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16 February 2021
Nigerian National Sentenced to Prison for $11 Million Global Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11 million in known losses to his victims.
“Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”
According to court documents, Obinwanne Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and elsewhere. From approximately 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds. The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.
As part of the scheme, Okeke and other conspirators engaged in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment. In April 2018, a Unatrac executive fell prey to a phishing email that allowed conspirators to capture login credentials. The conspirators sent fraudulent wire transfer requests and attached fake invoices. Okeke participated in the effort to victimize Unatrac through fraudulent wire transfers totaling nearly $11 million, which was transferred overseas. Additionally, Okeke engaged in other forms of cyberfraud, including sending phishing emails to capture email credentials, creating fraudulent web pages, and causing other losses to numerous victims.
“The FBI will not allow cyber criminals free reign in the digital world to prey on U.S. companies,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners at the Department of Justice and our foreign counterparts to locate cyber criminals across the globe and bring them to the United States to be held accountable.”
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Samuels prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-84.
New York Resident Arrested for Marijuana in Carry-On Bag, Upon Arrival at Cyril E. King Airport, St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that a criminal complaint has been filed against Christopher Dunn, resident of New York, NY, for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Dunn made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday, February 16th, on St. Thomas.
According to the affidavit in this case, on February 11, 2021, Christopher Dunn arrived at the Cyril E. King airport on an inbound flight from JFK Airport, New York, onboard Delta Airlines flight 635. While conducting an inbound inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered a green leafy material in the contents of Dunn’s carry-on luggage. After obtaining an oral declaration from Dunn, CBP Officers opened his carry-on bag and discovered a green leafy substance that field-tested positive for marijuana. The total weight of the three (3) vacuum sealed packages within the checked suitcase was approximately 1.03 kilograms.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Morris County Man Charged with Producing, Possessing and Mailing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey man who is employed by a New Jersey elementary school and helps run a youth soccer club has been charged in connection with production, possession and mailing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Steven Brooks, 34, of Morristown, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of production of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of mailing child pornography. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2021, law enforcement officers were notified about possible child pornography on an external hard drive belonging to Brooks. Law enforcement officers conducted a legally authorized search of Brooks’ external hard drive. The investigation revealed that Brooks used a fake online persona on a social media account to solicit nude photos and videos from teenage victims. A video file on Brooks’s external hard drive showed the fake online persona that Brooks created using a social media platform to communicate with a minor and to solicit the minor to send a video that depicted the minor masturbating. There were dozens of other images of child sexual abuse.
The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. The possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The mailing of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. Each charge also includes a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and members of the Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force of the Newark field office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., as well as special agents from the FBI’s San Francisco field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations against the defendants are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the United States in Paycheck Protection Program SchemeRead the Press Release
A Minnesota man who participated in a scheme to defraud the United States out of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds, and conspired to launder funds from over $1.2 million in illegally obtained loan funds, pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.
Donald Franklin Trosin, age 56, from Champlin, Minnesota, formerly of Armstrong, Iowa, was convicted of one count of major fraud against the United States and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provides emergency financial assistance, including PPP and EIDL loans, to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the plea hearing, Trosin admitted he participated in a scheme to defraud the United States out of PPP and EIDL loan funds after more than 20 applications were submitted to the Small Business Administration in the name of Trosin and another person. The applications falsely represented that Trosin had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all. Trosin also admitted that, after receiving the funds through banks in Minnesota and Northwest Iowa, he withdrew and wired proceeds from the scheme to other individuals in other states.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Trosin remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Trosin faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, over $5,000,000 in fines, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-4066.
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Methamphetamine Trafficker Received 97 Months in Federal Custody Following High Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Robert Baxter, 51, of Duplin County, was sentenced last week to 97 months imprisonment for: (1) Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Five Hundred (500) Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and Possession With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine.
The investigation revealed that on September 20, 2019, Duplin County Narcotics Detectives served a search warrant on Baxter’s residence on Black Swamp Road in Duplin County. Detectives found an ounce and half of 98% pure methamphetamine. On October 16, 2019, Duplin and Onslow County Detectives went to a residence, associated with Baxter, on Dunn Road in Sneads Ferry. Law enforcement searched the residence and found a quantity of methamphetamine and a digital scale. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Baxter had been involved in the distribution of more than one and a half kilograms of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of North Carolina between September 19, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The evidence showed that this methamphetamine was primarily from Georgia.
Baxter was arrested on federal charges on June 30, 2020. On a later date, Baxter failed to appear in federal court for his arraignment. On August 31, 2020, Onslow County deputies assisted the United States Marshals Service in apprehending Baxter. Law enforcement discovered that Baxter was in Onslow County and attempted to arrest Baxter. Baxter fled in the vehicle he was driving. During the pursuit, Baxter drove his car at speeds of 85 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone and 100 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. Baxter drove into oncoming traffic, failed to stop for several red lights and stop signs and drove through two school zones. Baxter finally got his car stuck in the mud and fled on foot. Baxter was ultimately arrested. The car Baxter was driving had been reported stolen.
The investigation was part of an OCDETF Operation. An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 OCDETF focuses on a Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization and associated Gang Activity that has been responsible for the distribution of large quantities of extremely pure methamphetamine throughout the United States.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. 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. 7:20-CR-74-M.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Queron Foreman, 27, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 10, 2020, a Manchester police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Foreman. After a brief interaction, the officer asked Foreman to step out of the car. A pat search of Foreman revealed over $41,000 in cash. The officer located a loaded pistol under the driver’s seat. Officers later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found a quantity of marijuana.
Under federal law, Foreman is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of previous felony convictions.
Foreman agreed to forfeit the cash, firearm, and ammunition to the United States.
Foreman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2021.
“In order to reduce violent crime, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “To protect public safety, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who possess firearms unlawfully. I am grateful to the Manchester Police for identifying and disarming this convicted felon.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Man Who Assaulted His Girlfriend Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who assaulted his girlfriend was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.
Marshall Kapayou, age 37, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 29, 2020 guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
In a plea agreement, Kapayou admitted that during the evening of May 16, 2020, the victim and he got into Kapayou’s car after they had been drinking alcohol. While in the car, Kapayou began arguing with the victim. The argument turned physical when he began to hit the victim with his fists. Kapayou hit the victim multiple times, primarily around her head. An individual nearby observed the assault and reported it to the police. When police responded, they observed the victim lying on her back, unconscious, in the car, bleeding from her injuries. There was blood in the car, as well as on Kapayou’s t-shirt and pants. Officers transported the victim to the hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries over the course of the next three days.
Kapayou was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kapayou was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $11,108.17 in restitution. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Kapayou is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-0051.
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Man Sentenced for Reporting a Hoax Bomb Threat to Delay Domestic Violence Court ProceedingRead the Press Release
A man who falsely reported that a bomb was to be detonated at the Tulsa County Court House was sentenced today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Randy Paul Shelby, 41, of Sand Springs, to 12 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for reporting false information about bombs in a courthouse.
“Randy Shelby didn’t want to face the consequences for his alleged acts of domestic abuse. So, he phoned in a bomb threat to stop the related court proceeding at the Tulsa County Courthouse. He then made a bad situation worse when he tried to frame another man as the potential bomber,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This series of incredibly bad and criminal choices landed Shelby in federal court where today he learned that he will spend the next 12 months in federal prison. I commend the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Raley, the Tulsa Police Department and the FBI in this matter.”
On the evening of July 7, 2020, an unidentified caller contacted the Tulsa Police Department’s non-emergency number at 11:12 pm stating that a member of the “Bandidos” motorcycle club had been making bombs. The caller further stated that he had been to the man’s house where he saw the bombs. He advised police that the man planned to detonate a bomb at the Tulsa County Courthouse on July 8, 2020, at 11 am. At his plea hearing in November, Shelby stated that he was the caller, knew the information he had provided to authorities was false, and understood it was wrong and illegal to make a hoax bomb threat.
According to court documents, Shelby also made a second anonymous call to the Tulsa Police Department’s non-emergency number at 12:59 am on July 8, 2020, stating that he had seen a person sitting in a white pickup showing others a PVC pipe with caps on both ends and what looked like a fuse. Shelby stated that it looked like a bomb and described the man in the pickup.
During the course of the investigation, officers discovered that Shelby had made the hoax calls and ascertained he did so to stop a proceeding related to a domestic violence protective order issued against the defendant. The victim was scheduled to appear at the courthouse the morning July 8, 2020.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley prosecuted the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Woman on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's ReservationRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A man was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison for strangling and suffocating a woman on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
Wakinyan Blindman, an indigenous person, 39, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of assault of an intimate partner by strangulation or suffocation within Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, on July 31, 2020, Blindman assaulted a woman on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Reservation, located 35 miles northeast of Reno. He hit her with a closed fist, strangled her, and suffocated her by shoving dirt and weeds into her mouth. As a result of the assault, the woman suffered serious bodily injury.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance by the Pyramid Lake Tribal Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website at https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
This case was brought as part of Project Veronica, an initiative that the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada launched in August 2020. Project Veronica brings together law enforcement agencies, tribes, victims of domestic violence, and local and state government within Nevada to curb domestic violence and sexual violence. Project Veronica is named in honor of a local victim of domestic violence named Veronica Caldwell. In 2015, Veronica lost her life at the hands of her husband, who also shot and killed Veronica’s daughter Yvonne and her daughter’s boyfriend.
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Man Pleads Guilty to $1.3 Million Fraud Schemes and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction using fraud proceeds, and receipt of child pornography.
“Gordon Miller’s extensive fraudulent scheme exacted a heavy financial and emotional toll on his victims,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “In addition, Miller undermined the federal procurement process, and even more appalling, he further victimized the vulnerable children depicted in hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse by inexcusably receiving those materials online and collecting them at his home.”
According to court documents, Gordon G. Miller III, 56, was the sole owner and operator of G3 Systems, Inc., a software engineering company, and G3i Ventures, LLC, purportedly a venture capital company. Starting around 2017, Miller began to engage in overlapping fraud schemes to prevent his companies from going out of business and to maintain his lifestyle in the absence of legitimate income.
One scheme involved the solicitation of contacts in an online question-and-answer forum, where Miller falsely represented himself as an entrepreneur with a significant net worth, multiple advanced degrees, and expertise investing in technology companies. Between 2017 and 2018, through various misrepresentations, Miller fraudulently obtained approximately $1 million from at least ten individuals through this scheme.
Another fraud entailed the diversion of a federal subcontract to G3 Systems, which he obtained using misrepresentations regarding his educational experience. Once he secured the subcontract, Miller submitted fraudulent timesheets and invoices to obtain more than $300,000 in payments from the prime contractor. Between 2018 and 2019, Miller took checks he received from the contractor to a check-cashing store in Richmond to convert the proceeds of the contract-fraud scheme to cash.
During the investigation of the above-described fraud schemes, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Miller’s residence. During the preliminary examination of devices seized from Miller’s home, agents discovered child sexual abuse material. After the execution of a search warrant targeting such material, agents discovered more than 700 images or videos constituting child pornography, including images or videos Miller obtained between August 2017 and September 2020.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14. For the wire fraud and unlawful monetary transaction offenses, he faces maximum penalties of 20 years and 10 years in prison, respectively. For the receipt of child pornography offense, he faces a five-year mandatory minimum and a maximum term of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher R. Derrickson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Lee Martin and Kevin Elliker are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-109.
Malheur County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— Carlos Alberto Berrios, Jr., 30, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine in and around Malheur County, Oregon, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2018, Berrios was riding in a vehicle when it was stopped for a traffic violation by a Malheur County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Berrios was seated in the vehicle with a backpack on the floor between his legs and a gun holster between his left leg and the vehicle’s center console. After determining that Berrios had an outstanding felony arrest warrant and the driver did not have a license or insurance, the deputy called for a tow truck and began impounding the vehicle. An Ontario Police Officer on scene identified Berrios as a suspect in a recent firearm theft. The deputy searched Berrios’ backpack and found a .45 caliber firearm and approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine.
On June 19, 2019, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Berrios. On January 23, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy Involving MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An MS-13 member pleaded guilty on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 in federal court in Boston and admitted to his participation in a 2018 murder in Lynn, Mass.
Eliseo Vaquerano Canas, a/k/a “Peligroso,” 21, a national of El Salvador, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. As part of his guilty plea, Vaquerano Canas admitted that his racketeering activity involved the July 30, 2018 murder of a 17-year-old boy in Lynn. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2021.
MS-13 is a transnational street gang operating in Massachusetts and numerous other states, as well as countries such as El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. MS-13 members follow certain core rules and principles, including that members attack and attempt to kill members of rival gangs, and members do not act as informants or cooperate with law enforcement.
MS-13 is organized in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the form of “cliques” or smaller groups that operate under the larger mantle of MS-13. Vaquerano Canas was a member of the Sykos Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13. Court documents showed that Vaquerano Canas had “homeboy” status in MS-13, which is generally achieved by committing a significant act of violence.
Vaquerano Canas was indicted in federal court in 2018 following an investigation into the murder of a teenage boy whose body was found in a Lynn park on Aug. 2, 2018. The injuries to the victim’s body indicated that the victim had been stabbed dozens of times. As part of his guilty plea, Vaquerano Canas admitted that on or about July 30, 2018, he participated in that murder while a member of the MS-13 gang.
Vaquerano Canas faces a sentence of up to life in prison. He will also be subject to deportation upon the completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory Long; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement.
The remaining defendants in this case are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Individual Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado sentenced José L. Correa-Adorno, a/k/a “Taco” to a term of 240 months (20 years) in prison, to be served consecutively with a 52-year sentence imposed in State Court for robberies he committed, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow.
In a span of three years, José L. Correa-Adorno, a/k/a “Taco,” participated in multiple robberies, aided and abetted by other individuals, and in the assault of a correctional officer. These events lead to the filing of two separate Indictments and an Information against him. The defendant plead guilty to the three accusations on August 28, 2020. The other four defendants are awaiting trial.
On or about August 10, 2015, Correa-Adorno, aided and abetted by others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, using force, violence and intimidation, stole a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer from a male victim.
Later that same day, August 10, 2015, Correa-Adorno, aided and abetted by others, entered the residence of three adult victims to commit a robbery. Inside the residence, Correa-Adorno and the other individuals, while carrying and brandishing five firearms, ransacked the residence, tied and tortured the victims, and stole their money and personal belongings.
During the robbery, the victims were burnt with hot oil and stabbed, causing them serious bodily injuries that required prolonged medical treatment. Correa-Adorno, aided and abetted by others, stole money from an ATM machine using one of the victim’s bankcard. He also stole a blue Nissan Frontier XE/SE that belonged to one of the victims.
On or about January 11, 2017, Correa Adorno assaulted an adult male Correctional Officer using a broomstick to beat his head, back, and upper body areas.
“These types of violent attacks on innocent victims are unconscionable; we hope this sentence gives them closure and serves as a warning to others that such attacks on civilians and law enforcement personnel will be aggressively prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We are very proud of the local, state and federal agents and investigators who worked diligently to bring the defendant to justice.”
Assistant United States Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora was in charge of the prosecution of the cases. The FBI was in charge of the investigation of the cases.
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Eight Charged in Identity Theft RingRead the Press Release
Eight individuals have been charged with running a complex identity theft ring, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
A federal grand jury indicted Samson Kidane Asres (47, of Dallas), Brandon Michael Bay (34, of Dallas), Stephen Robert Adams (59, of Dallas), Todd Stuart Breitling (57, of Dallas), Christopher William Feil (40, of Garland), William Ernest Hartshorn (43, of Richardson), Breanna Wellborn (38, of Garland), and Jeffrey Wilcox (46, of Dallas) on identity theft crimes in December. Thier court documents were unsealed today.
The lead defendant, Mr. Asres, was arrested in late January and faces one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, six counts of aid and abetting fraud in connection with identification documents, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Mr. Asres allegedly obtained or purchased personally identifying information and then gained access to credit report information of victims from credit agencies.
Using the victims’ personal information, Mr. Asres allegedly paid coconspirators an agreed sum of money to purchase cell phones and other high-end items. He would then sell the items and use the proceeds to continue to fund his unlawful scheme.
The purchasers were provided with a fraudulent Texas driver license which included the image of the coconspirator but the personal identifying information of an unknowing victim. Purchasers were also given false utility bills and other pertinent information from the victims’ credit report that would enable them to answer security questions on the credit check to qualify for large lines of credit at retail stores.
The coconspirators would allegedly then visit retail stores to purchase to cell phones, cell phone accessories, wireless speakers, watches, clothing, and other items. The coconspirators were able to use the false identification and victim’s identifying information to qualify for lines of credit and purchase items with a nominal down payment.
The conspiracy caused the loss of approximately $500,000.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Mr. Asres faces up to 47 years in federal prison. Codefendants each face sentences ranging from 5 to 45 years.
This case was investigated by the Euless PD and the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Department Of Public Safety CID, United States Secret Service, Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, Rowlett PD, North Richland Hills PD, Carrollton PD, Richardson PD, Coppell PD, Plano PD, Allen PD, Frisco PD, The Colony PD, Sherman PD, Dallas PD, Fort Worth PD, Hurst PD, Colleyville PD, Terrell PD, Burleson PD, Little Elm PD, Johnson County Sherriff’ Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Attorney General’s Office Fugitive Unit. A special thanks to industry partners including Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Kohl’s, 7-11, Neiman Marcus, Ulta, Zale’s, and UHaul.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Dana and Kenneth Coffin are prosecuting the case.
Dubuque Woman to Spend 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A woman who created sexually explicit images of two children was sentenced on February 12, 2021, to 30 years in federal prison
Gina Christa Urbain, age 37, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 18, 2020 guilty plea to sexually exploiting children and possessing child pornography.
At the guilty plea, Urbain admitted that she sexually exploited two minors, a 7 year-old female and 5 year-old male, by creating visual depictions of sexually explicit material involving both children. Urbain also admitted possessing visual depictions of child pornography.
Urbain was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Urbain was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Urbain is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office, the Iowa Department of Human Services, and the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-1050.
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Dubuque Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Being a Drug User in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A drug user who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
Tobias Sarazin, age 34, of Dubuque, Iowa, received the sentence after a June 23, 2020 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Sarazin admitted that, in December 2019, he possessed a pistol while being a user of marijuana and methamphetamine. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that Sarazin possessed a loaded pistol in a Dubuque bar, that he had been convicted of three crimes of domestic violence, and that he was subject to a no contact order.
Sarazin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Sarazin was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 20-1005.
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Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry.
Luis Alfredo Baez, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 22 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Baez will be placed into removal proceedings and deported to the Dominican Republic. Baez was indicted in July 2020.
In 2006, Baez was arrested by police in Boston and charged with drug distribution. Prior to the case being adjudicated, Baez was placed into removal proceedings and deported to the Dominican Republic. Sometime after his removal, Baez illegally reentered the United States and was later convicted in Rhode Island of identity fraud. After completion of his sentence, Baez was turned over to Suffolk Superior Court on the outstanding 2006 drug distribution warrant, but was released.
In June 2011, Baez was arrested in Lynn and charged with drug distribution. Baez was later released, and the case went into default. In November 2011, Baez was encountered by law enforcement at Logan International Airport. Baez was taken into custody and transferred to Suffolk Superior Court on the outstanding 2006 drug distribution warrant. In 2012, Baez was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court and sentenced to five years in jail. While serving this sentence, Baez was convicted in Essex Superior Court and received a sentence of 10-12 years in jail for the 2011 drug distribution charge in Lynn.
In July 2020, Baez was charged in this case with unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Charged with Identity FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment last week bringing additional charges against a Dominical national who was previously indicted for unlawfully reentering the United States after being deported.
Pedro Wilson Hernandez-Castillo, 49, was charged in a superseding indictment on one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hernandez-Castillo was arrested and charged in June 2020 with unlawful reentry of a deported alien and has been in custody since that time. Hernandez-Castillo was previously indicted on Dec. 30, 2020.
According to the charging documents, on June 15, 2020, Hernandez-Castillo was stopped by a state trooper while driving and asked to provide his identification. The defendant provided the driver’s license and Social Security card of another individual. After determining that Hernandez-Castillo provided false information, the state trooper arrested Hernandez-Castillo.
According to court documents, Hernandez-Castillo illegally re-entered the United States after being deported in August 2018, following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. Hernandez-Castillo was removed from the United States on three previous occasions: August 2011, July 2000 and January 1999.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry after deportation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston; and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Craig C. Garrick, Jr. Sentenced to A Year in Federal Prison for Securities FraudRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Craig C. Garrick, Jr., 42, of Alpine, Utah, was ordered to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison at a hearing on February 10, after being convicted of securities fraud in federal court. Garrick previously pleaded guilty to securities fraud in October of 2020.
Garrick admitted in the plea agreement, that from 2019 to 2020, he induced victims to invest at least $450,000 in his company without disclosing the fact that he was serving a probationary sentence for felony charges of mortgage fraud arising out of the Utah State Courts. Garrick also admitted that that he planned to use, and did use, investment money for his own benefit and living expenses; that he knew it was illegal to fraudulently take money from investors; to make a misrepresentation or an omission of a material; and to engage in conduct that operates as a fraud or deceit upon a person, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.
Garrick was sentenced Wednesday by District Court Judge Dale Kimball, who ordered $450,000 in restitution to the victims but noted Garrick had already arranged for the victims to be repaid prior to sentencing.
“It is all too common for fraudsters to claim they are raising money for a business venture, when in reality, they are lining their pockets with the hard-earned savings of Utahns,” said United States Attorney John W. Huber. “Unfortunately, con artists excel at preying on the trusting nature of Utahns. Remember that talk is cheap, and it is of the utmost importance that investors in Utah do their due diligence before investing their hard-earned money with anyone.”
“Fortunately, Mr. Garrick’s victims were able to recoup their money, but that’s not often the case. Investment fraud victims are usually left financially and emotionally devastated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Meacham of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI is committed to holding people accountable for financial crimes. As fraudsters are known to re-offend, we also encourage the public to do their due diligence when looking to invest and report any suspicious activity to the FBI."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Special agents of the FBI conducted the investigation.
Chattahoochee Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Acting as Money Mule in "Jamaican Lottery" ScamRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – David Murray of Chattahoochee, Florida, was sentenced today to 42 months imprisonment for acting as a money mule for a Jamaican Operation Linked to Telecommunications (JOLT), commonly referred to as a Jamaican Lottery scam. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
A money mule is a person who helps criminals commit financial fraud. Sometimes mules are unwitting victims, but in this case Murray was a knowing participant in the illegal activity, which victimized an elderly woman.
“These criminals prey on unsuspecting victims, convincing them to place their trust in people who only have their own self-interest in mind,” U.S. Attorney Keefe said. “As long as these scams continue, we will work to stop them and prosecute the perpetrators.”
In November 2018, the victim was contacted repeatedly by individuals from Jamaica who falsely told her she had won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. The victim was told she needed to send money to Murray, 66, to pay the taxes on her winnings before her prize could be sent to her. In response to the phone calls, the victim wrote a check and mailed it to Murray using the United States Postal Service.
A United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigation determined that Murray was receiving money from numerous victims via check, wire, and cash. Murray kept a portion of the stolen money before laundering the rest by wiring it to Jamaica. The evidence showed that Murray sent more than $69,000 to Jamaica over the course of his participation in the scam.
“Postal Inspectors will continue the fight of protecting our elderly and will continue to prosecute those who prey upon them,” said Inspector in Charge Antonio Gomez, of the USPIS Miami Division.
Murray was arrested in September 2020, and pled guilty to charges of Mail Fraud and International Money Laundering. Murray’s 42 month prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. This sentencing resulted from the collaborative efforts of USPIS and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
Beware of telephone calls or other solicitations asking you to send a check, wire transfer, or other payment to anyone you do not know within or outside the United States. Although lottery winnings may be subject to taxes, legitimate lottery operations simply deduct a portion of the winnings in lieu of the tax payment. Both the USPIS and the Federal Trade Commission investigate fraudulent lottery solicitations. To report a fraudulent lottery scam, visit https://www.uspis.gov/report/ or www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - U.S. v. MurrayCaldwell Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
BOISE - Roberto Manuel Rojas, 31, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 262 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Rojas serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Rojas pleaded guilty to the charge on September 2, 2020.
According to court records, Rojas was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm. His charges stemmed from an investigation into the West Side Loma gang that spanned from October 2018 to October 2019. Law enforcement utilized an informant to purchase two ounces of methamphetamine and a shotgun from Rojas in January and February 2019. Rojas has a lengthy criminal history including violent felonies and is currently serving a state prison sentence for felony eluding a peace officer.
This case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Butler Man Indicted on Sexual Exploitation of a Minor ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Thomas Romspert, age 29, of Butler, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about the dates of July 19th, August 16th, and September 28th, 2020, Romspert attempted to produce and produced material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor victim.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than fifteen (15) years to not more than thirty (30) years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section, with the assistance of the Butler Area School District Police/Cyber Security, and the Butler County Sheriff conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Earl R. Torrence, 43, of Bangor, pled guilty in federal court to bank robbery.
According to court records, on June 30, 2020, the defendant entered the Acadia Federal Credit Union in Bangor wearing a surgical mask. He approached a teller, told the teller he had a gun, and demanded money. The defendant obtained the money and departed the credit union. After reviewing security footage taken outside the credit union just prior to the robbery, law enforcement was able to identify the defendant. A short while later, the defendant was apprehended in his home with money from the credit union.
The charge carries up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Bangor Police Department.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig Welcomes Acting Newark Public Safety Director; Thanks Retiring Director for His ServiceRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig today congratulated Brian O’Hara on being named as the new Acting Public Safety Director for the City of Newark, replacing Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose when he retires on March 31, 2021.
“Our office has worked well with Deputy Chief O’Hara in his previous role overseeing the Newark Police Division’s Accountability, Engagement and Oversight Bureau, a role of key importance to our ongoing consent decree with the City of Newark,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “We look forward to working with him and continuing the productive relationship we’ve developed in Newark under the direction of Public Safety Director Ambrose. We wish Director Ambrose a well-earned and enjoyable retirement.”
15 February 2021
Middletown Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Use of Incendiary Device at Newark Planned ParenthoodRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Middletown man pleaded guilty in federal court on February 11, 2021, to Intentional Damage to a Facility that Provides Reproductive Health Services and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device (Molotov Cocktail) under the National Firearms Act. The Honorable Leonard P. Stark, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware, accepted the plea.
According to court documents, at approximately 2:16 a.m., on January 3, 2020, Samuel Gulick, 19, drove to the Planned Parenthood facility in Newark, Delaware. Video surveillance captured Gulick standing on the front porch of the building and spray-painting the phrase “Deus Vult” in red letters. Gulick then stepped off the front porch, lit an object, and threw it at the front window of the Planned Parenthood facility. The object, a Molotov Cocktail, exploded and Gulick ran away. The fire burned for approximately one minute before self-extinguishing. The explosion damaged the front window and porch of the building. Law enforcement identified Gulick through video surveillance that captured the license plate of the car in which he fled and through an Instagram page registered to Gulick, containing the phrase “Deus Vult” and several anti-abortion posts.
Gulick pleaded guilty to Intentional Damage to a Facility that Provides Reproductive Health Services and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device under the National Firearms Act. He faces a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Chief Judge Stark will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “Mr. Gulick’s actions had potentially deadly consequences. I applaud the investigative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement who worked quickly to identify and bring Mr. Gulick to justice.”
"While people have a First Amendment right to peacefully express their views, they do not have a right to vandalize clinics in the hopes of deterring women from receiving lawful services that those facilities provide," said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will hold those accountable for any threats of violence to healthcare facilities or their employees."
“ATF and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate violent attacks from those seeking to achieve personal political goals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones. “We are proud of investigators’ efforts and dedication to identify the person responsible in this case and are grateful that no one was injured as a result of this defendant’s criminal actions.”
The FBI Baltimore Division's Wilmington Resident Agency investigated the matter with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF:), Delaware State Police, Newark Police Department, Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office, New Castle County Police Department and University of Delaware Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Dedjinou is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-01.
12 February 2021
Worcester Man Charged with Illegal Firearm and Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted yesterday in federal court in Worcester in connection with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Barry Jumpp, 29, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Jan. 7, 2021, law enforcement arrested Jumpp in Worcester on an unrelated warrant. During the arrest, Jumpp was found in possession of a 9 mm firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition. Jumpp is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The felon in possession charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wolf Point women sentenced to prison for hotel robbery, assaultRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point woman who admitted entering a hotel and beating up the desk clerk during a robbery was sentenced on Thursday to 30 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said today.
Jalissa Haley Fern Spotted Bird, 32, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2020 to robbery.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Spotted Bird was detained.
The prosecution said in court documents that on September 15, 2019, at about 5:45 a.m., Spotted Bird and another individual entered the Sherman Inn, in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Spotted Bird and the other individual walked behind the counter of the front desk and assaulted the desk clerk by hitting and kicking her, demanding money.
The assault and robbery by Spotted Bird and the other individual were captured on security camera footage. The other individual took the cash drawer and escaped the hotel, while Spotted Bird assaulted the hotel clerk. A hotel patron heard the commotion and stopped the assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan Plaut and Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Announces His ResignationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced he will resign as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia effective February 28, 2021. Stuart’s resignation letter to President Joseph Biden is attached.
2021.0212_-_mbs_to_joe_biden_re_resignation_0.pdf
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U.S. Citizen Charged with the Murder of His Mother, a Department of Defense Employee Working in BahrainRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A U.S. Citizen arrived in the United States today after being ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States for the alleged murder of his mother, a Department of Defense civilian employee working in Bahrain.
The federal charge was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Oakes of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Middle East Field Office.
Giovonni Pope, 27, was charged with murder by way of criminal complaint in the District of Maryland Tuesday. U.S. military authorities in Bahrain arrested Pope yesterday and his initial appearance was held via VTC, at which time he was ordered detained and removed to the United States pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 31, Pope stabbed his mother repeatedly, causing her death. In the hours that followed, Pope purchased a plane ticket back to the United States and attempted to clean the residence and dispose of evidence of the crime.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L McQuaid commended the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for its work in the investigation and thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance. Mr. Hur and Mr. McQuaid thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham and Trial Attorneys Brian Morgan and James Hepburn of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, who are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Citizen Charged with Murder of Department of Defense Employee in BahrainRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen arrived in the United States today after being ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States for the alleged murder of his mother, a Department of Defense civilian employee working in Bahrain.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur of the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Oakes of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Middle East Field Office made the announcement.
Giovonni Pope, 27, was charged with murder by way of criminal complaint in the District of Maryland Tuesday. U.S. military authorities in Bahrain arrested Pope and his initial appearance was held via video teleconference, at which time he was ordered detained and removed to the United States pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 31, Pope stabbed his mother, causing her death. In the hours that followed, Pope purchased a plane ticket back to the United States and attempted to clean the residence and dispose of evidence of the crime.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Brian Morgan and James Hepburn of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham of the District of Maryland. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Taylor, Michigan Man for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Barry Christopher Brown, Jr., age 28 of Taylor, MI, for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (oxycodone, fentanyl, and fentanyl-related substance), and Forfeiture Allegation ($66,000 in US Currency).
The Indictment was unsealed yesterday, alleging that in January 2021, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Brown’s Bismarck hotel room and seized approximately 2,000 opiate pills that were made and designed to look like actual oxycodone 30mg pills, but contained fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance. Agents also seized $24,000 in US Currency from the room, and another $42,000 from Brown’s person.
"This seizure of deadly fentanyl with a street value of approximately $160,000 is another direct hit against the poison pushers who we allege have targeted our Native American Communities," said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Rick L. Volk assigned to the case.
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U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy Warns of Romance Scams OnlineRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina – With Valentine’s Day just days away, United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. warns South Carolinians to be aware of romance scam fraudsters utilizing dating apps, social media, and the internet to steal money from unsuspected victims.
“Scammers never let up on their criminal efforts, not even on Valentine’s Day,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Be aware: it is not true love if sweet-talking chatter quickly turns into requests for money.”
U.S. Attorney McCoy offers some signs to look for related to a romance scam online.
“It is likely a scam if the person you have just connected with online and have never met in person professes love quickly,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Also be wary of someone claiming to be overseas for business or military service, someone asking for money and quickly attempting to lure you off the dating site, someone who plans to visit but can’t because of an emergency, and someone claiming to need money – for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that there were $304 million in reported loses from romance scams in 2020. In 2019, the FTC reports over 25,000 consumers filed a report with the FTC about romance scams and reported losses of $201 million to romance scams. Additional reports show that, over a three-year period, losses to romance scams were higher than any other scam reported to the FTC.
“The crimes involving romance scams are increasing at an alarming rate,” warns U.S. Attorney McCoy. “From 2015 to 2020, the total amount of money lost by victims increased from $33 million to $304 million. This clearly isn’t going away, and the public should take precautions accordingly.”
U.S. Attorney McCoy urges South Carolinians to:
- Ensure the dating site does not sell personal data to third parties or advertisers.
- Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. If it is associated with another name or with details that do not match up, it is a scam.
- Search online for the type of job the person claims to have and check to see if others have reported romance scams based on that job. For example, search for “oil rig scammer” or “overseas military scammer.”
- Do not let scammers rush you. Slow down and talk to someone you trust before taking any quick action on requests made by someone you have not met in person.
- Do not send intimate photos to an online acquaintance, as they could be used to extort you later.
- Never transfer money from your bank account, never buy gift cards, and never wire money to an online love interest.
- Immediately contact your bank if you think you’ve sent money to a scammer.
- If you have become a victim, do not be too ashamed or afraid to report it. Report your experience to the FTC by phone to 1-877-382-4357 or online at www.ftc.gov/complaint. And report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
U.S. Attorney McCoy stressed his office’s commitment to stopping the criminals before more can become victims of their crimes.
“Along with law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will work to identify, investigate, and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to scam and steal from their neighbors,” concluded McCoy.
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U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams Announces DepartureRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that, effective February 28, 2021, he will step down as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Today’s announcement marks the end of Williams’ 20-year career in the Department of Justice, which began in October 2000. During his tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Williams has held multiple leadership positions, including First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division Chief, Violent Crimes Unit Chief, and Indian Country Assistant U.S. Attorney and Tribal Liaison.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of Oregon as U.S. Attorney. In more than 20 years with this office, I have had the distinct privilege to engage with countless colleagues, friends, community members, law enforcement partners, litigants, and others committed to making our communities better, safer places to live and thrive. There is still much work to do in our collective pursuit of justice and equity for all, but I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Most of all, I am grateful to have worked with so many federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who daily put themselves at risk to protect Oregonians. You have and always will be a great inspiration to me.”
Williams has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in Oregon since May 2015. With the support of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Williams was nominated by former President Donald J. Trump on November 17, 2017 to serve a four-year term and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 7, 2018.
As U.S. Attorney, Williams has served on several Attorney General Advisory Subcommittees. In November 2018, he was appointed chair of the Attorney General’s Marijuana Working Group, part of the Controlled Substances Subcommittee. He also served on the Native American Issues Subcommittee, Civil Rights Subcommittee, Border & Immigration Subcommittee, and Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee.
Prior to his federal service, Williams served as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County where he supervised the Career Criminal Unit. As a state prosecutor, Williams handled major crimes of violence, including aggravated murder, adult and child sex offenses, domestic violence, narcotics trafficking, vehicular homicide, and officer-involved shootings.
Williams, a native of Goldendale, Washington, received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washington State University in 1981 and his law degree from the Willamette University College of Law in 1989.
Following Williams’ departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug will become Acting U.S. Attorney pending the senate confirmation of a presidential nominee.
Two Oklahoma City Men to Serve More Than Fifty Years Combined in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of TeenagersRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, WILSON GRAMAJO-MALDONADO, 30, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 27 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking, announced United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing. In a related case, on October 21, 2020, ERI LEONARDO CIFUENTES-LOPEZ, 40, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison related to the sex trafficking of the same children. Public records reflect both men paid to have sex with a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl.
On August 28, 2019, Gramajo-Maldonado entered a guilty plea to one count of child sex trafficking of the two girls between June 2018 and January 18, 2019, in Oklahoma City. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin sentenced Gramajo-Maldonado to 27 years in prison, to be followed with five years of supervised release. He also imposed $5,100 in special assessments and indicated restitution will be determined as a subsequent hearing. Judge Goodwin explained that Gramajo-Maldonado encountered the two children, who lived in squalor and frequently went days without food, and instead of helping them, he harmed them and forcibly raped them, in addition to paying for sex with them. The judge noted that Gramajo-Maldonado’s conduct was reprehensible.
On March 9, 2020, Cifuentes-Lopez entered a guilty plea to all three counts of an Indictment against him. Counts 1 and 2 alleged Cifuentes-Lopez obtained, solicited, and patronized the two children for commercial sex acts from January 2018 to January 18, 2019. According to court documents, Eri Cifuentes-Lopez repeatedly took advantage of the two vulnerable girls in dire circumstances, exploiting their basic needs for food, shelter, and money, by giving them cash to have sex with him, including after giving them drugs. Count 3 charged Cifuentes-Lopez with illegally re-entering the United States after he was removed from the country on November 2, 2005. Cifuentes-Lopez was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations after a traffic stop on November 20, 2019, and has been in federal custody since that time. On October 21, 2020, Judge Goodwin sentenced Cifuentes-Lopez to 292 months in prison, to be followed with five years of supervised release. He also imposed $10,300 in special assessments and indicated restitution will be determined as a subsequent hearing.
Upon their release from prison, both men will be required to register as sex offenders.
These sentences are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. McKenzie Anderson and Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Two Men Charged in Multi-million Dollar Darknet Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Texas men were charged in a complaint unsealed today for their alleged participation in a drug distribution conspiracy perpetrated over the Darknet.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of HSI Houston, and Special Agent in Charge Charles Grinstead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
Kevin Ombisi, 31, and Eric Russell Jr., 35, both of Katy, were each charged in a complaint filed in the Western District of Tennessee. Ombisi is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and Russell is charged with one count of conspiracy. Ombisi and Russell were arrested yesterday and made their initial appearance this afternoon.
The complaint alleges that Ombisi and Russell used a marketplace on the Darknet and an encrypted messaging service called Wickr to sell pills that were made to resemble the drug branded as Adderall. In reality, the pills were not Adderall. Instead, they contained methamphetamine.
In conjunction with the arrests, the government seized more than $5 million in assets alleged to be connected to the drug trafficking activity.
A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Nashville District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, HSI El Paso and Houston, and the FDA. Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Parks of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case with assistance on forfeiture matters from Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cotten.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
Two Charged with Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts Man Whose Body was found in HartfordRead 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 two men have been charged for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man whose body was found in a burning vehicle in Hartford on December 26. BRANDON BATISTE, also known as “B,” 33, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and CALVIN ROBERSON, also known as “Cutty,” 38, of Waterbury, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.
Batiste was arrested in Athens, Georgia, and Roberson was arrested in Waterbury. Both are detained.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on December 26, 2020, Hartford police and fire personnel responded to Shultas Place in Hartford where a black 2010 Acura was engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered a male body in the rear of the vehicle. The victim was subsequently identified as Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, of Chicopee, Massachusetts. He had suffered several gunshot wounds, which the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined as his cause of death.
It is alleged that Batiste and Roberson kidnapped Roman in Massachusetts on December 24, 2020, killed Roman, and attempted to dispose of his body in Hartford.
If convicted of the charges, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Angel M. Krull.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their assistance in this matter.
Three Brothers Sentenced to Federal Prison in Colombian International Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Senior District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Mario Mitchell Pereira (43), Olario Mitchell Palacio (49), and Mike Mitchell Palacio (52), for conspiring to distribute cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. In October 2020, Mario Mitchell Pereira was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months’ imprisonment. On February 11, 2021, Olario Mitchell Palacio was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison. In November 2020, Mike Mitchell Palacio was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison. Senior District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington also sentenced Mike Mitchell Palacio to an additional consecutive sentence of two years’ imprisonment for violation of his federal supervised release.
According to court records, in November 2015 the brothers, all Colombian nationals, conspired to have 1,280 kilograms of cocaine smuggled from La Guajira, Colombia via a go-fast vessel. They arranged this venture after a previous trip that Mario Mitchell Pereira had organized but ultimately had to be aborted due to the suspected presence of a patrol aircraft in the Caribbean Sea. Olario Mitchell Palacio and Mike Mitchell Palacio forced co-conspirators to work without payment in sending the second shipment to its destination. However, a Dutch vessel carrying a law enforcement detachment of U.S. Coast Guard personnel stopped the vessel and its crewmen while in international waters approximately 60 miles north of the coast of Colombia. The Coast Guard personnel recovered 1,280 kilograms of cocaine.
The three men were arrested in Colombia in November 2017, following the return of the indictment in this case. They were subsequently extradited to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the defendants’ extradition from Colombia.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Texas Men Sentenced in Counterfeit Identification Documents ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – Two Texas men have been sentenced to federal prison for criminal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting United States Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Mario Eleuterio Garcia-Sevilla, 44, of Grand Saline, Texas, and Juan Valazquez Delgadillo, 50, of Garland, Texas, pleaded guilty in September 2020, to conspiracy to produce and transfer false identification documents. Today, United States District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle sentenced Garcia to 37 months in federal prison, and sentenced Delgadillo to a prison term of 30 months.
“Identification document fraud is a direct threat to the security of the United States and its citizens,” said Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. “Disruption of criminal enterprises that aim to compromise document security is, and should be, a primary focus of federal law enforcement.”
According to information presented in court, beginning in January 2019, Garcia and Delgadillo conspired to produce and transfer fictitious United States identification documents to others in the Eastern District of Texas. The false documents included United States Social Security cards and Permanent Residence cards. Garcia obtained the documents from Delgadillo and then transferred them to individuals throughout the East Texas area. Garcia and Delgadillo were indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 27, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan R. Jackson.
Telemarket Fraudster Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A key participant in a telemarketing fraud scheme that preyed on the trust of individuals has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.
Manish Kumar, 32, an Indian national, previously admitted to the court that he directed telephone calls to call centers in India as part of a scheme to mislead individuals into believing that their computers were infected by malware, and to buy computer protection services from call center operators. The call centers perpetuated the falsehood that malware had been detected on the callers’ computer, convincing callers to provide payment information to purchase putative technical support services. No putative services were provided.
As part of the scheme, those who had been misled, were later victimized again. Call center operators called back and told the victims that they were entitled to refunds. The operators would then mislead the victims into believing that they had accidentally been sent far in excess of the refund amounts and urged the victims to return the overage. Because no funds had actually been sent to the victims, in “returning” the overage, the victims were actually parting with more of their own money. Kumar admitted to providing money routing services for this component of the scheme. Kumar provided the call center operators with a bank account in the United States, where the victim money would be sent and then forwarded to Kumar and his coconspirators.
Additionally, Kumar admitted that he had obtained information sufficient to place charges on thirty-seven credit card accounts of U.S. residents and had taken steps to have fraudulent charges placed on those accounts.
Kumar was arrested by FBI agents on August 24, 2019, as he deplaned in New York City from a flight from India and ordered detained in federal custody.
Kumar pleaded guilty on November 5, 2020, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced on Thursday to 24 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000. As part of the investigation, FBI was able to intercept some of the fraudulently obtained funds and return them directly to victims, making additional restitution unnecessary.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
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Two Men Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Darknet Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the affidavit can be obtained here.
MEMPHIS, TN – Two Texas men were charged in a complaint unsealed today for their alleged participation in a drug distribution conspiracy perpetrated over the Darknet.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of HSI Houston, and Special Agent in Charge Charles Grinstead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
Kevin Ombisi, 31, and Eric Russell Jr., 35, both of Katy, were each charged in a complaint filed in the Western District of Tennessee. Ombisi is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and Russell is charged with one count of conspiracy. Ombisi and Russell were arrested yesterday and made their initial appearance this afternoon.
The complaint alleges that Ombisi and Russell used a marketplace on the Darknet and an encrypted messaging service called Wickr to sell pills that were made to resemble the drug branded as Adderall. In reality, the pills were not Adderall. Instead, they contained methamphetamine.
In conjunction with the arrests, the government seized more than $5 million in assets alleged to be connected to the drug trafficking activity.
A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Nashville District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, HSI El Paso and Houston, and the FDA. Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Parks of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case with assistance on forfeiture matters from Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cotten.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
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Stamford Contractor Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that PAVEL TEPLY, 45, of Stamford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Teply owned and operated a remodeling and roofing company known as Five Stars Remodeling. For the 2013 through 2015 tax years, Teply used a tax return preparer for the preparation of his personal income tax returns. Teply provided his preparer with a schedule that underreported the gross receipts of his business, certain business expenses, and his income. As a result, Teply’s tax returns for the 2013 through 2015 tax years, which Teply authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported Teply’s income, resulting in a tax loss of $175,812
Teply pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2021.
Teply is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
St. Francis Man Indicted for First Degree Murder, Burglary, and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder-Felony Murder, First Degree Burglary, Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, Robbery, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Isaiah Clarence Young, age 22, was indicted on February 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 10, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 24, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Young unlawfully entered a residence to steal valuables, and assaulted two victims by striking them with a hammer and stabbing them with a knife. The Indictment further alleges that the assaults resulted in the death of one of the victims and serious bodily injury to the second victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Young is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Young was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.Read the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on February 11, 2021, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Ernesto Soto, 31, from Hawarden, Iowa, pled guilty on August 13, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on February 5, 2020, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Soto was traveling in. Upon conducting a probable cause search within the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 32 grams methamphetamine, 1.6 grams cocaine, baggies, and a glass smoking device with residue located in a black bag that belonged to Soto. The methamphetamine and cocaine were concealed in a can with a false bottom. At least 5 grams of the approximately 32 grams was pure methamphetamine. In May 19, 2014, Soto was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Sioux County, of intent to manufacture/deliver methamphetamine under 5 grams.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Soto was sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a term of 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Soto remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4033. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
SeaTac man pleads guilty to child exploitation crimes involving sexual abuse of young boysRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 37-year-old SeaTac, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to four federal felonies related to child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. BRANDAN L. WILKINS pleaded guilty to travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor; possession of child pornography; receipt of child pornography; and enticement of a minor. WILKINS faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on May 18, 2021.
According to records filed in the case, in July 2018, an electronic service provider notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an internet account later linked to the defendant received a video of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement identified WILKINS as the owner of the internet account. Search of his online activity revealed WILKINS was posing as a 13-year-old boy to solicit sexually explicit pictures from young teens. When law enforcement served a search warrant at WILKINS’ residence, they seized electronic devices containing child pornography.
When law enforcement searched WILKINS’ wallet, they found a student ID card for a youth that WILKINS had befriended. Interviews with WILKINS and the youth revealed WILKINS had traveled with the victim to various locations to engage in sexual activity. In 2009 and 2011, WILKINS traveled with the youth who was then 12-years old to Disneyland and other locations where he engaged in sexual activity with the child.
WILKINS was employed as a TSA agent at Sea-Tac airport. He has been in custody since his arrest in December 2018.
Enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum ten years in prison. Traveling to engage in illegal sexual conduct is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Kent Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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.justice.gov/psc.
San Francisco Woman Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Relief Funds and with Impersonating AttorneysRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Miranda Devlin, aka Miranda Martin, aka Miranda Petrillo, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with mail fraud and with making false statements on an application for coronavirus relief funds, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.
“We allege Miranda Devlin committed serial fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Among the schemes alleged in the complaint, Devlin used a shell company to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program, known as PPP, out of pandemic relief funds. PPP funds provide a critically important safety net for legitimate businesses suffering real losses. Anyone considering PPP fraud should know law enforcement is watching, and federal prosecution can follow.”
“By allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program, a program designed to assist our local businesses as they navigate stressful, uncertain times, Miranda Devlin violated the trust of her community,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Fair. “By allegedly exploiting this program and further straining resources designated for pandemic relief, she cheated legitimate, hardworking business owners and their employees.”
The criminal complaint alleges that Devlin, 37, of San Francisco, impersonated multiple California licensed attorneys by using their names and license numbers. The complaint states that Devlin assumed the name of “Miranda Martin” and later “Miranda Petrillo” and used those names to act as a criminal defense attorney. She was retained by two defendants facing serious criminal charges in Marin County Superior Court. Devlin initially appeared in court as “Miranda Martin.” The complaint alleges that when questioned, she thereafter pivoted and assumed the identity of another attorney who also shared her first name, Miranda Petrillo. Devlin was arrested for impersonating an attorney after a court appearance on November 26, 2019, in Marin County. The complaint alleges that the true Miranda Martin and Miranda Petrillo are licensed attorneys with the State Bar of California and are both victims of Devlin’s identity thefts.
The complaint further alleges that, in the course of investigating Devlin’s attorney impersonations, investigators uncovered that Devlin had recently defrauded the Small Business Administration by submitting a loan application to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the name of a shell business. The PPP arose out of the CARES Act passed by Congress in March 2020 which authorized forgivable PPP loans to small businesses to promote job retention and certain other expenses during the pandemic. A PPP loan must be used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities, and the applications for such loans, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, must meet certain requirements and be made under oath.
The complaint alleges that Devlin submitted an application for a PPP loan in the amount of $32,700 on behalf of an entity she created, the Common Nucleus of Cancer, LLC (CNC). In CNC’s application, Devlin made multiple false statements and provided false IRS documents to support the statements. For example, Devlin claimed that she was Miranda Martin, that CNC was managed by Miranda Martin, that Miranda Martin owned 100% of the entity, that CNC had two employees and a monthly payroll of $13,115, that it had paid employee salary and payroll taxes throughout the four quarters of 2019, and that CNC was in operation on February 15, 2020. Each of statements were made under oath. None of them are true. Once the loan was funded, Devlin used the money for a variety of unauthorized non-payroll expenses, such as purchases from Amazon, Bloomingdale’s, and Tiffany & Co., and for purchases of stock.
Devlin made her initial appearance in federal court on February 12, 2021, before the Honorable Laurel Beeler, United States Magistrate Judge. Devlin was released on bond and her next scheduled appearance is on March 8, 2021, for a status hearing before the Honorable Sallie Kim, United States Magistrate Judge.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Devlin is charged with false statements on an application in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1014, and mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1341. If convicted of making false statements on an application, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. If convicted of mail fraud, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The United States Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Team is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
The FBI believes that there may be more victims in this case and is urging the public to contact the FBI San Francisco at (415) 553-7400 if they believe they are a victim, have information about potential victims, or have information related to this ongoing case. Calls can remain anonymous.
Rensselaer County Man Arrested in Broome County on Child Enticement ChargeRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Charles Wager, age 53, of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, was arrested on February 5, 2021 and charged with attempting to entice or coerce a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The criminal complaint alleges that on January 18, 2021, Wager initiated an electronic messaging conversation with an undercover officer posing as the parent of a 10-year-old child. The complaint alleges that during that conversation, Wager described his interest in sexual contact with the child and on the following day, Wager began communicating with an undercover officer who he believed was the 10-year-old child. The complaint further alleges that from January 19, 2021 through February 5, 2021, Wager communicated with the parent and child and explicitly described sexual acts he planned he perform on the 10-year-old child when he met the child in person. On February 5, 2021, Wager traveled from Castleton-on-Hudson to Broome County to perform sexual acts on the 10-year-old child and was apprehended by law enforcement when he arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location in Broome County.
Wager appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric on February 10, 2021, and was ordered detained pending trial.
The charge against Wager carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The defendant’s sentence is imposed by a Judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski.
Members of the public who have information related to this case or feel they may have been victimized by Wager are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (607) 778-7240.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Foster man convicted in Rhode Island state court in June 2017 for engaging online with a person he believed to be a 13-year old girl with whom he shared sexually explicit images and with whom he tried to make arrangements to meet to engage in sex near the girl’s middle school, has been ordered detained in federal custody for allegedly possessing child pornography.
John Q. Adams, 31, was arrested Thursday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that determined in January 2021, Adams allegedly uploaded video depicting a prepubescent female engaged in various sex acts with an adult male.
Adam’s alleged online activity was brought to the attention of Homeland Security Investigations by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Adams was arrested and ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and Rhode Island State Police Superintendent James M. Manni.
In June 2017, Adams was sentenced in Rhode Island state court to 5 years of incarceration, 1 year suspended with four to serve, and ordered to register as a sex offender.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
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Queens Man Charged with Referral-Fee Fraud on Ride Sharing BusinessRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Queens man has been charged with using hundreds of stolen and false identities to defraud a ride sharing business of over $500,000 in delivery driver referral benefits, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Hatem Ghouneim, 32, of Astoria, New York, was charged Feb. 11, 2021, by indictment with three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case:
Corporate Victim 1 was a technology company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that allowed users to order food from restaurants and have it delivered by eligible delivery carriers. To grow its platform, Corporate Victim 1 employed referral promotions. Individuals participating in the referral program could earn money by inviting new delivery carriers who met Corporate Victim 1’s criteria and who completed the actions required by the specific referral program.
Throughout 2019, Ghouneim engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain delivery carrier referral fees from Corporate Victim 1. He created fraudulent delivery carrier accounts with Corporate Victim 1, using hundreds of stolen and false identities, to induce Corporate Victim 1 to pay referral fees for each new fake account. Ghouneim defrauded Corporate Victim 1 of over $500,000 in referral fees.
The wire fraud counts carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Public Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Bribing A San Francisco Public Official and Making False Statements to Federal Law Enforcement AgentsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Florence Kong was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay a $95,000 fine for bribery of a public official and making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Orrick, United States District Judge.
“The sentence handed down today recognizes the seriousness of Florence Kong’s offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Both corrupt officials and those who corrupt them are accountable for their crimes. Our City Hall prosecutions are not over. The investigation continues.”
“The FBI’s ongoing public corruption investigation continues to uncover a pernicious pattern of criminal activity committed by San Francisco city contractors, motivated by greed, who exploit their relationships with public officials,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. “In this case, a Bay Area millionaire used her wealth to bribe Mr. Nuru and secure her own company’s contract; leaving honest, hardworking contractors unable to compete for business and ultimately compromising the entire system of fair competition.”
Kong, 63, of Hayward and formerly of Hillsborough, California, pleaded guilty to the bribery and false statement charges on October 8, 2020. As part of the guilty plea, Kong admitted in her plea agreement to bribing Mohammed Nuru, then-Director of San Francisco’s Department of Public Works (DPW), by giving him a gold Rolex watch she purchased for him for $36,550 on or about December 19, 2019. Kong bribed Nuru in return for past and future actions benefitting her businesses, including as a reward for directing business to her company SFR Recovery Inc. SFR Recovery Inc. is a recycling plant that had a public contract with the City and County of San Francisco to dispose of construction debris. Kong admitted she believed that Nuru was one of the most powerful public officials in San Francisco who, as DPW Director, wielded tremendous influence over San Francisco’s public contracts, permits, and DPW business as well as other City departments and agencies. Kong also admitted to making false statements repeatedly to FBI agents who interviewed her during the investigation, falsely stating that Nuru was her friend but they never discussed business, that he never helped her with contracts, and that she never gave Nuru money.
In a filed sentencing memorandum, the government asserted facts providing a broader description of the investigation. The government stated the investigation developed information that Kong is a multi-millionaire owner of a group of construction and real estate businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area, of which SFR Recovery Inc. is only one. In 2018, Kong began pressuring Nuru to award SFR Recovery Inc. a permit to accept work from DPW and, once awarded, repeatedly pressed Nuru to increase the business DPW did with SFR Recovery Inc. During this time, Kong showered Nuru with gifts, including the $36,550 gold Rolex watch that Kong gave Nuru in return for official actions on Kong’s behalf.
In January 2020, Mohammed Nuru was arrested and charged with fraud and lying to investigators. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, three months after that, on March 20, 2020, FBI agents interviewed Kong at her home in Hillsborough, California. Kong repeatedly lied to and attempted to mislead the agents. The agents, who by that time had substantial evidence through emails and recorded phone calls that Kong was bribing Nuru, warned Kong that providing false statements to the FBI was a crime. Kong stuck with her falsehoods.
A photograph of the gold Rolex watch is attached to the government’s sentencing memo and printed below:
On June 1, 2020, Kong was charged in United States District Court by a Complaint, with one count of False Statements to a Government Agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). On September 16, 2020, Kong was further charged via an Information with the false statements charge and with the additional charge of Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1). On October 8, 2020, Kong pled guilty to the charges in the Information, that is, one count of Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1), and one count of False Statements to a Government Agency, in violation of § 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2).This case is part of a larger federal investigation targeting public corruption in the City and County of San Francisco. To date, ten individuals have been charged, including two high-ranking San Francisco public officials, Mohammed Nuru and Harlan Kelly. Multiple city contractors and facilitators have been charged. According to the charges earlier filed against Mohammed Nuru and others, Nuru allegedly took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including cash, meals, and work on his vacation home from contractors who obtained San Francisco public contracts. According to allegations in the complaint filed earlier against Harlan Kelly, he similarly received thousands of dollars in airfare, meals, jewelry, and travel expenses, along with repair work on his house.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Orrick also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. Kong is out of custody and will begin serving her prison sentence on Aug 13, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate Fraud Strike Force of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Probation Official Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man made his initial appearance today after being charged in an indictment with multiple child pornography offenses.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas M. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Philadelphia, made the announcement.
Robert Costello, 53, of Bethlehem, who was employed by the New York City Department of Probation as an Assistant Commissioner at the time of the offenses in 2020, was charged with three counts of receiving child pornography, one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography depicting prepubescent minors and minors under twelve years of age. He was arrested on related state child pornography charges in Pennsylvania on Oct. 15, 2020, and has been in custody since that time.
Jessica Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Weber and Kelly Harrell of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. HSI-Philadelphia is investigating the case with assistance from the Bethlehem Township Police Department.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.