Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 23 December 2020
Former NGO Procurement Official Pleads Guilty to BriberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former non-governmental organization (NGO) procurement official pleaded guilty today to paying bribes to NGO procurement officers in exchange for sensitive procurement information related to NGO contracts funded in part by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These contracts were for the procurement of food and supplies that would ultimately be provided to those affected by various humanitarian crises, including refugees displaced by the conflict in Syria.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin of the District of Columbia, and Inspector General Ann Calvaresi Barr for the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) made the announcement.
Ernest Halilov, 42, a citizen of Turkmenistan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the District of Columbia to one charge of federal programs bribery. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2021.
According to admissions as part of his plea agreement, from January 2011 through December 2016, Halilov coordinated a bid-rigging scheme to bid on contracts procured by NGOs and funded by USAID, to support the agency’s response to various humanitarian crises. Specifically, Halilov bribed two NGO officers in order to obtain confidential procurement information, such as bid evaluation information, specifications, and internal vendor rankings. In turn, Halilov would provide this information to his preferred companies in exchange for kickbacks, ensuring that the companies had an advantage over other bidders, thus increasing their ability to win NGO-procured contracts. Halilov also admitted that he instructed a witness to lie to law enforcement agents and destroy emails related to the investigation.
USAID-OIG investigated this case. Trial Attorney Laura Connelly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scotland Morris of the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. In addition, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical investigative assistance and in securing the defendant’s extradition from Ukraine. The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by authorities in the Ukraine.
Former NGO Procurement Official Pleads Guilty to BriberyRead the Press Release
A former non-governmental organization (NGO) procurement official pleaded guilty today to paying bribes to NGO procurement officers in exchange for sensitive procurement information related to NGO contracts funded in part by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These contracts were for the procurement of food and supplies that would ultimately be provided to those affected by various humanitarian crises, including refugees displaced by the conflict in Syria.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin of the District of Columbia, and Inspector General Ann Calvaresi Barr for the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) made the announcement.
Ernest Halilov, 42, a citizen of Turkmenistan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the District of Columbia to one charge of federal programs bribery. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2021.
According to admissions as part of his plea agreement, from January 2011 through December 2016, Halilov coordinated a bid-rigging scheme to bid on contracts procured by NGOs and funded by USAID, to support the agency’s response to various humanitarian crises. Specifically, Halilov bribed two NGO officers in order to obtain confidential procurement information, such as bid evaluation information, specifications, and internal vendor rankings. In turn, Halilov would provide this information to his preferred companies in exchange for kickbacks, ensuring that the companies had an advantage over other bidders, thus increasing their ability to win NGO-procured contracts. Halilov also admitted that he instructed a witness to lie to law enforcement agents and destroy emails related to the investigation.
USAID-OIG investigated this case. Trial Attorney Laura Connelly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scotland Morris of the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. In addition, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical investigative assistance and in securing the defendant’s extradition from Ukraine. The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by authorities in the Ukraine.
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.
Federal Judge Denies Bond to Alleged Round Rock-Based Drug Trafficker and Money Launderer Who Used the Dark Web to Carryout his SchemesRead the Press Release
In Austin today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew W. Austin ordered that 38-year-old Round Rock resident Tu Hoang Dinh remain in federal custody after he entered a not-guilty plea to drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy charges involving the Dark Web, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Deputy Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division; and Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks.
A federal grand jury indictment charges Dinh with one count of conspiracy to import and possess with intent to deliver controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. The indictment alleges that Dinh has conspired with others since 2018 to import and distribute THC, LSD, and MDMA (Ecstasy) using the Dark Web and under the business name “ATXGreen.” The indictment also alleges that Dinh opened Venmo, PayPal, Square and Zelle accounts to accept payments for drugs. He subsequently used proceeds from the distribution of narcotics to purchase two vehicles and to pay his property taxes in Williamson County.
Upon conviction, Dinh faces between 10 years and life in federal prison for the drug conspiracy and up to 20 years in federal prison for the money laundering conspiracy. No further court dates have been scheduled.
HSI and the Round Rock Police Department conducted this 16-month investigation with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Marshall and Robert Almonte are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
#####
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Batavia Man Found with Thousands of Images and Videos of Child PornographyRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Matthew Barber, 52, of Batavia, NY, with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in April 2007, the defendant was sentenced to serve 74 months in federal prison and five years supervised release after being convicted of possession of child pornography. On July 5, 2017, the defendant's term of supervised release was revoked after he was unsuccessfully discharged from a sex offender treatment program. Barber was re-sentenced to six months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. The defendant was also under the supervision of the New York State Division of Parole for a prior sex offense conviction.
On May 20, 2020, New York State Parole notified United States Probation that Barber was terminated from his employment after a company representative observed him insert flash drives into a workplace computer, which he was not authorized to access. As a condition of his parole, the defendant was to notify New York State Parole if he was terminated from his employment. That same day, United States Probation and New York State Parole searched Barber’s residence and seized a cellular phone and a flash drive. A search of the flash drive recovered over 1,100 images and over 40 videos of child pornography. Several hundred images and over 200 videos of child pornography were also found on the cellular telephone.
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; and the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shawn Heubusch.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
El Paso Man Indicted for Stabbing Incident on Fort BlissRead the Press Release
In El Paso, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 26-year-old Christopher Delgado for allegedly hitting his girlfriend with his fist then stabbing her with a knife multiple times while on Fort Bliss on November 26, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Luis Quesada, El Paso Division.
The indictment charges Delgado with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of assault by striking, beating or wounding. According to court documents, Delgado was driving when the victim asked to be taken home. Delgado struck the victim with a closed fist and she struck him back. Delgado pulled over, reached for a knife in the door of his vehicle and stabbed his victim multiple times before pushing her out of his car.
Motorists saw the victim on the edge of Highway 375 and called emergency services. She was treated for stab wounds at a local hospital.
Delgado faces up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He faces up to one year in federal prison upon conviction for assault by striking, beating or wounding.
The FBI conducted this investigation with assistance from the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID). Assistant U.S. Attorney Herbert Bunton, III, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
#####
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.
Eagle River Man Sentenced to 15 years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor- Production and Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on December 18, 2020, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason sentenced Keon Aspaas, 33, of Eagle River, to 180 months in federal prison for of sexual exploitation of a child - production and attempted production of child pornography.
According to court documents, in early March of 2019, Aspaas entered an Eagle River residence where he knew that minors were having a sleepover. While in the residence, he took explicit photos of a sleeping 16-year-old victim with his cell phone. The victim awoke and Aspaas fled the residence. The victim’s family contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement officers located and arrested Aspaas the same day and he has remained in custody since the initial arrest. In February 2020, Aspaas pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child - production and attempted production of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason noted in the imposition of the 180-month sentence, “Such a sentence would afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct and protect the public from further crimes of Mr. Aspaas.” In addition to the 180-month sentence, Aspaas was ordered to complete 10 years of supervised release, comply with registration requirements as a sex offender, perform 200 hours of community service and pay restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, United States District Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Najawaun Marcus Quinn, age 23, of Davenport, to 48 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term, Quinn was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
The investigation of Quinn began in September 2018 when law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase a loaded, Colt .38 Special, revolver from Quinn in Davenport. Quinn was on parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm at the time that he possessed and transferred the firearm. Quinn has an extensive criminal history.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood, 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.
Crump Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Kent Crump, 54, of Heber City, Utah, will serve 18 months in federal prison followed by 36 months of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud in federal court. In the plea agreement, Crump admitted that while he was working as the comptroller for Park City Dry Cleaning and Linen Corporation, that he defrauded the business out of $672,081 between 2012 and 2018. Crump admitted that he carried out the fraud by stealing a large portion of the cash receipts received by the business’ various retail locations each day, and depositing the cash in his and his wife’s personal bank accounts. Crump used the proceeds of this scheme to purchase a non-financed home in his wife’s name, and prosecutors were able to forfeit the proceeds from the sale of the home on behalf of Park City Dry Cleaning and Linen as a part of the prosecution. Crump has also been ordered to pay $217,289 to the victims, which represents the remainder of the amount taken from the business during his scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Special agents of the FBI conducted the investigation.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - Joseph Morris, 39, has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 2, 2018, investigators from the Memphis Police Department went to a residence on St. Charles Street in search of the defendant who was located hiding in a back bedroom. As Morris was being placed into custody, officers smelled burnt marijuana in the house, and observed in plain view a red glass pipe laying on a television table in the living room. The glass pipe had burnt residue, which was believed to be marijuana. Officers also observed 2 boxes of ammunition and a black digital scale on top of the table behind the couch.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered a loaded Taurus 9 MM underneath the living room couch cushion, a common tool of the trade which drug dealers use to protect their stash and themselves from robbery. Officers recovered two clear bags of 5.60 grams of methamphetamine with a 99% purity level in a coat pocket behind the couch that the defendant hid from law enforcement.
Once detained, Morris admitted to ownership of the handgun and methamphetamine. Morris also admitted that he had been selling methamphetamine for 2 months, that he sells for approximately $50 a gram, and that he placed in the coat pocket behind the couch when he heard officers at the door.
Morris is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of aggravated assault and a felony drug offense. He is currently on parole until July 28, 2021, for his felony drug conviction in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Morris is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On August 20, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On December 21, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl L. Lipman sentenced Morris to 150 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We know that drugs and crime go hand-in-hand, and that drug trafficking is an inherently violent business. If you want to collect a drug debt, you can’t file a lawsuit in court; you collect it by the barrel of a gun. If you are a drug dealer with a gun, we will hold you accountable and remove you from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is 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.
In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
Convicted Felon Charged with Cocaine and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was charged yesterday with cocaine and firearm possession.
Rodney Hall, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to charging documents, on Sept. 30, 2020, Hall was arrested after he sold approximately 14 grams of crack cocaine for $1,500 to an individual in Worcester. At the time of his arrest, Hall had approximately $2,300 in cash, two cell phones and a key to a Mercedes-Benz.
Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence, where they located approximately 650 grams of cocaine, a loaded 9 mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a homemade pistol, ammunition, a digital scale, plastic baggies and approximately $7,000 in cash. Hall is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal history, which includes previous convictions for possession of a large capacity weapon and trafficking cocaine.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Burlington Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Anthony David Collins, age 30, of Burlington, to 144 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term Collins was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This investigation began in 2017 when law enforcement identified Collins as a distributor of methamphetamine in the Burlington area. Law enforcement purchased ice methamphetamine from Collins on seven separate occasions between 2017 and 2019. Collins was found to be in possession of a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities. Collins has a history of violence and was on court supervision at the time of these offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington Police Department, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Burlington Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Scott Michael McAllister, age 37, of Burlington, to 230 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term McAllister was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
In the spring of 2018, McAllister was identified as a methamphetamine supplier in southeast Iowa. McAllister admitted to being involved in the distribution of more than ten pounds of ice methamphetamine in the Burlington area. McAllister also admitted to possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
This matter was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sherriff’s Office, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. 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.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Results of Operation LegendRead the Press Release
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, broken down as follows:
- 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.
- 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 offenses 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.
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.
Aryan Brotherhood Member Pleads Guilty to Stolen Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A member of the Aryan Brotherhood pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen gun as part of an investigation into gang activity in the Columbus community, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Daniel Lloyd, 34, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count possession of a stolen firearm before U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land on Monday, December 21. Lloyd is facing a maximum ten years imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the stipulation of facts entered into court, on February 13, the Columbus Police Department assisted the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) with an operation targeting known gang members. Agents conducted a legal search of the defendant’s residence, taking Lloyd into custody as he attempted to escape from the rear of the house. Agents found a stolen black Ruger LCP pistol .380 Auto with extended clip, as well as some methamphetamine and cash. Lloyd admitted in a sworn affidavit that he knew the pistol was stolen when it was in his possession. Lloyd is a validated member of the Aryan Brotherhood. Lloyd has a lengthy criminal past, including convictions in Muscogee County for trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine and burglary. At the time of his arrest, Lloyd was on parole after being convicted and sent to prison for criminal damage in the second degree.
“Criminals found in possession of stolen guns will face federal prison without parole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the Columbus Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision for their efforts to crack down on gang violence in the Columbus community.”
“I am pleased with the successful prosecution of this case, and I really appreciate the dedicated work of our officers and the members of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. We will continue our partnership as we work to make Columbus a safe place to live,” said Chief Freddie Blackmon, Columbus Police Department.
“Mr. Lloyd had a simple choice,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Atlanta. “He could have chosen to leave guns and narcotics behind and worked for a positive change. In this case, he chose to arm himself with a stolen pistol and continue a pattern of behavior that frequently leads to violence and destruction. The Columbus Police Department works hard to promote safety in Columbus communities and ATF will continue to support them.”
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams 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.
Albany Man Arrested on Heroin and Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Carlos Aguayo-Salas, age 26, of Albany, was arrested yesterday and charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin laced with fentanyl.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Aguayo-Salas appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Monday. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge filed against Salas carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Colonie Police Department, and the Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
Tuesday 22 December 2020
Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Akron to Huntington Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Mary Beth Cummings, 35, of Huntington, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Cummings was part of a significant meth trafficking network,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend our law enforcement partners for shutting it down.”
Cummings admitted that during the month of May in 2019, she participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, Cummings repeatedly obtained quantities of methamphetamine which were transported from Akron to Huntington. Cummings relied on multiple individuals from Akron to deliver the methamphetamine to her and Cummings would in turn distribute the methamphetamine to various customers in Huntington. Cummings also admitted that she was aware some of her customers also intended to distribute the methamphetamine she provided to them.
Cummings faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison in federal prison when she is sentenced on March 22, 2021.
This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00245.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Giving Gun to Friend During DisputeRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man, responsible for providing a gun to his friend when both were prohibited from possessing guns, was sentenced today to 112 months in prison.
Aundrey Frequal Roberts, Jr., age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence today following a June 18, 2020 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that in July 2019, Robert’s friend, Dreyon Grant, got into a dispute with another man at an apartment complex in Waterloo after the other man accused Grant of stealing money. When the victim confronted him, Grant came out of his apartment unit holding a knife and pointing it at the victim. After the victim refused to leave, Grant called Roberts. A short time later, Roberts came over with a gun. Grant tried to scare the victim away with the gun. The victim called 911. Police responded and located the gun. No one was injured in the dispute.
Roberts has prior criminal convictions for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, harassment, and assault, among other convictions. Roberts also admitted to being the driver of a vehicle involved in a shooting which left a nine-year old child with a gunshot wound.
Roberts was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Roberts was sentenced to 112 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) through a cooperative effort of the Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations Safe Streets Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. 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 19-CR-2060.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waterloo Home Invasion Results in More Than a Decade in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who participated in a Waterloo, Iowa, home invasion was sentenced today to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Joshua Bo Truax, age 36, from Swaledale, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2020 guilty plea to being in possession of a firearm as an Armed Career Criminal.
At the guilty plea, Truax admitted he was involved with others in a home invasion at a Waterloo home on the evening of October 21, 2019. The group was armed with two stolen firearms. Once they got in the residence, they attempted to kidnap one of the residents, assaulted one person, and discharged two firearms.
Truax was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Truax was sentenced to 126 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Truax 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 Reinert and was investigated by the Waterloo 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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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-2006.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
U.s. Law Enforcement Joins International Partners to Disrupt a Vpn Service Used to Facilitate Criminal ActivityRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today that law enforcement in the United States has worked jointly in support of an international takedown of a virtual private network (VPN), dubbed “Operation Nova.” Domain names offered by an organization engaged in “bulletproof hosting” that provided assistance to cyber-criminals were seized, and related servers were shut down. U.S.-based servers used in the scheme were taken offline by U.S. authorities, while International partners did the same.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Detroit.
The coordinated effort was led by the German Reutlingen Police Headquarters together with Europol, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies from around the world. Today, law enforcement from around the world conducted a coordinated takedown of servers in at least five different countries, in addition to the domain seizures.
The investigation revealed that three domains— INSORG.ORG; SAFE-INET.COM; SAFE-INET.NET.—offered “bulletproof hosting services” to website visitors. A “bulletproof hosting service” is an online service provided by an individual or an organization that is intentionally designed to provide web hosting or VPN services for criminal activity. These services are designed to facilitate uninterrupted online criminal activities and to allow customers to operate while evading detections by law enforcement. Many of these services are advertised on online forums dedicated to discussing criminal activity. A bulletproof hoster’s activities may include ignoring or fabricating excuses in response to abuse complaints made by their customer’s victims; moving their customer accounts and/or data from one IP address, server, or country to another to help them evade detection; and not maintaining logs (so that none are available for review by law enforcement). By providing these services, the bulletproof hosts knowingly support the criminal activities of their clients and become coconspirators in criminal schemes.
Much of the criminal activity occurring on the network involved cyber actors responsible for ransomware, E-skimming breaches, spearphishing, and account takeovers. The service’s website offered support in Russian and English languages, at a high price to the criminal underworld. This infrastructure preferred by cybercriminals was used to compromise networks all around the world.
The seized domains are in the custody of the federal government. Visitors to the sites will now find a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain name has been seized by federal authorities facilitating computer intrusions is a federal crime.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided investigative assistance. The Justice Department thanks Germany’s Reutlingen Police Headquarters (Polizeipräsidium Reutlingen), The Netherlands’ National Police (Politie), Switzerland’s Cantonal Police of Argovia (Kantonspolizei Aargau), France’s Judicial Police (Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire) and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) for their assistance and collaboration in this matter.
###
U.S. Attorney John Lausch Warns of Fraud Schemes Related to Covid-19 VaccinesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — With multiple Covid-19 vaccines recently becoming available, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is warning residents of northern Illinois to be on the lookout for fraud schemes.
Members of the public should be suspicious of unexpected or unsolicited contact from anyone unknown to them claiming to have information about a Covid-19 vaccine, said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Scammers often use telemarketing calls, text messages, social media postings, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate fraud. The fraudsters may falsely offer the vaccine or early access to it, in exchange for money or personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers or medical history.
“Unfortunately, ruthless criminals are attempting to take advantage of unsuspecting people anxious to receive a Covid-19 vaccine,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Any unsolicited offer to gain an advantage in connection with a Covid-19 vaccine is likely a scam. My office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who seeks to commit fraud in connection with Covid-19 vaccinations.”
To obtain accurate information about the vaccine, members of the public are encouraged to contact their health care provider directly. U.S. Attorney Lausch also offered additional tips to help stay vigilant and avoid scammers:
- Do not click on links from sources you do not know. These links could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone.
- Ignore online or phone offers for Covid-19 vaccinations. Actual health care providers will not ask you for money or personal identifying information over the phone or online.
- Never send money or disclose your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account or credit card numbers to unfamiliar persons. The vaccine will likely be offered free of charge in the United States, and you cannot pay to put your name on a list to obtain it.
Additional information about Covid-19 can be found by logging on to http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone wishing to report fraud related to a Covid-19 vaccine can do so by logging on to http://www.oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus or by calling 1-800-447-8477.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson announces resignationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – United States Attorney John C. Anderson, 45, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has announced his resignation effective 11:59 pm on Jan. 2, 2021. After his resignation, he plans to join a private law firm in the Santa Fe area.
Mr. Anderson was nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney in November of 2017 and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 15, 2018.
“John Anderson has performed his duties as U.S. Attorney in a manner that has brought great credit upon the Department and himself,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “John’s leadership has been defined by his commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering dedication to the Department’s principal mission of securing the safety and welfare of the people of the United States. In the District of New Mexico, this has included promoting state and local partnerships, while spearheading the cause of building long-term, sustained efforts to take violent criminals off the streets of Albuquerque. John has been resolute in his commitment to fighting for justice on behalf of victims of crime throughout New Mexico, including in our Indian communities. I am deeply appreciative of the many different facets of John’s service.”
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Anderson had been with the law firm of Holland & Hart in Santa Fe since 2013, where his legal practice focused on complex litigation and government investigations. Mr. Anderson previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Mexico from 2008 to 2013, primarily focusing on the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crime. Before serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Anderson was a litigation associate at the New York City law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP from 2004 to 2008, where his practice focused on antitrust, securities and general commercial litigation.
Mr. Anderson received his A.B. from Bowdoin College and his J.D. cum laude from Fordham University School of Law in New York City. Mr. Anderson clerked for Judge Paul J. Kelly, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Santa Fe, N.M., from 2003 to 2004.
Mr. Anderson has provided the following statement:
Serving as United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico has been the highest honor of my career. I am deeply grateful to the President, to Attorneys General Sessions and Barr, and to Senators Udall and Heinrich, for their support and confidence in entrusting me with the solemn responsibility of serving as United States Attorney. I am also exceptionally thankful for my family, without whose constant love and support I would never have been able fulfill the obligations of this office. Perhaps most of all, I am indebted to the career men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico who work tirelessly to promote public safety and ensure that justice is done. It has been a privilege to call them my colleagues.
I am undeniably proud of what this Office has accomplished over the last three years. Through increasing federal involvement and the deployment of federal resources, we have made significant strides toward reducing violent and dangerous crime in Albuquerque. In doing so we have forged ever stronger partnerships between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. I am hopeful that these partnerships will endure and flourish long after I am gone.
We have redoubled our commitment to the cause of justice in New Mexico’s tribal communities, where violence remains an unacceptably common reality of life for too many Native Americans. I am grateful to have been able to increase the number of prosecutors dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of crimes in Indian Country and continually amazed at the selflessness and dedication of our victim-witness advocates. I am similarly proud that New Mexico has taken a leading role in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, including through the addition of a contractor dedicated to developing and implementing national and local protocols to address this issue.
At the same time, we have significantly increased our efforts to combat transnational organized crime, especially on our southern border with Mexico. The flow of illegal drugs into the United States, and the illegal export of firearms from the United States into Mexico, make for a deadly combination on both sides of the border, and the callous business of cross-border human trafficking similarly endangers innocent lives. I am honored to have been a part of a sustained effort to combat these pernicious and illegal endeavors.
In each these areas, our efforts would be for naught without the selfless dedication of our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. To all of them, I offer my deepest admiration and gratitude.
Within our Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has acted with diligence and commitment to ensure the integrity of federal programs and the just resolution of civil claims.
Finally, during my tenure I have been privileged to hire 34 Assistant United States Attorneys. More than any other achievement or accomplishment, they will inform my legacy. I have the utmost confidence in every one of them. From my new vantage as a private citizen, and with a quiet pride, I will watch their careers progress, cheer their successes, and celebrate their achievements.
Much work, of course, will remain for my successors. Violent crime continues to represent a stubborn impediment to New Mexico’s ability to realize its full potential, and the increasing flow of mass-produced methamphetamine across our southern border promises only to exacerbate that challenge. At the same time, too many in our Native American communities live in fear of violence, and without adequate law enforcement resources.
Nonetheless, I leave the U.S. Attorney’s Office optimistic for its future and confident that it will continue to pursue justice with vigor, while remaining faithful to its enduring principles and those of the Department of Justice.
# # #
Two Oregon Men Face Federal Charges for COVID-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—In separate criminal cases, two Oregon men are facing federal charges for fraudulently converting to their personal use loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
David Unitan, aka Danny Cohen, 46, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and money laundering. Jeremy Clawson, 30, of Baker City, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with theft of government property.
Both men took advantage of economic relief programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans and small businesses suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. v. David Unitan
According to court documents, in July 2020, a small business owner contacted the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office to report that an unknown person had obtained and used personal information belonging to himself, his wife, and their business to establish accounts at a bank in Boston, Massachusetts. Sometime later, IRS Criminal Investigation independently opened an investigation into EIDLs and PPP loans obtained under suspicious circumstances by someone purporting to be Daniel Cohen but was in fact Unitan.
A review of SBA records revealed that six EIDL applications had been submitted using the small business owner’s social security number. Of the six applications, two were funded for a total of $295,000. These funds were disbursed into the Boston bank account in June and July of 2020. Investigators soon discovered that a transfer of $100,000 was made from the Boston account to another bank account on June 24, 2020, and that, on the same day, a wire transfer of $77,898 was made to Mackenzie Motor Company in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Investigators contacted the general manager of Dick’s Mackenzie Ford in Hillsboro and learned that an individual named Danny Michael Cohen had recently purchased a 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat truck for $77,898 using a counterfeit California driver’s license. The general manager also told investigators that the individual had shown up at the dealership driving a 2020 Tesla Model X and provided his insurance card for the Tesla as part of the truck purchase. A review of law enforcement records revealed that the Tesla had recently been impounded by the Lake Oswego Police Department because the driver, David Unitan, had been operating the vehicle with a suspended license.
Investigators compared Unitan’s Oregon DMV photo with the photo on the California driver’s license provided to dealership and confirmed the likenesses appeared to match. The small business owner who had originally reported the fraud later confirmed that his company had previously contracted with David Unitan for video production. The business owner also confirmed the photo on the counterfeit California driver’s license used to purchase the Ford pickup was indeed David Unitan.
Federal agents and Clackamas County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Unitan at his home this morning pursuant to a warrant issued by the federal district court. Agents also seized the Ford pickup and Tesla sedan as proceeds of loans Unitan obtained through fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications.
This case was investigated by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
U.S. v. Jeremy Clawson
According to court documents, on August 11, 2020, the proceeds of an SBA EIDL totaling $145,200 were deposited into an Umpqua Bank account owned by Jeremy Clawson and his girlfriend. Shortly after receiving the deposit, Clawson began making multiple large cash withdrawals at the drive-through window of an Umpqua Bank in Baker City, Oregon. On August 17, 2020, Clawson withdrew $49,905 in the form of a cashier’s check to purchase a 2016 Dodge Challenger. Umpqua Bank investigators detected the unusual activity and reported it to the SBA.
SBA loan documents showed that the loan was made for the benefit of Halperin Manufacturing Company in San Diego, California. Though there is no record of any such company, the loan application listed the company’s owner and claimed it employed 350 people. Investigators contacted the person listed as the owner, but that person denied owning or being affiliated with any such company. The purported owner further stated that the company’s supposed address in San Diego was that individual’s personal residence and not a commercial property with 350 employees.
In early September 2020, investigators learned that, in late August, Clawson had been arrested by the Baker City Police Department for driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and attempting to allude police. Clawson was driving the 2016 Dodge Challenger at the time of his arrest. Clawson later told authorities that he had received a large inheritance from his father, including $30,000 in cash he had on his person during a subsequent arrest.
On September 11, 2020, investigators interviewed Clawson at the Baker County Jail where he was incarcerated on an unrelated charge. Clawson claimed to have received the $145,200 from a woman with whom he had an online dating relationship. He further claimed that he didn’t know what to do with the money and, after he stopped communicating with the woman, began spending the money himself. Clawson admitted to using the SBA money to purchase the Dodge Challenger and several other vehicles.
The United States District Court issued a warrant for Clawson’s arrest, but he is currently serving a criminal sentence at the Snake River Correctional Institution following his convictions for felony driving under the influence and attempting to elude the police stemming from his August 2020 arrest. Federal agents also seized the Dodge Challenger and approximately $50,000 in cash derived from the fraudulent EIDL pursuant to seizure warrants issued by the federal court and voluntary abandonment of funds in third parties’ possession.
This case was investigated by SBA and the U.S. Secret Service.
Both cases are being prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Criminal complaints are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the department’s history at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Two Men Arrested for Fraud Involving Small Business Administration Disaster FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man and a Methuen man were arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Darwyn Joseph, 24, of Lawrence, and Ramon Joseph Cruz, 24, of Methuen, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following initial appearances in federal court, the defendants were detained pending detention hearings scheduled for Dec. 23, 2020.
According to charging documents, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Specifically, Joseph and Cruz used stolen identity information of U.S. citizens to open fraudulent bank accounts, which were then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Joseph and Cruz also received through the mail some of the debit cards associated with fraudulent bank accounts into which SBA funds were deposited, and then laundered those funds by using them to purchase large numbers of iPhones for re-sale. Some funds were also wired to the Dominican Republic in connection with the scheme.
It is alleged that over $452,204 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with this scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and David Magdycz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna Nuzum and Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of
Two Members of Wausau Methamphetamine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that two members of a Wausau, Wisconsin methamphetamine conspiracy were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson. Lisa Xiong, 33, Wausau, was sentenced on Thursday, December 17 to 13 years in federal prison for her role as the leader of the conspiracy. Xiong pleaded guilty to this charge on September 29, 2020. John Gates, 51, Hewitt, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to 5 years in federal prison.
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, from November 2018 through June 2019, Lisa Xiong made numerous trips to Minnesota to pick up pound quantities of almost pure methamphetamine from several sources. She oversaw at least 10 people in the Wausau area who distributed the methamphetamine on her behalf. Law enforcement agents seized almost 5 pounds of methamphetamine in connection with the investigation, though agents believe the conspiracy was responsible for well over 10 pounds flowing into the Wausau area.
Xiong has a significant criminal history and was on supervision in two Marathon County cases while overseeing her drug-trafficking operation. Judge Peterson remarked on her increasing leadership role while taking advantage of people devastated by methamphetamine. Xiong used multiple methamphetamine addicts to insulate her from police detection by dealing for her and collecting money.
Gates promised Lisa Xiong thousands of dollars to contribute towards pounds of methamphetamine during his role in the conspiracy and Xiong considered him a trusted source of money. Gates’s relevant conduct consisted of over two pounds of methamphetamine that he was distributing in his community while on supervision in a Wood County case for possessing methamphetamine. Judge Peterson acknowledged that though Gates is an addict, he was a fairly sophisticated dealer who was a step-up from a street-level dealer.
Ten individuals were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2019 for their roles in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Lisa Xiong and John Gates are the fourth and fifth defendants to plead guilty and be sentenced. The others are:
1. Meng Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 5 years on June 12, 2020;
2. Chou Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 78 months on December 8, 2020; and
3. Soua Khang, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 7 years on December 9, 2020.
The charges against these defendants were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Wausau Police Department; Everest Metro Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Tifton Man Sentenced to Prison in State Department Wire Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Tifton resident has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in a case involving U.S. Department of State contracts, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Tony C. Mathis, 56, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 16, by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson to 50 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count wire fraud. Judge Lawson also ordered Mathis to pay $18,371.12 in restitution to the victim, U.S. Personal Defense Products (USPDP). Of this amount, $16,944.12 is due jointly and severally with the co-defendant, Victoria Velez. Velez was referred for Pretrial Diversion. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mathis was engaged as a bid subcontractor by USPDP, a company that supplies law enforcement and personal defense products. USPDP was awarded a contract with the State Department to supply a large amount of exercise equipment to the Kabul, Afghanistan embassy. Mathis submitted an invoice to the Department of State in the amount of $16,944.12, using an email address that appeared to be from USPDP, but was a personal email address belonging to Mathis. Mathis included personal banking information and signed the requested EFT form, and the payment was sent to his personal account on April 5, 2018. It was later discovered that Mathis committed a similar scheme in September 2017, after he bid on and won another State Department contract in the name of USPDP for $1,337 for windshield covers in Tunisia. Mathis says he committed the fraud because he was owed money.
“Acts of fraud, whether against a small business or the U.S. Government, are taken seriously in the Middle District of Georgia, and those found breaking the law will face federal prosecution and prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to commend Department of State Office of Inspector General for their work investigating this case.”
The investigation was conducted by Department of State-Office of Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Texas Sport Supplement Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Distribution of Steroid-Like DrugsRead the Press Release
A former Texas resident and his sport supplement company pleaded guilty today to a felony charge relating to the introduction of unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce, the Department of Justice announced.
Brett David Becker, 32, currently of Concord, Michigan, and Accelerated Genetix LLC, a sport supplement company based in Argyle, Texas, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to one count of distributing unapproved new drugs with the intent to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers. Becker admitted that, from approximately January 2016 to March 2019, he and his company unlawfully distributed Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) and other substances that the FDA has not approved, including Ostarine and Ligandrol. SARMs are synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids. The FDA has long warned against the use of SARMs like those found in Accelerated Genetix products, including stating in a 2017 warning letter to another firm that SARMs have been linked to life-threatening reactions including liver toxicity, and have the potential to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Drugs masquerading as dietary supplements sidestep the FDA approval process and put consumers at risk,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with FDA to ensure a safe and effective drug supply.”
In connection with his plea, Becker agreed to forfeit approximately $3.5 million, which reflects the proceeds related to Accelerated Genetix products sold across the United States through retail outlets and over the internet.
“Becker and his company put their customers’ health at risk by unlawfully distributing drugs without FDA approval,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar of the Western District of Virginia. “This case is particularly troubling, given the FDA’s explicit and repeated warnings about the dangers of SARMs. FDA regulations are integral to safeguarding consumers, and I am proud of our federal team that took on this investigation to ensure the processes and the public are protected.”
“The FDA’s laws are designed to protect the public health by ensuring, among other things, that drugs are safe and effective for their intended uses,” said FDA Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Catherine A. Hermsen. “Those who manufacture drugs disguised as supplements outside the FDA’s oversight endanger consumers. We remain committed to bringing to justice companies and individuals who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing unapproved, and potentially dangerous, drugs.”
In pleading guilty, Becker also admitted that he intended to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers by importing these ingredients even after learning they were mislabeled by the distributor when they were shipped from China to the United States; misrepresenting Accelerated Genetix products as “dietary supplements” to create the impression that they were safe and legal to use; and manufacturing a custom order of a SARMs product despite knowing it was illegal to introduce the unapproved new drug into interstate commerce.
U.S. District Judge Jones took the defendants’ guilty pleas in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, and set sentencing for March 15, 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ramseyer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Speare Hodges of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
Texas Resident Arrested for Marijuana in Carry-On Bag Upon Arrival at Cyril E. King Airport on St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. announced that a criminal complaint has been filed against Lequan Jaheem Pemberton, resident of Austin, Texas for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Pemberton made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday, December 22nd, in St. Thomas.
According to the affidavit filed in this case, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers were conducting baggage inspections on American Airlines Flight #943 from Miami, FL. Passenger, Lequan Jaheem Pemberton was selected for a secondary bag examination. During a preliminary exam of Pemberton’s carry-on bag, officers discovered several plastic wrapped bundles. After their discovery, Pemberton was referred to the secondary CBP inspection area. Further inspection of the bundles revealed a green leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana. The marijuana weighed approximately 4.32 kilograms. Lequan Jaheem Pemberton was read his Miranda Rights and waived his rights. During questioning by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pemberton stated that the marijuana belonged to him and he claimed that he intended to smoke it.
This case is being investigated by HSI and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tahlequah Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Feather Cheyenne Pacheco, age 24, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Distribution of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about February 1, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
Statement of Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss on Court Appointment as U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
“Chief Judge Colleen McMahon notified me today that the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has appointed me United States Attorney for the District, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546(d), effective January 16, 2021. I am deeply grateful for the Court’s support and the opportunity to continue serving the people of New York and this country. It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the women and men of this District as they pursue justice without fear or favor and write the latest chapter in this Office’s proud legacy.”
Statement by U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey on the Swearing in of U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr.Read the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – United States Attorney J. Douglas Overbey congratulates Charles E. Atchley, Jr. on his swearing in today as United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Before taking the judicial oath, Judge Atchley had served for more than 19 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Tennessee, the last three as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“Judge Atchley ably served our office in numerous leadership positions while skillfully handling and supervising many of the office's most complex and important matters,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “We are proud of his many accomplishments and are confident he will serve on the bench with integrity and distinction.”
###Springfield Man Indicted for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An initial trial date of Feb. 2, 2021, has been scheduled for a Springfield, Ill., man, Evan Taylor, 24, indicted on federal child pornography charges last week. Taylor, of the 2000 block of Claremont Dr., made his initial appearance on Dec. 21, via video conference in federal court in Springfield. Taylor was arrested on Dec. 18, and was ordered detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending a detention hearing scheduled on Dec. 28.
The indictment charges Taylor with sexual exploitation of a child for allegedly victimizing minors from August 2018 to May 2020. Taylor is also charged with distribution of pornographic images of children; travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity; enticement of a minor; receiving child pornography; and, using a computer and cell phone to attempt to transmit information about a minor.
If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty for each count of sexual exploitation of a child (five counts) is 15 to 30 years in prison; for distribution of child pornography (six counts) and receiving child pornography (one count), the penalty is five to 20 years in prison. Taylor is also charged with one count each of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, which carries a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison; enticement of a minor - 10 years to life in prison; and use of a computer or cell phone to attempt to transmit information about a minor carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs is representing the government in the prosecution in coordination with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Marengo, Ill., Police Department; the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office; Jasonville, Ind., Police Department; and, the Indiana State Police.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Securities Trader Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Market Manipulation Scheme that Netted more than $17 Million in Illicit ProfitsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey-based securities trader was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for orchestrating a massive, long-running market manipulation scheme and tax fraud that netted more than $17 million in illegal profits between 2014 and 2016, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Joseph Taub, 41, of Clifton, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark federal court to counts four and five of a superseding indictment charging him with securities fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2014 to 2016, Taub and others conspired to manipulate the securities prices of numerous public companies by coordinating trading in dozens of brokerage accounts he secretly controlled. Taub used “straw accounts” that were held in the names of others to conduct much of his trading. Taub funded many of these straw accounts and used the straw account holders to conceal the scheme from regulators and law enforcement.
To manipulate securities prices, Taub engaged repeatedly in a series of contemporaneous transactions designed to artificially influence the market price of the securities of various publicly traded companies, and induce other market participants to trade in those securities based on the false impression that there was real market interest in the securities, using Run Based Manipulation and Order Based Manipulation.
Run Based Manipulation is a type of securities manipulation in which a manipulator takes either a long or a short position in a security, enters orders or trades in a manner designed to inflate or deflate the price of the security while attracting others to trade the security and finally reverse their position at the inflated or deflated price. A common feature of Run Based Manipulation is that the manipulator profits directly from the manipulated market by exploiting investors who bought at inflated prices or sold at depressed prices. Order Based Manipulation is a type of securities manipulation involving orders, sometimes but not always accompanied by trades, that are intended to give other market participants a false signal about the security’s demand or supply.
Taub also admitted defrauding the United States by hiding from the brokerage firms and the IRS the identities of those who actually controlled the straw accounts and who reaped the majority of the profits from the scheme. As a result, the profits from the straw accounts were taxed at the lower tax rates applicable to the straw account holders instead of the higher tax rates applicable to Taub, which allowed Taub to avoid $394,424 in taxes.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Taub to one year of supervised release, ordered him to forfeit $17.1 million and pay restitution of $394,424 to the IRS.
The Department of Justice has also reached a settlement of its civil forfeiture case against assets acquired by Taub and his family using proceeds of the market manipulation scheme. Under the terms of the settlement, Taub and his family members agreed to forfeit all assets subject to the pending forfeiture complaint in which they have a potential interest. Taub is also required to cooperate with and assist the Justice Department in the orderly transfer, management and disposition of the relevant assets.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, with the investigation. He also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office, under the direction of Richard Best, for its assistance in this investigation.
The government is represented by Criminal Division Deputy Chief Daniel V. Shapiro; Senior Trial Counsel Catherine R. Murphy and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark; and Sarah Devlin, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit.
Rawlins Doctor Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Prescription Pain PillsRead the Press Release
Dr. DAVID RAY CESKO, 66, of Rawlins, Wyoming was sentenced on December 21st in U.S. District Court by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl following a guilty plea to multiple charges that, as a physician, Cesko unlawfully distributed controlled substances, primarily opiates and benzodiazepines, to his patients. Cesko received a sentence of sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by seventy-two months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $400.00 and a $2000.00 special assessment.
“Physicians hold a position of trust and we rely on them act in the interest of their patients, not prescribe medications inappropriately or without medical necessity,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen. “Dr. Cesko abused his privilege as a prescriber for his personal benefit and must be held accountable.”
Cesko was charged by a Wyoming federal grand jury in March of 2019 in a thirty count indictment following a lengthy, collaborative investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The charges alleged that Cesko had, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional practice, unlawfully prescribed pain killers and other controlled substances to multiple patients. Some evidence indicates that Cesko’s romantic interest in certain female patients may have motivated his actions. At the hearing in February, pursuant to a plea agreement, Cesko pleaded guilty to twenty of the original charges, including charges that he unlawfully prescribed codeine cough syrup and opiates to minor, female patients, and, on several occasions, that he unlawfully prescribed opiates to a pregnant minor.
As part of the plea agreement Cesko also agreed to forever relinquish his medical license and prescription authority. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart S. Healy III represented the government.
“It’s clear that Dr. Cesko was not upholding his oath to do no harm when he was fraudulently prescribing medication to his patients,” said Deanne Reuter Special Agent in Charge, DEA Denver Field Division. “The DEA will be there to make sure doctors who violate their oath in this manner will be held accountable under the law.”
Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice Releases Final ReportRead the Press Release
Today, following months of virtual meetings, testimony and study, U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr submitted the final report of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to the White House. This report represents the first comprehensive study of law enforcement in more than 55 years.
On Oct. 28, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896, which directed the Department of Justice to establish the “Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.” The purpose of the Commission was to conduct a modern study of the state of American policing and determine specific measures to reduce crime and promote the rule of law. At the conclusion of this study, the Commission was to issue a report.
“This report is the result of significant effort and commitment by hundreds of working group members, dozens of staff, nearly 200 individual testimonies, and of course the 18 distinguished commissioners, who, as I’ve said before, truly reflect the best there is in law enforcement,” said Attorney General Barr. “We could not have foreseen the challenges 2020 would present when we set out to accomplish our goal of researching important current issues facing law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Yet despite these challenges, the Commission produced a thoughtful and comprehensive report.”
At a ceremony in January 2020, Attorney General Barr announced the establishment of the Commission and the individuals who would serve as commissioners. From January through July, the Commission met formally more than 50 times – adjusting to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic – with the goal of making improvements to American law enforcement for years to come. Throughout that time, the Commission assembled a report that reviewed a variety of important issues affecting law enforcement and their capacity to safeguard American communities.
The full report can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/file/1347866/download.
Possessing Drugs and Guns Lead to over Twenty-Five Years in Prison for Florida ManRead the Press Release
A man who pled guilty to drug and gun charges was sentenced December 21, 2020, to 27 years in federal prison.
Brandon James Seys, age 42, from Tampa, Florida, received the prison term after a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Seys was arrested in Dubuque, Iowa, in December 2018. During the arrest, officers recovered more than $10,000 on his person and recovered methamphetamine and cocaine in his hotel room. Officers also recovered two firearms in a storage unit. Seys later admitted at the plea hearing to possessing the firearms and being a felon. Evidence during the case showed that Seys told others he was willing to use the firearms if officers attempted to arrest him.
Seys was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Seys was sentenced to 324 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Seys 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 Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department the Dubuque Police Department, and the Dubuque County Drug Task Force.
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 19-cr-1004.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Plymouth Man Sentenced to 20 Years After Soliciting Sexual Photos from 14-Year-Old Ohio Girl over the InternetRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Toby Painter, 32, of Plymouth, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for enticement of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 22, 2018, a school guidance counselor in West Carollton, Ohio, discovered from another student that a 14-year-old girl had been communicating with and sending nude photos to an adult male. The guidance counselor informed the victim’s mother, who contacted the West Carollton Police Department.
On the victim’s phone, investigators found chat history with someone labeled as “daddy” that included nude photographs of the victim. After the victim provided the name “Toby,” law enforcement identified the defendant Toby Painter based on Facebook contacts and photos exchanged on the phone.
During an interview, the victim stated that Painter sent her a friend request through SnapChat in December of 2017. After that, they began communicating on an internet-based chat application. The victim told Painter she was 14, and he told her he was 29. After the conversation turned sexual, Painter asked her to send him nude photographs, and she took and sent him approximately 10 nude photos of herself. He responded by sending her sexually explicit photographs.
Law enforcement reviewed the victim’s chat history with Painter. On her phone’s media drive, they recovered roughly a dozen images of herself that constituted child pornography, as well as three sexually explicit images of Painter. Local investigators then referred the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who confirmed Painter’s identity based on Facebook account and IP address records. Complete chat records confirmed that Painter had requested and received from the victim multiple images that constituted child pornography.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and West Carollton Police Department (Ohio) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-0019-D.
###
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.
Pittsburgh Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 10+ Years in Prison for New Violations of Federal Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – John Burton was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months (130 months) in prison for committing fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine-trafficking and firearm crimes while on supervised release following a prior federal conviction for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Burton, age 32, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Earlier this year, Burton pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, on August 26, 2019.
Burton was previously convicted in federal court in 2012 for conspiring to distribute heroin. He was sentenced to 46 months in prison at that time. Burton was on federal supervised release from that sentence in 2019 when he committed the additional fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine-trafficking and firearm crimes. Judge Schwab imposed a 12-month consecutive prison sentence for the violation of his release conditions.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Police Bureau of Police, the United States Marshals Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which 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.
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Loaded .22 Caliber RifleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cheron Shelton, age 33, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
"This case is about law enforcement working together: there is no gap between the shields," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This outcome is only possible because of the collaboration of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, ATF, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. This plea will prevent a violent offender from rejoining our community anytime soon."
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 11, 2016, homicide detectives from the Allegheny County Police Department and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Cheron Shelton’s mother’s residence in the Homewood North section of Pittsburgh as part of the investigation into the mass murder committed in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 2016. In the residence, investigators recovered a .22 caliber rifle with an extended magazine and loaded with ammunition, as well as documents tying Cheron Shelton to the residence. The rifle, which had been reported stolen in June 2015, was processed for forensic evidence, and one of Shelton’s fingerprints was recovered from the rifle. The court was advised that this rifle was not used in the mass murder committed in Wilkinsburg on March 9, 2016.
Shelton has a previous conviction in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2021 The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan Conway and Doug Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is the result of a collaborative effort among the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Wilkinsburg Police Department provided substantial assistance with this case.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Robert William Moats, 35, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.
Moats previously admitted that on March 21, 2018, officers with the Charleston Police Department were looking for a female fugitive. Officers learned she was at a residence in Charleston. Officers were given consent by the homeowner to search for the fugitive. Officers found Moats inside the home sleeping on a chair with the fugitive. Officers awoke Moats and asked him to stand up. As he stood up, officers observed a silver pistol in his right front pants pocket. The officers secured the firearm, a Phoenix Arms, Raven, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The serial number had been removed from the pistol. Moats also admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a 2003 felony conviction for second degree murder.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Cremeans handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00008.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Owner of Texas Sport Supplement Company Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Distribution of Steroid-like DrugsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Virginia – Brett Becker, and the sport supplement company he owns, Accelerated Genetix, LLC, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Virginia, to a felony charge relating to the introduction of unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce. Some of those drugs were shipped into the Western District of Virginia, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today.
Becker 32, currently of Concord, Michigan, and Accelerated Genetix, LLC, a sport supplement company based in Argyle, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing unapproved new drugs with the intent to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers.
Becker admitted that, from approximately January 2016 to March 2019, he and his company unlawfully distributed Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”) and other substances that the FDA has not approved, including Ostarine and Ligandrol. SARMs are synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids. The FDA has long warned against the use of SARMs like those found in Accelerated Genetix products, including stating in a 2017 warning letter to another firm that SARMs have been linked to life-threatening reactions including liver toxicity, and have the potential to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Drugs masquerading as dietary supplements sidestep the FDA approval process and put consumers at risk,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with FDA to ensure a safe and effective drug supply.”
In connection with his plea, Becker agreed to forfeit approximately $3.5 million, reflecting the amount of Accelerated Genetix products sold across the United States through retail outlets and over the internet.
“Becker and his company put their customers’ health at risk by unlawfully distributing drugs without FDA approval,” said Acting United States Attorney Bubar. “This case is particularly troubling, given the FDA’s explicit and repeated warnings about the dangers of SARMs. FDA regulations are integral to safeguarding consumers, and I am proud of our federal team that took on this investigation to ensure the processes and the public are protected.”
“The FDA’s laws are designed to protect the public health by ensuring, among other things, that drugs are safe and effective for their intended uses,” said FDA Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Catherine A. Hermsen. “Those who manufacture drugs disguised as supplements outside the FDA’s oversight endanger consumers. We remain committed to bringing to justice companies and individuals who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing unapproved, and potentially dangerous, drugs.”
In pleading guilty, Becker also admitted that he intended to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers by importing these ingredients even after learning they were mislabeled by the distributor when they were shipped from China to the United States; misrepresenting Accelerated Genetix products as “dietary supplements” to create the impression that they were safe and legal to use; and manufacturing a custom order of a SARMs product despite knowing it was illegal to introduce the unapproved new drug into interstate commerce.
U.S. District Judge Jones heard the defendants’ guilty pleas in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, and set sentencing for March 15, 2021.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Speare Hodges of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
Northern District of Iowa U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $14,000,000 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. announced today that the Northern District of Iowa collected $14,652,603.88 in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year 2020. Of this amount, $13,388,019.63 was collected in civil actions and $1,264,584.25 was collected in criminal actions.
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.
“Collecting money on behalf of taxpayers and crime victims is a vital part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office mission,” U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. said. “Each year, these collections far exceed the total amount of our office’s budget and result from the hard work of many individuals in our office.”
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 to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Northampton County Man Sentenced on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rich Square man was sentenced on Friday, December 18, 2020, to 52 months in prison for possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2018, deputies from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at a residence involving Tyshawn Lamar Williams, 29. Deputies were advised that Williams was threatening a woman with a gun. When deputies arrived, they encountered Williams inside the house exiting a bedroom. Williams attempted to toss a firearm between the kitchen refrigerator and a cabinet. Deputies took Williams into custody and found a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and several thousand dollars in U.S. currency on his person. Deputies also recovered the gun Williams attempted to discard, which was a loaded .45 caliber handgun with an extended magazine. Williams is a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
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 Northampton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson 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-500-BO.
###
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.
New York Man Arrested on Federal Charges in Maryland for Cyberstalking, Attempted Murder for Hire, and Perpetrating False Information and HoaxesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Desmond Babloo Singh, age 19, of New York, New York, on the federal charges of cyberstalking, causing intentional damage to a protected computer, aggravated identity theft, e-mailing a hoax bomb threat, and murder for hire. The complaint was filed on December 14, 2020, and was unsealed upon Singh’s arrest today. Singh is expected to have an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in February 2020, Singh sent the victim, Jane Doe, an Instagram story, professing his love for her. Jane Doe was a former classmate of Singh’s older sister. Jane Doe rejected Singh’s romantic advances and told him that she was not interested in a relationship with him. Jane Doe, who resides in Maryland when she is not attending college, asked Singh to not contact her any further.
As detailed in the affidavit, from approximately April 18, 2020, through November 24, 2020, Singh allegedly used more than 100 different social media, electronic communication, and phone accounts to send Jane Doe harassing and unsolicited messages. The messages included express and implied threats of death and bodily injury, sexualized violence, and racial slurs. Singh allegedly accessed several of Jane Doe’s electronic accounts without authorization, changing her passwords to lock her out of her accounts and posting offensive images and statements to her accounts without authorization. Singh allegedly obtained personal images that had been privately stored in Jane Doe’s Snapchat account, which he later posted on social media accounts used to harass Jane Doe, and sent via text message to Jane Doe and her family members.
According to the affidavit, Singh publicly posted Jane Doe’s personal information on several occasions and encouraged others to harass the victim. Singh also allegedly posted the personal information of Jane Doe’s family members. Singh allegedly sent harassing messages and posted messages attacking an ex-boyfriend of Jane Doe, who Singh viewed as a romantic rival. In addition, Singh allegedly “swatted” Jane Doe, causing a police response to her Baltimore County residence in response to an e-mailed bomb threat. Further, the affidavit alleges that Singh solicited others online to rape, murder, and decapitate Jane Doe in exchange for Bitcoin.
If convicted, Singh faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for cyberstalking; a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for causing intentional damage to a protected computer; a mandatory two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft; a maximum of five years in federal prison for e-mailing a hoax bomb threat; and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for murder for hire. 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. Singh is expected to have an initial appearance later today in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses. Singh will have his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date
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 HSI and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked HSI New York and the New York City Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Christopher M. Rigali, who are prosecuting the case.
# # #
Muskogee Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug, Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lannie Jo Carter, age 19, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both; and to Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h) and 1956(a)(2), punishable by not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning on November 4, 2016 and continuing until on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States.
The Indictment further alleged that from on or about July 15, 2019 through on or about the date of this indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956, to wit: to transport, transmit and transfer and attempt to transport, transmit and transfer a monetary instrument and funds from a place in the United States to and through a place outside the United States with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity, i.e. the felonious importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in methamphetamine.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
Mission Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on December 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Kevin Bordeaux, age 22, was sentenced to time served through September 3, 2021, in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bordeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pled guilty on December 21, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 3, 2020, wherein Bordeaux was involved in a traffic stop in Todd County. A K9 was deployed and alerted to the vehicle and officers searched it. The officers located 6.54 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle. On March 4, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Bordeaux’s residence wherein several rounds of ammunition were seized.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Bordeaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican National Connected to New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LORENZO MORALES-ARAMBULA, also known as “Viejo,” 59, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 156 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine and heroin.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Duane Filyaw, Salvatore Orsini and others operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which they conspired to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers and street-level dealers in and around New Haven.
Court-authorized wiretaps revealed that Filyaw and Orsini had established a heroin and cocaine supply connection with Morales-Arambula. In multiple intercepted calls between Filyaw and Morales-Arambula, Morales-Arambula agreed to supply Filyaw with kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin that Morales-Arambula would receive from sources in Mexico and northern California. However, in January 2018, before the narcotics transactions with Filyaw could be completed, Morales-Arambula was detained in Michigan and charged in federal court with unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Morales-Arambula, Filyaw, Orsini and 16 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.
Morales-Arambula has been detained since January 14, 2018. On January 28, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Morales-Arambula’s criminal history includes multiple federal convictions, including convictions for firearms, drug and immigration offenses, and for causing a riot a federal correctional facility in Texas in 2008. He has been deported to Mexico twice, and subsequently reentered the U.S. without authorization. On August 21, 2018, Morales-Arambula was sentenced in the Eastern District of Michigan to 46 months of imprisonment for unlawful reentry, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.
Filyaw, of New Haven, and Orsini, of West Haven, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick F. Caruso through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Member of the Latin Kings Department of Corrections Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Chapter of the Latin Kings in the Massachusetts Department of Correction pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Sandra Correa, a/k/a “Queen Dream,” 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. A sentencing date will be scheduled at a later time.
As detailed in court filings, the Latin Kings bring disputes and related gang violence into the jails and prisons where Latin Kings are incarcerated. As a member of the Chapter of the Latin Kings responsible for the activities in the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Correa transmitted information to and from incarcerated members of the Latin Kings on behalf of the organization. This information included identities of those who would be targeted for violence in the jails and prisons, the locations of incarcerated members, the standing of certain individuals with the gang, and the status of disputes and alliances with other gangs.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Correa is the 27th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Member of Connecticut Latin Kings “Crown Council” Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Connecticut Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) leadership body, known as the “Crown Council,” was sentenced today for racketeering conspiracy charges.
Hector Vega, a/k/a “King Demon,” 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2020, Vega pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
In addition to his membership in the Latin Kings in Connecticut, Vega also held a position in the Connecticut “Crown Council,” which was the governing body for the Latin Kings in that state. Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included recordings of Vega presiding over a Latin Kings “trial” against two Massachusetts members of the Latin Kings who had violated rules of the gang. Regional leadership of the Latin Kings chose Vega and the Connecticut Crown Council as the judges for the trial in order for the hearing to be unbiased. After hearing evidence from members and finding the two members guilty of violating Latin Kings rules, Vega and the Crown Council ordered the beatings of both victim, which were captured on recording. Vega participated in the assault of one of the members.
The Latin Kings are a violent gang comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the criminal organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Vega is the tenth defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Matthews, N.C. Man Is Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced today Brian Parks Moore, 51, of Matthews, N.C. to 188 months in prison for transportation of child pornography, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Conrad also ordered Moore to serve 30 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and information introduced at the sentencing hearing, Moore was indicted in November 2018 on child pornography charges. According to court records, Moore told law enforcement that he had initially accessed child pornography for the purpose of incriminating another individual, but subsequently began viewing the child pornography himself. In total, Moore possessed approximately 1,769 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. On December 27, 2018, Moore was released on bond following his arraignment hearing. As a condition of his pretrial release, the Court ordered Moore only to use electronic devices approved by the U.S. Probation Office.
According to court records, on March 13, 2019, a U.S. probation officer conducted an unannounced visit at Moore’s residence, during which the officer located an unauthorized tablet computer in Moore’s bedroom. A review of the web history of the tablet showed that Moore’s search history was consistent with attempting to access child pornography and child erotica while on pretrial supervision. As a result, Moore’s bond was revoked and Moore was taken into custody. On May 24, 2019, Moore pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray commended the U.S. Probation Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI for their investigative efforts.
Assistant United States Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ 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.
Manlius Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chester Hammond, age 44, of Manlius, New York, was arrested yesterday and charged with distributing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.
According to the criminal complaint, Hammond, a registered sex offender who was convicted in 1996 of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree distributed an image of child pornography over the internet. A subsequent search of Hammond’s cellular telephone revealed that he also possessed over 400 images of child pornography.
The charge against Hammond carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a post-release term of supervision of between five years and life, and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Hammond made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter and was detained pending further proceedings.
The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.