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Tuesday 29 December 2020
Convicted Felon, Arrested in Possession of 105 Bags of Illegal Drugs, Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon, arrested with multiple firearms and 105 bags of illegal drugs, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Alexander Brock Ray, 30, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 22, before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. The defendant faces a maximum 40 years imprisonment and a minimum five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2021.
U.S. Marshals, FBI agents and Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies served Ray with an arrest warrant at his residence on August 16, 2018, for a Superior Court probation violation. In 2013, Ray was convicted of theft by receiving (firearm), carrying a concealed weapon and felony obstruction. Ray was arrested, and officers found a shotgun, along with many pills and bags of suspected ecstasy. A search warrant was issued, and officers found two semi-automatic pistols, drug paraphernalia and 4.6 pounds of suspected ecstasy, which was later found to contain methamphetamine. Eleven stamps were found in the residence which were being used to compress multicolored powder into heart and “Hello Kitty” shaped pills.
“Methamphetamine is a pervasive threat to communities across the Middle District of Georgia. We will hold drug dealers accountable for profiting from the destruction caused by methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI for their combined efforts investigating this matter.”
“If drug dealers think they can continue to get away with plaguing our communities even after being arrested and convicted of crimes, they better think again,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the persistence of the Bibb County Sheriff Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and our FBI Macon resident agency, Ray will have plenty of time to think in prison.”
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Canton man with history of violence sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence convictionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Matthew Paul Slatzer, age 36, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced by Judge Donald C. Nugent to 27 months imprisonment, the maximum possible sentence allowable within the federal sentencing guidelines. Slatzer previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person with domestic violence conviction.
"This defendant is well known within the community as an individual with a hateful ideology prone to threaten violence towards law enforcement and others based on race, religion or sexual orientation," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "These hateful beliefs, combined with a history of actual violence, make the defendant a threat to the community and the entirety of the Northern District. We are grateful for the maximum possible sentence in this matter that will keep the defendant in federal prison where he can no longer threaten or harm others."
"Possession of a firearm by someone with a violent criminal history, who continues to espouse hate and threaten law enforcement is reprehensible," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. "Hate towards any group must not and will not be tolerated. Today's sentencing is another example that shows the FBI is committed to investigating and holding accountable those like Mr. Slatzer, who engage in these types of acts. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served."
According to court documents, on February 2, 2020, Canton Police responded to a report of an intoxicated man with a firearm at a bar on Harrison Avenue NW in Canton, Ohio. Police arrived on the scene, contacted Slatzer, who was intoxicated, and collected the firearm. Slatzer was then arrested for possession of a firearm in a liquor permit establishment. Slatzer also possessed a weapon holster, knife, OC spray and ammunition.
Slatzer is prohibited from possession of a firearm due to a previous conviction of domestic violence on October 20, 2010, in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas.
According to a sentencing memorandum filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in this case, on May 3, 2020, Slatzer was involved in an incident in Stow, Ohio, at a Dollar General while on a pretrial release in a state case. The memorandum states that Slatzer entered the store with a hatchet and a sword and asked a store employee for directions to Kent State University. Slatzer remarked to the employee that he was told there were "a lot of Jews at Kent State." Slatzer then stated he was an Aryan brother and that he was going to Kent State University to find some Jews.
The memorandum further states that during a previous arrest, Slatzer threatened to kill the arresting officers, remarking that "he would kill each pig one by one" after making racist and homophobic statements. Later, while incarcerated at Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, Slatzer made several phone calls stating that he wanted to "figure out how to smuggle a gun in here" and that when he gets out, if he has contact with officers again, he will "have to kill 'em."
The sentencing memorandum asked the Court not to consider Slatzer's political views or beliefs in a sentencing determination, but rather the danger posed to the community due to these views and beliefs.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
Bronx Man Indicted for Alleged Role in Car Theft RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on December 22, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment charging JOSEPHER Y. CARTAGENA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, with offenses stemming from his alleged role in a car theft ring operating in Connecticut and New York.
Cartagena has been detained since his arrest on December 23. He appeared yesterday via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and police departments in Connecticut and New York have been investigating a car theft ring that, for at least the past six months, has been conducting coordinated burglaries of car dealerships in Connecticut and elsewhere, often hitting multiple locations in one night. The group’s members drive from New York to Connecticut, force entry into car dealerships, steal vehicle key fobs, and use them to identify and steal vehicles. Group members also have burglarized mobile phone stores. Cartagena is a member of this group, which is believed to be responsible for the theft of more than 40 vehicles in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. The value of the stolen property is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
The indictment specifically alleges that, on July 28, 2020, Cartagena stole a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon from a residence in Danbury and transported the vehicle to New York. On July 29, Cartagena and others broke into an auto dealership in Milford and stole multiple key fobs and a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which they drove to New York. On July 31, group members returned to the Milford dealership and used one of the stolen key fobs to steal a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland.
The indictment charges Cartagena with one count of conspiracy to possess and transport stolen vehicles, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; two counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count; and two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
It is alleged that Cartagena has fled from law enforcement in high-speed car chases on multiple occasions. When law enforcement first attempted to arrest Cartagena on a federal arrest warrant, Cartagena dropped a firearm and was able to escape by ramming multiple FBI vehicles with his vehicle, which was stolen. Investigators apprehended Cartagena late at night on December 23 after an all-day search.
A court-authorized search of Cartagena’s residence revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen merchandise and approximately $89,000 in cash.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Danbury Police Department, Trumbull Police Department, Guilford Police Department, and Putnam County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department. The investigation is being assisted by several additional police departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
Bradley Lefebvre Pleads Not Guilty to Harassment ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Bradley Lefebvre, 38, a former resident of Springfield, Vermont who has since moved to New Hampshire, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to federal harassment charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Lefebvre on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
On December 2, 2020, a federal grand jury in Rutland returned a three-count indictment accusing Lefebvre of harassing three victims during the spring and summer of 2020. The indictment alleges that Lefebvre used facilities of interstate commerce to harass and intimidate the victims and their families via communications that would reasonably be expected to cause substantial emotional distress to those persons.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that Lefebvre is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
If convicted, Lefebvre faces up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the FBI task force.
Lefebvre is represented by Assistant Federal Defender David McColgin. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150years.
Additional Charges Filed Against Suburban Chicago Couple in Federal Child Labor Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal investigation into child labor trafficking has resulted in additional criminal charges against a couple residing in a Chicago suburb who allegedly forced two undocumented Guatemalan children to provide labor and services for the couple’s private financial gain.
SANTOS TEODORO AC-SALAZAR, 24, and OLGA CHOC LAJ, 31, both of whom resided in Aurora, are charged with conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection the two children, who were 15 years old and approximately ten years old when they entered the United States in 2019, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment also charges the defendants with individual harboring counts in connection with both victims, a forced labor charge relating to the younger victim, and a forced labor charge that was previously filed earlier this year in relation to the older victim.
The defendants are in law enforcement custody. Arraignments are scheduled for Dec. 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General in Chicago. Substantial assistance in the investigation has been provided by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri.
According to the indictment, Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj are Guatemalan citizens who agreed to separately enter the United States unlawfully. The pair used smugglers and third parties to locate the victims in Guatemala as the children with whom the pair would unlawfully enter into the U.S., the indictment states. Once in the U.S., Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj allegedly harbored the victims in a residence in Aurora by, among other things, failing to enroll the victims in school, prohibiting them from leaving the residence except in limited circumstances, and instructing them to provide false information to third parties, including law enforcement authorities. Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj also are alleged to have forced the victims to provide labor and services for the couple’s private financial gain.
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.
Monday 28 December 2020
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
A man sold cocaine near a college in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Derrick Devale White, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to distributing a controlled substance near a protected location on May 8, 2020. At the time he sold cocaine, White was on federal supervised release for distributing a controlled substance near a playground and a middle school in 2017.
White was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. White was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment on the new offense. White was also sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutively on his supervised release revocation. He must also serve a nine-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Geocaris and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-1020 and the supervised release case file number is 17-CR-1031.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $12 Million in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma collected $11,900,775.79 in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. Of this amount, the office collected $8,954,620.22 in civil actions and $2,946,155.57 in criminal actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The Justice Department, as a whole, collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year (FY) 2020, ending September 30, 2020. The $15,988,516,670 in collections in FY2020 represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period. The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states, and other designated recipients.
"Recovering money for victims in criminal cases and the return of taxpayer funds in civil cases are foundational elements of our pursuit of justice," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "The collections of fiscal year 2020 speak to the tremendous work of the women and men in my office and the dedication of our Financial Litigation Unit."
Highlights of the Western District of Oklahoma’s FY2020 collection efforts include:
- A $3 million civil settlement in December 2019 with LaForge & Budd Construction Company, Inc. in a dispute over alleged false claims for progress payments for work done in 2010 on the Lake George dam embankment at the Fort Sill Army Post in Lawton, Oklahoma.
- $2.8 million recovered in June 2020 from Tulsa -based contractor Ross Group Construction Corporation on claims they fraudulently obtained federal set-aside contracts reserved for disadvantaged small businesses.
- $488,491 recovered from a Texas oil and gas company, EnerVest Operating, L.L.C., for trespass claims arising from unapproved drilling, extraction, and selling of federal minerals.
- $110,490 in criminal restitution was collected in July 2020 from Ricky Erwin from proceeds he was entitled in a 2019 wrongful death case. Erwin was convicted in 2016 of tax evasion.
- A $70,000 Controlled Substances Act settlement in March 2020 with Floyd Smith, M.D., an anesthesiologist who practices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The United States alleged that Dr. Smith issued prescriptions for controlled substances to family members in violation of state law, without maintaining medical files on the family members, and for no apparent medical purpose.
Those examples do not include additional recoveries from cases worked jointly with other Justice Department components. For instance, working jointly with colleagues in the Justice Department’s Civil Fraud section, the Western District of Oklahoma recovered $72.3 million in July 2020 to resolve health care kickback claims against Oklahoma Center for Orthopaedic and Multi-Specialty Surgery, a specialty hospital in Oklahoma City, its part-owner and management company, USP OKC, Inc. and USP OKC Manager, Inc., and Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists, PLLC (SOS), an Oklahoma City-based physician group. This is the second largest recovery in Western District of Oklahoma history.
Additionally, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma deposited $1,184,508 into the Justice Department’s Asset Forfeiture Fund in FY2020. This amount does not include proceeds from assets forfeited in 2020 that have yet to be sold. Many forfeited assets are returned to victims of crime. When that is not possible, forfeiture proceeds are deposited into a centralized fund and used to assist crime victims across the nation and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces final update on Operation LegendRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced the final update on Operation Legend law enforcement activities in the city of Cleveland today.
"In the city of Cleveland, Operation Legend has seen the arrest of 122 drug traffickers, firearms offenders, domestic violence convicts and other violent criminals this year,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "Of this total, 61 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses, 57 have been charged with firearms-related offenses and four have been charged with other violent crimes. This has been a challenging year for law enforcement due to the obstacles presented by the coronavirus pandemic and the rise in violent crime rates across the country. However, thanks to the work of local federal investigators, prosecutors, Cleveland Police, local community leaders, and others involved in this commitment to reduce violent crime, more than 120 violent offenders have been removed from the streets of our city. I'm proud of what we have accomplished in just a few months and believe that we are in a great position to continue this work well into 2021 and beyond. The resources provided to the city of Cleveland by Operation Legend are long-term and will not be going away anytime soon. This city and our community are now a safer place to live thanks to Operation Legend."
Operation Legend was launched nationwide in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 8, 2020, and in the city of Cleveland on July 29, 2020. Since that time, over 6,000 arrests – including approximately 467 for homicide – have been made nationwide. More than 2600 firearms have been seized and more than 32 kilos of heroin, 17 kilos of fentanyl, 300 kilos of methamphetamine, 135 kilos of cocaine and $11 million in drug and other illicit proceeds have been seized.
Of the 6,000 individuals arrested, approximately 1,500 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 815 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 566 have been charged with drug-related crimes. The remaining defendants have been charged with various offenses.
Attorney General William Barr announced the operation as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative, in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. Operation Legend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
Tulsa Man Charged with Attempted Sexual Contact Following ‘Peeping Tom’ IncidentsRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a victim after multiple ‘Peeping Tom’ incidents made an initial appearance today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Jesse Thomas Moore, 18, was charged with attempted sexual contact and first degree burglary. U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul J. Cleary set Moore’s detention hearing for Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 1 p.m.
“Jesse Moore is alleged to have looked into two victims’ windows and then entered their homes, in one incident attempting to sexually assault a young woman,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The defendant is a danger to the Tulsa community. I am thankful for the Tulsa Police Department’s thorough investigative work and quick action to take Moore off our streets.”
According to court documents, Moore unlawfully entered a residence on Dec. 13, 2020, and attempted to rape a female victim. Video shows the suspect stepping onto the front porch, unscrewing the porch light then entering the residence at 6:36 a.m. then exiting the residence at 7:18 a.m. Moore was able to move around the residence without its occupants hearing him until the victim awoke to someone touching her. The suspect whispered, “Get the f**k up and don’t say anything or I’ll f**king kill you.” The suspect guided her to the living room where he attempted to rape the victim. As he covered her mouth, the victim bit the man’s right hand, causing him to let go and flee the scene.
The crime occurred after multiple Peeping Tom incidents earlier in the week at the same residence by the same defendant.
During the investigation, the Tulsa Police Special Victim’s Unit discovered that a second victim encountered similar incidents at her residence in South Tulsa, the latest occurring on Dec. 20, 2020, at 4 a.m. The woman initially noticed an unknown male in her back yard near the end of October. Then on Oct. 25, 2020, the male unlawfully entered her residence, looked around then left. She stated that the male had continually returned to her home, looking into windows. In another incident, she stated that her 12-year-old son was home when the suspect entered the home through the back door. He fled when he heard the son scream to his mother.
Video surveillance from both residences where these incidents occurred show the same suspect arriving and leaving in a black Range Rover.
Tulsa Police Detectives eventually located the black Range Rover, which checked back to Moore. Officers obtained a search warrant for Moore’s residence and discovered a pair of shoes, a sweater, and pants that allegedly matched those of the suspect seen on surveillance footage.
The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case.
This matter will proceed in United States District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. A Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rapid City Woman Indicted on Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Tampering with a Witness and Retaliation Against a Witness.
Whitney Bagola, age 26, was indicted on December 8, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 23, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 20, 2020, in South Dakota, Bagola physically assaulted a potential witness, by punching and kicking, in order to intimidate and retaliate against the potential witness.
The charges are merely accusations and Bagola is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Bagola was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Plea Date to be Rescheduled for Former SCANA CEORead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that, due to logistics, the plea by Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, that was originally set for Tuesday, December 29 will be rescheduled. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will announce the rescheduled plea date, when it is available.
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Owner of Immigration Business Pleads Guilty to Defrauding USCIS and IRSRead the Press Release
West Palm Beach, FL. – On Monday, December 28th, Laura Luz Maria Torres Romero a/k/a Antonieta Mena, a/k/a Antonieta Vinkelried, a/k/a Antonieta Winkelried, of Lake Worth, Florida, the lead defendant in a $4 million scheme to defraud the US immigration and tax systems, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra, in the Southern District of Florida. Torres pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration and mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to steal and launder government money, and one count of false statements to the US Department of Agriculture’s food assistance program. Co-conspirator Melanie Wilhelm, of West Palm Beach, previously pled guilty to the two conspiracy charges.
According to court documents, from approximately 2012 through March 2020, Torres, with the assistance of Wilhelm and other co-conspirators, operated a multiservice business, which provided immigration and other services to the public. The business operated under different names, including El Latino Multiservices, Inc., M&K Multiservices, Inc., L&L Document Services, Inc., and AYE Services, Inc. from different locations in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, Florida. Torres was the true owner and controlled all aspects of the business.
Torres solicited clients primarily by word of mouth. Most of the clients who sought her assistance had illegally entered the United States many years earlier and were ineligible for asylum benefits. Most of her clients were from Guatemala or Honduras, did not speak English, had little formal education, and minimal knowledge of the immigration rules and procedures in the United States. Torres represented herself as an experienced and knowledgeable immigration document preparer, who could assist them with identifying the proper immigration program to secure legal status.
Torres would obtain background information from the clients, but never asked them if they had suffered persecution in their native countries. Although she had no information to support that the clients were eligible for asylum or other immigration benefits, Torres falsely prepared fraudulent asylum applications for her clients. Torres knowingly made up false and fictitious narratives of persecution the clients had purportedly suffered in their native countries. Most of the applications contained similar, and at times identical, stories of persecution.
Torres never showed the false and fraudulent asylum applications to the clients. Instead, she presented the clients with only the signature page and had them sign the asylum application in blank. More often, Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator would simply forge the client’s name on the fraudulent asylum application. Torres never completed or signed the preparer section of the asylum application so that she could conceal from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) her role in preparing the false applications. Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator sent the false asylum applications to USCIS for processing.
Torres required the clients to pay up-front cash fees for her services. Torres’ fees varied from client to client and increased as the scheme went on, but typically ranged from $2,500 to $4,000 for the initial asylum application.
Torres knew the clients would be eligible to apply for employment authorization cards (“work permits”) if their asylum applicants were pending for more than 150 days. Torres routinely filed such applications for her clients, claiming that the clients were eligible for work permits based on the pending false asylum applications. Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator forged the clients’ names on the fraudulent applications for employment authorization. Torres falsely listed her office address as the mailing address on the employment authorization applications so she would receive the work permits and all USCIS correspondence. When the work permits arrived, Torres demanded additional fees from the clients. If a client declined to pay the additional fees, Torres threatened to return the client’s work permit which, she claimed, would result in the client’s arrest and deportation.
Torres or a co-conspirator met with the clients at her office to prepare them for their asylum interviews. At the meetings, the clients saw the false and fraudulent asylum applications for the first time. Torres directed the clients to memorize the details of the false asylum claims and repeat them to the asylum officers. Torres warned the clients they would not be permitted to stay in the United States if they did not tell the asylum officer exactly what was written in their application.
During the course of the scheme, Torres collected more than $2 million in cash fees from hundreds of clients and filed approximately 1,000 false and fraudulent asylum and employment authorization applications. The false applications caused USCIS to issue work permits to hundreds of ineligible aliens. In addition, Torres, Wilhelm and their co-conspirators deceived and misled hundreds of clients by promising to provide them with legitimate immigration services and instead filing false immigration applications in their names and providing them with fraudulently procured work permits.
Throughout the immigration scheme, Torres and her co-conspirators obtained personal identifying information, including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, from her immigration clients. Without the knowledge or consent of her clients, Torres used the information to prepare false and fraudulent tax returns, seeking significant refunds. The returns included one or more materially false statements, including false addresses, fake education credits, fictitious dependents, false childcare and earned income credits, and false business income, expenses and deductions.
Torres and the co-conspirators forged the clients' names on the fraudulent tax returns and then submitted the returns to the IRS. In support of the false and fraudulent tax returns, Torres, Wilhelm and the co-conspirators created and submitted to the IRS false and fictitious documents, including fake leases, fake childcare receipts, and fake business receipts.
During the first few years of the scheme, Torres directed the IRS to direct deposit the fraudulent refunds into a TD bank account, which Torres opened using a stolen identity. Later in the scheme, Torres had the IRS mail the fraudulent refund checks to the "home addresses" listed on the returns. These "home addresses" were in fact properties owned and/or controlled by Torres. Wilhelm and the co-conspirators would retrieve the fraudulent tax refund checks from the home addresses listed on the returns and deliver them to Torres. Torres, Wilhelm and other co-conspirators forged the names of the clients on the back of the refund checks. To conceal her receipt of and control over the refund checks, Torres arranged to have a co-conspirator attorney in California launder the refund checks through her attorney trust account, in return for a 10 percent fee. The co-conspirator attorney issued checks drawn on her attorney trust account for 90 percent of the value of the refund check. At Torres' direction, the co-conspirator attorney made the resulting checks for 90 percent of the proceeds payable to companies owned or controlled by Torres and then mailed the checks to Torres' office. Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator deposited the checks issued by the co-conspirator attorney into business accounts controlled by Torres. The monies from these checks were withdrawn from the Torres company accounts by ATM withdrawals, checks or wire transfers and used by Torres to benefit herself, Wilhelm and the other co-conspirators.
During the course of the tax and money laundering scheme, which ran from approximately 2011 through April 2019, Torres used the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of the immigration clients to file over 200 false tax returns with the IRS, seeking fraudulent refunds totaling approximately $1.8 million.
While Torres was collecting millions of dollars from the immigration and tax fraud schemes, she also applied for benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She received SNAP benefits from at least as early as 2008 through 2020. To establish her continued eligibility for SNAP benefits, Torres submitted annual recertification applications to the United States Department of Agriculture, through the Florida Department of Children and Families. In the recertification forms, Torres knowingly and willfully made numerous materially false statements, including that her name was “Antonieta A. Mena,” that she was a US citizen, that she had received no income other than Social Security benefits, and that her deceased mother was a member of the household. Based on her false statements, Torres received approximately $67,000 in SNAP benefits for which she was not eligible, during the period 2008 through 2020.
At sentencing, Torres faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Wilhelm faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Both Torres and Wilhelm also will be sentenced to supervised release, penalties, and restitution. Torres’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2021, in West Palm Beach before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Marra and Wilhelm is scheduled for sentencing on March 5, 2021.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, and Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HSI Miami and IRS-CI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrienne Rabinowitz and Ellen Cohen prosecuted this case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-80072-CR-MARRA/MATTHEWMAN.
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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Urging Transparency in the Compensation of Asbestos ClaimsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a Statement of Interest in In re Bestwall LLC in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina. In this bankruptcy case, the debtor Bestwall LLC seeks to establish a trust to resolve its asbestos liabilities pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 524(g), a provision in the Bankruptcy Code that provides the framework for responding to the unique issues associated with asbestos liability.
As part of the bankruptcy, the court will evaluate the submitted asbestos claims and estimate the amount of the debtor’s asbestos liabilities. In order to ensure the accuracy of the estimation, the debtor has asked the court to require asbestos claimants to fill out a questionnaire providing basic information about their claims and to authorize discovery from other asbestos trusts to which claimants have submitted claims. The department’s Statement of Interest supports these proposed procedures on the ground that they will further transparency in the evaluation of the submitted asbestos claims and ensure the reliability of the estimation of the debtor’s asbestos liabilities.
“It has become increasingly common for claimants’ counsel to seek duplicative recoveries from multiple sources by misrepresenting the asbestos products to which claimants were exposed,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Douglas Smith of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Such duplicative claiming depletes resources that would otherwise be available to compensate deserving claimants filing claims in the future. Today’s Statement of Interest is one of many actions the department has taken over the last several years to encourage greater transparency in asbestos bankruptcy proceedings and prevent fraud.”
“In recent years, numerous courts and commentators have recognized that many asbestos claims are based on inaccurate or even fraudulent information,” said U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina. “That lack of transparency in the compensation of asbestos claims has been a significant problem,”
Congress enacted 11 U.S.C. § 524(g) to create a comprehensive mechanism for addressing injuries caused by asbestos. Under section 524(g), asbestos-related claims may be channeled to a special trust created under the bankruptcy plan of reorganization, which then assumes responsibility for both the defense and payment of those claims. The trusts are managed by trustees, who often must secure support for major decisions from a “trust advisory committee,” whose members are often the same attorneys who represented asbestos claimants during the bankruptcy. Since 1994, more than 60 such trusts have been established by chapter 11 debtors with asbestos-related liabilities. According to the Government Accountability Office, asbestos bankruptcy trusts paid $17.5 billion from 1988 through 2011, and more recent studies estimate higher amounts.
Both courts and commentators have expressed growing concerns that claims submitted in these bankruptcies may be fraudulent. In 2014, the same bankruptcy court in which the United States today filed its Statement of Interest found a substantial pattern of misrepresentation in another case, In re Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC, 504 B.R. 71 (Bankr. W.D.N.C. 2014). The court found that, in a sample of asbestos claims submitted before the bankruptcy, in each and every case key evidence about asbestos exposure had been misrepresented or withheld. In several instances, plaintiffs made claims against defendants to whose products they had previously represented they had never been exposed. Similarly, several studies have demonstrated problems with claims submitted to asbestos trusts. One study found that, in the study period, people without malignant asbestos injury accounted for 86 percent of all claims made to the trusts and 37 percent of all trust payments. Another found that many of the claim forms submitted by the same claimants and law firms to different trusts contradicted each other. The secrecy with which asbestos claims are processed by asbestos trusts has facilitated the payment of claims that do not deserve compensation and has made it difficult to detect when plaintiffs are seeking a recovery based on inaccurate or fraudulent representations. Recognizing this problem, 16 states have already passed legislation requiring disclosure of basic information regarding other sources of asbestos compensation as well as the asbestos products to which claimants were exposed.
The United States’ Statement of Interest argues that there should be transparency in the estimation of asbestos claims in bankruptcy proceedings in order to prevent fraud and abuse. As the statement explains, courts presiding over asbestos bankruptcy cases increasingly are putting in place procedures requiring claimants to provide basic information documenting their allegations regarding product identification (and other elements of their claims) as well as any prior claims they have filed in the courts or with other asbestos trusts. Courts increasingly recognize that such transparency is critical to the fair and efficient resolution of asbestos claims.
Today’s filing is part of broader efforts by the department to look for opportunities to increase the transparency of asbestos bankruptcy proceedings and asbestos trusts in order to protect the interests of legitimate claimants and the United States. This includes objecting to bankruptcy plans that lack critical provisions to ensure transparency and accountability and to prevent fraudulent claims and mismanagement of asbestos trust funds, including provisions: that require compliance with the Medicare Secondary Payer Statute that notify claimants of their potential obligation to reimburse Medicare; that prevent excessive administrative costs and attorney contingency fees; that avoid conflicts of interest among members of the trust advisory committee; and that prevent payments to those who cannot demonstrate exposure to the defendants’ products or who have made inconsistent claims in other asbestos proceedings.
This matter is being handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Division with assistance from the U.S. Trustee Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Urging Transparency in the Compensation of Asbestos ClaimsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Department of Justice today filed a Statement of Interest in In re Bestwall LLC in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina. In this bankruptcy case, the debtor Bestwall LLC seeks to establish a trust to resolve its asbestos liabilities pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 524(g), a provision in the Bankruptcy Code that provides the framework for responding to the unique issues associated with asbestos liability.
As part of the bankruptcy, the court will evaluate the submitted asbestos claims and estimate the amount of the debtor’s asbestos liabilities. In order to ensure the accuracy of the estimation, the debtor has asked the court to require asbestos claimants to fill out a questionnaire providing basic information about their claims and to authorize discovery from other asbestos trusts to which claimants have submitted claims. The department’s Statement of Interest supports these proposed procedures on the ground that they will further transparency in the evaluation of the submitted asbestos claims and ensure the reliability of the estimation of the debtor’s asbestos liabilities.
“In recent years, numerous courts and commentators have recognized that many asbestos claims are based on inaccurate or even fraudulent information,” said United States Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina. “That lack of transparency in the compensation of asbestos claims has been a significant problem,”
“It has become increasingly common for claimants’ counsel to seek duplicative recoveries from multiple sources by misrepresenting the asbestos products to which claimants were exposed,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Douglas Smith. “Such duplicative claiming depletes resources that would otherwise be available to compensate deserving claimants filing claims in the future. Today’s Statement of Interest is one of many actions the department has taken over the last several years to encourage greater transparency in asbestos bankruptcy proceedings and prevent fraud.”
Congress enacted 11 U.S.C. § 524(g) to create a comprehensive mechanism for addressing injuries caused by asbestos. Under section 524(g), asbestos-related claims may be channeled to a special trust created under the bankruptcy plan of reorganization, which then assumes responsibility for both the defense and payment of those claims. The trusts are managed by trustees, who often must secure support for major decisions from a “trust advisory committee,” whose members are often the same attorneys who represented asbestos claimants during the bankruptcy. Since 1994, more than 60 such trusts have been established by chapter 11 debtors with asbestos-related liabilities.
According to the Government Accountability Office, asbestos bankruptcy trusts paid $17.5 billion from 1988 through 2011, and more recent studies estimate higher amounts.
Both courts and commentators have expressed growing concerns that claims submitted in these bankruptcies may be fraudulent. In 2014, the same bankruptcy court in which the United States today filed its Statement of Interest found a substantial pattern of misrepresentation in another case, In re Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC, 504 B.R. 71 (Bankr. W.D.N.C. 2014). The court found that, in a sample of asbestos claims submitted before the bankruptcy, in each and every case key evidence about asbestos exposure had been misrepresented or withheld. In several instances, plaintiffs made claims against defendants to whose products they had previously represented they had never been exposed. Similarly, several studies have demonstrated problems with claims submitted to asbestos trusts. One study found that, in the study period, people without malignant asbestos injury accounted for 86 percent of all claims made to the trusts and 37 percent of all trust payments. Another found that many of the claim forms submitted by the same claimants and law firms to different trusts contradicted each other. The secrecy with which asbestos claims are processed by asbestos trusts has facilitated the payment of claims that do not deserve compensation and has made it difficult to detect when plaintiffs are seeking a recovery based on inaccurate or fraudulent representations. Recognizing this problem, 16 states have already passed legislation requiring disclosure of basic information regarding other sources of asbestos compensation as well as the asbestos products to which claimants were exposed.
The United States’ Statement of Interest argues that there should be transparency in the estimation of asbestos claims in bankruptcy proceedings in order to prevent fraud and abuse. As the statement explains, courts presiding over asbestos bankruptcy cases increasingly are putting in place procedures requiring claimants to provide basic information documenting their allegations regarding product identification (and other elements of their claims) as well as any prior claims they have filed in the courts or with other asbestos trusts. Courts increasingly recognize that such transparency is critical to the fair and efficient resolution of asbestos claims.
Today’s filing is part of broader efforts by the department to look for opportunities to increase the transparency of asbestos bankruptcy proceedings and asbestos trusts in order to protect the interests of legitimate claimants and the United States. This includes objecting to bankruptcy plans that lack critical provisions to ensure transparency and accountability and to prevent fraudulent claims and mismanagement of asbestos trust funds, including provisions: that require compliance with the Medicare Secondary Payer Statute that notify claimants of their potential obligation to reimburse Medicare; that prevent excessive administrative costs and attorney contingency fees; that avoid conflicts of interest among members of the trust advisory committee; and that prevent payments to those who cannot demonstrate exposure to the defendants’ products or who have made inconsistent claims in other asbestos proceedings.
This matter is being handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Division with assistance from the U.S. Trustee Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
Grand jury indicts two men on charges of armed robbery and brandishing a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted 21-year-old Malik Dorsey and 20-year old Darrion Gardner, both of St. Louis, Missouri, on several armed robbery and brandishing a firearm charges.
Dorsey faces two counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Gardner faces two counts of armed robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, on December 5, 2020, Dorsey and Gardner robbed the T-Mobile phone store in Overland while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On December 7, 2020, Dorsey and Gardner robbed the Universal Wireless phone store in Breckenridge Hills while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On December 9, 2020, Dorsey attempted to rob the Boost Mobile phone store in Maplewood while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. During the attempted robbery, a store employee, who feared for his life, shot Dorsey.
Dorsey and Gardner, both out on bond in connection with another robbery, were wearing GPS ankle-monitoring bracelets as a condition of their release during the charged crimes.
Each count of armed robbery or attempted armed robbery carries a penalty of no more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Each count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of no less than seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Breckenridge Hills, Maplewood, and Overland Police Departments, investigated this case.
FAUSA departs, criminal chief appointed 2nd in commandRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The former criminal chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been named First Assistant U.S. Attorney (FAUSA), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jennifer Lowery has been serving the office as criminal chief for the past three years under Patrick’s administration.
“Jennifer has served in influential positions throughout our office and the Department,” said Patrick. “Her experience has prepared her for this new role and I know she will be successful. She knows 2021 will be a very busy and challenging year for the office as operations eventually get back to normal.”
Lowery joined the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) in 2008, but has been with the Department of Justice since 2000. She first served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and then an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in the Eastern District of Texas. During this time, she was detailed to Washington D.C. and New York, New York, as a hearing officer for the 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund. She later worked in Washington D.C. in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and Executive Office for US Attorneys in both their Counsel to Director’s Office and General Counsel’s Office.
While with the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), Lowery has served as an AUSA in the Major Offenders, Fraud and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Sections. She has also held the titles of Executive AUSA, deputy criminal chief of the Program Fraud Section, acting deputy criminal chief of the Major Fraud Section, senior litigation counsel and ethics advisor.
Lowery’s advancement comes as former FAUSA Tim Braley exists the office for a position in private practice. Braley served the SDTX for 17 years.
“Tim has been by my side since I was sworn in,” said Patrick. “There is nothing that has been accomplished or done for the benefit of the office without his input and advice. I know Tim will successful in his next chapter and he leaves the office with the gratitude of hundreds of colleagues. While I may be losing a trusted counselor, I am not losing a friend.”
Braley began his career with the SDTX in 2003, spending the majority of his tenure as an AUSA in OCDETF. In 2012, he became the deputy criminal chief of the Narcotics Enforcement/OCDETF Section and named chief of the Criminal Division in 2017. He served as Patrick’s FAUSA since January 2018.
The SDTX has the busiest criminal docket in the country. Prosecuting more cases against more defendants than most other USAOs nationwide, the SDTX represents 43 counties and nearly nine million people and covers 44,000 square miles. More than 200 attorneys and 500 total staff cover seven offices across the district.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Johnathan Adkins, age 21, was sentenced to 9 ½ years in federal prison. As to the Robbery conviction, Adkins was sentenced to 2 ½ years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. As to the Firearm conviction, Adkins was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, to be served consecutively to the Robbery sentence, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The convictions relate to Adkins and two other individuals robbing the Quality Inn and Big D at Rapid City in January 2020, and brandishing a pistol at an employee at each establishment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-william-p-barr-announces-launch-project-guardian-nationwide-strategic-plan
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Adkins was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than Sixteen Years for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Valdez Williams (61, Altamonte Springs) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He was also ordered to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. At the time of the offense, Williams was on federal supervised released.
Williams had been found guilty by a federal jury on October 2, 2020.
According to evidence presented at trial, during the execution of a search warrant at Williams’s apartment, law enforcement officers found a .380 caliber firearm in Williams’s bedroom safe. Officers also found stolen property and a plate of cocaine base in the apartment. Williams admitted that he sold the cocaine base and had purchased the stolen property. Williams said that he had obtained the firearm for protection because his apartment had been burglarized a month earlier.
This case was investigated by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel P. Jancha and Karen L. Gable.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Results of Operation LegendRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Earlier today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the results of Operation Legend, which was first launched in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 8, 2020, and then expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 14, 2020.
"Operation Legend removed violent criminals, domestic abusers, carjackers and drug traffickers from nine cities which were experiencing stubbornly high crime and took illegal firearms, illegal narcotics and illicit monies off the streets. By most standards, many would consider these results as a resounding success—amid a global pandemic, the results are extraordinary. I commend our federal law enforcement and prosecutors for seamlessly executing this operation in partnership with state and local law enforcement," said Attorney General Barr. "When we launched Operation Legend, our goal was to disrupt and reduce violent crime, hold violent offenders accountable and give these communities the safety they deserve in memory of LeGend Taliferro, whose young life was claimed by violent crime, undoubtedly, we achieved it."
Since Operation Legend’s launch on July 8, 2020, over 6,000 arrests – including approximately 467 for homicide – were made; more than 2600 firearms were seized; and more than 32 kilos of heroin, more than 17 kilos of fentanyl, more than 300 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 135 kilos of cocaine, and more than $11 million in drug and other illicit proceeds were seized.
Of the more than 6,000 individuals arrested, approximately 1,500 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 815 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 566 have been charged with drug-related crimes. The remaining defendants have been charged with various offenses.
The Attorney General launched the operation as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. Operation Legend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) provided a total of $60 million to fund 290 officers as part of Operation Legend and related efforts. Additionally, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded nearly $9 million in grant funding to support Operation Legend.
Breakdown of Operation Legend charges:
Kansas City, MO.
196 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 75 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 107 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 14 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
176 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 40 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 130 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Six defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
167 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 22 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
119 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 55 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Four defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
100 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 33 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Three defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
74 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with firearm related offenses;
- 32 defendants have been charged with narcotic related offenses;
- Eight defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
450 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 193 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 231 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 26 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
124 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 53 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 47 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 24 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, IN.
94 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 18 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 12 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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2020 busy year in the NDWVRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is applauding the efforts of his staff, as well as law enforcement partners in the Northern District of West Virginia, for a highly-productive year, despite the pandemic.
The District saw a 27% increase in the number of criminal matters received for consideration, with charges brought against 300 defendants. Of the 300, 42% were drug related.
“Notwithstanding a pandemic our office concluded several major investigations. Our Assistant US Attorneys, support staff and law enforcement partners excelled and overcame the many obstacles incident to a public health crisis. Our office prosecutes more than its share of criminal offenses, but also has highly skilled civil lawyers and staff who protect government agencies in court and protect our tax dollars.” said Powell.
Some of the more notable cases in 2020 included the guilty plea of Reta Mays, who admitted murdering seven veterans and the assault of an 8th victim at the VA hospital in Clarksburg; the indictment of four men accused of being involved in the murders of three individuals, one of whom was kidnapped and taken across state lines in the Eastern Panhandle; and the guilty plea of Elizabeth Shirley, who admitted to kidnapping her daughter and retaining top secret national defense documents. (See links below.)
There were also several large-scale drug distribution operations that were dismantled, thanks to the good work of the District’s drug task forces, including the case of Jennifer Cuffman and 25 other defendants. The Cuffman case involved alleged traffickers from other states and West Virginia, trafficking drugs on Wheeling Island and the surrounding area. Read more here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Earlier this year in In Morgantown, U.S. Attorney Powell announced that 25 people were charged in a drug trafficking operation that spanned from Mexico to California to Texas to West Virginia. Learn more about that case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
A large multi-state drug trafficking operation was halted after charges were filed in September. The “19th Street Enterprise” case was announced at a press conference in Martinsburg. The case involved 22 people from Philadelphia, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. For more: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
The District also successfully garnered a $50 million settlement with Wheeling Hospital, Inc., involving allegations concerning improper compensation to referring physicians. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-hospital-agrees-pay-50-million-settle-allegations-concerning-improper
“In addition to the more publicized cases, many violent crimes, firearm offenses, child pornography, tax fraud, election fraud, health care fraud, among other crimes were prosecuted this past year. Numerous civil enforcements actions and prison litigation matters were also successfully concluded. The citizens of the Northern District of West Virginia were always the paramount concern of our office, and we are proud of our work on behalf of those citizens,” continued Powell.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s office and press, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv.
- Mays case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/former-va-hospital-nursing-assistant-admits-murdering-seven-veterans-and-assault-intent
- Shirley case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/berkeley-county-woman-admits-willful-retention-top-secret-national-defense-documents
- Merrell et al case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/martinsburg-federal-grand-jury-indicts-four-kidnapping-and-murder-case
Hear from U.S. Attorney Powell here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMmhN6flrO42 Stratford Men Charged with Federal Car Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on December 22, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging CHRISTOPHER MULKERN, also known as “Chucky,” 21, and EDWIN CORDERO, 20, both of Stratford, with federal car theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and local police are investigating multiple car theft rings in Connecticut. Mulkern, Cordero and others have stolen numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms. Mulkern and Cordero typically frequented upper middleclass neighborhoods to go “car-checking” or “jigging,” which involves an attempt to open the door of a motor vehicle and, if successful, steal the vehicle and/or valuables inside.
It is alleged that, on December 1, 2020, Mulkern and Cordero stole a Porsche Panamera from a residence in Westport, Connecticut. Shortly after midnight on December 2, law enforcement in Westerly, Rhode Island, identified the stolen Porsche and attempted to stop the car. The Porsche drove recklessly, at speeds of at least 86 mph, between Rhode Island and Connecticut, and evaded police who, for safety reasons, were forced to terminate pursuit.
It is further alleged that, at approximately 4 a.m. on December 2, Mulkern, Cordero and others used the stolen Porsche to steal a Dodge Challenger from a residence in Milford, Connecticut. In the evening of December 2, Stratford Police spotted and attempted to stop the Porsche. During the pursuit, the Porsche rammed a car stopped at a red light at an intersection, drove up on the sidewalk and through the red light, and then struck a second vehicle, causing the second vehicle to flip onto its roof. The damaged Porsche then traveled on I-95 into Bridgeport, where Mulkern and Cordero were apprehended as they attempted to enter another stolen Audi A4 that was parked on Gregory Street.
It is alleged that a search of the stolen Audi revealed approximately 13 key fobs for other vehicles, and a search of the Porsche revealed five cellphones. In addition, Mulkern possessed two stolen credit cards, and Cordero possessed a key fob for the stolen Dodge, which was subsequently located parked on Main Street in Bridgeport.
Mulkern has been detained since December 2. Cordero, who was released after his state arrest, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 15 and is currently released on a $30,000 bond. Mulkern and Cordero are scheduled for arraignment on January 6 at 1 p.m. via videoconference.
The indictment charges Mulkern and Cordero with one count of transportation of a stolen vehicle and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. Both charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, Milford, Stonington, Westport, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, and Westerly (R.I.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Thursday 24 December 2020
United States Attorney Cody Hiland Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— United States Attorney Cody Hiland, 48, of Conway, has announced his resignation as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, effective 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2020. After his resignation, he plans to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Hiland, a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, had previously served as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for the 20th Judicial District of Arkansas.
Hiland makes the following statement about his departure:
The opportunity afforded me to represent the exceptional people of this great nation as a United States Attorney has been the highest honor and most fulfilling duty of my public career. I can think of no higher calling nor any greater responsibility in the legal community than the privilege of bearing the burden of seeking justice. It is a sobering responsibility that requires discipline of emotion, sharpness of mind, and a love for both the people you serve and the Constitution that protects us all. The pursuit of that purpose is, in itself, a great reward. But doing so alongside the committed public servants that work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and possess those rare qualities is a gift that I will always cherish. That the Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this small district have the sixth largest caseload out of 94 districts is nothing short of remarkable and is a testament to their commitment and work ethic. Any success attributable to this office over the last three years belongs to each and every member of our staff. I am simply proud to be associated with their tireless efforts.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Statement of U.S. Attorney McSwain Regarding Court Ruling in Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society v. Kenney, et al.Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA – On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro issued a Memorandum Opinion on Plaintiff’s Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. Plaintiff alleged that the City had an unconstitutional policy of treating protests more favorably than other First Amendment-protected activity, such as parades. While the Opinion denied the Plaintiff’s Motion, it did so on the basis that the City has abandoned its policy.
I want to congratulate the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society for successfully protecting the First Amendment rights of all Philadelphians. Its lawsuit has achieved its purpose: the court has now confirmed that the City has abandoned its policy of favoring protests over other constitutionally protected speech, like parades.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office first objected to the City’s policy back on July 22, 2020, when I wrote a letter to City Solicitor Marcel Pratt. In that letter, I outlined the various unconstitutional aspects of the City’s July 14, 2020 Special Events Moratorium and explained how the City could not “pick and choose” by banning parades or other First Amendment-protected activity while simultaneously allowing and supporting protests. Unlike the City’s July 14, 2020 policy, the First Amendment does not discriminate.
Soon thereafter, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society also objected to the City’s policy. In response, the City “expressly rescinded the restrictions” in the July 14, 2020 policy, as the court explained. Significantly, organizations may now “hold a parade without a permit, on equal footing with all other events, and without threat of being dispersed,” according to the court.
Thus, any organization that wants to express a message via an outdoor parade in Philadelphia can have at it – the City cannot and will not stop you. And if the City attempts to return to the days of discriminating against certain types of speech, it will find itself right back in court.
Justice Department Applauds Passage of the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation ActRead the Press Release
On Dec. 23, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act (the “Act”), which prohibits employers from retaliating against certain individuals who report criminal antitrust violations. The Act was sponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley, passed the Senate on Oct. 17, 2019, and passed the House of Representatives on Dec. 8, 2020.
“We thank the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives for their bipartisan commitment to criminal antitrust enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “By incentivizing disclosures of anticompetitive conduct, the Act will strengthen the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement program, a cornerstone of our mission to protect the American consumer.”
The Act supplements a range of recent initiatives designed to support the detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal antitrust violations. Last month, the Antitrust Division celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force with the addition of 11 new national partners. The Procurement Collusion Strike Force is a coordinated national response to combat antitrust and related schemes in government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government. In October 2020, the division applauded President Trump’s authorization of the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Permanent Extension Act, which had been supported by the department. In July 2019, the division announced a new policy designed to incentivize corporate compliance with the antitrust laws.
From Fiscal Year 2010 to 2019, the Antitrust Division’s criminal prosecutions have resulted in over $9 billion in criminal fines and penalties, along with jail terms for more than 250 individuals. Since the fall of 2019 alone, courts have imposed four criminal fines and penalties at or above the Sherman Act’s $100 million statutory maximum, and the division has prosecuted antitrust violations affecting generic drugs, cancer patients, grocery store staples, and financial markets.
Grand jury indicts four men accused of drug trafficking, firearms violations and committing a narcotics-related murderRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted, Wednesday, four people accused of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, resulting in death.
According to the indictment, beginning in October 2019, Franklin Bell, Arrion Jones and Deoman Reeves conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On October 21, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Deronte McDaniels possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. During this violation, they caused the death of David Anderson by shooting him.
On November 4, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves possessed a firearm, which he sold to the ATF, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony.
On November 18, 2019, Bell possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On November 19, 2019, Bell and Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves again possessed a firearm as a convicted felon before selling that firearm to the ATF.
On December 10, 2019, Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On December 13, 2019, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On January 6, 2020, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent of all charges unless and until proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the University City Police Department is handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing A Semi-Automatic Rifle After Leading Police on A High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A convicted felon arrested with an assault rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition in Lanier County was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegally possessing the firearm, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Blake Richard Ruis, 26, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Thursday, December 17, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ruis previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on June 16, 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 8, 2019, a Lanier County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol observed the defendant driving his Ford Mustang erratically and activated his emergency lights. The defendant failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued with the Mustang reaching speeds in excess of 115 mph. Ruis ultimately lost control of his vehicle, striking several stop signs before giving up the chase. Ruis was taken into custody without incident. Inside Ruis’s car, the arresting officer found a loaded High Point 9mm rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition belonging to the defendant. Ruis has prior felony convictions in the Superior Court of Lowndes County for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, theft by taking and theft by conversion.
“This convicted felon endangered the community by illegally possessing a gun and made things worse by leading the police on a dangerous, high-speed chase. He will have eight years in federal prison without parole to reflect on his actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the FBI and the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office for their work taking this defendant off the streets.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Antioch Nurse Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND –Shawn Jamison Prichard was charged in a criminal complaint with possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.
According to the complaint filed December 22, 2020, and unsealed this morning, Prichard, 41, of Antioch, allegedly possessed at least one image of child pornography involving the use of a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Prichard is a licensed nurse in California. The criminal investigation in this case began with a tip from a social media company based on defendant’s use of a messaging service to send images of child pornography. Prichard is charged with possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252.
Prichard made his initial federal court appearance in federal court this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. His next appearance is a detention hearing scheduled for December 29, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years (20 years if the images depict pre-pubescent children), and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and HSI.
Wednesday 23 December 2020
Woman Arrested and Charged with Making Threats Against Chair of Wayne County Board of CanvasersRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A criminal complaint was filed yesterday against a resident of Epping, New Hampshire for sending threatening communications to the chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvasers (Adult Victim-1), announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit, Michigan and Director John Kosanke, Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department.
Charged was Katelyn Jones, 23, formerly of Olivet, Michigan. Jones was arrested this morning and will be making her initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.
“The allegations in this case should make all of us disgusted,” stated United States Attorney Schneider. “There is simply no place in Michigan, or in the United States, for chilling threats like this to people who are simply doing what they believe is correct.”
“Due to the potential wide scope of the investigation, we contacted the F.B.I. for their assistance in this case,” said Director Kosanke. “As a result of the combined efforts between the F.B.I. and our investigative team, led by Detective Ryan Schroerlucke, federal felony charges were filed. I would like to express appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this investigation.”
According to the affidavit, on November 18, 2020, Jones is alleged to have knowingly and willfully transmitted communications containing threats to injure AV-1 and her family due to actions AV-1 took in her official capacity at Chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvasers. The affidavit describes a series of threatening text messages that were sent from a phone alleged to be associated with Jones to AV-1’s phone. In those texts Jones called AV-1 a racist and a terrorist and used graphic and profane language. It is also alleged that Jones sent AV-1 two graphic photographs of a bloody, naked, mutilated, dead woman lying on the ground. Immediately following, Jones sent AV-1 a photograph of AV-1’s minor daughter. AV-1 also received similar threats on her Instagram account.
If convicted, Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
A complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilty. Defendant Jones is innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proving these charges lies entirely on the United States, and that burden never shifts to the defendant.
U.S. Government and the State of Illinois Reach Agreement with Peoria and the Greater Peoria Sanitary District to Reduce Water Pollution from Sewer SystemRead the Press Release
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the state of Illinois today announced an agreement with the city of Peoria and the Greater Peoria Sanitary District (GPSD) that will yield significant reductions of sewage discharges from Peoria’s wastewater systems into the Illinois River and Peoria Lake.
The settlement resolves Clean Water Act violations by the city of Peoria and GPSD related to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit exceedances.
Under the proposed consent decree Peoria will implement a remedial measures program that will significantly reduce CSO discharges to the Illinois River and Peoria Lake. Peoria’s combined sewer system is currently overwhelmed by stormwater runoff during heavy rain or snow, causing CSO discharges to the Illinois River and Peoria Lake. These discharges consist of untreated human waste mixed with stormwater and contain high concentrations of bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants that impair water quality in the Illinois River and Peoria Lake.
The proposed consent decree provides Peoria flexibility to choose and build projects at periodic intervals as necessary to meet performance standards, reducing the number and volume of CSO discharges over time as projects are implemented. Peoria plans to use a high proportion of green infrastructure (e.g., permeable pavement, rain gardens, and bioswales) to achieve its performance criteria. Peoria’s overall CSO controls are estimated to cost approximately $129 million and will be completed by Jan. 1, 2040, with four interim milestones to ensure progress.
“This consent decree resolves years of violations by Peoria and GPSD of the Clean Water Act’s requirements relating to municipal sewer systems,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement will dramatically reduce the volume of pollutants discharged to the Illinois River and Peoria Lake and represents a successful collaboration between the United States and state of Illinois to reach a promising solution.”
“This settlement will provide a model for other communities that want the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of green infrastructure and the flexibility to take advantage of improvements in green infrastructure technology over time,” said Susan Bodine, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “I want to thank the state of Illinois and the city for working with EPA to develop a creative solution that will benefit city residents and surrounding communities through better water quality and enhanced recreational opportunities.”
“This consent decree strengthens protections of our state waterways by reducing pollution in the Illinois River and Lake Peoria,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Both bodies of water provide recreational opportunities for area residents. Under the consent decree, the city of Peoria will take important steps, such as utilizing green remedies, to improve water quality.”
The settlement also requires GPSD to implement improvements to maximize the flow of combined sewage from Peoria to its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), including cleaning its portion of the combined sewer system. GPSD will also eliminate the discharges from two remote treatment units within its sanitary sewer system by July 1, 2028. GPSD’s work will cost approximately $25 million and will be fully completed by 2032.
After the implementation of both Peoria and GPSD’s CSO controls, the average annual CSO discharges will be reduced by approximately 92 percent. In addition, approximately 696,000 pounds of pollutants will be prevented from being discharged to the Illinois River and Peoria Lake each year. The CSO reductions will improve water quality in the Illinois River and Peoria Lake and will allow for enhanced recreational opportunities.
The proposed consent decree also requires Peoria to develop a public participation plan that will involve Peoria’s residents in the implementation of the CSO remedial measures program and an enhanced CSO notification system to alert the public when a CSO occurs through a personal email address, if provided, or Peoria’s publicly available website. Finally, the settlement requires Peoria to pay a $100,000 civil penalty and perform a state supplemental environmental project. For the civil penalty, Peoria will pay the United States $75,000 and pay Illinois $25,000. The supplemental environmental project requires Peoria to perform stream and gulley restoration for Turkey Creek in the Springdale Cemetery area. In addition, GPSD will pay a $150,000 civil penalty, split evenly between the United States and Illinois.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval after it is published in the Federal Register.
To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina Collects over $56 Million for U.S. Taxpayers in 2020Read the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina collected over $56 million in criminal, civil and asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.
The office collected $53,839,927.39 in criminal and civil actions in FY 2020. Of this amount, $49,000,580.36 was collected in civil actions and $4,839,347.03 was collected in criminal actions.
Working with partner agencies and divisions, the office also collected $2,544,402 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2020. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work of the consummate professionals in our U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “From our team’s work, we have been able to collect over $56 million this year – money that allows us to protect South Carolinians, seek justice for victims of crime, and seek harsh punishment for criminals.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in FY 2020. This amount represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period. The total includes all monies collected through Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina Collects $7,077,577.63 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2020, and $4.4 Million in Asset Forfeiture ActionsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced today that the Eastern District of North Carolina collected $7,077,577.63 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2020. Of this amount, $3,728,529.18 was collected in criminal actions and $3,349,048.45 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, over $4.4 million was collected in asset forfeitures.
Overall, the Justice Department collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year (FY) 2020 ending Sept. 30, 2020. The $15,988,516,670 in collections in FY 2020 represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period. The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
As part of its efforts to stop the reckless dispensing of opioids and other controlled substances, the Eastern District of North Carolina collected a $600,000 civil penalty from Farmville Discount Drugs and its owner Robert L. Crocker for multiple violations of the Controlled Substances Act that placed many of its patrons in danger of serious addiction and overdose. The civil judgment and permanent injunction levied against Farmville and Crocker resulted in each losing their license to dispense controlled substances.
Additionally, the Office has taken aggressive efforts to collect restitution for crime victims ordered by the United States District Court, resulting in millions of dollars collected for crime victims. As an example, after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography, William Trevor Soloff was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution to victims of the child pornography associated with his offense and a $5,000 assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. The Office garnished a 401(k) account belonging to Soloff to satisfy the judgment in full.
“Our office uses every available tool in our arsenal to vigorously litigate and aggressively collect victim restitution and criminal fines, and recover taxpayer dollars that are either lost to fraud or otherwise owed to government agencies,” said Mr. Higdon. “We are proud of the men and women in our office who work so hard to pursue justice through their prompt and effective collection efforts.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $4,445,776 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2020. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund can be used for a variety of purposes, including to support law enforcement. In certain circumstances, they can also be used to restore funds to crime victims. The Department of Justice, for instance, restored at least $1.1 million in assets forfeited by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Fiscal Year 2020, which assets have been used to compensate the victims of crimes prosecuted by this office.
“The forfeiture of assets which facilitate crimes or which are the fruits of the crime deprives the criminals of the means and reasons for their criminal activity,” Mr. Higdon stated. “Asset forfeiture serves an important law enforcement interest. We will continue to aggressively follow the money so that we can financially disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations and restore funds to victims of crime.”
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces: (1) Funding to Hire Prosecutor to Combat Unemployment Insurance Fraud and (2) Charges Against Man for Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich announced today that the District of Nevada has received funding from the Department of Justice to hire a dedicated prosecutor to combat CARES Act unemployment insurance fraud.
The District of Nevada has been allocated funding to hire an Assistant United States Attorney for a one-year term, who will focus on prosecuting cases involving fraudulent schemes to unlawfully obtain unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and related offenses through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
“If fraudsters don’t understand it by now, they should quickly realize that our office is prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of those trying to exploit the unemployment system and harm Nevadans in need,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “The additional resources from the Department of Justice will help us accomplish that goal for Nevada.”
The CARES Act allocated $270 billion for supplemental federal UI benefits. Additionally, President Trump directed that $44 billion in federal Disaster Relief Funds be used to provide supplemental UI benefits to eligible claimants. The substantial increase in funding for UI benefits spurred a dramatic spike in UI fraud across the country, resulting in the theft of federal funds intended to help those struggling with unemployment during the current pandemic and economic crisis.
On October 15, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced six federal criminal complaints charging ten defendants with crimes associated with unemployment insurance fraud. Since then, the Office has continued to investigate those who seek to steal taxpayer dollars meant for out-of-work Nevadans. For example, on December 21, an unlawfully-present alien, Alan Ray, was charged with federal crimes in connection with unemployment insurance fraud based on his possession of multiple unemployment debit cards not in his name. Ray, 33, of England, has been charged with one count of possession of counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to allegations in the complaint, on October 27, 2020, a casino in Las Vegas reported the discovery of a package containing, among other things: 24 unemployment insurance benefits debit cards from Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD), all in different names; two notebooks containing the personal identifying information (PII) of more than 80 individuals, including the PII of all 24 debits cards in the package; and four mailbox rental applications and associated mailbox keys. Ray attempted to ship the package to an address in Houston, Texas, and later attempted to retrieve the package from the casino. The complaint further alleges that Ray used multiple identities during the course of the investigation, represented himself as a U.S. citizen when he is not, and was previously deported in 2011. Investigation revealed that at least 60 unemployment insurance claims were filed with DETR and EDD using the PII contained in the notebooks, in an effort to obtain at least $1,149,250 in unemployment insurance benefits.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
A complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Individuals who believe that someone is fraudulently using their identity to apply for unemployment benefits should file a complaint through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov and to DETR’s Fraud Report.
The public is encouraged to continue to report wrongdoing relating to the pandemic to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) and to remain vigilant against bad actors looking to exploit this national emergency. To report a scam relating to COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form, available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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U.S. Attorney Statement on the Passing of Dr. T. Allen BethelRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, released the following statement on the passing of Dr. T. Allen Bethel:
“Today we mourn the loss of Dr. T. Allen Bethel, a true civil rights icon. Dr. Bethel was a visionary leader who reminded us all that the first duty of society is justice. He was a leader with incredible strength, courage, faith, and dignity. His words stirred passion and his work stirred action. People listened when he spoke because of his impeccable character, poise, and passion for change. I deeply respected Dr. Bethel and will miss him.”
U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers statement on Dec. 22 police-involved shootingRead the Press Release
“After speaking with Mayor Ginther and Ohio Attorney General Yost, I was informed that BCI was immediately notified of the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early yesterday. BCI is investigating this matter, as is policy with all shootings involving Columbus Division of Police. The mayor requested that the U.S. Attorney’s Office review the investigation for possible federal civil rights violations, and after consulting with Ohio Attorney General Yost, I agreed that my office will review the case as requested once BCI’s investigation is complete. This office will then consult with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office on how to proceed at the conclusion of our review.”
Two U.S. Army Reservists Plead Guilty for Involvement in $3 Million Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Frank Robey, Director of the Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, announced today that JOSEPH IORHEMBA ASAN JR. and CHARLES IFEANYI OGOZY each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with a scheme to commit fraud against victims across the United States, defraud banks, and launder over $3 million dollars in fraud proceeds. Both defendants were arrested on October 31, 2019. OGOZY pled guilty on December 22, 2020 before U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III. ASAN pled guilty earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses and his case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “U.S. Army reservists Joseph Asan and Charles Ogozy admitted today to their roles in an internet fraud scheme to bilk victims across the country of over $3 million. The defendants and their co-conspirators callously victimized older men and women and even a Marine Corps veterans association in their business email compromises and online romance scams. I thank the FBI and U.S. Army CID for their assistance in holding these reservists accountable for their dishonorable conduct.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. said: “Using false identities, email compromises, and fake schemes to scam others out of money are clear federal crimes. But the fact that Mr. Asan, Jr. and Mr. Ogozy, who themselves voluntarily wear our Nation’s uniform and swore an oath to uphold our Constitution, also targeted a veteran’s organization adds insult to the injury endured by some of the victims. Because they chose to break the law, these two Army reservists will now be rolling along to federal prison.”
Director of the Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Frank Robey said: “To think that two Reserve Soldiers would perpetrate such brazen acts of fraud is beyond belief. However, for these two, greed was more important than being faithful to the trust put in them by our government, and it was their undoing. They will be held fully responsible for the acts of fraud they committed.”
According to allegations in the Complaint, the charging instruments, and other publically filed documents:
From at least in or about February 2018 through at least in or about September 2019, ASAN and OGOZY were members of the U.S. Army Reserves who participated in a scheme to commit fraud against victims across the United States, defraud banks, and launder over $3 million in fraud proceeds in bank accounts that they controlled. The funds laundered by ASAN and OGOZY were obtained primarily through (a) business email compromises, in which members of the scheme gained unauthorized access to or spoofed email accounts and impersonated employees of a company or third parties engaged in business with the company in order to fraudulently induce the victims to transfer money to bank accounts under the control of members of the scheme; and (b) romance scams, in which members of the scheme deluded unsuspecting older women and men into believing they were in a romantic relationship with a fake identity assumed by members of the scheme and used false pretenses to cause the victims to transfer money to bank accounts under the control of members of the scheme, including ASAN and OGOZY. Notably, one of the victims of the defendants’ scheme included a U.S. Marine Corps veteran’s organization.
In order to launder over $3 million in proceeds from those fraud schemes, ASAN and OGOZY opened several bank accounts in the names of fake businesses called Uxbridge Capital LLC, Renegade Logistics LLC, and Eldadoc Consulting LLC and received fraud proceeds in those bank accounts. ASAN and OGOZY then laundered the fraud proceeds to each other and to other co-conspirators based in Nigeria. In connection with the opening of the business bank accounts, the defendants made multiple false statements to banks about the purported legitimate business of their companies, including misrepresentations that they were involved in shipping, real estate, and public relations. In addition, a significant portion of the funds laundered by the defendants was deposited and withdrawn in cash that was not able to be traced by law enforcement.
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ASAN, 24, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and OGOZY, 31, of Hackensack, New Jersey, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
ASAN is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wood. OGOZY is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Pauley.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and Army CID. Ms. Strauss also thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Sagar K. Ravi is in charge of the prosecution.
Rocky Mount Gang Member Sentenced to 156 Months After Robbing Delivery Driver at GunpointRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced yesterday to 156 months in prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on the night of January 1, 2019, Emmanuel Marquise Morris, 25, ordered pizza from a Dominos in Rocky Mount. When the delivery driver arrived with the pizza, Morris called him to the back yard where Morris waited with a loaded revolver. After demanding the delivery driver empty his pockets and lay on the ground, Morris stole the delivery driver’s cash, wallet, and car.
Authorities eventually arrested Morris on January 4, 2019 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Greensboro Police found Morris parked in a stolen car with a stolen revolver under the passenger seat. In May of 2019, Morris pled guilty in Guilford County Superior Court to possession of a firearm by a felon. Morris served a ten-month sentence for this conviction before pleading guilty to his Federal charges.
In the weeks leading up to the New Year’s Day incident, Morris took part in several robberies around the Rocky Mount and Nashville area. On December 16, 2019, Morris robbed the Four Points General Store in Nashville, North Carolina. A week later, Morris, a validated member of the Crips street gang, participated in two robberies with other validated gang members. These charges remain pending in Nash County.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Rocky Mount Police Department, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney J.D. Koesters prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-00324-BO.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Cell Phone StoreRead 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 Troy L. McCullough, a/k/a Trey, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that on December 3, 2019, the defendant and co-defendants James A. Houston, a/k/a Hood, and Raekwon D. Fuqua, and others, robbed the AT&T store at gunpoint on E. Ridge Road in the Town of Irondequoit. McCullough entered the store wearing a mask and gloves, brandished and pointed a firearm at a store employee while ordering him to open the safe, held the employee at gunpoint while he and defendant Fuqua removed 32 cellular phones from the store safe, and took them out of the store. The cellular telephones were valued at over $32,344. McCullough was arrested shortly after the robbery at a residence on Champlain Street in Rochester, where the stolen phones were recovered.
Defendants Fuqua and Houston were previously convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and are awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; and the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Laird.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2020, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Robbins Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Securities Fraud and Money Laundering ConvictionsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Thomas Robbins, 65, of Heber City, Utah, will serve 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to securities fraud and money laundering in July. As a part of his plea agreement, Robbins admitted he induced victims to invest more than $10 million in a fraudulent foreign currency day-trading business beginning in 2016 and ending in early 2020. Robbins was sentenced Wednesday.
According to the plea agreement, as a part of his efforts to lull investors into a false sense of security about their investments, Robbins told investors he had achieved high returns in his foreign day-trading business. In fact, Robbins lost millions of dollars and diverted investor money for his personal use and benefit. He solicited approximately 66 investors to invest around $10,170,700.69 in his scheme.
Robbins admitted that he made several fraudulent representations in his communication with investors in the scheme. These representations included telling investors that he had spent 11 years developing an algorithm for foreign currency trading which allowed him to average returns of 5 percent to 30 percent per month, that he had previously worked for a German bank where he was on contract to help the bank develop algorithms for their traders to use, that he used more than 13 different brokerage firms in different countries to facilitate his foreign currency trading program, that he assured investors that his trading program was compliant with the laws of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and that people who invested with him would never lose more than 5 percent of the net equity in their trading account due to “stop loss” measures.
Robbins also admitted in the plea agreement that he made these false representations knowing he was not providing a legitimate investment, that he had lost nearly all of the investor money, and that he was using a portion of the investor money on personal living expenses and no significant investment returns were ever generated.
“Thomas Robbins is a classic example of a Utah fraudster. He is a repeat offender who bilks trusting investors out of their hard earned savings while exploiting their trusting nature,” said United States Attorney John W. Huber. “Like-minded swindlers should take note that they are on the radar screen, and we will hold them accountable. For Utah investors, we strongly encourage healthy skepticism and due diligence before parting with your money.”
“We hope this latest sentence will finally send a message to Thomas Robbins and others like him that fraud doesn’t pay,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the Salt Lake City FBI Office. “Financial crimes are not victimless. A scam can devastate innocent people whose life savings are usually never recovered. The FBI and our partners will never turn a blind eye to those who deceive and betray people’s trust out of greed.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Special agents of the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Gene Hersholt Williamson II, was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and ordered to pay $637,000 in restitution, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gene Hersholt Williamson II, 54, operated a tax return preparation business out of Jacksonville, North Carolina, between 2012 and 2018. Williamson fraudulently inflated his clients’ claimed refunds by reporting fictitious Schedule C businesses on his clients’ returns. If clients had minimal income, Williamson created a fraudulent Schedule C business for them, reporting additional income in order to maximize the claimed earned income tax credit. If, however, clients had substantial wage income, Williamson created fraudulent businesses with significant expenses to reduce their income, qualifying them to receive the earned income tax credit. Williamson received ten percent of the refunds for his services. To conceal his involvement in the scheme, Williamson did not list himself as the paid return preparer on the returns he prepared.
In addition to preparing false tax returns for clients, Williamson filed false tax returns for himself from 2012 through 2017. In all, Williamson’s misconduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of over $550,000.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The IRS-Criminal Investigations investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan B. Menzer and Tax Division Trial Attorney William Guappone prosecuted the case.
The case number is No. 7:20-CR-00133-D.
Miami Ringleader of Nationwide Counterfeit Check Cashing and Identity Theft Scheme Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Miami, Fl. – A federal district judge has sentenced a Miami man convicted of running a nationwide counterfeit check cashing and identity theft scheme while illegally possessing a firearm to 129 months in prison. The man, who used fraud proceeds to buy personal luxury items, including a 39-foot Midnight Express powerboat with triple 400 horsepower Mercury engines, also was ordered to pay over $1.8 million in restitution to victims.
Defendant Carlos Miguel Rodriguez, Sr. a/k/a “Il Padrino,” 45, executed the fraud scheme with help from his son, daughter, and others, who are also convicted defendants in this case. The swindle operated as follows: Rodriguez, Sr. and his daughter would purchase names, dates of birth, addresses, and social security numbers of unwitting bank customers on the dark web. With the stolen information, Rodriguez, Sr.’s son accessed the victim’s bank accounts to change contact information to a phone number that he and his father controlled. He also downloaded checks signed by the account holders to use as templates for counterfeit checks. Once the counterfeit checks were ready, Rodriguez, Sr. would give them to other co-conspirators, tasking them with finding people who would visit the banks to cash the checks. Sometimes, Rodriguez, Sr. recruited the check cashers himself, using people living on the street or in homeless shelters. The fraudsters had counterfeit checks cashed at banks in South Florida and in California, Texas, and Utah – states to which they traveled for that purpose. Rodriguez, Sr. deposited the cash from the counterfeit checks into different bank accounts to disguise the source of the money.
Rodriguez, Sr.’s sentence follows his guilty plea and conviction on January 29, 2020, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Also sentenced yesterday for their roles in the fraud scheme were Rodriguez, Sr.’s son, Carlos Miguel Rodriguez, Jr., and Kenny Alfaro, to 52 months imprisonment and 46 months imprisonment, respectively. Each was ordered to pay over $1.8 million in restitution. On September 21, 2020, Raul Alpizar Gonzalez was sentenced to 52 months imprisonment and ordered to pay over $1.8 million in restitution. On July 23, 2020, Rodriguez, Sr.’s daughter, Taily Rodriguez, and Maipu Fonseca, were sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and credit time served, respectively. Taily Rodriguez was ordered to forfeit her home. All defendants are from Miami.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami Field Office, and Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami and Secret Service Miami investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Young prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 19-cr-20631.
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Members, Associates of Street Gangs and Others Face Drug Trafficking and Related Charges in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – More than 20 members and associates of Springfield street gangs and others have been indicted on federal and state drug trafficking and related charges within the past week. The charges allege the individuals have engaged in various capacities to distribute drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl in Springfield in 2019 and 2020.
These charges are the result of an ongoing joint effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to address drug trafficking and related violence in Springfield. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Springfield Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and, the Illinois State Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the cases.
To date, 15 individuals charged have been arrested. A listing of the federal and state defendants arrested is attached; the names of those charged but not yet apprehended are not included.
The federal defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute large quantities of deadly drugs, including fentanyl and carry penalties of up to life in prison if convicted. This includes conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, along with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, crack and heroin. The indictment includes special findings for two defendants, Derrick Bailey and Denziel Witherspoon, for prior federal convictions for possession with intent to distribute drugs. Four defendants, including Bailey, D. Witherspoon, and Cooper, have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, a charge that carries a statutory penalty of five years to life to be served consecutive to any sentence ordered for the underlying drug offense.
“These charges represent another chapter in the cooperative effort to disrupt drug distribution and violence in Springfield,” stated U.S. Attorney John Milhiser. “This is an ongoing operation and we will continue to identify, prosecute, and take off the streets those who seek to cause harm in our communities.”
“This wave of collaborative enforcement demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our federal, state and local authorities to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Springfield,” said Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals and drug dealers from our community.”
Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow issued the following statement:
First and foremost, I would like to recognize the cooperative effort of law enforcement in Sangamon County for this multi-month, multi-jurisdictional investigation. It is widely known among law enforcement in Springfield that gangs, guns, and illegal sales of narcotics are intermingled with other criminal activity. These individuals and their associates have wreaked havoc on our community for far to long by distributing dangerous drugs to our citizens and others while being involved in other illegal and violent activity.
While this is an ongoing investigation and we anticipate additional arrests, let this be a strong message to those involved in criminal activity that law enforcement in Sangamon County continues to work together to remove and hold responsible parties accountable for such crimes.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Maryland Man Facing Federal Charges for Communicating Threats Against a Member of Congress from MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, MD – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Sidhartha Kumar Mathur, age 34, of West Friendship, Maryland, for making threats against a member of Congress from Maryland. The complaint was filed on December 21, 2020, and unsealed today upon Mathur’s arrest.
The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Chief Steven A. Sund of the U.S. Capitol Police
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on December 10, 2020, a threatening voicemail message was left at the Maryland District Office of a member of the House of Representatives stating “I am going to kill you if you mess with my vote…” and similar threatening statements. The investigation revealed that the call came from a cellular telephone number used by Mathur and the account’s billing address was Mather’s residence in West Friendship, in the name of a relative.
On the same date, a message was submitted through the Representative’s website conveying similar threatening statements. The threatening message provided the contact information, including the name and address, of Person A, a neighbor and former classmate of Mathur’s. As detailed in the affidavit, investigators learned that the e-mail account provided along with the message was connected to Mather and the IP address from which the threats were submitted was associated with an account at Mathur’s residence belonging to Mathur’s relative.
Law enforcement executed search warrants today at Mathur’s residence and also seized Mathur’s phone, computer, and other electronic media.
If convicted, Mathur faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for making threats against a federal official. 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. At Mathur’s initial appearance today, U.S. Magistrate Judge DiGirolamo ordered that Mathur be released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services on specific conditions, including that he not have any contact with the victim.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Capitol Police for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who is prosecuting the case.
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Louisville Man Charged Federally After Shooting Officers During Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville man who shot two police officers and fired multiple rounds at other officers during civil unrest in Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with civil disorder, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman.
“This conduct put the lives of police, protesters, and everyday people at risk and will not be tolerated in the Western District of Kentucky,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
“Working with Louisville Metro Police, ATF provided investigative resources and technical assistance that in real time linked the crime gun to the trigger puller,” stated Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division. “That assistance led to the arrest of Larynzo Johnson – who now faces charges in state court for shooting two Louisville Metro Police Officers. This violent act, taken against officers who were protecting the city during a time of civil unrest, is unacceptable. ATF is grateful for our courageous law enforcement partners who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.”
Larynzo Johnson, 26, of Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with civil disorder under title 18 USC 231 (a)3.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 23, 2020, a large group of protestors which had been deemed an unlawful assembly were reported traveling by foot on S. Brook St. towards Broadway. LMPD’s Special Response Team (SRT) was deployed in an attempt to control the movements of the group and to disband the large number of protestors. Police reports throughout the day identified criminal activity, such as, multiple arson attempts at the Hall of Justice and other locations, protestors throwing bottles at police and others, property damage, smashing windows, and shot fired.
At 8:21 pm multiple gunshots were identified at College St. Shortly thereafter LMPD responded to a large group gathered at Brook St. and Broadway, two blocks north of where the shots were detected. LMPD Special Response Team (SRT) deployed aerial crowd control devices, after they’d been deployed gunshots were reported and two LMPD officers had been shot.
According to the complaint, protestors identified the shooters appearance to police. A man matching that description was identified as Larynzo Johnson and arrested. Johnson was arrested by SWAT at the scene and found to be carrying a Smith and Wesson pistol 9mm luger, model SD9VE. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Forensic Laboratory confirmed that fired cartridge casings collected at the scene were fired by the same Smith and Wesson pistol.
An investigation of publicly available social media accounts by Homeland Security Investigations revealed Facebook user “RiotHeartMedia” captured the shooting incident on video while documenting the protests live.
The statutory maximum penalty is 5 years in federal prison.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Public Integrity Unit.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Robert Rankins Jr., age 50, of Iowa City, to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 1,000 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing heroin announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term Rankins Jr. was ordered to serve five years of supervised release as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This investigation began in 2018 involving narcotics trafficking between Johnson County, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. Law enforcement determined Rankins Jr. and his co-conspirator were obtaining heroin and selling heroin in Johnson County. Rankins Jr. and his co-conspirator, Eric Rhine, made trips to Chicago to retrieve drugs. Rankins Jr. admitted that the conspiracy was responsible for well over 1,000 grams of heroin and that he was supplying numerous individuals in the Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty area.
This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Investigation Related to Drug Trafficking Activity in the McAlester Area Results in Indictment of Ten DefendantsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that ten defendants have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere. Drug Conspiracy is punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000,000 fine or both. One of the ten defendants indicted is also charged with firearm offenses carrying punishment of not more than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine or both. A coordinated law enforcement operation to arrest the defendants charged in the indictment is complete. A copy of the full indictment can be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xAbth.
The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to acquire and distribute amounts of heroin and methamphetamine in Eastern Oklahoma as well as other locations. All ten defendants were indicted for Drug Conspiracy with some indicted for other charges related to the conspiracy such as Possession of Heroin and Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The indictment alleges the conspiracy began in July 2019.
The defendants indicted are Dennis Dewayne Cantrell, age 30, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Dennis Edward Cantrell, age 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Randall Brent Cook, age 41, of Sayre, Oklahoma; Jason Nathaniel Holland A/K/A Shogun, age 39, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Paul Casey Craig, age 46, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Bree Angelica Osburn, age 24, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Michael Moses George, age 40, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Christina Michelle Ketchum, age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Stacie Renee Borrenkott, age 29, of McAlester, Oklahoma; and Parker Bolin Mathiews, age 25, of McAlester, Oklahoma. Cook was an inmate at the North Fork Correctional Center in Sayre, Oklahoma and Holland an inmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Oklahoma. Cook and Holland are alleged to be members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood (‘UAB”) prison gang. Paul Craig was employed by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections during the time in question.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the United States Marshals Service, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (“OBNDD”), the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the McAlester Police Department, and the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force. The investigation was part of and included members of the McAlester & Oklahoma City DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Task Force, which includes several of the above mentioned agencies.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This investigation involves many public safety concerns – distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, gang members, including members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood operating from inside a prison, and firearms used to further criminal activity. Drug dealers will go to great lengths to further their illegal business interests including, as this indictment alleges, enlisting the assistance of prison guards. Combatting such organizations cannot be done without the cooperation of law enforcement agencies from federal, state, local, and tribal jurisdictions. This investigation has truly been a team effort.”
“The arrest of Mr. Cantrell and his associates have undoubtedly made our communities safer and prevented the further destruction that heroin can bring to our neighborhoods in Eastern Oklahoma. The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners across the state to ensure justice is served,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, DEA Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Field Division.
“I’m so very grateful for the collaborative efforts of these state and federal agencies. For all of us the bottom line is the safety of our citizens. This investigation will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our communities for a long time,” said District 18 District Attorney Chuck Sullivan.
Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said, “We are thankful to have the opportunity to work in conjunction with the DEA on a high profile drug case such as this one. This will definitely make an impact on our continued fight against illegal drug activity. It is always a pleasure to assist the DEA in any way possible to help fight the drug problem in Pittsburg County.”
“The McAlester Police Department is proud to work alongside the DEA and the other local law enforcement agencies in helping to get drugs and the people that supply them out of our community. We will continue to work diligently to make our city a safe place to live,” said McAlester Chief of Police Kevin Hearod.
A Grand Jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A Grand Jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against a defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 Dec. 21 was:
Jennifer Ellen Hernandez, 40, of Sidney, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hernandez faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hernandez was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-134.
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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Gun and Drug Sales Result in Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who used a phone to set up a drug sale and then sold marijuana and two firearms to an individual working with the police in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced on December 22, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
James Bell III, age 33, from Rock Island, Illinois, received the prison term after a July 13, 2020 guilty plea to one count of distribution of marijuana near a park in Dubuque, Iowa, after a prior drug conviction, one count of using a telephone to set up a drug transaction, and one count of possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and two domestic abuse misdemeanor crimes.
Evidence at sentencing showed that Bell used a telephone on November 21, 2017, to set up a marijuana transaction. Later that day, he sold approximately one ounce of marijuana to an individual working with the police. On December 7, 2017, Bell sold two firearms to an individual working with law enforcement. During that transaction, Bell also sold someone else marijuana.
Bell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bell was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bell 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 Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by the Dubuque, Iowa, Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-1011.
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Fredonia Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Crack CocaineRead 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 Nathaniel Gates, Jr, 47, of Fredonia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth T. Molisani and Charles E. Watkins, who are handling the case, stated that in April 2015, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the defendant in Chautauqua County, NY. During the investigation, investigators made three controlled purchases of narcotics from Gates. Investigators also executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Brigham Road apartment in Fredonia and recovered illegal narcotics and items commonly used in drug distribution.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2021, before Judge Sinatra.
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Four Omaha Men Indicted for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging Thomas Holbert (aka “T”), Lance Harper, Dalonte Foard, and Glenn Whitney (aka “G” or “G-Lo”) with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and individual counts of sex trafficking of minors. Holbert, Harper, Foard, and Whitney face up to life imprisonment if convicted.
The conspiracy involved recruiting and transporting minors and placing online advertisements for commercial sex acts with minors at various locations in and around Omaha and Norfolk, Nebraska. The conspiracy also involved the use of threats of violence and controlled substances to control the minors and young women being trafficked.
United States Attorney Kelly recognized the efforts and cooperation of Homeland Security Investigations, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and Omaha Police Department in investigating this and other cases involving the sex trafficking of minors, stating “There is no higher priority than the prosecution of people who commit these evil acts. Human trafficking prosecutions require the excellent federal, state, and local cooperation that was involved in this case.”
An indictment is a formal accusation returned by a grand jury upon establishing probable cause. The indictment is not evidence of guilt and defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and the Omaha Police Department.
Former SCANA CEO to Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud on TuesdayRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, is scheduled to plead guilty on Tuesday, December 29 in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, before the Honorable Mary G. Lewis.
Following the plea in federal court, Marsh is scheduled for a hearing on a state charge at 12:00 pm at the Richland County Judicial Center, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, before the Honorable J. Mark Hayes, II.
U.S. Attorney McCoy and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson will be available for media questions as each hearing concludes.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.