McAllen, Texas; and four others were named in an indictment charging them with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit export violations, and conspiracy to commit federal registration violations involving aircraft. The indictment details approximately $350 million in alleged criminal activity since 2016. The seven-count superseding indictment was returned by a federal grand jury earlier this week and unsealed today. The defendants have already been arrested and will be arraigned in federal court next week.
“The threat posed by transnational crime cannot be overstated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The use of United States-registered aircraft by these criminal organizations and their networks of associates poses a clear and present danger to the security of our nation. The American public can expect EDTX to be relentless in its fight against the sometimes invisible, but always dangerous, threat of transnational organized crime.”
“The indictments resulting from this highly complex investigation showcases HSI’s unique and far-reaching authorities, serving as an example of what the global law enforcement community can accomplish when we work together,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Dallas. “We were able to deliver a significant blow to the transnational criminal organizations around the world by exposing a money laundering and drug trafficking scheme perpetuated by sophisticated drug cartels.”
“As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate the illegal exportation of aircraft contrary to U.S. national security interests,” said Trey McClish, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security – Office of Export Enforcement’s Dallas Field Office. “Alongside our Federal and State partners, OEE will leverage its unique criminal and administrative enforcement powers to detect and disrupt serious criminal schemes that violate U.S. export control law.”
“The indictment in this case demonstrate that individuals who choose to circumvent Federal regulations pertaining to aircraft registration and ownership will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-In-Charge, Southern Region, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG). “The collaborative nature of this investigation is representative of the ongoing investigative work DOT-OIG performs to ensure aviation safety and maintain national security interests in order to prevent the nefarious acts these defendants are being charged with from occurring.”
According to unsealed court documents, the defendants allegedly purchased and illegally registered aircraft under foreign corporations and other individuals for export to other countries. The indictment specifically alleges that Mercer and Moffett, through their company Aircraft Guarantee Corporation (AGC), registered thousands of aircraft in Onalaska, Texas, an east Texas town without an airport.
According to the indictment, several of the illegally registered and exported aircraft were used by transnational criminal organizations in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico to smuggle large quantities of cocaine destined for the United States. The indictment further alleges that illicit proceeds from the subsequent drug sales were then transported as bulk cash from the United States to Mexico and used to buy more aircraft and cocaine. According to the indictment, aircraft purchases were typically completed by wiring funds from casa de cambios and/or banks in Mexico to shell corporations operating in the United States as aircraft sellers/brokers.
The indictment describes that foreign governments seized United States-registered aircraft containing multi-ton shipments of cocaine. According to the indictment, the aircraft were held in trust by AGC for the benefit of foreign corporations or individuals. The indictment identifies Federico Machado, through his company South Aviation, and Carlos Villaurrutia, who used his companies TEXTON, TWA International, and Ford Electric, as aircraft sellers/brokers operating in the United States.
The indictment separately charges Mercer, Moffett, and Machado with engaging in a fraud scheme related to the acquisition of aircraft. According to the indictment, Machado recruited investors to invest in aircraft purchase deposits for sales transactions that never took place. Investors allegedly placed their funds in an escrow account held by Wright Brothers Title Company, which was owned and managed by Mercer and Moffett. Machado then allegedly used these funds for purposes other than the purchase of aircraft.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the drug conspiracy charges and up to 20 years for the money laundering, export and wire fraud violations.
This is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case and is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Dallas, Brownsville and Laredo offices); Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (Dallas and Houston offices); Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG); Polk County Constable Precinct 1; Southeast Texas Export Investigations Group; Internal Revenue Service; and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ernest Gonzalez, Colleen Bloss and Robert Wells. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Eastern Kentucky Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY. – Brian Keith Tackett, 37, of Banner, Kentucky, (Floyd County), pled guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Greg N. Stivers for online enticement of a minor and attempted online enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett. Chief Judge Stivers sentenced Tackett today to 15 years in prison followed by a life term of Supervised Release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the Plea Agreement, in September 2015, law enforcement officials received information from a concerned family member after discovering that an 11-year-old female had been communicating with an adult male, later identified as Tackett, through social media. In addition to “chatting” with one another, the communications between Tackett and the minor involved sexual content, Tackett’s request to meet in person for sex, and the exchange of partially nude images. With the parent’s permission, law enforcement took the minor’s phone and adopted her identity. Tackett subsequently communicated with an undercover officer in the same manner.
Law enforcement officials obtained a state arrest warrant for Tackett and arrested him on September 25, 2015. Tackett was transported to the Glasgow Police Department and, after being advised of his constitutional rights, answered questions posed to him by law enforcement. Tackett admitted sending sexually explicit text messages to an individual he thought was a 13-year-old girl. He stated he received nude photos from both juveniles and adults and further admitted sending pornographic images of adult males to adults and juveniles. Tackett admitted knowing that what he had done was wrong and illegal. He stated that he made contact with other people, including minors, using Twitter, KIK, and Facebook.
Tackett was previously convicted of similar conduct in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, having pled guilty in 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Glasgow Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.
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This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Drug User Who Illegally Possessed a Gun Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a drug user was sentenced today to more than one year in federal prison.
Brandon Goad, age 20, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 8, 2020 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
Evidence during the case established that during a traffic stop, police found Goad in possession of a loaded .22 caliber firearm. Goad also admitted to possessing marijuana found during the traffic stop and being a marijuana user.
Goad was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Goad was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Goad is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-0053.
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Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Shelby Lamonte Miller, age 52, of Davenport, to 121 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his imprisonment, Miller was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release and pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On August 20, 2020, Miller was found guilty on all counts following a jury trial. The investigation began in April 2019 when law enforcement learned Miller was distributing crack cocaine in the Davenport area. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Miller’s residence, at the Quad City Inn in Davenport, where they located both crack cocaine and methamphetamine, along with other items consistent with drug trafficking.
At the time of this offense, Miller was on federal supervised release for a prior drug conviction. Chief Judge Jarvey revoked Miller’s supervised release and sentenced him to 36 months in prison, to be served consecutively to the 121-month sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Crescent Springs Business Reaches Agreement with Government Addressing Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – MD Food, the owner of a Subway franchise in Crescent Springs, Kentucky (“MD Food”), will pay $1,000 to a complainant and modify its policies and practices, to ensure access for individuals with disabilities using a service animal, as part of a civil settlement agreement with the federal government. The agreement resolves a civil investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky into allegations that MD Food excluded an individual using a service animal, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (“ADA”).
The investigation was prompted by a citizen complaint. The complainant, a veteran, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and uses a service animal to assist with his disability. He attempted to dine-in at the Subway restaurant, but an employee required him to leave, pursuant to its “no dogs” policy. Because of the denial of access, the veteran reported that he was embarrassed, anxious, and suffered emotional distress.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including restaurants, are required to modify their policies, practices, or procedures—such as a no pet policy—to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. A service dog generally may go wherever the public is allowed, and a public accommodation may not require documentation about the service dog.
“Restaurants, as public accommodations, are required to ensure proper access to their customers with disabilities,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting Untied States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This includes allowing service dogs, which are a necessary means for many individuals with disabilities. The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have proper access under the ADA and we are pleased that MD Food has agreed to modify its policies and practices to comply with the Act.”
Under the agreement, MD Food will adopt and implement a service dog policy; provide training on the service dog policy to employees and managers; post the service dog policy at the restaurant; and pay $1,000 in damages to the veteran. MD Food cooperated with the government throughout the investigation.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Pond, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this settlement agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Tyler Cady, 30, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2020, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement agents arranged to conduct a methamphetamine transaction that would involve Cady and another individual. Agents observed Cady arrive for the transaction in Dover, where he began to conduct the drug deal. When agents sought to arrest Cady, he had over 111 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine on his lap. A search of Cady’s person revealed approximately seven grams of fentanyl. Over $8,000 in cash was found in Cady’s vehicle and on his person. A search of Cady’s vehicle revealed a knapsack containing approximately 252 grams of highly pure methamphetamine. The vehicle also contained a loaded sawed-off shotgun, a pistol, a scale, and money counter.
Cady is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2021. Under his plea agreement, he will forfeit the cash, firearms, and ammunition to the United States.
“Drug trafficking and firearms are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The extreme danger posed by deadly drugs like methamphetamine is only heightened when the drug dealers are armed with guns. In order to protect public health and safety, we aggressively investigate and prosecute the armed drug traffickers who endanger the citizens of the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Colebrook Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Chinese Businessman Charged with Conspiring to Steal Trade SecretsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Chi Lung Winsman Ng, aka Winsman Ng, age 64, a resident of the People’s Republic of China, was indicted yesterday for conspiring to steal General Electric’s (GE) trade secrets involving the company’s silicon carbide MOSFET technology worth millions of dollars.
“Winsman Ng and his co-conspirators allegedly chose to steal what they lacked the time, talent or money to create,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Theft of American intellectual property for the benefit of foreign firms deprives American companies of the fruits of their creativity and American workers of their jobs. The Department will do all it can to disrupt this illegal and economically destructive conduct.”
“As alleged in the indictment, Winsman Ng conspired to steal trade secrets from General Electric to start a competitor,” said Attorney for the United States Elizabeth C. Coombe, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515. “This scheme, and others like it, seek to undermine American ingenuity, which often depends on maintaining the secrecy of technological advances. We will continue to work with the FBI to hold accountable those trying to steal trade secrets from innovative companies in our district.”
“Innovation by American companies brings good things into our lives, but we shouldn’t have to buy those good things from a foreign company that stole American technology to compete against us,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI urges any U.S. business to contact us if they suspect someone, regardless of nationality, is attempting to steal or has stolen trade secrets. Only through robust engagement with U.S. businesses can we protect our economic and national security.”
“According to the indictment, Mr. Ng conspired to steal valuable and sensitive technology from GE and produce it in China,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Our office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and GE coordinated closely and worked quickly to prevent that theft and the resulting damage to our economic security. Theft of trade secrets is a constant and dangerous threat to our American companies and the remarkable work they do to invent and manufacture unique technology that can change the world. FBI Albany's Counterintelligence Task Force remains committed to protecting American innovation and technology, American security and American jobs.”
The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that between about March 2017 and January 2018, Ng and at least one co-conspirator plotted to develop a business that would manufacture and sell silicon carbide MOSFETs using trade secrets stolen from GE. MOSFETs, or silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, are small electronic semiconductors/switches that regulate the flow of electricity through devices and are used in a variety of products.
Ng conspired with at least one other person, a GE engineer of more than seven years, to steal MOSFET trade secrets and other proprietary information from GE. Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 allegedly used those trade secrets to create a business plan and develop PowerPoint presentations that they gave to prospective investors. Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 told potential investors that their business could be profitable within three years and that their start-up business possessed assets – tangible and intangible – they estimated to be worth $100 million. As part of the scheme, they sought approximately $30 million in funding in exchange for an ownership stake in their start-up company. In August 2017, Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 allegedly met in China and gave presentations to a Chinese investment company that was considering providing funding to Ng’s start-up company.
We have no evidence that there was an illegal MOSFET technology transfer to any Chinese company, including the company that Ng and his co-conspirator were trying to start.
Ng has yet to be arrested. If convicted of this offense, Ng faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Chinese Businessman Charged with Conspiring to Steal Trade SecretsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Chi Lung Winsman Ng, aka Winsman Ng, 64, a Chinese businessman residing in Hong Kong, was indicted yesterday for conspiring to steal General Electric’s (GE) trade secrets involving the company’s silicon carbide MOSFET technology worth millions of dollars.
“Winsman Ng and his co-conspirators allegedly chose to steal what they lacked the time, talent or money to create,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Theft of American intellectual property for the benefit of foreign firms deprives American companies of the fruits of their creativity and American workers of their jobs. The Department will do all it can to disrupt this illegal and economically destructive conduct.”
“As alleged in the indictment, Winsman Ng conspired to steal trade secrets from General Electric to start a competitor,” said Attorney for the United States, Elizabeth C. Coombe, for the Northern District of New York, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515. “This scheme, and others like it, seek to undermine American ingenuity, which often depends on maintaining the secrecy of technological advances. We will continue to work with the FBI to hold accountable those trying to steal trade secrets from innovative companies in our district.”
“Innovation by American companies brings good things into our lives, but we shouldn’t have to buy those good things from a foreign company that stole American technology to compete against us,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI urges any U.S. business to contact us if they suspect someone, regardless of nationality, is attempting to steal or has stolen trade secrets. Only through robust engagement with U.S. businesses can we protect our economic and national security.”
“According to the indictment, Mr. Ng conspired to steal valuable and sensitive technology from GE and produce it in China,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Our office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and GE coordinated closely and worked quickly to prevent that theft and the resulting damage to our economic security. Theft of trade secrets is a constant and dangerous threat to our American companies and the remarkable work they do to invent and manufacture unique technology that can change the world. FBI Albany's Counterintelligence Task Force remains committed to protecting American innovation and technology, American security and American jobs.”
The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that between about March 2017 and January 2018, Ng and at least one co-conspirator plotted to develop a business that would manufacture and sell silicon carbide MOSFETs using trade secrets stolen from GE. MOSFETs, or silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, are small electronic semiconductors/switches that regulate the flow of electricity through devices and are used in a variety of products.
Ng conspired with at least one other person, a GE engineer of more than seven years, to steal MOSFET trade secrets and other proprietary information from GE. Ng and co-conspirator #1 allegedly used those trade secrets to create a business plan and develop PowerPoint presentations which they gave to prospective investors. Ng and co-conspirator #1 told potential investors that their business could be profitable within three years and that their start-up business possessed assets – tangible and intangible – they estimated to be worth $100 million. As part of the scheme, they sought approximately $30 million in funding in exchange for an ownership stake in their start-up company. In August 2017, Ng and co-conspirator #1 allegedly met in China and gave presentations to a Chinese investment company that was considering providing funding to Ng’s start-up company.
We have no evidence that there was an illegal MOSFET technology transfer to any Chinese companies, including the company that Ng and his co-conspirator were trying to start.
Ng has yet to be arrested. If convicted of this offense, Ng faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Aleef Jamar Nicks, 39, of Charlotte, to 108 months in prison yesterday, on drug trafficking and firearm charges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Bell also ordered Nicks to serve three years under court supervision after completing his prison term.
Joining U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement is Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Sheriff Bill Beam of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, on April 30, 2020, a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Nicks was a passenger. An individual later identified as Nicks’ girlfriend was the driver of the vehicle. Court documents show that, over the course of the traffic stop, Nicks removed from a backpack several ounces of cocaine which he gave to his girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time. Law enforcement later found the cocaine on the female passenger. Inside the backpack, law enforcement also found a loaded firearm and several thousand dollars. An analysis of Nicks’ two seized cell phones revealed that he engaged in extensive drug trafficking activities. Law enforcement also found on the cell phones photographs of narcotics, large stacks of cash, and firearms, including the pistol seized from Nicks’ backpack. On November 20, 2020, Nicks pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a felon. Nicks has three prior federal convictions for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Nicks is currently in federal custody. Upon designation of a federal facility, he will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the DEA and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor G. Stout, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuted the case.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from custody in the Gerald R. Hinzman Center pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Justin Troendle, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from federal custody. At the plea hearing, Troendle admitted that, in May 2020, he was in custody at the Hinzman Center under a federal court order pursuant to his prior conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Troendle admitted that, between May 5 and May 15, 2020, he left custody without authorization by failing to return to the Hinzman Center as required.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Troendle remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Troendle faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 20-87.
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Camden County Man Admits Conspiring with White Supremacists to Vandalize Synagogues Across the CountryRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man today admitted his role in conspiring with members of a white supremacist hate group to threaten and intimidate African Americans and Jewish Americans by vandalizing minority-owned properties throughout the country in September 2019, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Richard Tobin, 19, of Brooklawn, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy against rights before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court.
“Americans should never have to fear racist, antisemitic or any other form of bias-motivated violence,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “This defendant encouraged hateful acts of violence against individuals and their houses of worship, based solely on their religion or the color of their skin. Together with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, this Office will continue to work every day to identify individuals like him and bring them swiftly to justice.”
“The FBI and our partners simply won’t tolerate crimes spurred by hate, which are meant to intimidate and isolate the groups targeted,” Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, said. “People of all races and faiths deserve to feel safe in their communities. Richard Tobin encouraged others to victimize innocent people, in furtherance of his abhorrent white supremacist beliefs. While we all have the right to believe whatever we want, when those views lead to violence, that’s a different and dangerous story.”
“Conspiring with others to vandalize and destroy property owned by African-Americans and Jewish Americans will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pam Karlan of the Civil Rights Division. “Every person should feel secure knowing they have the right to own and use their property free from being targeted because of their race or religion. We will continue to protect the civil rights of all individuals and vigorously prosecute bias motivated crimes.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tobin admitted that from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, 2019, he was a member of a white supremacist group, “The Base,” and during that time, he communicated online with other members and directed them to destroy and vandalize properties affiliated with African Americans and Jewish Americans. Tobin dubbed this coordinated attack “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass,” after an attack in Germany on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, in which Nazis murdered Jewish people and burned and destroyed Jewish homes, synagogues, stores and schools. Tobin implored members of The Base to post propaganda flyers and to break windows and slash tires belonging to African Americans and Jewish Americans. On Sept. 21, 2019, members of The Base vandalized synagogues in Racine, Wisconsin, and Hancock, Michigan, by spray painting them with hate symbols.
A conspirator, Yousef Omar Barasneh, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, for his role in vandalizing the synagogue in Racine, Wisconsin.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Philadelphia Division’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Driscoll, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and its member agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police and the Camden County Police Department, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Brooklawn and Cherry Hill police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section.
Burlington Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Adam Brent Branton, age 39, of Burlington, to 262 months in prison for Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and 120 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. The sentences will run concurrently. Following his prison term, Branton was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
The investigation of Branton began in February 2020 when law enforcement identified Branton as a distributor of “ice” methamphetamine in the Burlington area. In February 2020, officers utilized a confidential source to purchase approximately half a pound of ice methamphetamine from the defendant. On May 21, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Branton’s home. During the search, officers found a loaded New England Firearms .22 caliber revolver in addition to a large quantity of cash and methamphetamine. Branton was later interviewed and admitted to distributing methamphetamine and possessing the gun found in his home, despite being a convicted felon. He further admitted to distributing five to six pounds of ice methamphetamine over the course of the last six months leading up to his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the Burlington Police Department and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Buffalo Man Arrested, Charged with Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Javonta Hill, 19, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 22, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, together with the Buffalo Police Department, executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Dakota Street residence. Agents and officers knocked and announced their presence, and while waiting for an answer at the door, an individual could be heard running within the second-floor apartment. Agents and officers entered the location and Hill was detained in the kitchen as he was attempting to make a phone call. During the search, 23 bags of suspected marijuana, a gram of suspected cocaine, approximately $12,860 in cash, and a loaded 9mm pistol were recovered. Eleven more bags of suspected marijuana were recovered from the defendant’s vehicle. Between April 26, 2020, and February 14, 2021, the defendant posted numerous videos displaying what appeared to be semi automatic handguns, revolvers, and rifles to his social media accounts. In many of those videos, Hill is depicted displaying the suspected firearms.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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