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Thursday 3 December 2020
Romanian National Sentenced to 40 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 1, 2020, Daniel Gologan, age 31, of Romania, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for bank fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gologan was convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud between October 6, 2018 and October 21, 2018, and of aggravated identity theft. Gologan pleaded guilty to obtaining counterfeit debit cards bearing stolen account numbers and PINs in New York, and transporting them to South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Gologan and his coconspirator, Costel Aparaschivei used the counterfeit debit cards at Penn East Federal Credit Union and attempted to withdraw approximately $144,620. The conspirators successfully withdrew $66,510, which Judge Mariani ordered to be paid as restitution.
Gologan will be deported to Romania following the conclusion of his sentence. Gologan’s coconspirator, Aparaschivei, also pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and awaits sentencing.
The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and by the South Abington Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Rocky Top Man Indicted for Oak Ridge Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A federal grand jury in Greeneville, Tennessee, returned a one count indictment on November 18, 2020 against Warren Calvin Lavender, 31, of Rocky Top, Tennessee charging him with robbing the One Bank of Tennessee Bank in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Lavender entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment on December 3, 2020. Lavender will remain in custody pending trial, which has been set for December 28, 2020, in front of United States District Judge Travis McDonough.
Details of the robbery can be found in the criminal complaint and supporting affidavit on file with the U.S. District Court. According to the affidavit, on October 23, 2020, Lavender entered the One Bank of Tennessee Bank and passed a note to the teller demanding money.
The arrest of Lavender is the result of the joint efforts of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Oak Ridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia F. Davidson will represent the United States in court proceedings.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of A Machine GunRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Aaron Graff, 44, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to possession of a machine gun. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that Graff was arrested after members of law enforcement intercepted and searched a package sent to him from an address in China. Officers found the package contained a Glock® conversion device which, when installed on a Glock® semi-automatic pistol, allows the pistol to discharge ammunition in fully automatic mode. On May 24, 2019, investigators delivered the package containing the device to Graff and then searched his residence pursuant to a search warrant. During the search, officers found the intercepted Glock® conversion device, as well as a second Glock® conversion device which the defendant admitted to ordering about a month earlier.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. Additional assistance was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Laird; and Customs and Border Protection in New York.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bryson McBride, 22, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that on May 16, 2019, at a residence on Baycliff Drive in Rochester, the defendant possessed a quantity of cocaine, which was packaged for distribution. McBride also possessed quantities of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. In addition, the defendant possessed a 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Rantoul Man Sentenced to 7 1/2 Years in Prison for Trafficking, Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm today sentenced William Armstrong, 25, of the 1100 block of Falcon Dr., Rantoul, Ill., to serve 90 months in federal prison for transportation and possession of child pornography. Judge Mihm noted the violent nature of the images of infants and toddlers in violent and sadistic depictions.
On Aug. 21, 2020, Armstrong entered a plea of guilty to the indictment that charged him with one count of transportation and one count of possession of child pornography. Armstrong has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on June 12, 2020.
Following Armstrong’s release from prison at the end of his prison term, he will remain on federal supervised release for 10 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson. The charges were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office; and the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Armed Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to over 18 years in prison for conspiring to traffic wholesale amounts of cocaine in and around Hampton Roads and to possessing several guns to protect his drug trade.
According to court documents, Daryl Keith Sills, 57, completed a nine-year federal sentence for conspiring to distribute multiple kilograms of cocaine. Two years later, he started up his drug trafficking operation again, distributing at least one kilogram of powder cocaine a month until his October 2019 arrest on the charges in this case.
During the investigation, DEA agents conducted three controlled buys from Sills, totaling 140 grams of cocaine. Informants observed Sills receive and store in his residence more than 10 kilograms of cocaine. At Sills’ arrest, law enforcement searched his Norfolk and Virginia Beach drug premises, recovering a total of nine firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, 713 grams of cocaine, and 74 grams of marijuana. Sills admitted to his years-long conspiracy and attributed 20 kilograms of historical cocaine weight to himself.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson 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. 2:20-cr-2.
Previously Convicted Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of Handgun and Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A previously convicted felon will make his initial court appearance today on charges of illegal possession of a handgun and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Desmund M. Walker, 35, of Camden, is charged by complaint with one count of illegal possession of a handgun and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams and was detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 16, 2020, patrol officers from the Camden County Police Department – Metro Division encountered Walker in the vicinity of South 8th and Thurman streets in Camden. Walker fled from the officers, discarding a fully loaded Rohm, model RG10, .22 caliber revolver and cellular telephone as he scaled a fence and fled through Robert B. Johnson Park. Walker is a convicted felon and not permitted to possess a handgun under federal law. Walker was apprehended and found to be in possession of 0.19 grams of fentanyl wrapped in 93 white wax folds.
The maximum penalty for illegal possession of the firearm is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The maximum penalty for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph D. Wysocki, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig of the Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania Marketer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Bryn Mawr resident pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jordan Richter sold marketing services and products, including email lists, to stock promoters. From 2012 to 2014, Richter did business through Diamond Spot Media LLC, a partnership in which he was a 99.5 percent owner. Richter inflated business expenses on Diamond Spot’s tax returns to reduce the partnership’s reported income. These falsities also resulted in Richter underreporting income on his personal returns for the years 2012 through 2014. In total, Richter caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $100,000.
U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones II, scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2021. At sentencing, Richter faces a maximum sentence of three years for each count. Richter also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Chingos of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Murray and Smith, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Pennsylvania Man Who Sold Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Other Substances Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced Jacob Leister, age 29, of Glenville, Pennsylvania, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after Leister pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and Alprazolam. Chief Judge Bredar also ordered Leister to forfeit $15,400 in the form of a money judgment, which represents the net proceeds of his sale of drugs to an undercover officer.
The guilty plea and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Anne Arundel County Interim Police Chief William Lowry.
According to his guilty plea, from December 2018 through September 2019, Leister sold purported prescription pills to an undercover law enforcement officer on several occasions. As a result of these sales, Leister distributed at least 56 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and 708 pills containing Alprazolam.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on three occasions between December 18, 2018 and February 7, 2019, Leister sold the undercover officer a total of 600 pills purported to be Alprazolam. In fact the pills were found to contain flubromazolam, a substance similar to Alprazolam, but that is not a controlled substance. Between May 13, 2019 and July 25, 2019, Leister sold the undercover officer 499 pills purported to be Oxycodone, which in fact contained fentanyl. During that same timeframe, Leister sold the undercover officer 308 Alprazolam pills—that actually contained Alprazolam. On September 9, 2019, Leister sold the undercover officer 400 suspected Alprazolam pills for $800. The undercover officer paid Leister a total of $15, 400 for all of the pills.
On November 21, 2019, Leister sold the undercover officer a large quantity of suspected Alprazolam pills, and was then arrested by investigators. A search warrant was executed at Leister’s residence that same day. Law enforcement recovered a number of computers. Subsequent searches of the computers revealed information and photographs about bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and cryptocurrency exchanges; information about dark web marketplaces, where individuals can purchase drugs, among other things. Law enforcement also recovered a pump action tactical-style shotgun, two rifles, and another hunting-style shotgun, in addition to ammunition and magazines for the firearms.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth S. Clark, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Paola Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Paola woman was sentenced today to more than 11 years (135 months) in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
April Lunsford, 39, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case began when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation started looking into a trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan., area. Lunsford sold methamphetamine four times to buyers working undercover for law enforcement.
During the investigation, Lunsford was arrested and charged in Miami County District Court in connection with the death of 23-year-old Heather Briggs. Lunsford pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 98 months in state prison.
McAllister commended the KBI, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.
Owner of Medical Marketing Company Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – December 3, 2020 – A Mississippi man pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Nashville, to conspiracy to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Vernon Sanders, 54 of Meridian, Mississippi, and owner of FastScripts, LLC, was charged in August with conspiring with unnamed co-conspirators to solicit and receive kickbacks and defraud the Medicare Program of $3,381,434.
Sanders was the owner of a marketing company and a patient broker who referred Medicare beneficiaries to laboratories in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. Sanders paid marketers to recruit Medicare patients to provide their genetic material, which he then referred to laboratories for Cancer genomic (“CGx”) testing in exchange for kickbacks. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future.
Sanders also paid kickbacks to doctors for signed orders for CGx tests, without regard for the medical necessity of the tests. Sanders was aware that these tests had been procured through the payment of kickbacks, including kickbacks he paid to a physician in Loretto, Tennessee, another co-conspirator. Sanders also paid illegal kickbacks to telemedicine companies in exchange for signed doctors’ orders for genetic testing.
From approximately June 2016 to January 2020, Sanders received approximately $383,260 in illegal kickback payments from laboratories and other marketing co-conspirators. As a result of Sanders’ participation in the conspiracy, Medicare paid laboratories approximately $3,381,434 in reimbursements they were not entitled to receive because the patients had been procured through kickbacks, including orders signed by the physician in Loretto.
Sanders faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on April 12, 2021,and a fine of up to $250,000; restitution to the Medicare program; and forfeiture of the ill-gotten proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah K. Bogni is prosecuting the case.
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Operation X-Nation: McDowell County Man Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Jan Rucker, 28, of McDowell County, formerly of Princeton, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute hydromorphone and using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Rucker was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state, investigation known as Operation X-Nation.
“Pills and guns – a combination we’ve seen again and again,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “In turn, we’ll keep prosecuting gun-toting drug dealers again and again.”
Rucker admitted that on August 30, 2019, he was stopped by law enforcement officers while driving his truck in Princeton. After the traffic stop, law enforcement officers found approximately 507 hydromorphone pills, $1,543 in cash, and two firearms. Rucker admitted that he possessed the pills with the intent to distribute them in and around Mercer County. Rucker further admitted that he used and carried the firearms during the drug trafficking crime. Rucker also admitted that he now knows that law enforcement officers intercepted telephone calls prior to the traffic stop. As part of the plea agreement, Rucker agreed to forfeit the firearms recovered during the traffic stop as well as the $1,543 in cash that he admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking activity.
Rucker faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the drug offense, followed by a mandatory minimum period of five years on the gun charge, and a fine up to $1,250,000 when he is sentenced on March 23, 2021. After serving a term of imprisonment, Rucker will serve at least three years of supervised release.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department, and the Bluefield Police Department. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-00308.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Oklahoma City Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cheyenne Grace Alexus Tiger, age 24, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h) and 1956(a)(2), punishable by not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that from on or about July 15, 2019 through on or about the date of this indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956, to wit: to transport, transmit and transfer and attempt to transport, transmit and transfer a monetary instrument and funds from a place in the United States to and through a place outside the United States with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity, i.e. the felonious importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in methamphetamine.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
North Carolina Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Durham, North Carolina, return preparers pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Karen Marie Jones owned Jones and Stone Taxes, a tax preparation business in Durham. From 2012 through 2016, Jones and another return preparer at Jones and Stone, Audrey Renetta Odom, conspired to falsify tax returns by fabricating education expenses, among other items, in an effort to inflate refunds paid to their clients by the IRS. The co-conspirators charged some clients up to $2,000 for preparing each return. In total, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.2 million.
Odom pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2020, and U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. has scheduled a sentencing for Feb. 19, 2021. Previously, Jones pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2020, and U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles has scheduled a sentencing for Feb. 25, 2021. Jones and Odom each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Todd Ellinwood and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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North Carolina Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Two Durham, North Carolina, return preparers pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Karen Marie Jones owned Jones and Stone Taxes, a tax preparation business in Durham. From 2012 through 2016, Jones and another return preparer at Jones and Stone, Audrey Renetta Odom, conspired to falsify tax returns by fabricating education expenses, among other items, in an effort to inflate refunds paid to their clients by the IRS. The co-conspirators charged some clients up to $2,000 for preparing each return. In total, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.2 million.
Odom pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2020, and U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen Jr. has scheduled a sentencing for Feb. 19, 2021. Previously, Jones pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2020, and U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles has scheduled a sentencing for Feb. 25, 2021. Jones and Odom each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Todd Ellinwood and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Nine Men Indicted on Child Sex Crimes Charges Resulting from Rock Island FBI InvestigationRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – U.S. Attorney John Milhiser and FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox announced that nine men previously arrested in Rock Island, Ill., have been indicted on charges of attempted enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity. In addition, several of the defendants have also been charged with related crimes including travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and soliciting images of child pornography. The men were previously charged by criminal complaint.
According to affidavits filed in support of the complaints, each of the men allegedly used mobile dating and social media applications to contact and engage with individuals whom they believed to be minors as young as 11, with the intent of meeting to engage in sexual activity.
The charges are the result of investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Rock Island Police Department; Illinois State Police; East Moline Police Department; Davenport Police Department; Galesburg Police Department; Knox County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Macomb Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer L. Mathew and Alyssa A. Raya are representing the federal government in the case prosecutions.
The defendants and their respective charges follow:
- Charles Walter Christopher, 42, of West Liberty, Iowa, a convicted sex offender currently serving a term of supervised release related to a similar case in the Southern District of Iowa; attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity;
- Michael Robert McKinney, 23, of Silvis, Ill.; attempted enticement of a minor;
- Joseph Allen Wilcher, 39, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; attempted enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity;
- Nicholas Bryan Swank, 31, of Muscatine, Iowa, a convicted sex offender; attempted enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, and soliciting child pornography;
- Jeffrey Alan Bosaw, 52, of Bloomington, Ill.; attempted enticement of a minor;
- Douglas L. Christensen, 55, of East Moline, Ill.; attempted enticement of a minor, soliciting child pornography;
- Auston M. McLain, 35, of Davenport, Iowa; attempted enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and soliciting child pornography;
- Damien Pernell Shepherd, 35, of Moline, Ill.; attempted enticement of a minor; and,
- Douglas Michael Speer, 30, of Johnston, Iowa; attempted enticement of a child (two counts), and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
If convicted, for the offense of attempted enticement of a minor, each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison; for travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, the penalty is up to 30 years in prison; for soliciting images of child pornography, the penalty is five to 20 years in prison.
Defendants Christopher, McKinney, Swank, Christensen, Shepherd, and Speer have been ordered detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Wilcher and McLain were released on bond with conditions. Bosaw remains detained pending a detention hearing scheduled on Dec. 8, 2020.
Members of the public are reminded that indictments are merely accusations; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
New Haven Man Charged with Possession of Ammunition as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL WEINSTEIN, 27, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Weinstein was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with the offense on November 18, 2020, and the indictment was returned on December 1. He is currently released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, in October 2020, law enforcement observed Facebook video posts of Weinstein firing a handgun at a Connecticut shooting range, and possessing ammunition.
The indictment alleges that, on October 14, 2020, Weinstein possessed .40 caliber ammunition manufactured by Speer. Prior to that date, Weinstein was convicted in state court of criminal possession of a gun, conspiracy to commit robbery in the third degree, and robbery in the first degree.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the charge, Weinstein faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
NFAC Leader “Grandmaster Jay” Charged with Assaulting Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – John F. Johnson, aka, “Grandmaster Jay” has been charged via criminal complaint with assaulting federal task force officers, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman.
“Here in Kentucky we revere our First and Second Amendment freedoms, not foolishness which puts police and protesters at grave risk,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
“The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights," said FBI Louisville Division SAC Robert Brown. "Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous, not contradictory. Accordingly, we are committed to investigating violent behavior and those who are exploiting legitimate, peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law.”
Johnson, 57, of West Chester, Ohio, was arrested at his home on December 3, 2020. He appeared before a federal judge in Louisville this afternoon.
According to the criminal complaint, Johnson forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with federally deputized task force officers while they were engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties, when Johnson aimed a rifle at them on September 4, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Johnson brandished an AR platform rifle at federally deputized Task Force Officers for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the U.S. Secret Service, and Louisville Metro Police Department officers. The task force officers were on the roof of the Jefferson County Grand Jury Building keeping watch on Jefferson Square Park where there was armed protestors gathering.
Upon arriving at the eastern edge of the roof, the officers and task force officers began their surveillance. A short time after initiating surveillance, some of the officers were blinded by a light which they shortly thereafter determined was a flashlight mounted to the rifle being aimed at them by Johnson.
According to the complaint, the officers and task force officers advised they all perceived a threat from Johnson based on him aiming his rifle at them. All officers advised they were concerned Johnson might intentionally, or even accidentally, discharge a round at them. All officers recognized that the distance between themselves and Johnson was well within the effective range of an AR platform style rifle. Two of the officers advised that they were wearing their LMPD soft body armor, with “Police” semi-reflective placard identifying them, the night of September 4, 2020. None of the officers had drawn their handguns and only one of the officers had a rifle with him, which he did not point at Johnson or the NFAC members on Armory Place. All Officers advised that neither Johnson nor the other NFAC members perceived a threat from the officers on the roof, because neither Johnson or the other NFAC members moved to cover when they saw the officers on the roof of the Jefferson County Grand Jury Building.
If convicted at trial, the statutory maximum sentence is 20 years in federal prison.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.
The FBI Louisville Division and Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating this case.
This case falls with the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.
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Muskogee Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ervin Hernandez, age 33, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Distribution Of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 18, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
More than 60 defendants charged in series of indictments targeting major gang-related transnational drug traffickersRead the Press Release
Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine announces charges against 64 individuals in multiple indictments alleging major gang-related transnational drug trafficking operations during a news conference Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Savannah. Along with other agencies represented, with him are Michael S. Carlson, Deputy Director of the Legal Division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (from left); John Melvin, Assistant Director of the GBI; and E. Greg Gilluly Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.SAVANNAH, GA: A series of federal indictments unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charges more than 60 defendants with felonies targeting interrelated, gang-affiliated transnational drug trafficking conspiracies that provided a pipeline of illegal drugs to coastal and south Georgia.
The investigation and indictments grew from recent drug trafficking prosecutions in Operation Vanilla Gorilla, which sent 43 felons to federal prison, and Operation Who’s Laughing Now, with 19 felons sentenced to prison, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The investigations and prosecutions, under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, targeted widespread, gang-related drug trafficking organizations in the Southern District and beyond.
“The relentless, deliberate and systematic focus on large drug-trafficking rings, particularly those that use criminal street gangs to funnel narcotics from drug cartels into the Southern District, continues to disrupt and dismantle these poison-peddlers in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It takes a network to defeat criminal gangs, and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners provides a powerful and effective network.”
The indictments in Operation Krack Down I and II, and Operation Stranded Bandit, allege the drug trafficking schemes began as early as 2017, and operated in Chatham, Liberty, Bryan, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn, Tattnall, Effingham and Long counties, and in surrounding communities. The conspiracy transported illegal drugs into the Southern District from Mexico and Atlanta, aided by multiple criminal street gangs. In addition to the violent white supremacist Ghost Face Gangsters, gang affiliations among the defendants include the Chicago-based Almighty Simon City Royals; La Raza/SUR 13; Bloods; Vice Lords; Gangster Disciples; and Aryan Brotherhood.
As described in court documents, the defendants – many of them previously convicted felons – used their gang affiliations to aid in drug distribution while promoting “a climate of fear.” Some of the defendants, while incarcerated on state charges at the Georgia Department of Corrections Coastal Transition Center in Savannah, recruited others to the conspiracy and planned trafficking operations.
Led by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), investigators from the Chatham County Police Department, the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, along with large amounts of heroin and cocaine. Investigators also seized more than 60 illegally possessed firearms, with 19 of the defendants indicted on a total of 37 firearms-related offenses.
The investigation also developed information expected to aid in the investigation of a June 2019 murder that occurred during a Chatham County home invasion.
“This long-term investigation was a concerted, collaborative effort on the part of ATF and its federal, state and local partners to target criminal gang activity in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “The resulting indictments are a great example of how you leverage law enforcement resources to target the offenders driving crime in the region.”
“Residents in a number of south Georgia communities can sleep better tonight knowing that the violent gang-related drug traffickers in this case can no longer peddle poison on the streets,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its law enforcement partners present a united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug distribution networks.”
“This series of indictments is the direct result of the effective partnership between our local, state, and federal agencies,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. “We will work tirelessly together to hold accountable gang members and drug dealers who terrorize our neighborhoods. The GBI is dedicated to thoroughly investigate violent offenses to lead to successful prosecution.”
“Our detectives know that one crime is often linked to another, and they worked diligently to get several of these defendants into custody,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “We do not leave stones unturned, and look forward to our continued cooperation with fellow law enforcement agencies as we work together to put a stop to these dangerous criminal operations.”
A 40-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Stranded Bandit names 35 defendants:
- Greg Baker, 31, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA (Ecstasy), and Alprazolam (Xanax), a charge that carries a penalty of up to life in prison; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Jason Barker, 31, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
- Tiffany Barton, a/k/a “Bozar,” 37, of Ellabell, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Victor Blanco Lopez, a/k/a “Victoriano,” 50, an inmate at the Clayton County, Ga., Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Joseph Joshua Boring, a/k/a “Josh,” a/k/a “JB,” 31, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Leroy Bozarth, a/k/a “Jack Turtlehead,” 37, an inmate at the Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, Ill., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA;
- Edward Evan Branen, 38, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Marquise Byrd, 29, an inmate at the Effingham County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; four counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Nathan Coughlin, 35, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Alprazolam;
- Jacqueline Echols, a/k/a “Jackie,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Danielle Edgerton, 34, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Lee Allen Edwards, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Thomas Logan Edwards, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Yesica Garcia, 28, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Joshua Griffin, a/k/a “Dough Boy,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- William Hamilton, a/k/a “Hambone,” 40, of Guyton, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- April Hardy, 36, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
- Holly Heddle, a/k/a “Goldie Locks,” 27, of Pooler, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Christopher Grass, a/k/a “Chris Lane,” a/k/a “Joker,” 36, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Dustin Lax, a/k/a “Wingnut,” a/k/a “Tyrone White,” 45, an inmate at Wilcox State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Craig Mitchell, a/k/a “Rojo,” 46, an inmate at Georgia Department of Corrections Milledgeville, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Pratt Mitchell, 40, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Ruth Monje, a/k/a “CC,” 28, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Jesse Myers, 37, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Ashley Renee Parrish, a/k/a “Kickin Renee,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and two counts of Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
- Justin Path, a/k/a “JP,” a/k/a “Sherm,” 29, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Jonathan Richardson, a/k/a “G,” 37, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- David Hamilton Sharpe, a/k/a “David Dukkedoff,” 27, of Pembroke, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Michael Brandon Sharpe, 44, of Pembroke, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Kristin Sheppard, a/k/a “Kristin Shine,” a/k/a “K Shine,” 30, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
- Heather Sloan, a/k/a “Honey,” a/k/a “Penny,” a/k/a “Marie,” 34, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
- Austin Tyler Todd, a/k/a “Mario,” 31, an inmate at Lee State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;
- Reannon Warnock, 25, an inmate at the Chatham County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Michael Travis Williams, a/k/a “Trap,” 37, an inmate at Lee State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and,
- Jose Zepeda, 35, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam.
A 24-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Krack Down I charges 17 defendants:
- Beth Roberson, 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to life in prison;
- William Carl Roberson, a/k/a “CJ,” 44, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
- Dodge Roberson, 43, of Midway, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
- Elizabeth Ashlee Rayman, 28, of Ludowici, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Deron Hopkins, a/k/a “Big D,” 33, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User;
- Trevor Blount, 30, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and National Firearms Registration (alleging possession of an unregistered, sawed-off shotgun);
- Michael Haggerty, 34, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Almon Drew Burchfield, a/k/a “Drewdog,” 46, of Ludowici, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
- Zachary Taylor, 36, of Glennville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Kelly Taylor, 39, of Glennville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- John Hope Jr., 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; and with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The latter charges stem from the Jan. 3, 2020, armed robbery of the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.;
- Cruz Lawson, 33, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine;
- Byron Anderson, 48, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Myra Prevatt, 34, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and three counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
- Steven Odum, 34, of Florala, Ala., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Rosaleen Behnke, a/k/a “Leena,” 40, listed as homeless, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and,
- Tyler Marshall, 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; and with Interference with Commerce by Robbery in relation to the Jan. 3, 2020, armed robbery of the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.
A nine-count indictment in the Brunswick Division in Operation Krack Down II charges eight defendants:
- Kayode Davis, a/k/a “Yodi,” 30, of Atlanta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Bradley Harrison, 25, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Tyler Woodcock, 26, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;
- Bradley Scott, 28, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydromorphone;
- Jesse Grossman, 34, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and,
- Brittney Goodbread, 35, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Convicted Felon.
Four additional defendants were indicted on separate federal charges related to the investigations, including:
- Brian Sasser, 42, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Brittny Hilton, 24, of Fleming, Ga., charged with two counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and two counts of Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.
- Amanda Orrell, 40, of Savannah, charged with False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.
- Dederick Bryant, a/k/a “Hinesville D,” a/k/a “D,” 33, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It is being investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, GBI, CNT, the Chatham County Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia Department of Corrections; sheriff’s offices from Effingham, Bryan, Jones, Clayton, Liberty, Chatham, Long, Glynn and Wayne counties; and police departments from Pooler, Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pembroke, Hinesville, and Glynn County. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo, and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche, E. Greg Gilluly Jr., and Jennifer Kirkland, in coordination with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Clayton County Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Monmouth County Man Admits Unlawfully Possessing MachinegunRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawfully possessing a machinegun, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Davon Harley, 30, of Neptune City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an indictment charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun.
According to documents filed today and statements made in court:
In February 2020, a Neptune City Police officer confronted Harley, a previously convicted felon, who was arguing with others in the yard of an apartment complex. Harley fled through the apartment complex into neighboring properties and discarded a handgun that, upon inspection, had been altered to fire exclusively in fully automatic mode. The weapon had a magazine capable of holding 31 rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement officers, assisted by the Neptune Township and Asbury Park police departments, located Harley and the machinegun and magazine that Harley had discarded. The magazine contained 22 rounds of ammunition.
The felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 12, 2021.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Neptune City Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Matthew Quagliato; officers of the Neptune Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police James M. Hunt, Jr.; officers of the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police David Kelso; officers of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Shaun Golden; and detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Matthews of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
Missouri Man with Prior Child Sex Conviction Sentenced for Possessing Child Porn in KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man with a prior child sexual exploitation conviction was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.
William Lockwood, 41, who lived in Kansas City, Kan., at the time of the crime and now lives in Pleasant Valley, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. The investigation began when Dropbox sent a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In his plea, Lockwood admitted he uploaded child pornography to the Dropbox account and provided access to other users.
Investigators seized 26 videos of child sexual abuse from Lockwood’s account. In 2012, Lockwood was convicted in Collier County, Fla., on a charge of obscene communication for the purpose of luring a child for sex.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Mercer County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rasheed McNair, 41, of Ewing, New Jersey, was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a weapon following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On Feb. 18, 2018, two Trenton Police detectives in the Street Crimes Unit were driving through the area of Oakland Street and Hoffman Avenue in Trenton when one of them observed McNair standing in an open doorway in a public housing complex and holding what was later identified as a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun.
McNair tucked the handgun into his jacket and ran up the stairwell of the building. After giving chase, one of the detectives observed McNair remove the handgun from inside his jacket and attempt to hide it under a doormat in front of an apartment. The other detective retrieved the firearm from under the doormat and rendered it safe. The weapon was later found to be loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber, and its serial number had been obliterated.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced McNair to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah A. Coley; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elisa T. Wiygul and Michelle S. Gasparian of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
Member of Violent Baltimore Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges, Including MurderRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Justin Antoine, a/k/a Justo, age 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, a member of a drug trafficking organization operating in Southwest Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to the federal charges of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and to discharging a firearm resulting in death during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. In addition to the murder, Antoine admitted to being part of a shoot-out where a bystander was shot.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement are working together to target members of violent drug gangs operating in Baltimore City,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Justin Antoine’s activities demonstrate how this drug trafficking organization brought danger to our community through the deadly combination of guns and drugs. Now Justin Antoine likely faces at least 20 years in federal prison, where there is no parole—ever. Please, put down the guns and save a life—maybe even your own.”
“Today’s guilty plea represents how law enforcement agencies are working together in the state of Maryland to target and dismantle violent street gangs that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone. “The citizens of Maryland have the FBI’s commitment that we will work with our local, state and federal partners to attack these dealers and remove violent criminals from their neighborhoods.”
According to his plea agreement, from at least April 2018 through January 2019, Antoine participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in and around the Edmondson Village neighborhood of southwest Baltimore. The DTO sold heroin and crack cocaine on a daily basis in street-level quantities. Antoine regularly sold heroin and crack cocaine, which he obtained from other members of the DTO.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on several occasions in early 2018, individuals in the Edmondson Village robbed Antoine, stealing drugs, drug proceeds, and a cell phone that Antoine used to communicate with drug customers.
Antoine admits that on May 8, 2018, he sought out victim “J.D.” because Antoine believed J.D. was one of the participants in these robberies. Antoine was armed with a loaded pistol and went to the Mary Rodham Recreation Center. Once at the location, Antoine walked up to J.D. and shot him two times in the head, killing J.D. Antoine acknowledged that this was an intentional killing and occurred during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities. Following the murder of J.D., Antoine continued to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. In November 2018, Antoine was standing on the block where he frequently distributed drugs when a vehicle operated by friends of J.D. arrived. At least one occupant of that vehicle fired a gun at Antoine. Antoine was armed with a handgun and shot back at the vehicle. During this exchange of gunfire, a bystander was struck by gunfire.
Law enforcement arrested Antoine on January 10, 2019, as he was traveling to work. Investigators seized a loaded firearm and heroin from Antoine. Antoine admits that he possessed the heroin with the intent to distribute the drugs.
Antoine and the government have agreed that, if the court accepts the plea, Antoine will be sentenced to between 20 and 25 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Antoine on March 18, 2021, at 12:00 p.m.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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 part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the ATF, and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Anne Arundel County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew DellaBetta and Michael Goldsticker, who are prosecuting the case.
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Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Raekwan Paris, a/k/a “King Debo,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for March 25, 2021.
Paris admitted to his role in a February 2019 shooting of rival gang members and his participation in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford. In New Bedford, the Latin Kings ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute the narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from co-defendant, and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G.” Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Latin Kings members cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline, and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.
With respect to the shooting, according to court documents, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Shortly after the shooting, Paris was captured on a recording made by a cooperating witness admitting to shooting at the rival gang members and firing eight shots but not striking anyone.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Paris is the 25th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
McAlester Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tiffany Ann Meeks-Davis, age 33, of McAlester, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about January 2017, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to commit offenses against the United States by knowingly and intentionally distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual).
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (“OBN”), the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office, the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the McAlester Police Department, and the Stigler Police Department. The investigation was part of and include members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking (“HIDTA”) Task Force.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
Maryland Lawyer Facing Federal Indictment in Maryland for Defrauding Financial Institutions and Other Entities to Obtain Control over More Than $12.5 Million of Somali Sovereign AssetsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Maryland lawyer Jeremy Schulman, age 45, of Bethesda, Maryland, on federal charges for wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracies, and three counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of bank fraud, and four counts of money laundering, in connection with his alleged participation in a scheme to defraud financial institutions of more than $12.5 million that was held on behalf of the Somali government.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
The 11-count indictment alleges that from 2009 to 2014, Schulman conspired with others to fraudulently obtain control of financial assets held on behalf of the Somali Government around the world and enrich himself and his co-conspirators by taking a portion of those assets in fees and expenses. To effectuate this scheme, Schulman and others allegedly created false documents regarding Schulman’s authority to recover assets on behalf of the Somali government. Schulman presented these allegedly false documents to a federally insured bank and other institutions. In addition to using forged and fraudulent documents, Schulman also allegedly made material misrepresentations and concealed material information from these banks and institutions regarding his authority to act on behalf of the Somali government.
As a result of this scheme, Schulman, his co-conspirators, and the law firm where Schulman was a shareholder ultimately obtained control of approximately $12.5 million of frozen Somali funds. Schulman caused his law firm to improperly retain more than $3.3 million of the Somali funds while remitting the rest to the Somali government. Schulman received hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional compensation from his law firm based on the revenue from the scheme, and allegedly engaged in further fraud and money laundering to cause a portion of the funds retained by his law firm to be wired to accounts for the benefit of his co-conspirators.
If convicted, Schulman faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud. Schulman also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the money laundering conspiracy and for each count of money laundering. 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. Schulman is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, on Monday, December 7, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please call (888) 549-3945 or visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt commended the FBI and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David Salem and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner and Trial Attorneys Jason Manning and Amy Markopoulos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, who are prosecuting the case.
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Maryland Lawyer Charged with Defrauding Financial Institutions and Other Entities to Obtain Control over $12.5 Million of Somali Sovereign AssetsRead the Press Release
UPDATE: On Aug. 30, 2024, the court granted the United States' motion to dismiss the charges announced in the press release below.
A Maryland lawyer was charged in an 11-count indictment for his alleged role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain control of more than $12.5 million that was held by financial institutions on behalf of the Somali government, to improperly take part of those funds for fees and expenses, and to launder a portion of those funds to accounts for the benefit of his co-conspirators.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur of the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
Jeremy Schulman, 47, of Bethesda, Maryland, was charged in an indictment filed in the District of Maryland with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud; three counts of wire fraud; one count of mail fraud; one count of bank fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and four counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that from 2009 to 2014, Schulman conspired with others to fraudulently obtain control of financial assets held on behalf of the Somali government around the world and enrich himself and his co-conspirators by taking a portion of those assets in fees and expenses.
To effectuate this scheme, Schulman and others allegedly created false documents regarding Schulman’s authority to recover assets on behalf of the Somali government. Schulman presented these allegedly false documents to a federally insured bank and other institutions. In addition to using forged and fraudulent documents, Schulman also allegedly made material misrepresentations and concealed material information from these banks and institutions regarding his authority to act on behalf of the Somali government.
As a result of this scheme, Schulman, his co-conspirators, and the law firm where Schulman was a shareholder ultimately obtained control of approximately $12.5 million of frozen Somali funds. Schulman caused his law firm to improperly retain more than $3.3 million of the Somali funds while remitting the rest to the Somali government. Schulman received hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional compensation from his law firm based on the revenue from the scheme, and allegedly engaged in further fraud and money laundering to cause a portion of the funds retained by his law firm to be wired to accounts for the benefit of his co-conspirators.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/victim-witness-program or call (888) 549-3945.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Washington D.C. Field Office. Trial Attorneys Jason Manning and Amy Markopoulos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner and Senior Litigation Counsel David Salem of the the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in this matter.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Longtime Fugitive Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A longtime fugitive has been sentenced in federal court to 33 months in prison, three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $82,129, on his conviction of filing false claims against an agency of the United States, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on William Fabiseski, 46, of Tunkhannock, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from Feb. 10, 2007, to Aug. 23, 2008, Fabiseski, while incarcerated at the State Correctional Institute in Houtzdale, Pa., prepared and filed false, fictitious, and fraudulent income tax returns using the personal identifying information of his fellow inmates knowing such claims were false. The claims he prepared and filed were false in that the purported claimant’s address was false, and the wage and withholding information was false. Fabiseski then kept the proceeds.
Fabiseski was indicted on Jan. 31, 2012, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of filing a false claim against an agency of the United States, After more than seven years on the run, the United States Marshals Service located and arrested the defendant on October 1, 2019, in Scranton, Pa. He was returned to the Western District of Pennsylvania for prosecution.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of Fabiseski.
Local man faces prison for illegally pointing laser at helicopterRead the Press Release
McALLEN – A 42-year-old man from Edcouch has pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Luz Fernando Solis admitted that on May 3, he knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter.
The aircraft was providing assistance to local law enforcement when a laser beam struck the DPS helicopter twice. Authorities observed an individual, later identified as Solis, at the location where the laser beams originated.
They conducted a search of his residence and found the laser pointer.
Lasers have a dangerous effect on pilots when the beams of light strike an aircraft. The light can temporarily blind them. A laser, when aimed at an aircraft, can create a visual distraction or cause discomfort or even damage to a pilot’s eyes.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing on Feb. 11, 2021. At that time, Solis faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Solis was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI and DPS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Blake Land is prosecuting the case.
Local Spokane Large Scale Prolific Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 19.5 Years in Federal Prison Following Seizure of Multiple Pounds of Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that James Matthew Ethrington, age 33, a resident of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on September 3, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Ethrington to a 235 month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a five year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, in August, 2019, the Spokane Police Department conducted a traffic stop of James Ethrington when they observed suspicious activity related to a potential stolen vehicle. Ethrington identified himself and informed the officer that his driving status was suspended. During the contact, the officer observed common drug-use paraphernalia in the driver’s area of the vehicle. Ethrington was arrested on an unrelated warrant. A subsequent search of Ethrington and his vehicle revealed approximately $9,953 in U.S. Currency and counterfeit currency, approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 1 pound of heroin. Additionally, there was a cup with heroin residue, two digital scales, and empty plastic bags with heroin residue in them, which all indicate the conversion of large quantities of controlled substances into smaller quantities for sale.
During sentencing it was noted Ethrington had been caught with pound-quantities of methamphetamine as well as heroin during three separate law enforcement contacts over the course of about 9 months. Each time, Ethrington also had possession of a large sum of U.S. Currency and a new vehicle. The Court also noted Ethrington has a lengthy, concerning criminal history, including multiple felony drug and theft-related charges spanning over the course of the last approximately 10 years. Ethrington also has an outstanding warrant from the State of California related to the alleged theft of gold coins. Judge Rice noted during the sentencing that Ethrington has one of the highest criminal history scores he has seen.
According to court records, this case is part of a global resolution with the State of Washington where Ethrington also pled guilty to ten additional felonies, including Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Trafficking in Stolen Property, Identity Theft, and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “James Ethrington is a repeated large scale prolific drug trafficker. He has engaged in repetitive serious criminal conduct causing irreparable harm to families and our community. With the Court sending him to federal prison under this significant sentence, he is removed from Spokane and is no longer a threat to the safety of our residents.”
Hyslop went on to state, “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington commends the excellent work of law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Spokane Police Department who investigated this case. This is one more excellent example of where Federal and local law enforcement working together can remove bad criminals from our streets. We thank them for the great work they do every day.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Caitlin A. Baunsgard, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Livingston woman admits lying in purchase of a firearm used by felon who shot at state probation officersRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Livingston woman accused of illegally obtaining a firearm for a felon who shot at state probation officers admitted federal charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Tracy Fonda Flanigan, 46, pleaded guilty to false statement during a firearms transaction. Flanigan faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters released Flanigan pending further proceedings and set sentencing for April 15, 2021.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that in May 2018, Michael Anderson, a felon, shot at Montana State Probation and Parole Officers who were attempting to conduct a home check. Anderson was convicted in Yellowstone County District Court of assault with a weapon and sentenced to 40 years to the Montana State Prison.
During a search of Anderson’s residence, law enforcement officers found several firearms and ammunition. An investigation determined that one of the firearms recovered was purchased by Flanigan on Nov. 11, 2015. Officers learned that Flanigan purchased an AR-556 rifle at The Fort in Big Timber.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Anderson confirmed he had Flanigan purchase the firearms for him and gave her the money for the purchases. Flanigan knew Anderson was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions. Flanigan eventually admitted purchasing the firearms for Anderson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Selling A Variety of DrugsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti has sentenced Nestly Jean a/k/a “Baby Zoe” (28, Lehigh Acres) to seven years in federal prison for distributing controlled substances. He had pleaded guilty on January 14, 2020. Jean is a documented member of the “Zoe Pound” street gang by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, in the spring of 2019, law enforcement purchased crack cocaine, powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Jean over the course of four undercover deals, each occurring at a residence in the Palmona Park neighborhood of North Fort Myers. During one of the transactions, Jean cooked powder cocaine into crack cocaine in front of law enforcement before selling it to them. Although Jean sold his drugs in Palmona Park, law enforcement determined that he lived in Lehigh Acres. On May 9, 2019, during a search of Jean’s home, Jean was found to be in possession of more than $18,000 in cash, an AK-47 firearm, and a large stash of drugs.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Joel Espinosa, 21, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a cooperating individual and an undercover agent purchased nearly 80 grams of fentanyl from Espinosa and another man during two separate occasions in 2019. One transaction occurred in Manchester and the other took place in Methuen, Massachusetts.
Espinosa is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2021.
“Drug traffickers who are involved in the sale of fentanyl to Granite Staters are causing grave damage to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to coordinate our efforts with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in order to stop the flow of this deadly drug. Drug dealers should be aware that state lines will not prevent them from being brought to justice in federal court.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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La Crosse Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Seth Strand, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On January 22, 2020, Strand was a passenger in a Ford Explorer that was pulled over by the Wisconsin State Patrol in La Crosse County. Troopers arrested Strand after being notified of a felony arrest warrant for him. Troopers searched the Explorer and found a safe behind the passenger seat. Troopers found a key to the safe on the key chain for the Explorer. A search of the safe revealed approximately 407 grams of methamphetamine. During a post-arrest interview, Strand admitted he intended to sell the methamphetamine to several individuals in La Crosse County.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley noted that the Strand has an extensive criminal history including four felony drug trafficking convictions since 2013. Judge Conley also noted that the sentence was appropriate because Strand was in possession of nearly one pound of methamphetamine while on state supervision for two separate methamphetamine trafficking convictions in La Crosse County.
The charge against Strand was a result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Kentucky Horse Park Improves Access for Individuals with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. –The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky has resolved its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance review of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Covered Arena. The United States Attorney’s Office initiated the compliance review after receiving a complaint from a private citizen about barriers to access at the Covered Arena for individuals with disabilities.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky operates the Kentucky Horse Park, which is a public entity subject to Title II of the ADA. Title II requires public entities to operate services, programs, and activities so that they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. After receiving notice of the compliance investigation, the Kentucky Horse Park conducted its own investigation and worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to remove identified barriers to access in the Covered Arena’s restrooms.
“Everyone should be able to access basic necessities without barriers, regardless of any disabilities,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office will continue to make sure that everyone has equal access to facilities. We appreciate Kentucky Horse Park’s cooperation in being proactive to address the issues in their Covered Arena.”
As outlined in the Letter of Resolution informally resolving the compliance investigation, the Kentucky Horse Park installed grab bars, repositioned toilet compartment doors and toilet paper dispensers, and relocated existing flush controls or installed automatic flush controls in the accessible stalls in the Covered Arena’s restrooms to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Pond, as part of the Department of Justice’s civil rights enforcement efforts.
The year 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the ADA. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. The Justice Department will continue to use its enforcement and technical assistance tools to eliminate unlawful discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Individuals wishing to file an online complaint of potential violations of the ADA can do so on the ADA’s website at www.ada.gov.
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Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Facebook for Discriminating Against U.S. WorkersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it filed a lawsuit against Facebook Inc. for discriminating against U.S. workers.
The lawsuit alleges that Facebook refused to recruit, consider, or hire qualified and available U.S. workers for over 2,600 positions that Facebook, instead, reserved for temporary visa holders it sponsored for permanent work authorization (or “green cards”) in connection with the permanent labor certification process (PERM). The positions that were the subject of Facebook’s alleged discrimination against U.S. workers offered an average salary of approximately $156,000. According to the lawsuit, and based on the department’s nearly two-year investigation, Facebook intentionally created a hiring system in which it denied qualified U.S. workers a fair opportunity to learn about and apply for jobs that Facebook instead sought to channel to temporary visa holders Facebook wanted to sponsor for green cards.
“The Department of Justice’s lawsuit alleges that Facebook engaged in intentional and widespread violations of the law, by setting aside positions for temporary visa holders instead of considering interested and qualified U.S. workers,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit follows a nearly two-year investigation into Facebook’s practices and a ‘reasonable cause’ determination by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Our message to workers is clear: if companies deny employment opportunities by illegally preferring temporary visa holders, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable. Our message to all employers — including those in the technology sector — is clear: you cannot illegally prefer to recruit, consider, or hire temporary visa holders over U.S. workers.”
The department’s lawsuit alleges that beginning no later than Jan. 1, 2018 and lasting until at least Sept. 18, 2019, Facebook employed tactics that discriminated against U.S. workers and routinely preferred temporary visa holders (including H-1B visa holders) for jobs in connection with the PERM process. Rather than conducting a genuine search for qualified and available U.S. workers for permanent positions sought by these temporary visa holders, Facebook reserved the positions for temporary visa holders because of their immigration status, according to the complaint. The complaint also alleges that Facebook sought to channel jobs to temporary visa holders at the expense of U.S. workers by failing to advertise those vacancies on its careers website, requiring applicants to apply by physical mail only, and refusing to consider any U.S. workers who applied for those positions. In contrast, Facebook’s usual hiring process relies on recruitment methods designed to encourage applications by advertising positions on its careers website, accepting electronic applications, and not pre-selecting candidates to be hired based on a candidate’s immigration status, according to the lawsuit.
In its investigation, the department determined that Facebook’s ineffective recruitment methods dissuaded U.S. workers from applying to its PERM positions. The department concluded that, during the relevant period, Facebook received zero or one U.S. worker applicants for 99.7 percent of its PERM positions, while comparable positions at Facebook that were advertised on its careers website during a similar time period typically attracted 100 or more applicants each. These U.S. workers were denied an opportunity to be considered for the jobs Facebook sought to channel to temporary visa holders, according to the lawsuit.
Not only do Facebook’s alleged practices discriminate against U.S. workers, they have adverse consequences on temporary visa holders by creating an employment relationship that is not on equal terms. An employer that engages in the practices alleged in the lawsuit against Facebook can expect more temporary visa holders to apply for positions and increased retention post-hire. Such temporary visa holders often have limited job mobility and thus are likely to remain with their company until they can adjust status, which for some can be decades.
The United States’ complaint seeks civil penalties, back pay on behalf of U.S. workers denied employment at Facebook due to the alleged discrimination in favor of temporary visa holders, and other relief to ensure Facebook stops the alleged violations in the future. According to the lawsuit, and based on the department’s nearly two-year investigation, Facebook’s discrimination against U.S. workers was intentional, widespread, and in violation of a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(1), that the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division enforces.
The PERM process is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and allows employers to offer permanent positions to temporary visa holders by converting them to lawful permanent residents who may live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. However, the PERM process requires an employer to first demonstrate that there are no qualified and available U.S. workers for the position that the employer plans to offer to the temporary visa holder. The INA protects U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, refugees, asylees, and recent lawful permanent residents from citizenship status discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment or referral for a fee. Workers who fall outside of these categories are not protected from citizenship status discrimination under the INA.
This lawsuit is filed as part of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative, which was started in 2017 and is aimed at targeting, investigating, and taking enforcement actions against companies that discriminate against U.S. workers in favor of temporary visa holders. The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) has reached numerous settlements under the Initiative, and employers have distributed or agreed to pay a combined total of more than $1.2 million in back pay to affected U.S. workers and civil penalties to the United States. These settlements involve employers that discriminated in their use of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and F-1 visas.
IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment, or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, can file a charge. The public also can contact IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688; call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email [email protected]; sign up for a free webinar; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER.
Members of the public can also report possible civil rights violations through the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal.
Justice Department Announces Civil Investigation into Louisiana's Prisoner Release PracticesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into Louisiana’s prisoner release practices.
The investigation will examine the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ policies and practices for ensuring the timely release of state prisoners in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Corrections who are incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities, including practices related to prisoners who are eligible for immediate release.
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
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Justice Department Announces Civil Investigation into Louisiana's Prisoner Release PracticesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into Louisiana’s prisoner release practices.
The investigation will examine the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ policies and practices for ensuring the timely release of state prisoners in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Corrections who are incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities, including practices related to prisoners who are eligible for immediate release.
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Announces Civil Investigation into Louisiana's Prison Release PracticesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into Louisiana’s prisoner release practices.
The investigation will examine the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ policies and practices for ensuring the timely release of state prisoners in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Corrections who are incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities, including practices related to prisoners who are eligible for immediate release.
The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Jamaican Native Who Was Convicted of Fraud but Failed to Appear for Sentencing Is Going to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Daciann Brown, 30, a Jamaican native residing in Rochester, NY, who was convicted of failing to appear for sentencing, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to serve 46 months in prison and to pay restitution totaling $182,139.62.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in May 2018, the defendant pleaded guilty to wire fraud, false claims, and fraud related to identification documents. Brown purported to be a tax preparer and filed 66 false tax returns on behalf of 44 taxpayers with the IRS. Thirteen of those taxpayers did not know the defendant was filing returns using their personal information. Brown was scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2018. However, the defendant failed to appear on that date, and an arrest warrant was issued. On June 3, 2020, Brown was arrested by the U.S. Marshal Service.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge, and the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
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Incarcerated Universal Aryan Brotherhood Member Sentenced to 25 Additional Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution Conspiracy Orchestrated from State PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, COLBY SCOTT SHEPHERD, 37, of Elk City, and a member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood (UAB) currently incarcerated in an Oklahoma prison on a state conviction, was sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
On February 19, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment charging Shepherd with a drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On September 13, 2019, Shepherd pled guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and public records, Shepherd was a member of the UAB incarcerated in an Oklahoma prison serving time for multiple state convictions arising out of Beckham, Custer, and Oklahoma Counties. Despite being incarcerated, Shepherd and other members of the UAB orchestrated a drug-trafficking operation, primarily focused on the distribution of methamphetamine, using contraband cell phones. Shepherd and his associates used other non-incarcerated members and contacts of the UAB to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine and collection of drug proceeds throughout Western Oklahoma.
Ultimately in November 2018, Shepherd coordinated a series of narcotics transactions with an undercover officer. During the final transaction, Shepherd coordinated a delivery in Oklahoma City for pounds of methamphetamine but law enforcement intercepted his associate Michael Lee Chism with the narcotics and a firearm at the delivery location.
On November 30, 2020, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Shepherd to serve 300 months (25 years) in federal prison beginning only after he completes all the remaining time of incarceration for his state cases. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his federal prison term. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Friot commented on Shepherd’s continued propensity to engage in criminal activity and lack of deterrence despite being incarcerated as reasoning for the necessity of the lengthy sentence.
Shepherd’s codefendant in this case, Michael Lee Chism, previously pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On May 29, 2020 he was sentenced to serve 60 months (5 years) in federal prison.
"I hope Universal Aryan Brotherhood members take note of this federal sentence as they continue their dangerous gang activities from state prison and conspire to distribute drugs in our state," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "This case is another reminder that contraband cell phones in our prisons remain a major public safety issue and our office will continue to vigorously pursue criminals who continue to distribute drugs in our state even after they are incarcerated."
"This lengthy prison sentence of a drug dealing gang member should send a clear message to both criminals and law abiding citizens that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will never relent in our efforts to hold criminals accountable while protecting the general public," said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge HSI Dallas. "This felon’s attempt to sustain his illegal drug dealing business while incarcerated highlights the distance he went for personal gain. This result serves as a stark reminder that HSI’s reach has no limits."
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections—Security Threats Intelligence, and the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Drug Task Force for District 2. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley and Nicholas J. Patterson prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Illinois Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Illinois man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with producing child pornography.
Domenique Dequon Hines, 23, of Crystal Lake, Ill., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of production/attempted production of child pornography. Hines will make an initial appearance tomorrow in federal court in Rockford, Ill.
According to the criminal complaint, Hines and a 14-year-old Massachusetts victim initially met and conversed on Instagram. Thereafter, the two exchanged phone numbers and began communicating via iMessage. A review of the iMessages revealed that Hines informed the victim that he is 23 years old and the victim confirmed her age. It is alleged that thereafter, at Hines request, the victim took sexually explicit photos of herself and sent them to Hines.
According to the criminal complaint, Hines was previously convicted of a child pornography offense in Illinois.
Due to Hines’s prior conviction, the charging statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to 50 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRIS HENDERSON, age 44, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count indictment charging him with distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court records, in January 2018, a confidential source (CS) informed agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Narcotics Task Force that HENDERSON sold methamphetamine in the Terrebonne Parish area. On February 7, 2018, agents used the confidential source to make a controlled purchase of approximately two ounces of methamphetamine from HENDERSON in Schriever, Louisiana.
HENDERSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Grand jury indicts two St. Louis men on various charges of carjacking, firearms and felon in possession of firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Jeremiah Couch with two counts of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious physical injury, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
The grand jury also indicted Joshua Thomas with one count of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious physical injury, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession a stolen firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to the indictment and other the court documents, on October 21, 2019, Couch carjacked an individual at gunpoint and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Couch in the victim’s vehicle and when they arrested him, Couch was in possession of one or more firearms. Also on October 21, 2019, Thomas led St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers on a high-speed chase. When the officers caught Thomas, he possessed of one or more firearms and methamphetamine.
Court records further reflect that on October 19, 2019, Couch and Thomas aided and abetted each other in committing an armed carjacking. On October 17, 2019, Couch and another individual matching the Thomas’s description shot an individual and stole the victim’s bag, which contained the victim’s firearm. Thomas was found in possession of that firearm on October 21, 2019.
Additionally, court records reflect that on September 30, 2019, Thomas shot at a group of individuals multiple times, striking one of them. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located ballistic evidence at the scene.
Carjacking with intent to cause death or serious physical injury carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of 7 years up to life imprisonment; felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Jen Szczucinski handled the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative. The initiative was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
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Grand jury indicts trucking company employee on embezzlement chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Michelle Serth-Stein on five counts of wire fraud. The 50 year old is a resident of Smithton, Illinois.
According to the indictment, between approximately October 2017 and August 2019, Serth-Stein embezzled monies from her employers to pay for retail expenditures and personal loans. Serth-Stein first worked at St. Louis-based Midwest Systems where she was the company’s driver recruiter. Serth-Stein’s role required submitting invoices for reimbursement of driver recruitment expenses. Serth-Stein, from October 2017 to January 2019, submitted false and fraudulent invoices to Midwest Systems for payments directed to Serth-Stein’s personal bank account. The company fired her on January 24, 2019.
On March 3, 2019, AA Express, Inc. hired Serth-Stein to conduct driver recruitment and oversee driver safety. AA Express, Inc. is also a St. Louis-based trucking company. From approximately March 2019 until August 2019, Serth-Stein made unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions from the AA Express, Inc. business bank account and intercepted at least one check made payable to AA Express, Inc. by using her check signing privileges on the AA Express, Inc. bank account. Serth-Stein then directed the funds into her personal checking account. On August 10, 2019, Serth-Stein’s employment with AA Express, Inc. ended.
Serth-Stein embezzled approximately $120,804.57 from Midwest Systems and AA Express, Inc. without the knowledge or authorization of her employers.
For each count of wire fraud, Serth-Stein faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Grand jury indicts pair for stealing money from three St. Louis-area credit unionsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Wendell Bryant, 43, and Ciera Moreland, 34, on one count of bank fraud conspiracy and Bryant on one count of bank fraud.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around September 2019 and ending in or around November 2019, Bryant and Moreland conspired with each other to defraud three financial institutions by submitting fraudulent vehicle loan applications. Bryant and Moreland obtained loans from the financial institutions to purchase vehicles that were not in the custody or control of auto dealer STL Power Motors, operated by Bryant.
Moreland submitted loan applications to Neighbors Credit Union, Together Credit Union, and Vantage Credit Union, including false and fraudulent income verification. Bryant would then fax automobile purchase orders to the financial institutions for vehicles that were not in the possession of STL Power Motors.
Once Moreland obtained the loan proceeds from the credit unions, the funds were dispersed between Bryant and Moreland.
Bank fraud carries a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.000. The same penalties apply to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Gonzales Man Sentenced to 198 Months in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Taylor Haynes, age 29, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to serve 198 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution and possession of child pornography. The Court also ordered that, after imprisonment, Haynes serve five years of supervised release, during which Haynes would be restricted from contact with minors. As part of the judgment issued in this case, Haynes was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $21,000, and he will be required to register as a convicted sex offender for life.
According to court records in this case, law enforcement officials received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting an incident where Haynes utilized the Facebook Messenger application to distribute child pornography to another Facebook user. Acting on this tip, law enforcement officials obtained and executed a search warrant on Haynes’s residence. During the search of the residence, law enforcement officials learned that Haynes possessed over 20 images and 40 videos of prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years old, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The search also revealed a number of videos and images of Haynes sexually abusing a dog.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence contributes to the safety and security of children not only in our community, but around the world. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue individuals whose actions exploit our youth. I applaud the work of our prosecutor and local, state and federal agents involved in this matter.”
“Investigating individuals like Taylor Haynes is one of the highest priorities of the FBI. Mr. Haynes violated innocent lives and we will continue to take an aggressive approach to identify unknown individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the production of child sexual abuse material,” stated Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “This sentence is the culmination of an investigation conducted by Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts who work tirelessly to remove sexual predators from children’s lives through the justice system.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance provided by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr., who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Tyrion McNair, age 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
McNair was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The Court ordered McNair’s federal sentence to run consecutive to his Indiana state convictions for murder and using a firearm during the commission of an offense in 02D05-1807-MR-12.
According to documents presented in this case, on or about March 12, 2018, McNair sold approximately three ounces of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” to an individual working with law enforcement. McNair sold additional amounts of crystal methamphetamine to this individual from January through March of 2018.
"Putting individuals such as Mr McNair - who not only poisoned our communities with the drugs he peddled, but who also committed a heinous murder - behind bars has always been and will continue to be a priority for the FBI,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “Through our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships we will continue to work to disrupt criminal enterprises that negatively impact life for so many."
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Also assisting with this investigation were the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crime Unit and Vice and Narcotics Division. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey Speith.
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Former Office of Tax and Revenue Head of Collections Sentenced for Paying Bribes to OTR Official to Help Consulting ClientRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Bobby Tucker, 63, former Chief of Collections for the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) was sentenced today to 14 months of incarceration for his conviction for a bribery charge stemming from a scheme in which he paid bribes to an OTR official in order to reduce the tax liabilities of a business he consulted and to take other actions to benefit Tucker’s business interests as opportunities arose.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal Division and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, District of Columbia’s Office of Inspector General.
Tucker, of Suffolk, Virginia, pled guilty to bribery on June 12, 2020. On December 3, 2020, Tucker was sentenced by Chief Judge Beryl Howell to 14 months of incarceration and two years of supervised release, along with a $10,000 fine and a special assessment of $100.
According to the government’s evidence, Tucker agreed to pay an OTR official, who was working as a confidential source, to obtain referrals of city taxpayers with outstanding tax liabilities. With respect to one such referral, Tucker paid $5,000 in bribes to the OTR official in exchange for that official wiping out nearly $150,000 in tax liability for a business organization operating in the District of Columbia.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge Dawson, and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Office of the Inspector General for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas and Paralegal Specialists Amanda Rohde and Stephanie Frijas.