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18 February 2021
Former Tech Employee at Blue Ridge School District Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme; Agrees to Pay Back MoneyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A former technology coordinator who worked for Blue Ridge Community School District in Farmer, City, Ill., Joshua Raymer, 45, today waived indictment and pled guilty to a scheme that defrauded the district of approximately $336,276 over two years. Raymer, of Clinton, Ill., entered his guilty plea by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins.
According to court documents, during the time Raymer carried out the scheme, from April 2016 to December 2018, he falsely represented to a district official that computer switches had failed, and replacements were needed to maintain the district’s computer system. Raymer repeatedly used his position to have the district order and pay for more than 100 computer switches that it did not use or need, from two separate vendors, at a total cost of more than $400,000. Another 28 computer switches were ordered that were never paid for that resulted in a loss to the vendor of approximately $106,200.
When Raymer received the switches, he admitted that he sold them as if they were his personal property and used the money for himself. Acting under his name and doing business as “The Bored Woodworker,” Raymer contacted at least five different buyers and negotiated a purchase price for the switches that had been shipped to and paid for by the Blue Ridge school district. Raymer then shipped the switches to his buyers and had payments issued to himself or his business name.
Sentencing for Raymer is scheduled on June 21, 2021. As part of the plea agreement, Raymer has agreed to pay full restitution, in the amount of $336,276 to Blue Ridge School District and its insurer, and $106,200 to a computer vendor. In addition, although it is not charged conduct, Raymer has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $17,897 to Special Olympics Illinois, where he worked after he was no longer employed by the school district.
The statutory penalty for the offense of wire fraud is up to 20 years in prison. The government has agreed to recommend a sentence within the applicable advisory Sentencing Guidelines range.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass. The investigation was conducted by the Farmer City Police Department, with the full cooperation of the school district, which referred the matter to law enforcement.
Former Schoolteacher from Cary Sentenced to 12 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Chip Hollingsworth of Cary, North Carolina, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison after pleading guilty to eleven counts charging receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in summer 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was conducting an undercover investigation on the chat and file sharing platform called, “Gigatribe.” On August 6, 2018, an unknown user contacted the undercover investigator, transmitted child pornography, and requested images of 10-12-year-old boys in recorded conversations. After obtaining account information from Gigatribe and an internet service provider, law enforcement identified the user as the defendant Chip Hollingsworth at a residence in Cary, North Carolina. Law enforcement further determined that Hollingsworth had been employed as an elementary school teacher.
On August 20, 2018, members of the FBI and Cary Police Department executed a federal search warrant at Hollingsworth’s residence. He agreed to be interviewed and admitted to having a Gigatribe account, with which he obtained, viewed, and shared child pornography.
Officers seized multiple electronic devices and conducted a forensic examination. Nearly 1,500 images and videos were found that constitute child pornography, the majority depicting children under 12. File metadata showed that Hollingsworth had received the files on dates from as early as August 29, 2008 to July 21, 2018.
United States Attorney Higdon commented “We are grateful for the sentence handed down by the Court today. As I have repeatedly said, the sexual exploitation of the most vulnerable among us – our children – is one of the worst offenses we are working to stop in communities all across the Eastern District. Each of these cases is heartbreaking and each requires a strong response if we are to punish and, most importantly, deter others who may harm our children in the future. This offender is particularly concerning because of his role as a teacher. This sentence ensures that he will be held accountable and will not harm children in the future. And we hope this message goes out to others that this type of crime must stop.”
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 Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cary Police Department 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. 5:19-cr-0231-FL.
Former New Windsor Town Official and Contractor Plead Guilty to Negligent Release of AsbestosRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JAMES PETRO, the former Planning and Zoning Coordinator and Property Development Manager for the Town of New Windsor, and RICHARD MCGOEY, the former Town Engineer by contract for the Town of New Windsor, each pled guilty today to one count of negligently causing the releasing of asbestos into the ambient air, thereby negligently placing other persons in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury. PETRO and MCGOEY pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As they admitted in court today, James Petro and Richard McGoey decided to cut corners and do things on the cheap, soliciting bids for demolition work without disclosing that the property contained asbestos. The contract was awarded to a contractor unqualified to do asbestos abatement work, and as a result Petro and McGoey jeopardized the health and safety of the people they had a responsibility to protect.”
According to the allegations in the Informations to which PETRO and MCGOEY pled guilty and other court documents:
In or about 1999, the Town of New Windsor (the “Town”) acquired 250 acres adjacent to Stewart Airport from the Department of the Army. The property contained dozens of military barracks and other buildings that the Army had constructed in or about the 1940’s, when the property was part of an Army Air Force base. These buildings included 10 buildings contained on the parcel of land bordered by International Boulevard to the south, Reed Street to the north, Aviation Avenue to the east and Raz Avenue to the west (the “10 Buildings”). The 10 Buildings contained asbestos.
After it acquired the 250 acres, the Town entered into an agreement with a real estate developer (the “Developer”) pursuant to which the Developer would lease the land and develop it. From in or about 2006 through in or about 2009, the Town applied for various government grants to abate the asbestos in some of the buildings on the 250 acres and to demolish those buildings. PETRO and MCGOEY participated with others in preparing and submitting the grant applications.
In or about May 2008, the Developer obtained a report from an asbestos inspector that indicated the 10 Buildings had asbestos-containing material. The report stated that any disturbance or abatement of the asbestos was required to be performed by a licensed contractor in accordance with federal and state regulations. PETRO and MCGOEY knew of the existence of this report prior to August 2015.
In or about June 2012, PETRO, MCGOEY, and others discussed the need to prepare a written request for bids to abate the asbestos in, and demolish, the 10 Buildings. The Town initially requested bids from asbestos inspectors to conduct asbestos surveys of the 10 Buildings. PETRO, MCGOEY, and others decided asbestos surveys were unnecessary because the 10 Buildings had already been surveyed in May 2008.
From May 2015 to June 2015, PETRO, MCGOEY, and others drafted a request for proposals to demolish the 10 Buildings. This request for proposals did not disclose the presence of asbestos containing materials in the 10 Buildings but said only that the demolition materials were to be disposed of in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. The Town published this request for proposals on or about June 5, 2015.
In July 2015, the Town awarded the contract to demolish the 10 Buildings to Contractor-1, who had submitted the lowest bid of $262,000. Contractor-1 was not a licensed asbestos contractor and had limited experience with asbestos. Although Contractor-1 did not submit a plan to abate the asbestos in the 10 Buildings or an asbestos clearance letter to the Town, the Town gave Contractor-1 permits to demolish the 10 Buildings.
From August 11, 2015 through August 16, 2015, Contractor-1 and his crew demolished the 10 Buildings without removing the asbestos contained therein by knocking the buildings down with a backhoe, thereby releasing the asbestos to the open air. During this period, both PETRO and MCGOEY visited the site while the buildings were being knocked down. On August 19, 2015, an official with the Asbestos Control Bureau of the New York State Department of Labor suspended work on removing the debris piles resulting from the demolition of the 10 Buildings.
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PETRO, 68, of New Windsor, New York, and MCGOEY, 71, of Monticello, New York, each pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, thereby negligently placing other persons in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury. This offense carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of PETRO and MCGOEY will be determined by a judge. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McCarthy on May 27, 2021.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Margery Feinzig and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Florida Prepaid College Program Contractor Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiracy, Mail Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jamilla Ciar Hall of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft arising out of her work with the Florida Prepaid College Program. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Tuesday following Hall’s guilty plea last September.
“This woman abused her position of trust to rob money from the Florida Prepaid program – but worse, she robbed from unsuspecting parents who invested in a future college education for their loved ones,” U.S. Attorney Keefe said. “She thought she had discovered a path to easy money, but instead, choosing that path has led her to prison.”
The Florida Prepaid College Board, which administers the Florida Prepaid College Program (“Florida Prepaid”), contracted with Intuition College Savings Solutions to provide customer service and records administration services for Florida Prepaid. While working for Intuition, between July and December 2018 Hall accessed the personal identification information of Florida Prepaid account owners and beneficiaries, and then fraudulently changed mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses associated with those Florida Prepaid plans. She then fraudulently submitted forms to cancel accounts, using the personal identification information of the account owners and beneficiaries. Refund checks for the Florida Prepaid plans she cancelled were mailed and delivered by the United States Postal Service to Hall at the addresses she fraudulently submitted. She personally cashed some of the refund checks and gave some to others to fraudulently cash. In total, Hall fraudulently obtained and attempted to obtain approximately $42,000 in funds to which she was not entitled.
"Hall took advantage of hardworking families that utilize the Florida Prepaid program to provide their children an opportunity for a college education," said FDLE's Tallahassee Regional Operations Center Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez. "Hall’s arrest and sentencing assures families that the Florida Prepaid program is a safe and secure way to save for their children’s future. Those that take advantage of these families will be brought to justice."
Hall pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Her 33-month prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Hall was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
“Tuesday’s sentencing is a reminder that financial crimes are not victimless crimes,” said United States Secret Service Resident Special Agent in Charge Seth Reister, Tallahassee. “The defendant victimized the community for her own personal gain by taking advantage of multiple Florida Prepaid customers. The U.S. Secret Service and its law enforcement partners such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, will continue to investigate and pursue prosecution of those who engage in identity theft or financial fraud.”
This sentencing was the result of a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - U.S. v. HallFederal Charges Against Stanford University Researcher ExpandedRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment charging Chen Song with visa fraud, obstruction of justice, destruction of documents, and false statements in connection with a scheme to conceal and lie about her status as a member of the People’s Republic of China’s military forces while in the United States, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
“We allege that while Chen Song worked as a researcher at Stanford University, she was secretly a member of China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “When Song feared discovery, she destroyed documents in a failed attempt to conceal her true identity. This prosecution will help to protect elite institutions like Stanford from illicit foreign influences.”
“The FBI’s investigation revealed Song Chen took active steps to destroy evidence of her official affiliation with the Chinese military, including her current PLA credentials depicting her in military dress uniform,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair. “The FBI is committed to protecting academic institutions in the Bay Area from PRC military officers who knowingly and willfully lie about their military affiliations to access American research and development. We will exhaust all investigative techniques and measures to ensure the safety, security, and hard work of American universities.”
The superseding indictment expands on the allegations set out in an affidavit supporting a criminal complaint filed on July 17, 2020, and an indictment filed on January 7, 2021. According to the superseding indictment, Song, 39, a Chinese national, entered the United States on December 23, 2018, using a J-1 non-immigrant visa to conduct research at Stanford University. Song obtained the J-1 visa, a document “for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs” with an application she submitted in November 2018. In that application, Song described herself in her visa application as a neurologist who was coming to the U.S. to conduct research at Stanford University related to brain disease. As part of the application, Song stated that she had served in the Chinese military only from September 1, 2000, through June 30, 2011. She further stated that her employer was “Xi Diaoyutai Hospital” located at “No. 30 Fucheng Road, Beijing, 100142,” and that her highest rank was “STUDENT.” The superseding indictment alleges that these were lies, and that Song was a member of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese military, when she entered and while she was in the United States, and that the hospital she listed on her visa as her employer was a cover for her true employer, the PLA Air Force General Hospital in Beijing.
The superseding indictment also adds allegations and charges of obstructive conduct by Song. Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that Song found out about a case against another PLA member, who was charged on June 7, 2020, in the Northern District of California with visa fraud. The superseding indictment alleges that she then attempted to delete a digital folder of documents on an external hard drive that she possessed containing records relating to her military service and visa fraud, including:
- A digital version of a letter from Song, written in Chinese and addressed to the People’s Republic of China consulate in New York, in which Song explained that her stated employer, “Beijing Xi Diaoyutai Hospital” was a false front, and that because relevant approval documents were classified, she had attempted to mail them;
- An image of Song’s PLA credentials, with a photograph of her in military dress uniform, covering the time period from July 2016 to July 2020; and
- A digital version of a resume for Song, written in Chinese, again with a photograph of her in military dress uniform and listing her employer as the Air Force General Hospital.
Further, according to the superseding indictment, Song lied to FBI agents when interviewed, denying any affiliation with the PLA after 2011, and information associating Song with the PLA or Air Force General Hospital began to disappear from the Internet after FBI’s investigation of Song was known to her. Finally, the superseding indictment alleges that, after Song had been charged by criminal complaint in this case, she selectively deleted relevant emails from that account, including certain emails relevant to her military service, employment, and affiliations.
Song is charged with visa fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a); obstruction of official proceedings, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2); two counts of alteration, destruction, mutilation, or concealment of records, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1); and making false statements to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed and Song, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, she faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the visa fraud count; up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the obstruction and alteration charges; and up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the false statements charge. In addition, the court may order additional terms of supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Song’s next appearance is scheduled for April 7, 2021, at 12:00 p.m., before the Honorable William Alsup, United States District Judge, for pretrial conference, with a trial scheduled to begin on April 12, 2021.
The United States Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Essex County Man Admits Role in $23 Million Identity Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark today man admitted his role in a large international money laundering conspiracy and to using a stolen identity in furtherance of the scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Edwin Deleon-Batista, 37, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of identity fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2018 through October 2019, Deleon-Batista laundered over $23 million in cash drug proceeds on behalf of a money laundering organization with close ties to drug trafficking organizations in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. Deleon picked up large amounts of cash drug proceeds in New Jersey, New York, and Florida and laundered it by purchasing cashier’s checks at local bank branches. The checks were made payable to individuals and companies specified by the leaders of the money laundering organization. By converting the drug proceeds to cashier’s checks, Deleon tried to hide the source of the illegal cash and avoid scrutiny by law enforcement and banks.
Deleon-Batista was previously arrested on federal money laundering charges in New York in April 2019. Soon after his arrest, Deleon-Batista began using a stolen identity and obtained a fraudulent Florida driver’s license to continue the money laundering scheme. He used the fraudulent license to open several bank accounts, which he then used to convert millions of dollars more in cash drug proceeds into cashier’s checks at bank branches in New Jersey, New York, and Florida over a five-month period.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of identity fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and the New York Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan; special agents and task force officers of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; and the Morristown, New Jersey, police department, under the direction of Acting Police Chief Darnell Richardson with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Peck of the Criminal Division in Newark.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Edgerton Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Gun Possession During Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony R. Krohn, 37, Edgerton, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 1, 2020, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Krohn was walking with some friends toward the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, an area which was experiencing significant civil unrest. As Krohn walked past deputies who were posted outside near the jail, the gun that he was carrying discharged into his leg. Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Madison Police Department officers provided assistance to Krohn until he was transported to the hospital for treatment. Krohn admitted to a deputy that he shot himself in the leg. The .22 handgun and a spent casing were recovered.
At the time, Krohn was on supervision for a sixth offense operating while intoxicated after serving two years in prison. His criminal history stretches back to 2001 and includes convictions for several batteries, another felony OWI where he led police on a high-speed chase, and possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver.
At sentencing, Krohn agreed with the government about the dangers involved with bringing a gun into this situation. Judge Peterson also recognized the serious nature of Krohn’s offense commenting that it was the court’s role to look out for the community in this case.
The charge against Krohn was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Drug Trafficker Who Transported More Than a Kilogram of Methamphetamine from South Carolina Received 210 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Neville Singleton, 38, of North Charleston, South Carolina was sentenced on February 17, 2021, to 210 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
The investigation, along with evidence presented in court, revealed that on August 29, 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made a controlled purchase of 51 grams of actual methamphetamine at a restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina from Sean Thomas and Singleton. Following the drug deal, Singleton and the undercover officer discussed having Singleton provide him with larger amounts of methamphetamine in the future. Singleton indicated that the methamphetamine was coming from Charleston, South Carolina.
On August 29, 2019, ATF, with the assistance of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, ordered a quantity of methamphetamine from Singleton and Thomas to be delivered to a hotel in Brunswick County. When Singleton and Thomas arrived in the hotel parking lot from Charleston, both men were arrested. Law enforcement searched the trunk and found 1,134 grams of actual methamphetamine. Between July 2019 and August 2019, Singleton possessed or distributed more than two and a half kilograms of actual methamphetamine into North Carolina and South Carolina.
Singleton had prior convictions for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession with intent to deliver cocaine in proximity of a school (2003); possession with intent to deliver cocaine (2004); possession with intent to deliver marijuana (2007); possession with intent to deliver or distribute cocaine, LSD or other drug; possession with intent to deliver or distribute a drug within close proximity of a school (2010); and possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2016). Singleton was on probation at the time he committed the crimes that brought him into federal court.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office took part in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo 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. 5:20-CR-00005-M.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Lamont Thomas, 42, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin.
“This Detroit drug dealer brought eight pounds of meth and some heroin into Charleston for distribution,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Great work by the Charleston Police Department and DEA to catch Thomas soon after he got off of the bus.”
Thomas admitted that on May 14, 2020, he traveled from Detroit to Charleston by Greyhound bus. He further admitted that he was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by officers of the Charleston Police Department after leaving the Greyhound Bus Station. When a drug K-9 alerted on Thomas’s backpack, officers searched it and found approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 61 grams of suspected heroin. Thomas admitted that the drugs were his and that he intended to distribute the controlled substances.
Thomas faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on May 17, 2021.
The Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman 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. 2:20-cr-00198.
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Defendant Sentenced to 72 Months Imprisonment for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Paige Michelle Anderson, 29, from Ocean Isle Beach, NC was sentenced today to a total of 72 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine from April to June 2020; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on June 1, 2020; and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on June 14, 2020.
According to court documents and other information, beginning in April 2020, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and others with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office in Elizabethtown, North Carolina learned through a confidential source that Anderson was part of a drug trafficking organization selling methamphetamine in Bladen County. During the week of May 30, 2020, law enforcement received information that Anderson would be traveling to Sanford, North Carolina to pick up methamphetamine with an associate. Law enforcement tracked Anderson’s trip and on June 1, 2020, conducted a traffic stop on the car in which Anderson was a passenger. During a search of the car, law enforcement found 90.7 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, and $1,189.00 in currency. On June 14, 2020, while monitoring Anderson’s movements, law enforcement noted Anderson once more traveled to Sanford. Upon her return, officers stopped Anderson’s car when she failed to stop at a stop sign. Anderson admitted that she had methamphetamine in the car. During the search of the car, officers found 222 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale for weighing narcotics, and $536.00.
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 Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the matter.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
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. 7:20-cr-00090-D.
Daniel A. Baker Indicted for Inciting Violence at the Florida Capitol BuildingRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – In a case arising from anticipated protests at the Florida Capitol last month, a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Daniel A. Baker, of Tallahassee, with two counts of transmitting a communication in interstate commerce containing a threat to kidnap or injure. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the indictment.
Baker was arrested by FBI agents on January 15 after he issued a “Call to Arms” for like-minded individuals to violently confront protestors gathered at the Florida Capitol in the wake of the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. He specifically called for others to join him in encircling any protestors and confining them at the state Capitol complex using firearms.
“At a time of widespread alarm and turmoil in our nation, and at state capitals in particular, Baker’s actions clearly posed a threat to public order,” U.S. Attorney Keefe said. “Though some media descriptions cast Baker in a sympathetic light, the indictment alleges that he sought to physically stop the expression of political views different than his own, potentially through armed violence. This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting public safety no matter where the threat comes from, and we are confident Baker’s actions will be properly dealt with through the judicial process.”
On January 25, United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank ordered Baker detained pending trial to assure the safety of the community. That order followed a combined preliminary and detention hearing that took place four days earlier.
"The FBI is laser focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals who are intent on inciting violence or engaging in criminal activity,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “We will not tolerate those who seek to wreak havoc in our communities. We are fully coordinating with law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens in North Florida, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Tallahassee Police Department have been especially vital in this effort. Help from the public is also critical and we encourage anyone with information regarding potential violence or criminal activity to contact law enforcement immediately.”
Baker’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 22, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. EST, at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee before Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick.
This indictment is the result of a collaborative investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Kunz and Lazaro Fields are prosecuting this case.
All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - U.S. v. Baker - Indictment Baker Indictment Media Advisory - Baker Arraignment InformationConvicted Sex Offender in Boone, N.C. Is Sentenced to 25 Years for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Joshua Wayne Clemons, 40, of Boone, North Carolina, to 25 years in prison on child pornography charges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Clemons was also ordered to pay a $52,000 special assessment fee, to serve a lifetime of supervised release, and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
According to information contained in filed documents and statements made in court, in October 2019, law enforcement determined that an individual later identified as Clemons was using a peer-2-peer network to download and transmit child pornography. In November 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Clemons’ residence and seized numerous computer devices and a cell phone. A forensic review of the seized devices revealed that they contained more than 755 images depicting the sexual abuse of children. On August 11, 2020, Clemons pleaded guilty to possession and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography. At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Bell enhanced Clemons’ sentence, based on Clemons’ prior convictions of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
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In a separate case, Frank Darrell Cromwell, 24, of Boone, N.C., has pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. According to plea documents and today’s plea hearing, between December 2018 and February 2019, Cromwell used Snapchat to convince a minor victim that Cromwell was a female, and to communicate with the minor. During the relevant time period, Cromwell admitted to inducing the minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct and to send explicit images and videos to Cromwell. The defendant entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler. At sentencing, Cromwell faces a minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Boone Police Department for their investigation of both cases, and thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of investigation for their invaluable assistance with Cromwell’s investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Wasserman and Mark Odulio prosecuted Clemons’ case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cortney Randall and Emily Wasserman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh are in charge of Cromwell’s prosecution.
Both cases were 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.
Columbus man and Wheeling woman admit to roles in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Milik I. Stanley, of Columbus, Ohio, and Susan Manuel, of Wheeling, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Stanley, also known as “Taco,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Stanley admitted to selling methamphetamine near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in January 2020.
Manuel, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Manuel admitted to working with another to distribute meth near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in January 2020.
Stanley faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Manuel faces at least five and up to 80 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
California Passenger Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Marijuana into St. Thomas through the Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Christopher Vera was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release for attempting to smuggle marijuana into St. Thomas.
According to public documents filed in the case, Vera was stopped on October 13, 2020 at the Cyril E. King airport after arriving on St. Thomas from Miami, FL. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers then searched his luggage and found 18 separate baggies containing in total over 8 kilograms of marijuana. Vera admitted to officers that he had been offered approximately $1,500 to transport the marijuana, which he was supposed to deliver to another individual once he arrived on St. Thomas.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and CBP. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks
Brunswick County Man Sentenced for Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Shallotte man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.
According to court documents, Deontray Tremell Bryant, a/k/a “Certified,” 32, pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin on July 5, 2018.
In March 2016, investigators with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received complaints that Deontray Bryant was selling heroin from a residence in Supply, North Carolina.
On March 19, 2016, officers saw a male walk up to Bryant and conduct a hand-to-hand transaction. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and found bindles of suspected heroin in the vehicle.
On March 22, 2016, a confidential informant (CI) conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Bryant.
On March 23, 2016, a search warrant was executed at Bryant’s residence. Agents seized 6.44 grams of cocaine and more than 150 bindles of heroin, each of which contained about .02 grams of heroin.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For additional information about this initiative, click here https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon 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. 7:17-CR-150-FL-1.
Bristol Man Charged with Attempting to Sex Traffic Minor, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that ROBERT MARLIN SELLERS, 60, of Bristol, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses related to his attempt to engage in commercial sex with a minor.
Sellers appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson via videoconference. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on February 4, 2021.
As alleged in court documents, law enforcement launched an investigation in late 2020 after receiving information that Sellers was sharing videos of child sex abuse on a website that is focused on incest. In November 2020, an undercover FBI employee began interacting with Sellers on the social media application Kik. In the chats, Sellers made statements that he had sexually abused children, and that he had trafficked a child to engage in commercial sex acts. He also said that he had recently traveled out of state to have sex with another 12-year-old girl. The undercover investigator told Sellers that he had a 12-year-old daughter (“Doe”). After Sellers introduced the idea that Doe could be trafficked for sex, and offered suggestions to the undercover investigator about how it could be accomplished, Sellers arranged to have sex with Doe in exchange for $200.
It is further alleged that, in January 2021, Sellers sent the undercover investigator videos of child sex abuse that Sellers maintained on a file sharing website.
On February 4, 2021, Sellers was arrested at a hotel in Southington shortly after he provided the undercover investigator $200, as alleged, to engage in sex with Doe.
The complaint charges Sellers with one count of attempted commercial sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force and the Southington Police Department. The task force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and the Naugatuck, East Windsor, New London and Southington Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Brighton Man Convicted by Jury of Child Pornography Charges Going to Federal Prison for 6 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard Dzionara-Norsen, 29, of Brighton, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of possession, receipt, and distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle P. Rossi and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was apprehended by members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force after sharing a child pornography video with an undercover investigator over a peer to peer file sharing network. Subsequent investigation determined that Dzionara-Norsen had been receiving and distributing child pornography for a number of years. The images of child pornography depicted children as young as infants and also included depictions of violence against children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Attorneys and Managers of Fraudulent Asylum Scheme Charged in Manhattan Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeny Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Patricia Menges, the New York Asylum Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), and Jason J. Molina, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing of two indictments charging nine individuals in two respective schemes to prepare and submit fraudulent asylum applications, affidavits and other documents to USCIS, and to coach asylum seekers to lie under oath during immigration proceedings.
ILONA DZHAMGAROVA and ARTHUR ARCADIAN, two immigration attorneys based in Brooklyn, New York, and their associate, IGOR REZNK, were charged in one indictment with conspiracy to commit asylum fraud (the “Dzhamgarova Indictment”). The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil. All three defendants were taken into custody today. DZHAMGAROVA and ARCADIAN are expected to be presented in the Southern District of Florida. REZNIK is expected to be presented in the District of Maryland.
In a separate indictment, YURY MOSHA, ULADZIMIR DANSKOI, JULIA GREENBERG, ALEKSEI KMIT, TYMUR SHCHERBYNA, and KATERYNA LYSYUCHENKO were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit asylum fraud. That case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Alison J. Nathan. Five defendants were taken into custody today. MOSHA and DANSKOI are expected to be presented in the Southern District of New York today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker. GREENBERG and KMIT are expected to be presented in the Districts of Colorado and Idaho, respectively. LYSYUCHENKO was arrested in Milan, Italy, and is pending extradition.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Fear of violence and persecution, be it on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation, is a daily reality for too many across the world. To exploit and profit from the fears of the victims of persecution is cynical; to do so through lies and for money is fraud. As alleged, these defendants engaged in a scheme to deceive asylum officers of the United States through carefully scripted lies, trading on deeply held concerns for actual victims of persecution in an effort to obtain money and illegal immigration documents. Asylum fraud was not merely a means of lining these defendants’ pockets. It is a burden on the asylum system and a hindrance to those legitimately in need of our country’s protection.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The elaborate deceptions allegedly created by the groups of attorneys and managers in this investigation are astounding. As we allege, they told their clients to lie on asylum applications and under oath about being persecuted in their home countries, and they even created ghost-written blogs to bolster those false claims. As these defendants will learn, engaging in this kind of conduct has grave consequences. Creating false narratives to conceal the identities of people seeking asylum in the United States threatens our national security, and we will continue to address it accordingly."
USCIS New York Asylum Director Patricia Menges said: “USCIS is committed to finding and stopping those who want to cheat the immigration system, and preserving it for those who qualify for immigration benefits.”
Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI, Newark Jason J. Molina said: “Under the guise of fictitious stories of persecution to gain asylum, these individuals allegedly exploited their fellow Russians for financial gain. Their arrest should serve as a warning to others of his ilk that the cooperative efforts of law enforcement agencies will track and persecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the allegations in the Indictments[[1]]:
The charges in these two Indictment arise from an investigation into two New York City immigration firms, the “Dzhamgarova Firm” and “Russian America,” which helped their respective clients – primarily aliens from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States – seek visas, asylum, citizenship, and other forms of legal status in the United States. Among other things, both firms advised certain of their clients in the manner in which they were most likely to obtain asylum in this country, fully understanding that those clients did not legitimately qualify for asylum. The firms also prepared and submitted to USCIS clients’ fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications, asylum affidavits – statements of an asylum applicant’s personal history and claimed basis for asylum, often including allegations of past persecution – and related supporting documentation. Members and associates of each firm also coached certain clients to lie under oath during interviews conducted by USCIS Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to their clients during various immigration proceedings.
The Dzhamgarova Indictment
Between November 2018 and December 2021, ILONA DZHAMGAROVA, an immigration attorney, maintained the Dzhamgarova Firm, based in Brooklyn, New York. Among other things, DZHAMGAROVA advised clients to seek asylum by falsely claiming that they were members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (“LGBTQ”) community who suffered persecution in their native countries, when DZHAMGAROVA fully understood that these clients were not members of that community and suffered no such persecution. Additionally, DZHAMGAROVA and her husband, ARTHUR ARCADIAN, also an attorney, prepared and submitted clients’ fraudulent asylum applications and affidavits to USCIS, under penalty of perjury, fully understanding that these documents at times contained material falsehoods. DZHAMGAROVA and REZNIK also coached certain clients to lie in asylum interviews conducted by USCIS asylum officers and represented clients during immigration proceedings.
The Dhzamgarova Firm also employed writers and bloggers, including IGOR REZNIK, who knowingly concocted and drafted clients’ fraudulent asylum affidavits so that they could be submitted as part of clients’ asylum applications. These affidavits, which were designed to support clients’ persecution claims, conveyed purported aspects of clients’ personal histories that were filled with falsehoods, including events and incidents of alleged persecution that were completely manufactured by REZNIK.
The Mosha Indictment
YURY MOSHA and ULADZIMIR DANSKOI operated and maintained Russian America’s Manhattan and Brooklyn offices, respectively. Each advised and aided clients to seek asylum under fraudulent pretenses. Among other things, MOSHA encouraged certain clients to establish and maintain online blogs that were critical of the clients’ home countries, as a way to generate a claim that, based on the clients’ invented political opinions, it was unsafe for them to return to their native countries. MOSHA did so understanding that the clients’ decision to blog was prompted not by their own idea or initiative, but by MOSHA’s instruction, and that the clients’ motive for blogging was to contrive a basis for asylum, rather than to publicly express a sincerely held opinion. MOSHA also understood that, in some instances, these clients lacked the desire, topical knowledge, journalistic ability, and/or technical expertise to write blogposts and maintain these blogs. In those instances, MOSHA connected some Russian America clients with TYMUR SHCHERBYNA, a Ukraine-based purported journalist, with the understanding that, in exchange for a fee, SHCHERBYNA would and did maintain and ghost-write the clients’ blogs. MOSHA also personally prepared and submitted clients’ asylum applications and related paperwork under penalty of perjury, knowing that these documents contained material falsehoods. ALEKSEI KMIT, who worked directly under MOSHA in Russian America’s Manhattan Office, and who understood that certain clients were seeking asylum under fraudulent pretenses, served as a liaison between these clients and Russian America employees and at times advised these clients regarding their fraudulent applications.
DANSKOI performed similar functions as MOSHA, but in Russian America’s Brooklyn Office. For example, DANSKOI advised one Russian America client, a confidential FBI source (the “Source”), to seek asylum on the fraudulent basis that the client was persecuted in Ukraine for being a gay male, when in fact DANSKOI fully understood that the Source was a heterosexual male who suffered no such persecution. DANSKOI also advised the Source on how to most effectively advance this fraudulent claim.
Both MOSHA and DANSKOI referred certain clients to KATERYNA LYSYUCHENKO – an Italy-based associate, who helped certain Russian America clients draft fraudulent Asylum Affidavits by, among other things, sending them template Asylum Affidavits to model off of, and advising clients about what information to include in their affidavits, understanding these documents to be fraudulent – and JULIA GREENBERG, a New York immigration attorney, who coached clients to lie to Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to such clients during immigration proceedings. For example, GREENBERG, understanding that the Source was a heterosexual male who did not suffer persecution in his home country, prepared the Source for questioning by an Asylum Officer and advised the Source how to falsely answer certain anticipated questions from the Asylum Officer.
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DZHAMGAROVA, 44, and ARCADIAN, 42, both of Brooklyn, NY; and REZNIK, 39, of New York, NY, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
MOSHA, 45, DANSKOI, 54, and GREENBERG, 41, each of Staten Island, New York; KMIT, 30, of Boise, Idaho; SHCHERBYNA, 35, of Ukraine, and LYSYUCHENKO, 39, of Italy, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit asylum fraud.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, USCIS New York Asylum Office and Fraud Detection and National Security unit, and thanked United States Customs and Border Protection and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Rebold is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Gun Violence on School GroundsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Laquinton Tyrone Dashawn Robbins, 28, has been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for possession of firearm in an Anchorage school zone. Robbins pled guilty to the offense in February 2020.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2018, Robbins possessed and discharged a gun on school grounds. Robbins shot another male in the parking lot of Denali Montessori Elementary School, during a time where children were still being dropped off for the school day. The altercation began when Robbins dropped off his girlfriend’s daughter at the school and was confronted by the victim. Their argument ended when Robbins pulled a Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun from his backpack and shot the victim in the neck at point blank range. The shooting occurred during school hours, causing the school to go into lockdown. The victim has recovered from his life-threatening injuries.
Robbins was sentenced to 40 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, Judge Beistline remarked that this sentence needs to send the message that “We are not going to tolerate bringing guns into school zones.” Additionally, charges of Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Assault in the First Degree remain pending in State of Alaska Superior Court.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution in this case. This case was charged in partnership with the Anchorage Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, which, since 2007, has assigned a prosecutor to work as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) on violent crime cases in Anchorage. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers, the former SAUSA.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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 visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
17 February 2021
Wilmington Man Receives 13 Years in Federal Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Miguel Angel Ramos, age 31, from Wilmington, NC was sentenced today in Federal District Court in Raleigh, NC. Ramos was sentenced to a total of 156 months in prison for the distribution of a quantity of fentanyl on July 25, 2019 in Wilmington, NC.
According to Court documents and information presented at today’s hearing, in July 2019, agents with the Wilmington Safe Street Task Force (WSSTF) conducted two controlled purchases of suspected heroin from Ramos. On July 17, 2019, under the supervision of agents with WSSTF, a confidential source (CI) purchased heroin from Ramos. The CI contacted Ramos and arranged a meeting with Ramos to purchase heroin at a gas station in the Greenfield Lake area of Wilmington. The CI met Ramos and purchased 50 bags of suspected heroin for $300.00. On July 25, 2019, law enforcement conducted a second controlled purchase of suspected heroin from Ramos. The CI met Ramos at a convenience store on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. The CI purchased 98 bags of suspected heroin for $500.00. In each instance, the suspected heroin tested positive as fentanyl after being sent to the lab for analysis. Ramos has prior state convictions for the possession of narcotics with the intent to sell or deliver and a prior state conviction for trafficking in opium or heroin.
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 Wilmington Safe Streets Task Force, Wilmington Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation and the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
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. 7:20-cr-00012-D.
West Texas Kidnapper Pleads Guilty to Abducting 9-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
A west Texas man pleaded guilty today to abducting a 9-year-old girl from a birthday party, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Damien Dre Gonzales, 27, of Levelland, Texas pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to one count of kidnapping before Magistrate Judge D. Gordon Bryant, Jr.
“No child should ever have to endure the terror of being abducted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “I am thankful for the rapid response of law enforcement to rescue this child and ensure that this defendant will never again victimize children.”
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined to keep the children in our communities safe from danger,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “We will continue working together to hold child predators accountable for their crimes.”
According to plea papers, Mr. Gonzales admitted to abducting a 9-year old girl at a birthday party in Levelland, Texas to engage in illicit sexual intercourse.
During the birthday party in August, a woman began choking and most of the attendees went to assist with her sudden health emergency. While the minor’s father was attending to the woman, Mr. Gonzales lured the 9-year-old away by asking for help carrying alcohol to his vehicle. Mr. Gonzales encouraged the girl to get inside the vehicle and then he drove away.
The girl’s disappearance set off a frantic search by her family and those at the birthday party. They notified law enforcement and replayed home surveillance footage that showed the 9-year-old leaving with Mr. Gonzales.
About that same time, the Levelland Police Department received a report of a vehicle parked in the middle of the street several miles from the location of the birthday party. Mr. Gonzales hit a residential mailbox and stopped in the road. While in the car, Mr. Gonzales sexually assaulted the girl by removing her clothes and touching her.
When law enforcement arrived on the scene to investigate the parked car, they discovered the girl inside. Officers noticed that Mr. Gonzales’ jeans were unzipped, and his belt was unbuckled. Inside Mr. Gonzales’ car was an open box of condoms sitting in the passenger seat and one condom was missing from the box.
Mr. Gonzales faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in federal prison and up to life behind bars.
The victim was immediately reunited with her parents and provided psychological and medical support.
The FBI Lubbock Resident Agency, Levelland Police Department, and Hockley County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case.
Warren County Man Admits Role in Scheme to Deceive Bank and Bank RegulatorsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Warren County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a scheme to defraud a bank and bank regulators, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Gary Ketchum, 73, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiring to make false entries to deceive First State Bank and to deceive the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FSB’s regulators.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
A three-phase scheme took place from 2009 to 2010. The first phase was to fraudulently infuse $7 million of capital into First State Bank (FSB). In the second phase of the scheme, conspirators caused FSB to make millions of dollars in loans based on material misrepresentations to cover up the fraudulent nature of the capital infusion and to end inquiries from FSB’s auditors. The final phase involved lying to the FDIC and FSB, among others, about the fraudulent capital infusion and loans.
In May 2017, a conspirator, Donna Conroy, pleaded guilty to her role and is awaiting sentencing. In October 2018, Ketchum, along with conspirators Joseph Natale, former CEO of FSB, formerly of Cranford, New Jersey, and Albert Gasparro were charged by indictment with conspiracy to deceive the FDIC and FSB, deceiving those two entities, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud. Natale is scheduled stand trial before Judge McNulty beginning on Nov. 1, 2021. The charges against Gasparro remain pending.
The conspiracy count to which Ketchum pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense or twice the gross loss sustained by any victim. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FDIC – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca; special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; and inspectors of the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), under the direction of Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Ari B. Fontecchio of the Economic Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey.
The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Virginia man indicted on sex offender chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eddie Reese Cason, of Buckingham, Virginia, was indicted today on a sex offender charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cason, 37, was indicted today on one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Cason, a person required to register as a sex offender, is accused of failing to update his sex offender registration from October 2020 to January 2021 in Randolph County after traveling from Virginia to West Virginia.
Cason is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona January 2021 Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
177 individuals were charged in January with illegal reentry
A. 135 of those 177 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.
Of the 135 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:
1. 27 had violent crime convictions, including:
0 individuals had homicide convictions
11 individuals had sex offense convictions
14 individuals had domestic violence convictions2. 11 had property crime convictions
3. 24 had DUI convictions
4. 69 had drug crime convictions
B. 96 of those 177 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
31 individuals were charged in January with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
0 individuals were charged in January with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information is based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in March 2020 of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-008_January Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Navy Concrete Contractor in Djibouti Admits Fraudulent Conduct and Will Pay More than $12.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Mark W. Pletcher (619) 546-9714 and Andrew J. Galvin (619) 546-9721
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 17, 2021
SAN DIEGO – Colas Djibouti, a contractor for the Department of the Navy at Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield, and the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti, admitted today that it faked testing results and submitted a series of false documents and false claims to the United States as part of a scheme to defraud the United States in the sale of substandard concrete used to construct U.S. Navy airfields in Djibouti.
Colas Djibouti, a French limited liability company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Colas SA, a French civil engineering company. According to documents filed in court, as part of its contracts with the Department of the Navy, Colas Djibouti was required to certify that it supplied concrete with specific composition and characteristics. Notwithstanding these obligations, Colas Djibouti created fictitious testing results, made fraudulent representations regarding the concrete’s composition and characteristics, and knowingly provided concrete to the United States that did not comply with the specifications.
In one particularly egregious example, in response to a request for an analysis of the water used in the concrete mix, Colas Djibouti provided an analysis for a store-bought bottle of drinking water. As a result of this criminal conduct, Colas Djibouti ultimately supplied substandard concrete to the Department of Navy in Djibouti that could promote early cracking, surface defects, and corrosion of embedded steel, and thus significantly impair the concrete’s long-term durability.
In accordance with its agreement with the United States, Colas Djibouti will forfeit $8 million, pay another $2,042,002 to the Department of Navy in restitution, and pay a monetary penalty of $2.5 million.
“Wherever our Navy goes, we go,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer in the Southern District of California. “We will continue to unwaveringly protect our American warfighters from fraud, graft and corruption as they protect us from enemies foreign and domestic.”
The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. U.S. Attorney Brewer specifically commended the many agents and auditors who worked on this case in Djibouti and the United States, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Pletcher and Andrew Galvin, for their dedication and perseverance in the face of challenging circumstances.
“Our Sailors and Marines depend upon high quality products and services from our Department of the Navy contractors in order to meet the Department’s world-wide mission,” said acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Harker. “This outcome demonstrates that the Department of the Navy will continue to insist that our contractors must meet our high standards. This global settlement demonstrates the strong cooperation between the Department of the Navy and the Department of Justice in preventing fraud, no matter where in the world it happens.”
The criminal case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Africa Strike Force, an initiative by the Major Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego, in conjunction with its law enforcement partners from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, among others. As the Department of Defense provides military and humanitarian aid throughout Africa to combat the rise of violent extremism from the likes of Boko Haram, Al Shabab and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Africa Strike Force was formed to serve an unmet need in protecting American interests from fraud and corruption. Africa Strike Force also recently announced charges against Micheline Pollock, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor who was indicted for defrauding the United States on military and humanitarian construction contracts throughout Africa.
Today’s criminal resolution, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, was accompanied by the announcement by the Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch of a simultaneous resolution of allegations of civil wrongdoing, under which Colas Djibouti will pay an additional $1,857,998.00.
“Government contractors that supply substandard materials to our armed forces not only cheat the American taxpayers but also impose added costs and burdens on the military,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensure that those who do business with the government comply with their contractual obligations.”
“Aircraft taxiways are essential to military operations, and therefore require concrete that conforms to the high standards and specifications of the Department of Defense,” said Stanley A. Newell, Special Agent-in-Charge for the DCIS Transnational Operations Field Office. “The DCIS along with our investigative partners will vigorously root out illegal conduct like this that threatens U.S. military readiness and harms the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement system.”
"Protecting Navy interests is a top priority of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Anyone considering defrauding the Navy and U.S. taxpayers should know NCIS will aggressively pursue all such allegations, in concert with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice," said Todd Battaglia, Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Europe and Africa Field Office.
DEFENDANT Corporate Location Case Number
Colas Djibouti Djibouti, Djibouti 21CR0280-WQH
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1343
Maximum Penalty: Twice the pecuniary gain or twice the pecuniary loss, whichever is greater
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Defense Contract Audit Agency
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Lincoln Park, Michigan Man for Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Larry Ownes III, age 25 of Lincoln Park, MI, for two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl over 400 grams.
An indictment unsealed yesterday alleges Owens was arrested by MHA Drug Enforcement on June 10, 2020, while transporting hundreds of suspected fentanyl pills. After posting bond, Owens was again arrested on September 15, 2020, by the Ward County Narcotics Task Force. Owens was found in an apartment in Minot with over 5000 pressed fentanyl pills, numerous cellular phones and a large amount of cash.
"The fentanyl pills seized in this latest arrest have a street value of around $400,000, money that we have now extracted from the poison-pushers who grievously damage our communities," said US Attorney Drew Wrigley, "and we remain in hot pursuit of others."
Grand jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Ward County Narcotics Task Force, MHA Drug Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy A. Ensrud assigned to the case.
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U.S. Attorney John H. Durham Congratulates 3 AUSAs Nominated to be Connecticut Superior Court JudgesRead the Press Release
“I heartily congratulate Michael Gustafson, Gordon Hall and Ndidi Moses on being nominated by Governor Lamont for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. These nominations speak to the hard work, superior legal skills and professionalism that these colleagues have displayed over their entire legal careers, and especially during their time as Assistant United States Attorneys. While the departures of Mike, Gordy and Ndidi will create a big hole in our office’s operations, and their wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed, their elevation to the bench greatly benefits the people of Connecticut and the Rule of Law.”
Two Mexican Citizens Sentenced for Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 3, 2021, Juan Sanchez, 24, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Emanuel Trejo, 22, also of Mexico, Sanchez’s co-defendant, was sentenced on November 12, 2020 by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan.
As part of their plea agreements, Juan Sanchez and Emmanuel Trejo agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging them with three counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and three counts of brandishing and discharging a firearm in relation to those robberies. Juan Sanchez was sentenced to 288 months in prison. Emmanuel Trejo was sentenced to 192 months in prison. Both Sanchez and Trejo are subject to deportation following their terms of incarceration.
The federal Hobbs Act Robbery statute encompasses robberies of businesses or people engaged in interstate commerce. Sanchez and Trejo committed three armed robberies of three businesses in Knox, Loudon and Blount Counties in 2019.
One of those robberies was of the La Lupita store in Maryville, Tennessee. During that robbery, Sanchez fired multiple shots from his firearm. Fortunately, no one was injured.
“The lengthy sentence in this case strongly reflects the continued positive impact our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships have on stopping and prosecuting armed robberies within our communities. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who commit armed robbery,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
This robbery had a major impact on the family who owns La Lupita as well as the customers who shop there, "Sheriff James Lee Berrong said. "Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Trejo committed a violent crime against citizen of our community, and our investigators took that to heart and worked extremely hard to solve this case. We are grateful to the FBI for taking the case to the federal level, equating to stiffer penalties. We are also proud of our working relationships with law enforcement agencies at all levels of government, and thankful our partnership worked so well in this case."
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Blount Count Sherriff’s Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. This investigation was led by FBI Special Agent Wesley Latham.
Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia F. Davidson represented the United States.
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Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation Man sentenced to 30 years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor ChildRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that U.S. District Court Chief Judge Peter D. Welte has sentenced Roger Ricky Counts, age 52 of Dunseith, ND, to 30 years in federal prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, 18 USC 2241(c). Judge Welte also sentenced Counts to lifetime supervised release and $100 in special assessment fees.
In July 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating Roger Counts for the sexual abuse of minors after an eight year old child disclosed that Counts had sexually abused the child. Counts was serving as foster parent for the victim at the time the abuse occurred, and had served as a foster parent for other children in the Turtle Mountain community. A jury found Counts guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a child on February 14, 2020.
"The defendant’s horrifying conduct was magnified by his abuse of the trust placed in him as a foster parent," said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley, "and the child victim was courageous to come forward and share the truth about these crimes so that justice could be served."
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Greenley.
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Three North Korean Military Hackers Indicted in Wide-Ranging Scheme to Commit Cyberattacks and Financial Crimes Across the GlobeRead the Press Release
Note: Audio and Transcript of the February 17, 2021 press call is available on our videos page.
A federal indictment unsealed today charges three North Korean computer programmers with participating in a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy to conduct a series of destructive cyberattacks, to steal and extort more than $1.3 billion of money and cryptocurrency from financial institutions and companies, to create and deploy multiple malicious cryptocurrency applications, and to develop and fraudulently market a blockchain platform.
A second case unsealed today revealed that a Canadian-American citizen has agreed to plead guilty in a money laundering scheme and admitted to being a high-level money launderer for multiple criminal schemes, including ATM “cash-out” operations and a cyber-enabled bank heist orchestrated by North Korean hackers.
“As laid out in today’s indictment, North Korea’s operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world’s leading bank robbers,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Department will continue to confront malicious nation state cyber activity with our unique tools and work with our fellow agencies and the family of norms abiding nations to do the same.”
“Today's unsealed indictment expands upon the FBI’s 2018 charges for the unprecedented cyberattacks conducted by the North Korean regime,” said the FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “The ongoing targeting, compromise, and cyber-enabled theft by North Korea from global victims was met with the outstanding, persistent investigative efforts of the FBI in close collaboration with U.S. and international partners. By arresting facilitators, seizing funds, and charging those responsible for the hacking conspiracy, the FBI continues to impose consequences and hold North Korea accountable for its criminal cyber activity."
“The scope of the criminal conduct by the North Korean hackers was extensive and long-running, and the range of crimes they have committed is staggering,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison for the Central District of California. “The conduct detailed in the indictment are the acts of a criminal nation-state that has stopped at nothing to extract revenge and obtain money to prop up its regime.”
“This case is a particularly striking example of the growing alliance between officials within some national governments and highly sophisticated cyber-criminals,” said U.S. Secret Service Assistant Director Michael R. D’Ambrosio. “The individuals indicted today committed a truly unprecedented range of financial and cyber-crimes: from ransomware attacks and phishing campaigns, to digital bank heists and sophisticated money laundering operations. With victims strewn across the globe, this case shows yet again that the challenge of cybercrime is, and will continue to be, a struggle that can only be won through partnerships, perseverance, and a relentless focus on holding criminals accountable.”
The hacking indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles alleges that Jon Chang Hyok (전창혁), 31; Kim Il (김일), 27; and Park Jin Hyok (박진혁), 36, were members of units of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), a military intelligence agency of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which engaged in criminal hacking. These North Korean military hacking units are known by multiple names in the cybersecurity community, including Lazarus Group and Advanced Persistent Threat 38 (APT38). Park was previously charged in a criminal complaint unsealed in September 2018.
The indictment alleges a broad array of criminal cyber activities undertaken by the conspiracy, in the United States and abroad, for revenge or financial gain. The schemes alleged include:
- Cyberattacks on the Entertainment Industry: The destructive cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment in November 2014 in retaliation for “The Interview,” a movie that depicted a fictional assassination of the DPRK’s leader; the December 2014 targeting of AMC Theatres, which was scheduled to show the film; and a 2015 intrusion into Mammoth Screen, which was producing a fictional series involving a British nuclear scientist taken prisoner in DPRK.
- Cyber-Enabled Heists from Banks: Attempts from 2015 through 2019 to steal more than $1.2 billion from banks in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Mexico, Malta, and Africa by hacking the banks’ computer networks and sending fraudulent Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) messages.
- Cyber-Enabled ATM Cash-Out Thefts: Thefts through ATM cash-out schemes – referred to by the U.S. government as “FASTCash” – including the October 2018 theft of $6.1 million from BankIslami Pakistan Limited (BankIslami).
- Ransomware and Cyber-Enabled Extortion: Creation of the destructive WannaCry 2.0 ransomware in May 2017, and the extortion and attempted extortion of victim companies from 2017 through 2020 involving the theft of sensitive data and deployment of other ransomware.
- Creation and Deployment of Malicious Cryptocurrency Applications: Development of multiple malicious cryptocurrency applications from March 2018 through at least September 2020 – including Celas Trade Pro, WorldBit-Bot, iCryptoFx, Union Crypto Trader, Kupay Wallet, CoinGo Trade, Dorusio, CryptoNeuro Trader, and Ants2Whale – which would provide the North Korean hackers a backdoor into the victims’ computers.
- Targeting of Cryptocurrency Companies and Theft of Cryptocurrency: Targeting of hundreds of cryptocurrency companies and the theft of tens of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency, including $75 million from a Slovenian cryptocurrency company in December 2017; $24.9 million from an Indonesian cryptocurrency company in September 2018; and $11.8 million from a financial services company in New York in August 2020 in which the hackers used the malicious CryptoNeuro Trader application as a backdoor.
- Spear-Phishing Campaigns: Multiple spear-phishing campaigns from March 2016 through February 2020 that targeted employees of United States cleared defense contractors, energy companies, aerospace companies, technology companies, the U.S.Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Marine Chain Token and Initial Coin Offering: Development and marketing in 2017 and 2018 of the Marine Chain Token to enable investors to purchase fractional ownership interests in marine shipping vessels, supported by a blockchain, which would allow the DPRK to secretly obtain funds from investors, control interests in marine shipping vessels, and evade U.S. sanctions.
According to the allegations contained in the hacking indictment, which was filed on Dec. 8, 2020, in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and unsealed today, the three defendants were members of units of the RGB who were at times stationed by the North Korean government in other countries, including China and Russia. While these defendants were part of RGB units that have been referred to by cybersecurity researchers as Lazarus Group and APT38, the indictment alleges that these groups engaged in a single conspiracy to cause damage, steal data and money, and otherwise further the strategic and financial interests of the DPRK government and its leader, Kim Jong Un.
Money Launderer Charged in California and Georgia
Federal prosecutors today also unsealed a charge against Ghaleb Alaumary, 37, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, for his role as a money launderer for the North Korean conspiracy, among other criminal schemes. Alaumary agreed to plead guilty to the charge, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2020. Alaumary was a prolific money launderer for hackers engaged in ATM cash-out schemes, cyber-enabled bank heists, business email compromise (BEC) schemes, and other online fraud schemes. Alaumary is also being prosecuted for his involvement in a separate BEC scheme by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
With respect to the North Korean co-conspirators’ activities, Alaumary organized teams of co-conspirators in the United States and Canada to launder millions of dollars obtained through ATM cash-out operations, including from BankIslami and a bank in India in 2018. Alaumary also conspired with Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, aka “Ray Hushpuppi,” and others to launder funds from a North Korean-perpetrated cyber-enabled heist from a Maltese bank in February 2019. Last summer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles charged Abbas in a separate case alleging that he conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from BEC frauds and other scams.
Accompanying Mitigation Efforts
Throughout the investigation, the FBI and the Justice Department provided specific information to victims about how they had been targeted or compromised, as well as information about the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the hackers with the goals of remediating any intrusion and preventing future intrusions. That direct sharing of information took place in the United States and in foreign countries, often with the assistance of foreign law enforcement partners. The FBI also collaborated with certain private cybersecurity companies by sharing and analyzing information about the intrusion TTPs used by the members of the conspiracy.
In addition to the criminal charges, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Treasury, today released a joint cybersecurity advisory and malware analysis reports (MARs) regarding North Korean cryptocurrency malware. The joint cybersecurity analysis and MARs highlight the cyber threat North Korea – which is referred to by the U.S. government as HIDDEN COBRA – poses to cryptocurrency and identify malware and indicators of compromise related to the “AppleJeus” family of malware (the name given by the cybersecurity community to a family of North Korean malicious cryptocurrency applications that includes Celas Trade Pro, WorldBit-Bot, Union Crypto Trader, Kupay Wallet, CoinGo Trade, Dorusio, CryptoNeuro Trader, and Ants2Whale). The joint cybersecurity advisory and MARs collectively provide the cybersecurity community and public with information about identifying North Korean malicious cryptocurrency applications, avoiding intrusions, and remedying infections.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI also obtained seizure warrants authorizing the FBI to seize cryptocurrency stolen by the North Korean hackers from a victim in the indictment – a financial services company in New York – held at two cryptocurrency exchanges. The seizures include sums of multiple cryptocurrencies totaling approximately $1.9 million, which will ultimately be returned to the victim.
Jon, Kim, and Park are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
In relation to the case filed in Los Angeles, Alaumary has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of Jon, Kim, and Park was led by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, which worked closely with the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office. The U.S. Secret Service’s Los Angeles Field Office and Global Investigative Operations Center provided substantial assistance. The FBI’s Cyber Division also provided substantial assistance.
The investigations of Alaumary were conducted by the U.S. Secret Service’s Savannah Field Office, FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, and the U.S. Secret Service’s Los Angeles Field Office and Global Investigative Operations Center. The FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division also provided substantial assistance.
The case against Jon, Kim, and Park is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anil J. Antony and Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antony and Shobaki are also prosecuting the case against Alaumary, in which the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antony and Shobaki, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Galatzan of the Asset Forfeiture Section, also obtained the seizure warrants for cryptocurrency stolen from the financial services company in New York.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance throughout these investigations, as did many of the FBI’s Legal Attachés, as well as foreign authorities around the world. Numerous victims cooperated and provided valuable assistance.
Thai Woman Extradited to U.S., Indicted for Role in International Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the extradition and indictment of SUMALEE INTARATHONG, 59, for her role in an international Thai sex trafficking organization. The 10-count superseding indictment charges INTARATHONG with conspiracy, human trafficking violations, and visa fraud. Thirty-six co-defendants have been charged and convicted for their roles in the conspiracy. On February 16, 2021, INTARATHONG made her initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright and was ordered to remain in detention pending further proceedings.
According to allegations in the superseding indictment and documents filed in court, the criminal organization compelled hundreds of women from Bangkok, Thailand, to engage in commercial sex acts in various cities across the United States. Before her arrest in Belgium on August 5, 2016, INTARATHONG served as a boss/trafficker for the organization. Each trafficked victim was “owned” by INTARATHONG or another boss/trafficker, until the victim could repay an exorbitant “bondage debt” of between $40,000 and $60,000. INTARATHONG and other co-conspirators arranged for victims to travel from Thailand to the United States and placed the victims in a house of prostitution somewhere in the United States.
According to allegations in the superseding indictment and documents filed in court, INTARATHONG and other co-conspirators in the organization engaged in widespread visa fraud to facilitate the international transportation of the victims. Members of the criminal organization assisted the victims in obtaining fraudulent visas and travel documents. As a part of obtaining visa documents, members of the criminal conspiracy gathered personal information from the victims, including the location of the victims’ families in Thailand. This information was later used to threaten victims who became non-compliant or tried to flee the organization in the United States.
According to allegations in the superseding indictment and documents filed in court, the organization dealt primarily in cash and engaged in rampant and sophisticated money laundering in order to promote and conceal illegal profits. Throughout the course of the conspiracy the criminal organization has moved tens of millions of dollars in illegal proceeds from the United States to Thailand and elsewhere.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, Diplomatic Security Service, St. Paul Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office, with the support of the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Belgium.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda Williams and Laura Provinzino are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
SUMALEE INTARATHONG, 59
Citizen of Thailand
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, 1 count
- Sex trafficking by use of force, fraud, and coercion, 1 count
- Conspiracy to commit forced labor, 1 count
- Conspiracy to commit transportation to engage in prostitution, 1 count
- Transportation to engage in prostitution, 1 count
- Conspiracy to engage in money laundering, 1 count
- Conspiracy to use a communication facility to promote prostitution, 1 count
- Conspiracy to commit visa fraud, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Statement from U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling on Release of John ConnollyRead the Press Release
“It is not unusual for an inmate who is terminally ill and deemed no longer a threat to society to be released to home confinement. While the damage caused by John Connolly’s corrupt relationship with James Bulger and others can never be forgiven, and Connolly has been shown compassion and consideration that his victims were not, we agree with the sentiments of Mary and Patrick Callahan that Connolly should be permitted to die at home with his friends and family.”
Spring Lake Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Spring Lake man was sentenced today to 160 months in prison for Distribution of Child Pornography.
According to court documents, agents with the Department of Homeland Security received a cyber tip regarding suspected child pornography that had been uploaded to Kik, a social media messaging app, from the address at which Donald Gregory Hoggard, 40, lived. A search warrant was executed at the residence on October 8, 2019. Hoggard was present and admitted that he had an account with Kik. Hoggard admitted to posting and trading child pornography images on that social media app and admitted to having a Dropbox account which contained child sexual exploitation images and videos. A forensic analysis was performed on Hoggard’s digital devices and Dropbox account. Hoggard had hundreds of images and videos containing child pornography, some of which included the sexual abuse of infants or toddlers.
At the time of the execution of the search warrant, Hoggard was attending Fayetteville State University and was majoring in Education. He had been a substitute teacher in Cumberland County from 2016-2018.
“Every image, every depiction of child exploitation victimizes a vulnerable child. These are among the most despicable and base crimes we are tasked with prosecuting. But we take on these matters to protect these vulnerable victims and to bring these predators to justice,” said the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. “We are grateful for the sentence imposed by the Court today. And I would like to commend the dedicated law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local level who have partnered to achieve today’s results. We are all safer because of their commitment to this work.”
“This sentencing not only removes a serial predator from our community, it also sends a message to others engaged in this filth that we are serious about finding, arresting and prosecuting them,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina. “Thanks to some hard work and the great partnerships we have with our law enforcement and community partners, this community can rest easier knowing this monster is no longer free.”
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 Richard E. Myers II. Homeland Security Investigations, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Cary Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshals investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson, AUSA 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. 5:20-cr-00247-M-1.
Somerset County Man Charged with Possessing MethRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- A resident of Listie, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Terrell Robison Ickes, 31, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment presented to the court, from on or about June 23, 2020 to on or about July 3, 2020, Ickes knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Somerset County Detectives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Six Defendants Arrested in Multiple States for Laundering Proceeds from Fraud Schemes Targeting Victims Across the United States Perpetrated by Ghana-Based Criminal EnterpriseRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced the arrests of FAROUK APPIEDU, FRED ASANTE, CELVIN FREEMAN, LORD ANING, SADICK EDUSEI KISSI, and FAISAL ALI, a/k/a “Clarence Graveley,” for charges in connection with their roles in a fraud and money laundering conspiracy based in the Republic of Ghana (“Ghana”) involving the theft of tens of millions of dollars. FREEMAN and ALI were arrested earlier today in New Jersey and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today. ASANTE and ANING were arrested earlier today in Virginia and will be presented in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, Virginia. APPIEDU was previously arrested in Queens, New York on October 18, 2020. KISSI was previously arrested in Fargo, North Dakota on February 5, 2020.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “The fraud schemes alleged that these defendants facilitated were lucrative, diverse, and most of all, callous. As alleged, they engaged in email spoofing, duping elderly online daters into wiring them money, and applying for government-funded Coronavirus relief funds earmarked for the benefit of small businesses affected by the pandemic. Thanks to the determination of the IRS and FBI, these defendants face serious prison time, and their next online profiles could potentially appear in a place where they’ll be unable to catfish anymore – the website for the Bureau of Prisons.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The scams we allege in this investigation include romance scams targeting the elderly, business e-mail compromise scams, and even fraudulent COVID-19 relief loans. In many of these and similar fraud cases, victims are reluctant to come forward because they fear embarrassment or reputational damage. Some may even believe the perpetrators are beyond our reach because they often live abroad. These arrests and indictments should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are here to help you and bring these bands of criminals to justice.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “The arrests of the alleged ringleaders of this more than $50 million scheme today dealt a death blow to the vast criminal activity in which the defendants were engaged, including elderly scams, COVID-19 fraud, money laundering, among others. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to aggressively pursue those who profit from illegal activity and ensure they are brought to justice.”
According to allegations in the indictments filed against APPIEDU, ASANTE, FREEMAN, ANING, and KISSI, a criminal complaint filed against ALI, and other court documents[1]:
From at least in or about 2013 through at least in or about 2020, the defendants were members of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in Ghana that committed a series of business email compromises and romance scams against individuals and businesses located across the United States, including in the Southern District of New York. The frauds perpetrated by the Enterprise have consisted of, among other frauds, business email compromises, romance scams, and fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. First, the objective of the Enterprise’s business email compromise fraud scheme was to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds into accounts controlled by the Enterprise through the use of email accounts that “spoofed” or impersonated employees of a victim company or third parties engaged in business with a victim company. Second, the Enterprise conducted the romance scams by using electronic messages sent via email, text messaging, or online dating websites that deluded victims, many of whom were vulnerable older men and women who lived alone, into believing the victim was in a romantic relationship with a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. Once members of the Enterprise had gained the trust of the victims using the fake identity, they used false pretenses to cause the victims to wire money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when in fact the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise. Finally, the Enterprise submitted fraudulent loan applications through a loan program of the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) Program. The Enterprise submitted fraudulent EIDL applications in the names of actual companies to the SBA and when an EIDL loan was approved, the funds were ultimately deposited in bank accounts controlled by members of the Enterprise, including certain of the defendants.
APPIEDU, ASANTE, FREEMAN, and ANING received fraud proceeds from victims of the Enterprise in dozens of business bank accounts that they controlled in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. The business bank accounts were opened in the names of companies formed by the defendants that were purportedly involved in, among other things, automobile sales, food imports and exports, and freight trucking and shipping. Once APPIEDU, ASANTE, FREEMAN, and ANING received fraud proceeds in bank accounts under their control, they withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the Enterprise abroad. The defendants primarily laundered the fraud proceeds through their businesses by using the proceeds to purchase automobiles, food products, and other goods from U.S.-based suppliers and distributors of such products and shipping those products to Ghana and elsewhere. The defendants’ transactions had the appearance of legitimate business transactions when, in fact, the products had been purchased using the proceeds of fraud schemes. This trade-based money laundering scheme was designed to obscure the origin of the fraud proceeds as well as the identity of the ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes.
Collectively, from in or about 2013 through at least in or about 2020, APPIEDU, ASANTE, FREEMAN, and ANING controlled more than 45 bank accounts that had deposits that totaled over approximately $55 million during that time period. A vast majority of the deposits consisted of large wire transfers and check or cash deposits from various U.S.-based individuals and entities that were victims of fraud schemes of the Enterprise, or payments for vehicles, food products, and other goods sold by the defendants that were purchased using fraud proceeds. As part of the investigation of APPIEDU, the Government has seized and is seeking the forfeiture of four luxury cars purchased, at least in part, with fraud proceeds, including two 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinans, a 2020 Bentley Continental GT, and one 2020 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG.
KISSI received fraud proceeds from victims of the Enterprise in bank accounts that he controlled that were located in the Bronx, New York and elsewhere. Once he received the fraud proceeds in bank accounts under his control, KISSI withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the Enterprise located in Ghana.
ALI received fraud proceeds from victims of the Enterprise into a series of at least thirteen bank accounts at six different banks, which ALI controlled in the Bronx, New York. ALI used the name and identity of another person to open several of these bank accounts in order to conceal the proceeds of the fraud scheme. Once ALI received the fraud proceeds in bank accounts under his control, he withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the Enterprise.
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FAROUK APPIEDU, 35, of the Bronx, New York, FRED ASANTE, 35, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, CELVIN FREEMAN, 47, of East Orange, New Jersey, and LORD ANING, 28, of Woodbridge, Virginia, were each charged in Indictment No. 21 Cr. 88 with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The case against APPIEDU, ASANTE, FREEMAN, and ANING is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
SADICK EDUSEI KISSI, 24, of Dickinson, North Dakota, was charged in Indictment No. 21 Cr. 64 with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The case against KISSI is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
FAISAL ALI, a/k/a “Clarence Graveley,” 34, of Orange, New Jersey, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of making false statements to a bank, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Ms. Strauss also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security investigations, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI Field Offices in Washington, D.C., Newark, New Jersey, Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Virginia State Police, the police departments of Fredericksburg, Arlington, and Prince William County, Virginia, and the Sheriff’s Office of Stafford County, Virginia for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sagar K. Ravi and Mitzi Steiner are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Complaint and Indictment and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
San Jose Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Hack That Shut Down Opening Day Concession Sales at San Jose Earthquakes StadiumRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE - Salvatore A. La Rosa pleaded guilty today in federal court in San Jose to intentional damage to a protected computer, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
La Rosa, 41, of San Jose, admitted in his guilty plea to intentionally accessing Spectra Food Services and Hospitality’s (Spectra) on-line concessions management account for the Earthquakes Stadium without permission on February 29, 2020. The Earthquakes Stadium is home to the San Jose Earthquakes, a Major League Soccer team, and their first home game of the 2020 season was February 29, 2020. Spectra, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the concessions contractor for the stadium, and employees used Spectra’s mobile tablets as their Point-of-Sale terminals to sell food and other concession items. The tablets displayed menus and payment selections from an online-based application developed for sports stadiums.
La Rosa admitted in his plea agreement that he was a former employee of Spectra and worked at the stadium from February 14, 2015, until his termination on January 6, 2020. He admitted that he thereafter logged into the administrative port for the Earthquakes Stadium from his residence and used a password, without authority, to access Spectra’s concession menu and payment selections. During his unauthorized access, he intentionally deleted Spectra’s concession menu and payment selections. This act caused all of the Point-of-Sale tablets used by Spectra’s staff to stop working. Spectra’s ability to accept credit cards was also disabled. During the soccer match on February 29, 2020, Spectra’s staff had to resort to handwriting orders and using calculators to complete cash transactions, with the resulting delay leading to lost sales and verbal abuse from customers. In some instances, Spectra had to provide free food and beverages to club members because of its inability to process credit card transactions.
On March 7, 2020, Spectra and the San Jose Earthquakes, in an attempt to regain the trust and business of customers, offered a fifty-percent discount on all concessions at that day’s game.
According to the charging document filed in the case, Spectra suffered a loss of over $268,000 in damages, consisting of lost revenue, concession discounts offered at the March 7 game, employee time to repair the damage to the data, and labor costs.
“Once a computer hack has been discovered, it is critically important for business leaders to report the intrusion promptly and to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “I want to thank Spectra and the San Jose Earthquakes for their good corporate citizenship. La Rosa’s conviction follows their prompt reporting and effective cooperation.”
“Insider threats can be incredibly damaging to companies, their data, and intellectual property even after an individual is no longer employed by the company,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair. “It is important that companies take the necessary steps to ensure that the security of their networks and operations remain intact and that they are only available to those with authorized access."
On October 27, 2020, La Rosa was charged by Information with one count of Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(5)(A) and (c)(4)(B)(i). Under the plea agreement, La Rosa pled guilty to the sole count of the Information. La Rosa remains out of custody on bond.
La Rosa’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 19, 2021, before United States District Judge Lucy H. Koh in San Jose. The maximum statutory penalty for each count in violation of Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(5)(A) and (c)(4)(B)(i), is ten years imprisonment and a fine of $25,000, plus restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Susan Knight is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of legal tech Elise Etter and paralegal Rebecca Shelton. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Robber and attempted murderer receives life sentenceRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Dravion Sanchez Ware, who shot a woman in the back at point-blank range as she trembled on the floor during one of his robberies, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for the robberies of nine Asian owned-and-operated businesses in Atlanta, Doraville, Duluth, Roswell, Stone Mountain, and Norcross between October and November 2017.
“Ware terrorized the victims of these robberies and nearly killed one woman,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “The complete disregard for the lives of his victims was shocking, and he received an appropriate sentence. We hope this provides some peace to the victims by ensuring that Ware will never again terrorize the communities of our district.”
This sentence is a statement that anyone who carries out such evil and inflicts such trauma on innocent citizens has no right to be in our communities,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The sentence will not erase the traumatic scars his crimes left behind, but hopefully his victims can rest easier knowing Ware will not traumatize them or anyone else for the rest of his life.”
“The GBI Crime Lab was instrumental in this case. Expert analysis and testimony helped lead to a successful prosecution. The GBI is committed to provide the highest quality forensic services in all cases. For over a month, these gang members targeted and terrorized the Asian business community. This sentence is evidence that this behavior will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia,” said Vic Reynolds, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“Ware and Smith are indicative of the criminals who terrorize our communities and make them unsafe. Each day we put on our uniforms and put our lives on the line to fight crime, investigate cases like these, and do what it takes to keep our communities safe. When the courts convict these perpetrators, we are all vindicated. This news empowers us to keep doing the work we were called to do.” Atlanta Interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant.
“Continued cooperation between multiple local, state and federal agencies produces results. Results that keep our communities and streets safe. People rarely see the many man hours that went into this investigation. Fortunately, they get to see the results,” said Chief Chuck Atkinson, Doraville Police Department.
“The successful outcome and sentencing of these cases is a testament of the importance of agencies working together. Unlike police departments, criminals are not bound by jurisdictional boundaries and these cases are proof that great things happen when agencies proactively share information, work together, and compare cases. The State of Georgia is now a safer place thanks to the cooperation between local, state, and federal partners that enabled the removal of these dangerous criminals from our communities. Although the victims of these crimes will forever be traumatized, we hope these sentences are the beginning of their journey to healing and recovery,” Chief Kenneth DeSimone, Sandy Springs Police Department.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Between October 7th and November 10, 2017, Ware and his fellow gunman, Tabyron Rashad Smith, targeted Asian-run businesses in Metro-Atlanta for armed robberies. Of the at least nine businesses they robbed, three were located in Atlanta, two in Doraville, and one each in Norcross, Duluth, Stone Mountain, and Roswell, Georgia.
During the robberies, Ware frequently pistol-whipped defenseless victims that did not resist him, sending at least one man to the hospital. Ware also shot three women, one of whom was kneeling on the floor face down at the time. Fortunately, all three women survived.
Smith and Ware were captured on November 21st and 22nd, 2017, respectively, after a multi-jurisdictional investigation.
- Dravion Sanchez Ware, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to serve five concurrent life terms in prison, plus six concurrent 20-year terms, as well as to pay restitution in the amount of $135,951.81. Ware was convicted by a jury on August 2, 2019, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies, five counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and five counts of discharging or brandishing a firearm during the robberies.
- Tabyron Rashad Smith, 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies and four counts of discharging or brandishing a firearm during several of the robberies. Judge Batten sentenced Smith to serve 27 years in prison, followed by three years on supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $135,951.81.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Doraville Police Department, the Fulton County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, the Roswell Police Department, and the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Lee prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
- Dravion Sanchez Ware, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to serve five concurrent life terms in prison, plus six concurrent 20-year terms, as well as to pay restitution in the amount of $135,951.81. Ware was convicted by a jury on August 2, 2019, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies, five counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and five counts of discharging or brandishing a firearm during the robberies.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Terrence Pasley, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 16, 2021, Pasley, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Ann Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Owner of Queens Carting Company Pleads Guilty to Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, George Kalergios, the owner of several companies that operated in the New York City area, including Zeus Waste Management Inc. (“Zeus Waste Management”), a carting business in Queens, pleaded guilty via videoconference before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a scheme to secure waste management contracts from a local college. When sentenced, Kalergios faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. In addition, Kalergios agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $110,955.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant’s bribery scheme deprived a local college of the honest services of its contractors and employees,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that those who engage in criminal corruption to enrich themselves at the expense of institutions in our communities will be held accountable.” Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and the FBI, Boston Field Office, for their assistance on the case.
“Instead of providing the best possible services to his clients with no strings attached, Kalergios participated in a quid-pro-quo arrangement that served to advance his selfish interests. Corrupt behavior has no place in the business of honest services, and today’s guilty plea highlights that basic truth,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
As set forth in public filings, in June 2018, Kalergios agreed to bribe the facilities director of a college located in New York City (“College”) to grant Zeus Waste Management the exclusive right to remove non-hazardous waste from the College’s campus. Specifically, Kalergios agreed to pay the facilities director 10 percent of any payments that the College made to Zeus Waste Management under any contracts directed to the company. In July 2018, the facilities director awarded a three-year contract to Zeus Waste Management that gave it the exclusive right to remove non-hazardous waste from the College’s campus. Between July 2018 and March 2019, pursuant to their agreement, Kalergios made multiple cash payments to the facilities director totaling approximately $11,095.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Polemeni and Special Assistant United States Attorney Virginia Nguyen are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
GEORGE KALERGIOS
Age: 57
Queens, N.Y.E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-34 (PKC)
Owner of North Carolina Sport Supplement Co. Sentenced to Prison TimeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va.- Brian Parks, the former owner of a North Carolina sports supplement company that introduced an unapproved drug into interstate commerce, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to 12 months and one day in federal prison, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar and Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Catherine A. Hermsen, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, announced today.
Parks, 47, of Apex, North Carolina, and MedFixRX, Inc, now known as MedFit Sarmacuticals Inc., a sport supplement company based in Cary, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of distributing unapproved new drugs with the intent to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers. In connection with his plea, Parks forfeited $250,000.
“When Parks marketed drugs masquerading as dietary supplements that had not been approved by the FDA, he sidestepped important safeguards to protect the public, and committed a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia. “Our office will continue to closely partner with FDA to ensure safety and effectiveness in our drug supply.”
“Sports supplements’ that are manufactured and distributed outside the FDA’s oversight and that contain unapproved and possibly toxic ingredients endanger the health of unsuspecting consumers,” said Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Catherine A. Hermsen, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. “Today’s actions represent our continued commitment to pursuing and bringing to justice those who mislead the public and intentionally attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA through the distribution of unapproved and potentially dangerous products.”
Parks admitted that from approximately June 2017 to September 2019 he and his company unlawfully distributed Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”) and other substances that the FDA has not approved, including Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), and Testolone (RAD-140). 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 MedFit products, including stating in a publicly available 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.
In pleading guilty, Parks also admitted that he intended to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers by omitting ingredients on MedFitRX product labels, falsely claiming MedFitRX was licensed and registered to sell these new drugs, importing raw drug ingredients with the intent to avoid regulatory scrutiny, and misrepresenting MedFitRX products as “dietary supplements” or “sports supplements” to create the impression that they were safe and legal to use.
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 prosecuted the case. This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
Newark Woman Admits Possessing Stolen MailRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey woman admitted to unlawfully possessing stolen mail in Hunterdon and Monmouth Counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Michele Dearaujo, 37, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to two counts of unlawfully possessing stolen mail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 14, 2020, a mailbox in Hunterdon County was tampered with in the early morning; the victim had been expecting replacement credit cards to be delivered by mail. The victim later learned the victim’s credit card had been fraudulently used to purchase merchandise worth hundreds of dollars. The merchandise was to be shipped to Dearaujo at her address.
The investigation revealed that Dearaujo had stolen mail from several residences in New Jersey. Dearaujo admitted that on Nov. 20, 2020, in Hunterdon County, and on January 25 2019, in Monmouth County, she unlawfully possessed mail which had been stolen, knowing that it had been stolen.
The counts of unlawful possession of stolen mail each carry a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Tewksbury Township Police Department, Rumson Police Department, Saddle River Police Department, Woodcliff Lake Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Readington Township Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit.
New York Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Darrell Lowers, 39, of New York, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Lowers previously pled guilty and admitted that on January 21, 2020, when officers with the Charleston Police Department were dispatched to a residence in response to a report of shots fired, he was detained inside the residence and .45 caliber Winchester ammunition was recovered from his truck. Lowers was on parole out of New York at the time he committed this offense. He has prior felony convictions for second degree burglary in 2013, third degree arson in 2011, and attempted second degree assault in 2007. These convictions all occurred in New York.
The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller 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. 2:20-cr-00118.
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Neenah Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 16, 2021, Jesse K. Bell (age: 32) of Neenah, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography.
In May of 2020, Bell was found with pornographic images of children under 12 years old on his cellular telephone. Bell subsequently pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(5)(b).
In pronouncing sentence, Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Bell’s crime, which victimized children. Judge Griesbach further highlighted the disturbing nature of the images, the need to deter Bell and others from engaging in similar behavior, and Bell’s previous criminal record. Following his release from prison, Bell will serve ten years on supervised release and will be required to register as a sexual offender under federal and state law.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Neenah Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
[email protected], (414) 297-1700
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Monroeville Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Shaquawn David Cole, age 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on December 11, 2020, Cole possessed a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense after having been convicted of a felony. The Indictment further alleges that on the same date, Cole possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, and of heroin and fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Used in Drive-By ShootingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing the firearm he used in a drive-by shooting.
Javier Guerrero-Garcia, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to eight years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On June 29, 2020, Guerrero-Garcia pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Guerrero-Garcia admitted that he fired a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun into a residence early in the morning of Nov. 19, 2017.
A Kansas City, Missouri, resident contacted police officers after Guerrero-Garcia fired multiple shots at her house at approximately 3:45 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2017. When the resident went outside she saw Guerrero-Garica’s red BMW driving away. Shortly thereafter, Guerrero-Garcia returned and fired more shots at her home and vehicles. Police officers arrived at the scene and learned that bullets had entered the home, and three vehicles had been struck by bullets.
About an hour later, Kansas City police officers conducted a traffic stop of the red BMW Guerrero-Garcia was driving. When he and two passengers got out of the vehicle, officers saw the Glock handgun as well as an extended magazine inside the vehicle. The handgun had been reported as stolen.
A forensic examination was performed on the .40-caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the shooting and the Glock handgun recovered from the vehicle. This examination confirmed the .40-caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the shooting were fired from the Glock handgun.
Guerrero-Garcia has a prior federal conviction in Kansas for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced in 2018 to 14 months in prison.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kate Butterfield. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Allen Lee Fullerton, age 51, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on November 19, 2020, to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Fullerton to an 8-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Fullerton coordinated several deliveries of methamphetamine in July through September of 2019. Fullerton’s conduct involved a total of approximately 290 grams of methamphetamine. Fullerton avoided direct participation in many of the deliveries by directing an associate to make them on his behalf.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington commends the law enforcement officers with the Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated this case. Their seamless partnership resulted in the successful outcome of this matter. The sentence imposed by the court removes a drug trafficker from our streets and sends a clear message to others who may choose to engage in such criminal activity.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Marshall County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Dale Bolen, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bolen, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in June 2020. Cochran, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in August 2019 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marshall County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John D. Freshwater, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Freshwater, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Freshwater, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol and 55 rounds of 9mm hollow point ammunition in January 2020 in Marshall County.
Freshwater faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Maple Grove Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Clients Out of More Than $2.2 MillionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of ISAIAH LESLIE GOODMAN, 33, to one count of mail fraud. GOODMAN entered his guilty plea earlier today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court. GOODMAN is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2021.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed with the court, GOODMAN was a registered investment advisor and broker who owned Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C. GOODMAN also owned and operated MoneyVerbs, a business that claimed to provide customers with financial guidance through an internet-based app. Through Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C., GOODMAN represented that he would provide his clients with financial planning and investment advice, including purporting to place his clients’ savings and retirement funds into financial accounts that GOODMAN claimed were safe, secure, and profitable.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed with the court, from at least 2017 through November 2020, GOODMAN defrauded at least 23 of his investor clients out of approximately $2,250,123. As part of his scheme to defraud, GOODMAN lied to prospective and existing clients about his use of their money, the security and profitability of the financial accounts he claimed to administer on their behalf, and the status and performance of their funds. During in-person sales pitches or through email messages and phone calls, GOODMAN provided clients with materially false and fraudulent information, including investment proposals and bogus online account information. GOODMAN also misrepresented to clients that their funds would be returned to them upon request, when, in fact, GOODMAN either kept all of the money or provided investors with refunded payments that were late, incomplete, or both, or that were refunds actually funded by other clients’ money.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed with the court, instead of placing his clients’ money into safe and secure investment accounts, GOODMAN deposited client funds into bank accounts he controlled. GOODMAN misappropriated his clients’ funds for his own use and benefit by, among other things, purchasing and remodeling his home in Maple Grove, using funds for the purchase and construction of a $1.69 million home in Plymouth, buying a 2019 Ford Expedition and a 2020 Ford Explorer, funneling approximately $700,000 toward his other business, MoneyVerbs, and paying for personal expenditures, including a hot tub, a cruise, fitness club memberships, jewelry, and credit card payments.
As part of the plea agreement, GOODMAN will forfeit to the United States his right, title, and interest in any property, which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to his mail fraud scheme, including real property in Maple Grove and Plymouth, Minnesota, vehicles, and his interest in his MoneyVerbs business.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ISAIAH LESLIE GOODMAN, 33
Maple Grove, Minn.
Convicted:
- Mail fraud, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Los Angeles Man Arrested, Charged with Defrauding Two Electronics BusinessesRead 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 Shola Yusuf Adediji a/k/a Michael Kopeck, 37, of Los Angeles, CA, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between May and August 2019, the defendant conspired with others to defraud two electronics businesses (Business 1 and Business 2), one in Amherst, NY, and one in Fort Meyers, Florida, to obtain high-end electronic merchandise. Adediji and others posed as potential customers of the businesses and submitted fraudulent purchase orders. During the course of the scheme, Business 1 and Business 2 shipped merchandise to Adediji and others at various locations in the United States. The defendant used the fictitious name “Michael Kopeck” to rent a storage unit for the fraudulently obtained merchandise, which included 10 televisions 82-inch televisions.
The defendant will be arraigned today at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.
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 fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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