Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
27 January 2021
Man Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison for Making Hoax Threats, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY JOSEPH GRAVELLE, also known as Roland Prejean, 53, last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making numerous hoax threats, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed his earlier federal convictions for sending threatening communications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters in 2010. He was released from prison in 2015.
In September 2018, while he was on federal supervised release, Gravelle used the U.S. mail, e-mail and telephone to threaten to harm people and explode property in Connecticut, Vermont and Washington. Certain letters that Gravelle mailed contained a white powdery substance and statements that the substance was Anthrax, a biological agent and toxin. Gravelle made threats to various mental health providers and facilities in New Haven, U.S. Probation Officers, a U.S. District Court Judge, an international airport in Vermont, a federal prison in Washington, occupants of a building in Old Saybrook, a credit union in Bristol, and organizations and religious centers in Connecticut. He also sent a letter threatening to kill the President of the United States.
Gravelle has been detained since his arrest on September 8, 2018. On January 6, 2020, he pleaded guilty to five counts of maliciously conveying false information about an explosive, one count related to the sending of hoax Anthrax letters, and one count of making threats against the President. He also admitted that he failed to comply with conditions of his supervised release.
Judge Dooley sentenced Gravelle to 86 months of imprisonment for his conduct in 2018, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release conditions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and many local police and fire departments, including departments from Bristol, Guilford, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Southington and Stamford, Yale University, and Burlington, Vermont. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Man Sentenced for Unlawful Conduct, Fraud, and Misuse of Immigration DocumentsRead the Press Release
A man was sentenced this morning after unlawful and fraudulent use of immigration documents, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Ronald A. Rodriguez-Paz, 36, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell and received time served. He has been detained for 14 months and is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation hearings. Rodriguez is from Honduras and is not a legal resident of the United States.
“Child labor trafficking is absolutely reprehensible and can be the equivalent of modern-day slavery. Ronald Rodriguez-Paz crafted a scheme in which he kept the immigration documents of a child from Honduras to ensure that child would stay with him, work for him, and pay him money he believed the child owed him,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I am grateful for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Heatherman and Chris Nassar and the agents at Homeland Security Investigations who worked to get justice for this young victim.”
In his plea agreement, Rodriguez-Paz admitted that from July 2019 to December 2019, he knowingly possessed immigration documents of a minor child in order to, without lawful authority, maintain the labor services of that child. Paz sponsored the minor, also from Honduras, to come live with him at his residence in Tulsa. He agreed that he knowingly kept the child’s immigration documents to ensure that the child continued to work and pay him the money he claimed the child owed him. Paz also admitted that from September 2016 to December 2019, he knowingly used and possessed false immigration documents. He admitted to knowingly possessing and using a fraudulently made lawful person resident card with the identification number of another actual individual. The card fraudulently contained his name and photograph.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Heatherman and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery of ATMRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUSTIN PIERCE, age 22, a resident of Slidell, pled guilty on January 26, 2021 to conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. PIERCE faces 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2021 before the Honorable Susie Morgan.
According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, PIERCE and others attempted to break into an ATM located in the drive-through of a Capital One Bank using sledgehammers, crowbars, chains, and a truck. Just prior to this robbery attempt, PIERCE and others were observed in the same truck attempting to break into an ATM at Hancock Whitney Bank.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor of the General Crimes Unit.
Man Charged with Trafficking 14-Year-Old out of DallasRead the Press Release
A Dallas man has been charged with trafficking a 14-year-old child who was recovered at a local hotel, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.
Anthony Lennell Acy, 33, was charged via criminal complaint with one count of child sex trafficking on Wednesday. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford on Wednesday.
“Child sex trafficking is one of the most vile crimes we see in north Texas. This defendant allegedly used and abused a middle-school-aged child for monetary gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “We are thankful that the North Texas Trafficking Task Force was able to not only apprehend the perpetrator, but also recover the victim and get her to safety.”
“Apprehending human traffickers that take advantage of our most vulnerable and rescuing those exploited will always be a top priority for HSI,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge HSI Dallas. “We will go to no end to combat the scourge that is human trafficking and the members of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force will never relent until every trafficker is behind bars and every victim is rescued.”
According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Acy allegedly trafficked at least two women, including a 14-year-old girl, out of a hotel off LBJ Freeway in Dallas.
The North Texas Trafficking Taskforce, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), arrested Mr. Acy as he was leaving the hotel, where they also recovered the 14-year-old Jane Doe inside a room on the second floor. She was immediately transported to the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center.
Jane Doe later told investigators that Mr. Acy ordered her to engage in commercial sex, forcing her to earn $1,000 a day, with all proceeds turned over to him. She said Mr. Acy physically assaulted her on multiple occasions and deprived her of food and shelter.
Investigators reviewed online advertisements, allegedly posted by Mr. Acy, that featured pictures of Jane Doe and offered various sexual services.
He was on bond for a state trafficking charge filed by Travis County when he was arrested by the feds.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Acy is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to life in federal prison.
The North Texas Trafficking Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the Colleyville Police Department, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebekah Ricketts is prosecuting the case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 2 Years of Probation for Extorting BusinessesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Devonere Johnson, 29, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to two years of probation for extortion. Johnson pleaded guilty to this charge on November 4, 2020.
On June 22, 2020, during a period of protests and civil unrest in downtown Madison, Johnson extorted two restaurants. At one restaurant, Johnson threatened to break the windows unless the owner sent him money through Venmo. At the other, Johnson and two others threatened to have 600 people show up and burn it down unless they were given free food.
In sentencing Johnson, Judge Conley noted the impact on the victims and that they supported a term of probation. In his sentencing memorandum, Johnson admitted that his conduct was intimidating, scary, and wrong.
The charges against Johnson were the result of an investigation conducted by Madison Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Local men charged with CVS and Randalls pharmacy burglariesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Four men are in custody and two are at large in relation to the theft of various opioids and stimulants such as OxyContin and Adderall, respectively, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned the sealed indictment Oct. 20, 2020, which was unsealed today, charging Houston residents Drexel Andre Ferguson, 32, Tyshawndre Dameion Mathis, 23, Frederick Bernard Eli, 28, Kenneth Ray Griffin, 33, Latrell Rayshod Phillips, 25, and Devon Lee Hailey, 42. With the exception of Hailey and Griffin, the others have already made appearances and remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Griffin and Hailey are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.
The seven-count indictment alleges three pharmacy burglaries, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II opioids and stimulants and conspiracy to do so.
Ferguson, Mathis, Eli and Phillips allegedly burglarized two Randalls pharmacies Nov. 4, and 11, 2017, respectively. The indictment also charges Ferguson, Griffin and Hailey with the burglary of a CVS pharmacy April 10, 2018.
The charges allege the theft of various Schedule II opioids such as Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone and OxyContin in addition to stimulants including Amphetamine, Adderall, Dextroamphetamine, Mydayis, Lisdexamfetamine and Vyvanse.
Each man is charged with possession with intent to distribute the opioids and stimulants stolen from the pharmacies, respectively, as well as conspiracy to possess and distribute the substances collectively stolen from all three pharmacies.
For his charges, Hailey could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison, while the others face a potential 20-year-sentence.
The FBI’s multi-agency gang task force conducted the investigation which included police departments in Houston and Baytown and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Kusin and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Lapwai Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Sade Tyel Bronson, 34, of Lapwai, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to ten years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Bronson to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Bronson pleaded guilty to the charge on October 14, 2020.
According to statements made in court, Bronson was the target of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) drug investigation and was identified as a methamphetamine supplier on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. On February 4, 2020, an Idaho State Police Trooper stopped the vehicle Bronson was driving near the Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston. Bronson was in possession of 88 grams of pure methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia indicating that she was a methamphetamine dealer. Because the methamphetamine weighed over 50 grams, a federal grand jury charged Bronson with a crime mandating a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence.
This case was investigated by the Hells Canyon Narcotics Working Group which includes the FBI, Idaho State Police, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lewiston Police Department. The Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office also assisted this prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
# # #
Kenosha Man Indicted for Injuring Police Officer During Kenosha RiotsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 26, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Ashton L. Howard (age: 27) of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Count one stems from the civil disorder that erupted in Kenosha following the August 23, 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake. According to court documents, evidence indicates that on August 23, 2020, a Kenosha Police Department officer was helping to remove a damaged police vehicle when Howard threw a heavy object at the officer’s head, knocking him unconscious.
Count one charges Howard with obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3). A “civil disorder” is defined by law as a “public disturbance involving acts of violence” by a group of three or more people, which “causes an immediate danger” of “damage or injury” to property or persons. 18 U.S.C. § 232(1). If convicted of count one, Howard faces a maximum of five years of imprisonment.
Count two alleges that Howard subsequently possessed ammunition, despite his prior felony conviction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted of count two, Howard faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment.
“There must be accountability for anyone who attacks a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “I commend the painstaking investigative efforts of the FBI and Kenosha Police Department to bring this case.”
“The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold those responsible who obstruct law enforcement during civil disorder. We will continue to support our partners with appropriate resources to maintain a safe community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes.
The Kenosha Police Department partnered with the FBI to investigate an incident wherein a Kenosha police officer suffered a serious injury during an illegal civil disorder. This was not a case of legal protest; instead, it was a felonious assault on a police officer. This type of conduct cannot and will not be accepted,” said Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kenosha Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Proctor.
###
For further information contact:
Public Information Officer
(414) 297-1700
Jury Convicts Rocky Mount Gang Member of Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Late yesterday a federal jury convicted a Rocky Mount man on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kalid Koron Ocean-Avent, 23, a member of the 9-Trey Bloods, led Rocky Mount Police Officers on a high-speed chase through the area of Cokey Road and Long Avenue at 2:00 a.m. on January 16, 2020. After Ocean-Avent wrecked his car and ran from the scene, officers chased down and arrested Ocean-Avent in a nearby yard. Upon searching Ocean-Avent’s car, officers found a stolen firearm in the open dash compartment, along with Ocean-Avent’s cell phone and marijuana.
At the time of his arrest, Ocean-Avent was on Federal post-release supervision stemming from a 2019 conviction in the Eastern District of North Carolina for distribution of heroin, a felony offense.
United States Attorney Higdon stated: “We are grateful for the jury’s verdict finding this defendant guilty. As part of our ongoing effort to Take Back North Carolina from violent criminals, we are pursuing gang members – particularly members of the United Blood Nation – and others who use and carry firearms illegally. Our goal is to remove them from our communities so that law abiding citizens can live without fear for their safety or their lives.”
Ocean-Avent faces a maximum penalty of 120 months in prison when sentenced on April 26, 2021, and an additional 24 months in prison for his pending revocation of his post-release supervision.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. The Rocky Mount Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.D. Koesters and Nick Miller are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-17-D.
###
Judge sentences Jefferson County man to statutory maximum of 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Joshua Braman to 120 months in prison today. The 37-year-old Crystal City, Missouri resident previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, specifically a sawed-off shotgun.
In fact, on September 17, 2019, Joshua Braman beat a victim with the sawed-off shotgun and punched her dozens of times, causing her to bleed from her mouth and nose, to black out, and to ultimately need medical treatment. During the course of the assault, Braman bit his victim, keeping her in a stolen Mercury Grand Marquis, as he continued his assault. Braman also threatened to shoot this victim, dump her body in the river, and kill himself.
On October 23, 2019, Braman was apprehended at a residence in Campbell, Missouri. Not only did Braman have the stolen Grand Marquis parked outside the residence, but the sawed-off shotgun used to assault Braman’s victim, a 12 gauge Ever Best shotgun, was inside the vehicle.
“The courage the victim demonstrated during the judicial process is admirable,” said Colonel Mary T. Barton, St. Louis County Chief of Police. “I appreciate the manner in which the United States Attorney’s Office handled this case, and as always, I am extremely proud of the dedication of the officers of the St. Louis County Police Department.”
Sarah Pingsterhaus, Victim’s Advocate for the U.S. Attorney’s Office says, “Felon in possession offenses are often viewed as victimless crimes, but this is not always the case.” Oftentimes, these cases come to fruition as a result of law enforcement responding to a domestic violence call and discovering the abuser is a previously convicted felon who is in possession of a firearm.”
Domestic violence is growing at an alarming rate across the country, enhanced by the current pandemic. Stay-at-home orders were put in place to keep the public safe from the spread of the virus, but it also forced survivors to shelter in place with their abusers.
In June 2020, a representative from the Crime Victim Center reported “in April 2020 there was a 225% increase in domestic violence calls in the county and a 25% increase in the city."
If you are a victim of domestic violence, visit www.startherestl.org, for a list of organizations that can help, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case.
#####
Individual Under Domestic Violence Order Arrested and Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On January 25, 2021, a United States Magistrate Judge authorized a criminal complaint against Héctor M. Morales-Hernández, charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB).
According to the charging document, on January 23, 2021, the PRPB stopped a car in Carolina making an illegal U-turn and driven by Morales-Hernández. Agents stopped the car and perceived a strong marihuana odor, and observed one rifle round in the front passenger seat. A minor was sitting behind the front passenger seat. Also in the car was a Romarm/Cugir rifle, model Mini Draco, 7.62 caliber, loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.
Upon investigation, the agents learned that Morales-Hernández is the subject of a domestic violence protective order issued by a Puerto Rico court. The terms of the protective order prohibit Morales-Hernández from possessing a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juan C. Reyes and Jonathan L. Gottfried, Chief of the Violent Crimes and National Security Section, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.
This case is the result of the partnership for domestic violence gun prosecutions announced by the United States Department of Justice on September 30, 2020. This initiative combats domestic violence with the intent to prevent harm and loss of life before they occur. Working with federal, state, and local law enforcement and nonprofit entities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is making the investigation and prosecution of federal domestic violence crimes a priority. In particular, we recognize the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Puerto Rico Courts Administration.
Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
Homestead Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 2-count Indictment named Rodric Sorrell, age 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Sorrell was charged with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. The Indictment further alleged that Sorrell possessed a firearm despite being prohibited from owning a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspector Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Heroin, fentanyl trafficking targeted in Operation Jump's Start, with seven indicted on federal chargesRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: Seven people have been charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy in an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court.
Operation Jump's Start, an investigation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, took aim at distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs in south Georgia, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Each defendant in the 12-count indictment is charged with conspiracy, which carries upon conviction a penalty of up to 20 years in prison – and there is no parole in the federal system.
“Opioids – particularly synthetic analogues like fentanyl – are highly addictive and frequently deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We are proud to collaborate with our network of law enforcement partners to target those who would distribute this poison in our communities.”
The investigation began in early 2019 when a source for the Glynn County Sheriff's Office identified distributors of heroin, cocaine and prescription pills in the Glynn and McIntosh County area.
With assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), investigators conducted controlled purchases of drugs, searched homes and vehicles, and charged seven defendants in the now-unsealed indictment. Each of the seven defendants in U.S.A. vs. Joseph, et. al, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine. The defendants, and any additional charges, include:
- Nickson Joseph, a/k/a “Cujo,” 55, of Brunswick, also charged with three counts of Distribution of Heroin; Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam (Xanax); Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Edwuardo Moran, 56, of Townsend, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Danielle Moran, 43, of Brunswick, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
- Yasmine Joseph, a/k/a “Midget,” 30, of Miami, Fla., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
- Kirk Westberry, 28, of Brunswick, Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl;
- Kelsey Little, 26, of Evans, Ga., Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; and,
- Tina Kalter, 42, of St. Simons Island, Ga.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Each of the defendants has had an initial appearance hearing in U.S. District Court and awaits further legal proceedings.
“It was through hard work and dedicated law enforcement. I am proud of the operation Jump's Start between the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office and DEA to bring these individuals to justice,” said Glynn County Sheriff E. Neal Jump. “We cannot allow individuals to sell drugs in our community. The joint operation was a success and I promise the citizens of Glynn County that we will continue to be proactive in our duties to protect and serve. As your Sheriff, I am very proud of my deputy assigned to DEA, our relationship with DEA, and the citizens who call and give us information to combat drugs in our county.”
“The dangerous substance Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. The combination of these deadly substances has claimed many lives,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the true spirit of law enforcement cooperation, we will halt the distribution of these dangerous and potentially deadly substances.”
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
Operation Jump's Start 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. The case is being investigated by the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the GBI, the Georgia State Patrol, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, and the Darien Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah J. Abrams and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.
Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of A Child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Eco Hutke Haney, age 23, of Henryetta, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and Abusive Sexual contact of a child in Indian Country. Each count is punishable by any period of any term of years of imprisonment or for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Information alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the Defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage and attempt to engage in sexual acts with the victim, who was, as the defendant well knew, at that time incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct, physically incapable of declining participation in the aforementioned sexual acts, and who was physically incapable of communicating unwillingness to engage in the aforementioned sexual acts.
The Information further alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in and cause sexual contact with the victim, a person who had not yet attained the age of 12 years, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, and arouse and gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Greenwood man sentenced to 240 months for trafficking methRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – Acting United States Attorney John Childress announced today that Eric Middlebrook, 31, of Greenwood, Indiana, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Tanya W. Pratt for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine where children are present.
“Drug trafficking brings gun violence that Indianapolis and many other communities across the country are experiencing,” said Childress. “We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to do our part in reducing the violence, getting drugs and weapons off the streets, and delivering justice for the people we serve.”
For several years, Middlebrook has been a suspect, victim, and witness in numerous violent crimes in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. He has also engaged in drug trafficking for several years in and around Indianapolis.
Investigators discovered that Middlebrook utilized several individuals to transport methamphetamine and other controlled substances from California to Indiana, which he would then redistribute in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. He used several different locations, including a rented storage unit to store and distribute the drugs and to store money and firearms.
After investigation, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at Middlebrooks home and rented self-storage unit. Agents located over 3700 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, several firearms, and over $40,000. At the time of the search of Middlebrooks home, three young children were also discovered living at the residence.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our community,” said Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Middlebrook was using firearms and threats of violence to further his drug trafficking operation, and clearly endangering the community, including children living in the same home. We are committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady, who prosecuted this case for the government, Middlebrook must serve 7 years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s enduring commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, opioids, and synthetic opioids. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.3.
Greene County Man Indicted for Cyberstalking and Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of cyberstalking and interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The ten-count Indictment named Kaleb Levicky, 23, formerly of Carmichaels, PA 15230, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Levicky is charged with cyberstalking from in around November 3, 2020, to in and around November 30, 2020. Levicky is also charged with the interstate communications of threats to injure on November 24, 2020, November 30, 2020, December 13, 2020 and December 14, 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both, at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Levicky is currently detained pursuant to this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Freeland Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police, Cumberland Township Police Department, and Arizona State University Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Dewayne Veasy, 30, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and with possessing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute on July 2, 2020. The indictment also charges Veasy with possessing a firearm as a felon and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed a handgun on July 2, 2020.
If convicted, Veasy faces a mandatory penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each drug charge and 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm charge. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The charges against Veasy are the result of an investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Justin Miner, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with three drug crimes and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on October 20, 2020, he distributed methamphetamine, and that on October 29, 2020, he possessed heroin with intent to distribute, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment further alleges that on October 29, 2020, he possessed a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
If convicted, Miner faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of the other drug charges and 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Menomonie Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm & Ammunition
Xavier Gentry, 32, Menomonie, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a 9mm handgun and ammunition on June 7, 2020.
The charge against Gentry is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crime
Roy Hopp, 40, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded .380 caliber pistol and ammunition on November 12, 2020.
The charge against Hopp is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Charged with Making False Statement During Purchase of Firearm
Abiel Howard, 25, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer while purchasing a firearm. The indictment alleges that on January 11, 2020, Howard stated that he was the actual buyer of a .40 caliber pistol, when he was not the actual buyer.
If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Illinois Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Leroy D. Hampton, 29, Urbana, Illinois, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on November 12, 2020.
If convicted, Hampton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Business Owner Charged with Failing to Account For & Pay Payroll Taxes
Joseph Kott, 42, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with 17 counts of failing to account for and pay over to the IRS all of the federal income taxes withheld and Social Security and Medicare taxes (“FICA taxes”) due to the United States, on behalf of Alpha Electric, LLC (“Alpha”) and its employees. Kott was the owner and operator of Alpha, an electrical installation and services business located in Sun Prairie.
The indictment alleges that Kott failed to file quarterly employment tax returns for Alpha, failed to pay FICA taxes withheld from wages of Alpha’s employees, and failed to pay the employer’s matching share of FICA Taxes. The 17 counts of the indictment allege that Kott failed to pay to the IRS a total of $377,855.24 in payroll taxes between 2014 and 2018.
If convicted, Kott faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against Kott are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber is handling the prosecution.
Man Charged with Escape
Larry Dollar, 49, is charged with escape. The indictment alleges that he escaped from the custody of Rock Valley Community Programs in Janesville, Wisconsin, on December 14, 2020.
If convicted, Dollar faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Grand Jury - January 2021Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 unsealed Indictments charging 28 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Mitchell D. Abraham, age 22, of Omaha, is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity beginning on December 8, 2020 and continuing through December 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Megan Louise Anderson, age 35, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning November 4, 2020 and continuing through November 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marcos Aviles-Cruz, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about December 22, 2020, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eliseo Barrera-Peraza, age 48, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is charged with distribution of 500 grams of methamphetamine (mixture) on November 17, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Perrion Bluford, age 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and methylenedioxymethamphetamine on January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about January 13, 2021.
* David Cantu a/k/a Eswin Lopez, age 27 of Crete, Nebraska, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor beginning October 27, 2020 through on or about January 15, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cody A. Cape, age 21, of Blair, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer beginning on November 1, 2020 through on or about December 25, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with interstate kidnapping beginning on or about December 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about December 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years’ consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carla Colliers a/k/a Carla Kochen a/k/a Carla Arndt, age 44, and James Finley, age 36, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning on June, 2020 and continuing through November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Colliers with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about September 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Colliers with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Finley with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about September 24, 2020.
* Samuel D. Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Dean Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Edwards, a/k/a Samuel Donkey Edwards, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender beginning October, 2019 through on or about January, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Valentin Diaz Hernandez, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about January 1, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Bryan A. Erdman, age 49, of Omaha, is charged in a nine-count Indictment with failure to pay over withholding and FICA taxes beginning 2015 through on or about 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Brandon Escamilla, age 18, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charge the defendant with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with unlawful user in possession of firearms on or about April 23, 2019 and December 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brandon Goodsell, age 33, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charge the defendant with using, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with prohibited person in possession of firearm on August 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Patricia Jacobsen, age 34, of Omaha, Elycia Washington, age 22, and Brandy Williamson, age 38, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning in August, 2020 and continuing through October 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $50,000,000 fine, 10-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Jacobsen with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 20, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $50,000,000 fine, 10-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Washington and Williamson with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about October 20, 2020.
* Aarion Jenkins, age 25, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment with distribution of marijuana beginning on November 22, 2019 and continuing through December 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Felipe Licea-Salazar, age 23, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 9, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Arturo Maldonado-Medina, a/k/a Fidencio Alvarez Avila, a/k/a Oscar Hernandez Lara, age 46, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about December 26, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jesse Neri, age 20, of Omaha, and Oswaldo Neri, age 28, of Omaha, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning January 1, 2021 and continuing through January 8. 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Jesse distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 5, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Charles Pierce, age 58, of Milford, Nebraska, is charged with obtaining oxycodone by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge on or about January, 2020 to on or about September, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 4 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Stetson Reinick, age 32, of Potter, Nebraska, and Stephanie Mitchell, age 27, of Potter, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on September 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Reinick with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Katherine L. Woitaszewski, age 33, of West Point, Nebraska, and Henry Poteet, age 64, are charged with conspiracy to commit escape from a Bureau of Prisons facility on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Katherine L. Woitaszewski, age 33, of West Point, Nebraska is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on September 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Former UAW Official Who Cooperated Against Two UAW Presidents Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison and Directed to Pay $342,000 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Edward “Nick” Robinson, the former President of the United Auto Workers Midwest CAP and the former Director of the UAW Labor and Employment Training Corporation, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was directed to pay $342,000 in restitution to the UAW and the IRS, pending a final restitution hearing, based on convictions for conspiring with other UAW officials to embezzle UAW funds and evade taxes announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit, Michigan office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit, Michigan office of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Edward “Nick” Robinson, 73, of Kirkwood, Missouri, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to embezzle UAW dues money between 2010 and September 2019 and to evade paying taxes on his illegal income. Between at least 2010 and September 2019, Robinson served as the President of the UAW’s Midwest CAP of Region 5 of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Workers of America (“UAW”). The UAW Midwest CAP is one of the UAW’s Community Action Program Councils which are supported through UAW dues money. The UAW’s Region 5 is headquartered in Hazelwood, Missouri, and covers the tens of thousands of UAW members in Missouri and the sixteen states to the southwest, including California and Texas. Robinson also served as the Director of the UAW Labor and Employment Training Corporation headquartered in Hazelwood, Missouri. The UAW-LETC was supposed to provide workforce training and development programs.
The investigation revealed that Robinson had conspired with at least six other senior UAW officials, including two UAW Presidents, in a multiyear conspiracy to embezzle money from the UAW for the personal benefit of Robinson and other senior UAW officials. UAW officials concealed personal expenditures in the cost of UAW Region 5 conferences held in Palm Springs, California, Coronado, California, and Missouri. Between 2010 and 2018, other UAW officials submitted fraudulent expense forms seeking reimbursement from the UAW’s Detroit headquarters for expenditures supposedly incurred in connection with Region 5 leadership and training conferences. In truth, however, Robinson and his co-conspirators used the conferences to conceal the hundreds of thousands of dollars in UAW funds spent on lavish entertainment and personal spending for the conspirators.
During the sentencing hearing, the United States requested a reduced sentence for Robinson based on his extraordinary cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of other individuals, as well as based on his serious and chronic medical conditions. Back in March 2019, Robinson came forward to law enforcement and offered to work in an undercover capacity to expose embezzlement and corruption by the highest leaders of the UAW. Robinson’s proactive cooperation assisted the government in securing the convictions of two former UAW Presidents, Gary Jones and Dennis Williams, and UAW Board member and Regional Director Vance Pearson.
As part of his sentence, and pending a possible final restitution hearing, the Court directed Robinson to pay the UAW $300,000 in restitution based on his involvement in the embezzlement conspiracy. In addition, the Court ordered Robinson to pay $42,000 in restitution to the IRS based on his failure to pay taxes.
U.S. Attorney Schneider commended the outstanding work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards and Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation into labor corruption activities involving a vital sector of the local and national economy.
“The Court’s sentence today demonstrates that individuals who accept responsibility and engage in extraordinary and significant efforts to aid in the investigation of criminal activity will receive a reduced sentence,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “The Court’s sentence also ensures that full restitution will be paid to the UAW and its membership for Robinson’s criminal activity.”
“Robinson conspired with senior union officials to embezzle UAW funds in order to personally enrich himself at the expense of the hard-working men and women of the UAW. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corrupt union officials who violate their duty to the members they represent for personal gain,” stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
"Today's sentencing is the next step in a long campaign of restoring the UAW to its core purpose – working for the rights of its members," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit. "To his credit, Mr. Robinson took responsibility for the damage his actions caused to the UAW and worked to correct them. The sentence today reflects that but should not overshadow the seriousness of his conduct."
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating anyone who intentionally conceals income from the IRS,” stated Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office.
“Edward Robinson betrayed the trust of his fellow union members and failed in his fiduciary duties by using his union position to carry out elaborate embezzlement schemes to steal over $250,000 from the UAW for the personal benefit of himself and other high-ranking union officers,” said Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “Today's conviction leaves no question as to the agency’s commitment to seek justice when anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of their fellow union members.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Gardey, Steven Cares, and Adriana Dydell.
Former Member of Baldwin Park City Council Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Admits Receiving Nearly $38,000 to Support a Police ContractRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former Baldwin Park city councilmember has pleaded guilty to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes – including $20,000 in cash – from a Baldwin Park Police officer working at the FBI’s direction, in exchange for the councilmember’s political support of the Baldwin Park Police Association’s contract with the city, the Justice Department announced today.
Ricardo Pacheco, 58, of Baldwin Park, who was elected to the City Council in 1997 and served as mayor pro tempore in 2018, pleaded guilty on June 15 to a federal bribery charge. On Tuesday, federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal information against Pacheco, as well as portions of a plea agreement in which Pacheco agreed to fully cooperate in ongoing public corruption investigations. The unsealed plea agreement contains a redacted statement of facts to protect the integrity of ongoing aspects of those investigations.
In the documents unsealed this week, Pacheco admitted to soliciting and receiving a total of $37,900 in bribes from a Baldwin Park police officer from January through October 2018 to support and vote for the Police Association’s contract, which was worth at least $4.4 million over three years. The police officer who made the payments did so at the direction of the FBI after another officer and he approached the FBI and agreed to assist in its ongoing corruption investigation. In exchange for the payments, Pacheco voted in favor of the Police Association contract in March 2018.
The payments to Pacheco included a $20,000 cash bribe in October 2018, which the police officer provided to him in an envelope in a Baldwin Park coffee shop. Pacheco also solicited and received $17,900 in checks that he directed be made out to his church and sham political action committees he had set up using other individuals’ names but which he controlled.
As part of his plea agreement, Pacheco agreed to resign from his City Council seat, which he did in June. Pacheco also agreed to forfeit $83,145 in cash proceeds seized by the FBI, which included $62,900 that Pacheco said he had buried in his backyard in two locations.
Pacheco pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II. Pacheco is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The case against Pacheco was investigated by the FBI. This case is related to public corruption investigations being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in Los Angeles County is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s tip line at tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
The case against Pacheco is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Rybarczyk of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Former Media Producer Indicted on Charges of Extortion and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment Tuesday charging a former media producer with extortion and obstruction of justice during a federal investigation in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón, 52, of San Juan, was charged with three counts of extortion and obstruction of justice related to his involvement in a scheme linked to the disclosure of Telegram chat messages during the summer of 2019, and his subsequent actions during the investigation of the allegations by the FBI.
According to the indictment, Díaz Colón attempted to extort a public official in the Government of Puerto Rico on June 20, 2019. Díaz Colón attempted to secure a $300,000 payment and other things of value from the official in exchange for the assurance that certain Telegram messages containing damaging information about various public officials in the government would not be disclosed publicly. When approached by the FBI on July 26, 2019, Díaz Colón is alleged to have deleted Telegram messages containing information about his involvement in the scheme, before surrendering his cellular telephone to the authorities.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant sought to extort a public official of the government of Puerto Rico for his own financial gain, and then compounded his crime by allegedly destroying evidence of his involvement in the scheme when approached by the FBI,” said Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to preserving the public’s confidence in our government and protecting public and private citizens alike from the types of criminal exploitation posed by the defendant.”
“Defendant Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón threatened and attempted to extort government officials for $300,000 and the awarding of government contracts,” said Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “He threatened to use his influence as a member of the media and on behalf of two public relations firms to destroy the reputations of public officials if they didn’t comply with his requests. Make no mistake, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner agencies will prosecute those who attempt to extort others and obstruct justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Public corruption has many faces… Most often the subject will be a public official who has used his/her position for personl gain,” said Rafael Riviere Vázquez, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “Sometimes, however, criminals will try to exploit the weaknesses of those who hold public office. This is also a form of public corruption and as any other form of corruption, it will not be tolerated. We have said this before and it merits repeating. If you are a victim or a witness to, or if you find yourself somehow involved in, a public corruption scheme, it will never be too late to do the right thing. We are here, we are doing our job and we want to hear from you.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Timothy Henwood and Division Chief Myriam Fernández-González of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN). Former PIN Trial Attorney James Pearce also assisted in the investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Media Producer Indicted on Charges of Extortion and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment Tuesday charging a former media producer with extortion and obstruction of justice during a federal investigation in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón, 52, of San Juan, was charged with three counts of extortion and obstruction of justice related to his involvement in a scheme linked to the disclosure of Telegram chat messages during the summer of 2019, and his subsequent actions during the investigation of the allegations by the FBI.
According to the indictment, Díaz Colón attempted to extort a public official in the Government of Puerto Rico on June 20, 2019. Díaz Colón attempted to secure a $300,000 payment and other things of value from the official in exchange for the assurance that certain Telegram messages containing damaging information about various public officials in the government would not be disclosed publicly. When approached by the FBI on July 26, 2019, Díaz Colón is alleged to have deleted Telegram messages containing information about his involvement in the scheme, before surrendering his cellular telephone to the authorities.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant sought to extort a public official of the government of Puerto Rico for his own financial gain, and then compounded his crime by allegedly destroying evidence of his involvement in the scheme when approached by the FBI,” said Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to preserving the public’s confidence in our government and protecting public and private citizens alike from the types of criminal exploitation posed by the defendant.”
“Defendant Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón threatened and attempted to extort government officials for $300,000 and the awarding of government contracts,” said Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “He threatened to use his influence as a member of the media and on behalf of two public relations firms to destroy the reputations of public officials if they didn’t comply with his requests. Make no mistake, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner agencies will prosecute those who attempt to extort others and obstruct justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Public corruption has many faces… Most often the subject will be a public official who has used his/her position for personal gain,” said Rafael Riviere Vázquez, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “Sometimes, however, criminals will try to exploit the weaknesses of those who hold public office. This is also a form of public corruption and as any other form of corruption, it will not be tolerated. We have said this before and it merits repeating. If you are a victim or a witness to, or if you find yourself somehow involved in, a public corruption scheme, it will never be too late to do the right thing. We are here, we are doing our job and we want to hear from you.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Timothy Henwood and Division Chief Myriam Fernández-González of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN). Former PIN Trial Attorney James Pearce also assisted in the investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, 53, of Macomb Township, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information charging him with Obstruction of Justice, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Smith entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Linda V. Parker in United States District Court in Detroit this morning.
According to court records, Smith admitted to obstructing justice by attempting to get a friend and two of his assistant county prosecutors to make false statements to federal law enforcement officers and a federal grand jury in a federal criminal investigation of Smith’s own criminal conduct. The charge was based on an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that revealed that between 2012 and 2020, Smith conducted two fraud schemes to steal approximately $75,000 in cash from his political campaign fund to use for personal expenses. When he became aware of a federal grand jury investigation in 2019, Smith pressured three witnesses to lie and commit perjury on his behalf to federal authorities and a federal grand jury.
As part of guilty plea, Smith admitted that he had stolen over $74,000 from his campaign fund through two different fraud schemes. In one scheme, Smith falsely claimed that he was using campaign funds to pay rent on office space for his re-election efforts. In truth, however, Smith never used the office space, but instead wrote dozens of fraudulent checks to a friend worth over $50,000. The friend then kicked back cash from all of the cashed checks to Smith to use for his personal expenses. In a second fraud scheme, Smith wrote a check for $20,000 from the campaign fund to an assistant Macomb County prosecutor, ostensibly for “consulting” work on the campaign. However, the assistant prosecutor then cashed the check and surreptitiously provided $15,000 in cash to Smith for Smith’s personal expenses.
“Some may view Smith’s conviction as a reason to lack confidence in our elected officials or our prosecutors. But the opposite is true,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “This case shows that our system works. When there is a rare case where a law enforcement officer commits crimes, he or she will be held accountable. Smith’s case is that kind of case. No one is above the law in Michigan — and that includes those who enforce the law.”
"Any attempt to hinder a criminal investigation is a very serious matter," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit. "This case, a man who had taken an oath to uphold the law was actively encouraging others to break it. That Mr. Smith was unsuccessful in his attempt to undermine the investigation is a testament to the determination of the FBI to hold individuals accountable when they break the law."
As part of his guilty plea, Smith has agreed to forfeit the $69,950 in fraud proceeds that he personally received from his scheme to steal from his campaign account.
Obstruction of justice is a felony that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Michael Bullotta and Robert Moran.
Former CFO Faces Additional Tax Charges for Failing to Pay over Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The former chief financial officer (CFO) of a Sussex County retail construction company was indicted today on five additional tax charges stemming from his failure to collect, account for, and pay over hundreds of thousands in federal payroll taxes, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jonathan Baker, 39, of Green Township, New Jersey, was originally charged by indictment in December 2019 with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering for orchestrating a scheme to defraud his former employer and several lenders, including by embezzling millions of dollars for his own personal benefit.
Baker is currently out on bail and will be arraigned at a later date before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini.
According to the superseding indictment:
Baker held the title of CFO of Victim-Company 1, a small, privately held retail construction company located in Sparta, New Jersey. The company acted as a construction manager and a general contractor for construction projects, such as new business offices, retail spaces, and restaurants. Baker also held the title of manager of Victim-Company 2, which held 100 percent of the voting and equitable interest in Victim-Company 1.
From 2015 through 2018, Baker defrauded both companies and several commercial lenders, embezzling millions of dollars from the companies and fraudulently inducing commercial lenders into providing funds to Baker and his associated entities through fraudulent use of Victim-Company 1’s name, bank statements, balance sheet, and bank accounts.
Baker misappropriated millions of dollars from the Victim-Companies’ bank accounts and used the funds for his personal expenses, including mortgage payments on Baker’s residence, the purchase of a BMW, and the purchase of six donkeys.
Baker concealed the fraud by making false statements to members of the Victim-Companies after they confronted him with evidence of the fraud. He falsely claimed that a commercial lender had made a mistake in filing a lien against Victim-Company 1 and repeatedly misrepresented that the commercial lender would be issuing a retraction and apology. Baker then refused to meet or join conference calls with the members of the companies to discuss the liens against Victim-Company 1, refused to produce the Companies’ bank statements, changed the locks on the Companies’ offices, and attempted to disable the Companies’ email and phone system.
From Jan. 31, 2017, to Jan. 31, 2018, Baker withheld tax payments from the pay checks of the employees of Victim-Company 1 but failed to pay over hundreds of thousands of dollars in payroll taxes that were withheld and due to the IRS. Baker also failed to prepare and file quarterly federal tax returns on behalf of Victim-Company 1.
The wire fraud counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The money laundering counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The tax counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and special agents of the IRS, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to the superseding indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Fayer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Amherst Pain Doctor Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dr. Gautam Arora, 44, formerly of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Lawrence J. Vilardo to unlawfully acquiring controlled prescriptions by misrepresentation and fraud, and scheming to defraud a health care benefit program. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2013, and May 2017, the defendant, while working as the pain management doctor at the Hens Pain Center in Amherst, NY, prescribed opioids to multiple patients outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. These opioids included hydrocodone, oxycodone, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, and carisoprodol. Arora wrote approximately 61 prescriptions for controlled substances to individuals who were either not his patients, or without first conducting a proper examination, verifying their medical condition, and assessing the risk of abuse by the individual patient.
In addition, between January 1 and March 31, 2016, the defendant fraudulently billed Medicare for patient office visits totaling $92,209.50. Arora requested and received payment for medical services he did not perform or did not perform to the extent represented.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
# # # #
Federal Indictment Charges Carjacking, Robbery and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a Chicago man on carjacking and firearm charges for allegedly violently taking vehicles in Chicago and Cicero and attempting to steal another in Oak Park.
JAHEIM HENYARD, 19, stole a Dodge Charger from an Uber Eats driver in Chicago on Aug. 14, 2020, and a Kia Optima Hybrid LX from a victim in Cicero on Aug. 20, 2020, according to a seven-count indictment returned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Henyard also attempted to steal a Mercedes GLC 300 by brandishing a firearm at a victim in Oak Park on July 17, 2020, but was unsuccessful, the indictment states.
The indictment also accuses Henyard and two others – DARIUS YOUNG and XAVIER TATE – of participating in the robbery of a UPS truck in Oak Park on Aug. 21, 2020. During the robbery, the UPS driver was ordered to lay face down in the street while the offenders removed boxes from the truck and drove off, according to a criminal complaint previously filed in the case.
The indictment charges Henyard with two counts of carjacking, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted carjacking, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Young, 25, of Berwyn, and Tate, 23, of Chicago, are charged with robbery. Tate also faces a firearm count for allegedly illegally possessing a semiautomatic handgun in Chicago on the same day as the UPS heist. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department, Oak Park Police Department, and Cicero Police Department participated in the investigation. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles W. Mulaney, Timothy Storino, and Albert Berry III.
“Our message to would-be carjackers is simple: Committing a senseless act of violence like carjacking will earn you a home in federal prison for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue, prosecute, and detain violent carjackers and gun offenders in Chicago and surrounding area.”
“Carjackers have long terrorized our local communities with acts of violence, but through the combined efforts of our police, federal, and prosecutorial partners we are bringing perpetrators to justice,” said FBI SAC Buie.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The carjacking and attempted carjacking counts are each punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison. The charge against Henyard for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a minimum prison term of seven years and a maximum term of life, which must be served consecutive to the sentence imposed for the underlying carjacking offense. The maximum sentence for robbery is 20 years. The firearm charge against Tate is punishable by up to ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Cheektowaga Man on Charges of Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography, Growing Marijuana, and Illegally Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that John Stuart, 32, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, manufacturing of marijuana plants, and maintaining drug-involved premises. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on October 19, 2020, members of the FBI Buffalo Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Cheektowaga Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga, looking for evidence of the possession of child pornography. During the search, investigators seized two laptop computers, a cellphone, two hard drives, and a desktop computer tower from the residence. During the search, investigators also discovered a bedroom that was transformed into a marijuana growing operation. The room consisted of a tent housing approximately five mature marijuana plants, and four smaller plants, being grown hydroponically. Approximately one pound of dried marijuana ready for use, approximately six pounds of wet marijuana, and a quantity of psilocybin mushrooms were also seized. Three firearms, including one loaded with nine rounds of ammunition, were also found in the residence.
A preliminary examination of the cellphone recovered three videos of child pornography.
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
Fayette County Man Charged with KidnappingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A resident of Point Marion, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of kidnapping, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Kristopher Holmes, currently at Fayette County Jail, in Uniontown, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 30, 2020, Holmes unlawfully abducted his intimate partner and willfully transported her from West Virginia to Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, the office’s Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fca US LLC Charged for Making Illegal Payments to Uaw OfficialsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – FCA US LLC (FCA, a/k/a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), one of the big three American automobile manufacturers, has been charged with and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to violate the Labor Management Relations Act, also known as the Taft-Hartley Act, by making illegal payments to officers of the United Auto Workers union, United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today.
FCA is the American operating subsidiary of Stellantis.
Today, the United States filed a criminal Information against FCA, charging the company with conspiring with other entities and individuals to violate the Taft-Hartley Act by making more than $3.5 million in illegal payments to officers of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) during the period 2009 through 2016. During the conspiracy, executives of FCA, including Alphons Iacobelli, Jerome Durden, and others, engineered the illegal payments to senior officials of the UAW. During the conspiracy from 2009 through June 2015, Iacobelli was the Senior Vice President of FCA US LLC in charge of labor relations.
The illegal payments to UAW officials took various forms, including extravagant meals, rounds of golf, lavish parties for the UAW International Executive Board, an Italian-made shotgun, clothing, designer shoes, and other personal items paid for with credit cards issued by the joint training center. FCA executives also paid off the $262,000 home mortgage of former UAW Vice President General Holiefield. Holiefield and his widow also received hundreds of thousands of dollars directed through Holiefield’s purported charitable organization, as well as companies controlled by him which had contracts with the training center. The illegal payments were passed through the UAW-Chrysler Skill Development & Training Program d/b/a the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center (NTC). Ostensibly, the NTC was supposed to provide training and health and safety protections for FCA workers. The UAW officials who accepted illegal payments included former UAW Vice Presidents Holiefield and Norwood Jewell, Holiefield’s widow, Monica Morgan, and senior UAW officials, Virdell King, Keith Mickens, and Nancy Johnson. Morgan and all of the UAW officials, except for Holiefield, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept the illegal payments from FCA or tax charges. Holiefield died in 2014.
The United States has entered into a Rule 11 Plea Agreement with FCA. Under the terms of the agreement, FCA has agreed to plead guilty to violating the Labor Management Relations Act. The company has agreed to pay a fine of $30 million. In addition, FCA has agreed to be subject to probation for three years. During that three year period, an independent compliance monitor selected by the government will oversee the company’s adherence to federal labor laws. A guilty plea hearing has not yet been set, and the parties’ plea agreement will be subject to review and approval by the court.
United States Attorney Schneider said, “No matter the size or importance of a company, our job in the Justice Department is to faithfully enforce federal law. This proposed guilty plea ensures that FCA will be held accountable. With a $30 million fine, three years of probation, and a court-appointed monitor, we seek to make sure similar crimes do not happen at the company again.”
“FCA US LLC conspired to make improper labor payments to high-ranking UAW officials, which were used for personal mortgage expenses, lavish parties, and entertainment expenses. Instead of seeking to negotiate in good faith, FCA undermined the collective bargaining process and the UAW members’ rights to fair representation. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out systemic corruption and fraud involving unions," stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“FCA provided money and other items of value in an attempt to create an atmosphere more favorable for negotiating with the UAW," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "This sweeping investigation and the plea today send a clear message that the FBI, along with its federal partners, will continue to hold corporations accountable when they violate federal laws.”
“FCA conspired with its executives and others to divert funds from the National Training Center and line the pockets of numerous UAW officials. These actions undermined the collective bargaining process and deprived UAW represented FCA employees of joint training opportunities. IRS-CI is committed to aggressively investigating corporate fraud and corrupt executives who abuse their positions of power and misuse corporate funds for their personal benefit,” stated Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office.
“Today’s proposed guilty plea holds FCA accountable for its role in undermining the collective bargaining process by making hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal payments to high ranking UAW officers at the expense of UAW members,” said Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “OLMS is committed to seeking justice when anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of union members.”
Thus far, as part of this investigation of illegal payments by FCA to UAW officials, as well as fraud and embezzlement by other UAW officers, fifteen individuals have been convicted of federal crimes, including three former FCA executives. They include former UAW Vice President Joseph Ashton (30 months in prison) former FCA Vice President for Employee Relations Alphons Iacobelli (66 months in prison), former FCA Financial Analyst Jerome Durden (15 months in prison), former Director of FCA’s Employee Relations Department Michael Brown (12 months in prison), former senior UAW officials Virdell King (60 days in prison), Keith Mickens (12 months in prison), Nancy A. Johnson (12 months in prison), Monica Morgan, the widow of UAW Vice President General Holiefield (18 months in prison), former UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell (15 months in prison), and former senior UAW official Michael Grimes (28 months in prison). In addition, the following UAW officials have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing: former UAW President Gary Jones, former senior UAW official Jeffrey Pietrzyk, former UAW Region 5 Director and UAW Board member Vance Pearson, former UAW Midwest CAP President Edward “Nick” Robinson, and former UAW President Dennis Williams.
U.S. Attorney Schneider commended the outstanding work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards and Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation into labor corruption activities involving a vital sector of the local and national economy.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Gardey and Erin S. Shaw.
Dominican National Sentenced for Crack and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously living in Lawrence was sentenced today for trafficking crack cocaine (also known as cocaine base) and cocaine.
Encebio Esperitusanto, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 33 months in prison. Esperitusanto will face deportation upon completion of his sentence. In June 2020, Esperitusanto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of distribution of cocaine. Esperitusanto has been in federal custody since he was arrested on March 13, 2019.
Esperitusanto sold crack cocaine to a cooperating source on two occasions in November 2018 in Lawrence. In February 2019, Esperitusanto again arranged for two additional sales of crack and cocaine to the same cooperating source.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson and Stephen Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Distributor of Fake Pills Containing Fentanyl Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza today sentenced Antonio Walthour (28, Clarksville, TN) to three years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Walthour had pleaded guilty on January 16, 2020.
According to court documents, this investigation began in February 2016 in response to a fatal drug overdose occurring at the home of Eric and Holly Falkowski, who were running a counterfeit prescription pill operation out of their home in Kissimmee. The Falkowskis were using fentanyl to make pills and pressing them to look like legitimate pharmaceutical controlled substances with markings such as “Xanax,” “Lortab,” “Percocet,” or “Watson.” In the summer of 2015, Walthour agreed to receive these pills and resell them for a profit. Walthour received and sold thousands of the pills in Tennessee before being arrested for this activity in August 2015. In 2017, Eric and Holly Falkowski were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy to 188 months and 36 months, respectively.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker RansomwareRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced a coordinated international law enforcement action to disrupt a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker.
NetWalker ransomware has impacted numerous victims, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. Attacks have specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims.
“We are striking back against the growing threat of ransomware by not only bringing criminal charges against the responsible actors, but also disrupting criminal online infrastructure and, wherever possible, recovering ransom payments extorted from victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Ransomware victims should know that coming forward to law enforcement as soon as possible after an attack can lead to significant results like those achieved in today’s multi-faceted operation.”
The NetWalker action includes charges against a Canadian national in relation to NetWalker ransomware attacks in which tens of millions of dollars were allegedly obtained, the seizure of approximately $454,530.19 in cryptocurrency from ransom payments, and the disablement of a dark web hidden resource used to communicate with NetWalker ransomware victims.
“This action reflects the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida to target and disrupt sophisticated, international cybercrime schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “While these individuals believe they operate anonymously in the digital space, we have the skill and tenacity to identify and prosecute these actors to the full extent of the law and seize their criminal proceeds.”
According to court documents, NetWalker operates as a so-called ransomware-as-a-service model, featuring “developers” and “affiliates.” Developers are responsible for creating and updating the ransomware and making it available to affiliates. Affiliates are responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victims with the ransomware, according to the affidavit. After a victim pays, developers and affiliates split the ransom.
“This case illustrates the FBI’s capabilities and global partnerships in tracking ransomware attackers, unmasking them, and holding them accountable for their alleged criminal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “If you are a victim of ransomware, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.”
Seizure page of dark web hidden resource used to communicate with NetWalker ransomware victims.According to the affidavit, once a victim’s computer network is compromised and data is encrypted, actors that deploy NetWalker deliver a file, or ransom note, to the victim. Using Tor, a computer network designed to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet, the victim is then provided with the amount of ransom demanded and instructions for payment.
Actors that deploy NetWalker commonly gain unauthorized access to a victim’s computer network days or weeks prior to the delivery of the ransom note. During this time, they surreptitiously elevate their privileges within the network while spreading the ransomware from workstation to workstation. They then send the ransom note only once they are satisfied that they have sufficiently infiltrated the victim’s network to extort payment, according to the affidavit.
According to an indictment unsealed today, Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins of Gatineau, a Canadian national, was charged in the Middle District of Florida. Vachon-Desjardins is alleged to have obtained at least over $27.6 million as a result of the offenses charged in the indictment.
The Justice Department further announced that on Jan. 10, law enforcement seized approximately $454,530.19 in cryptocurrency, which was comprised of ransom payments made by victims of three separate NetWalker ransomware attacks.
This week, authorities in Bulgaria also seized a dark web hidden resource used by NetWalker ransomware affiliates to provide payment instructions and communicate with victims. Visitors to the resource will now find a seizure banner that notifies them that it has been seized by law enforcement authorities.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Tampa field office.
Trial Attorneys S. Riane Harper and Brian Mund of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case against Vachon-Desjardins.
Substantial assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Additionally, the Bulgarian National Investigation Service and General Directorate Combating Organized Crime provided substantial assistance in the seizure of the dark web hidden resource.
An indictment is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker RansomwareRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – The Department of Justice today announced a coordinated international law enforcement action to disrupt a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker.
NetWalker ransomware has impacted numerous victims, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. Attacks have specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims.
“We are striking back against the growing threat of ransomware by not only bringing criminal charges against the responsible actors, but also disrupting criminal online infrastructure and, wherever possible, recovering ransom payments extorted from victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Ransomware victims should know that coming forward to law enforcement as soon as possible after an attack can lead to significant results like those achieved in today’s multi-faceted operation.”
The NetWalker action includes charges against a Canadian national in relation to NetWalker ransomware attacks in which tens of millions of dollars were allegedly obtained, the seizure of approximately $454,530.19 in cryptocurrency from ransom payments, and the disablement of a dark web hidden resource used to communicate with NetWalker ransomware victims.
“This action reflects the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida to target and disrupt sophisticated, international cybercrime schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “While these individuals believe they operate anonymously in the digital space, we have the skill and tenacity to identify and prosecute these actors to the full extent of the law and seize their criminal proceeds.”
According to court documents, NetWalker operates as a so-called ransomware-as-a-service model, featuring “developers” and “affiliates.” Developers are responsible for creating and updating the ransomware and making it available to affiliates. Affiliates are responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victims with the ransomware, according to the affidavit. After a victim pays, developers and affiliates split the ransom.
“This case illustrates the FBI’s capabilities and global partnerships in tracking ransomware attackers, unmasking them, and holding them accountable for their alleged criminal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “If you are a victim of ransomware, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.”
According to the affidavit, once a victim’s computer network is compromised and data is encrypted, actors that deploy NetWalker deliver a file, or ransom note, to the victim. Using Tor, a computer network designed to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet, the victim is then provided with the amount of ransom demanded and instructions for payment.
Actors that deploy NetWalker commonly gain unauthorized access to a victim’s computer network days or weeks prior to the delivery of the ransom note. During this time, they surreptitiously elevate their privileges within the network while spreading the ransomware from workstation to workstation. They then send the ransom note only once they are satisfied that they have sufficiently infiltrated the victim’s network to extort payment, according to the affidavit.
According to an indictment unsealed today, Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins of Gatineau, a Canadian national, was charged in the Middle District of Florida. Vachon-Desjardins is alleged to have obtained at least over $27.6 million as a result of the offenses charged in the indictment.
The Justice Department further announced that on Jan. 10, law enforcement seized approximately $454,530.19 in cryptocurrency, which was comprised of ransom payments made by victims of three separate NetWalker ransomware attacks.
This week, authorities in Bulgaria also seized a dark web hidden resource used by NetWalker ransomware affiliates to provide payment instructions and communicate with victims. Visitors to the resource will now find a seizure banner that notifies them that it has been seized by law enforcement authorities.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Tampa field office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case against Vachon-Desjardins, along with Trial Attorneys S. Riane Harper and Brian Mund of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Substantial assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Additionally, the Bulgarian National Investigation Service and General Directorate Combating Organized Crime provided substantial assistance in the seizure of the dark web hidden resource.
An indictment is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Danville Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Bobby Lee James, the owner of Seafood & More in Danville, Virginia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by exchanging cash for SNAP benefits, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today.
James, 69, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud and one count of food stamp fraud. At sentencing, James faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
“Societal safety net programs such as SNAP exist to provide vital resources for those in our communities in need, not to line the pockets of fraudsters,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar said today. “When individuals defraud these programs, this United States Attorney’s Office, and our state and local partners, will hold them accountable.”
According to court documents, from October 2010 to July 2018, SNAP redemptions for Seafood and More exceeded the state average of all other seafood specialty class stores in Virginia by more than $2,465,555.
Following an investigation by law enforcement, James admitted that he, and others who worked at Seafood and More, redeemed SNAP benefits in exchange for cash between 2010 and 2018. James also admitted that he directed his employees to redeem SNAP benefits for case during the same time period and that he knew what he was doing was wrong. In total, Seafood and More caused approximately $1,835,767 in loses to the SNAP program.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, and the Danville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Dade City Man Admits Stealing and Laundering COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Keith Nicoletta (48, Dade City) has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to launder stolen COVID relief funds. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Nicoletta also agreed to forfeit more than $1.9 million, a 2020 Mercedes, a 2020 Ford F-250, real property located in Pasco County, and other funds and assets that are traceable proceeds of the offense.
According to the plea agreement, in May 2020, Nicoletta and his conspirators stole more than $1.9 million in emergency loan funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The fraudulent PPP loan application claimed that Nicoletta’s local business had 69 employees with a purported monthly payroll exceeding $760,000—or more than $9 million annually. In fact, the business had no employees and its address was actually Nicoletta’s home.
Once the emergency loan was secured, the PPP funds were not used for qualified expenses. Instead, the conspirators immediately began laundering the money through several different financial institutions. Nicoletta also withdrew more than $100,000 in cash. In October 2020, more than $40,000 in cash was recovered during a search of Nicoletta’s home. After laundering the PPP funds, Nicoletta spent lavishly, including the purchase of a 2020 Mercedes for more than $100,000, a 2020 special edition Ford F-250 pickup valued at more than $66,000, jewelry, and the installation of a pool at his home costing approximately $63,000. None of the money, however, was used for payroll, as Congress had intended.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spends the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and uses at least a certain percentage of the loan toward payroll expenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Fiore and Suzanne Nebesky.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 51 Months Imprisonment for Possessing a Firearm in a Crowded Austin Parking LotRead the Press Release
A federal judge in Austin sentenced 27-year-old convicted felon Perry Lee Parks to 51 months imprisonment for illegally possessing a loaded 9 mm pistol in a crowded parking lot in downtown Austin, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.
According to court records, Austin Police officers arrested Parks on September 8, 2019, in a crowded parking lot behind a Sixth Street business. At the time of his arrest, Parks was in possession of a Glock 9mm pistol with a 31-round extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition. Parks’ criminal history reveals six prior felony convictions ranging from theft to delivery of a controlled substance.
“We cannot live in a society where an individual who has six felony convictions over 10 years is permitted to roam our streets with a 9mm handgun loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition. Thanks to the hard work of the Austin Police Department, this particular individual will be off the streets and in federal prison. People may deserve a second chance – not seven,” said U.S. Attorney Sofer.
Parks pleaded guilty to the felon-in-possession charge on October 26, 2020. In addition to the 51-month prison term handed down yesterday, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ordered that Parks be placed under supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
The Austin Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Castillo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case is part of Operation Undaunted, a program which draws on the partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement coupled with prosecution authorities to tackle the rising violent crime rate, interrupt violence, protect innocent life and restore peace to central and west Texas communities.
#####
Converse Man Indicted for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Today, a federal judge unsealed an indictment charging 20-year-old Tanner Bryce Real of Converse with producing, receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
Real is charged with 10 counts of production of child pornography, 10 counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that between March 2019 and April 2020, the defendant coerced at least 10 minor victims into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The indictment further alleges that the defendant received child pornography electronically.
Real remains in federal custody. Each count of production of child pornography calls for between 15 and 30 years in federal prison upon conviction. Each count of receipt of child pornography calls for between five and 20 years in federal prison upon conviction. Possession of child pornography calls for up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction.
The Boerne Police Department initiated this case and is working in conjunction with the FBI's San Antonio Crimes Against Children Task Force on this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Connecticut Mother of Three Sentenced to 14 Years for Traveling to Pennsylvania to Attempt to Have Sex with TeenagerRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Sarah Norton, 41, of Jewett City, Connecticut, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Joseph P. Leeson for child exploitation offenses stemming from her sexually explicit interactions with a 14-year-old boy.
In December 2019, Norton was found guilty after a three-day trial of one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and one count of traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
The defendant, a mother of three, met the victim while “gaming” online. She then used online and cell phone communications to attempt to seduce the victim into engaging in sexually explicit contact. In late 2017, Norton traveled from her home in Connecticut to Pennsylvania to meet with the boy for sex in a hotel room that she had rented in the vicinity of Allentown, PA. Norton’s plan was foiled after the victim’s father became suspicious of the messages the victim had on his cell phone and interrupted the plan.
“Sarah Norton deliberately and aggressively manipulated a 14-year-old boy, a child that was around the same age as her own children, for her own sexually deviant motives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Her predatory behavior is difficult to comprehend; as a mother herself, she knew the damage she was causing and simply did not care. Our Office will continue to investigate and prosecute sexual predators like the defendant so that they can no longer harm innocent children.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Upper Macungie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri A. Stephan.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Enticing a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Nathan Lee Kempter, 33, of Littleton, Colorado, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Kempter was previously found guilty by a jury for enticement of a minor and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Kempter was sentenced to 19 years in prison. After his release from prison, he will begin a 12-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Kempter will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In August of 2019, the Lincoln Police Department was contacted about a missing 14-year-old girl. The girl had last been heard talking to someone on the phone. She had been observed near her residence getting into a red, four-door SUV and leaving the area. Her phone was reviewed for additional information and revealed a Colorado telephone number that she had called. The number belonged to Kempter who resided in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Kempter was also the registered owner of a red 2015 Nissan SUV. The police were able to track the movement of Kempter’s cellphone and determined it was located just across the Nebraska/Colorado border on Interstate 76. Lincoln Police contacted law enforcement authorities in Colorado.
On August 02, 2019 at 11:54 p.m., Douglas County, Colorado Sheriff’s deputies saw Kempter driving toward his residence in Highland Ranch, Colorado. Deputies stopped the vehicle in front of the residence and Kempter was arrested. At that time, Kempter informed the deputies that the young girl in his vehicle was 14 years old.
The 14-year-old stated she met Kempter on the Reddit website, in a chat room for teen runaways. Her screen name indicated she was a 14-year-old female. After communicating with Kempter on Reddit, they moved their conversation to Tumblr, another social media platform, and exchanged messages between July 23, 2019 and August 2, 2019. During these conversations, Kempter made it known he wanted to have sex with the girl and would bring her to Colorado.
After picking her up at her residence in Nebraska, Kempter began to drive west on Interstate 80. She was told to lay down in the front seat and cover herself. At some point while in Nebraska, Kempter stopped at a Walmart so that he could buy her new clothes. Evidence obtained in a search of Kempter’s vehicle revealed the purchase of boy’s pants, a shirt, and a blanket.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department in Colorado and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Cincinnati man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting toddlerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Thomas Winkelbach, 79, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 240 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for taking sexually explicit photos of a toddler victim.
Winkelbach pleaded guilty in federal court in July 2020 to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, Winkelbach used a digital camera to take sexually explicit pictures of a young child touching Winkelbach’s penis and other pictures of Winkelbach masturbating in front of the victim. The crime occurred in 2014 or 2015, but the exact date is unknown. The victim was between 1 and 2 years old.
Investigators say in court documents that Winkelbach has been searching for, downloading and trading child pornography on the internet for years. Between all of his digital media seized by investigators in October 2019, Winkelbach possessed thousands of images of child pornography.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Cincinnati Police Department’s Regional Electronics Computer Investigations (RECI) Task Force investigated this case.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey; and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
California Man Sentenced for Iowa Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A California man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Iowa was sentenced on January 26, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Gabriel Mata-Becerra, 27, from Hayward, California, pled guilty on September 17, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Mata-Becerra admitted that beginning on or about March 2019 and continuing to on or about May 2019, he and others had an agreement to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. While acting in furtherance of that agreement, on or about April 21, 2019, Mata-Becerra was traffic stopped in Wyoming and law enforcement seized approximately ten pounds of ice methamphetamine from inside an unconnected speaker box in the trunk of his vehicle. Mata-Becerra further admitted that he had acquired the methamphetamine in California and was traveling from California to Hawarden, Iowa to deliver the methamphetamine to another person.
Mata-Becerra was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mata-Becerra was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3 year term of supervised release following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Mata-Becerra is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office; the Wyoming State Patrol; and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4054. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Businessman Charged in Scheme to Hoard Personal Protective Equipment and Price Gouge Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.
Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Michael J. Missal, Inspector General of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.
Businessman Charged in Scheme to Hoard Personal Protective Equipment and Price Gouge Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.
Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Jeffrey A. Breen, Special Agent in Charge of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) South Central Field Office, and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.
Burlington County Doctor Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Role in $24 Million Telemedicine Compounded Medication SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, doctor was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in a telemedicine scheme to prescribe expensive compounded medications to patients who did not need them, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Bernard Ogon, 48, of Burlington Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark federal court to one count of health care fraud conspiracy. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ogon admitted he signed prescriptions for compounded medications (medications with ingredients of a drug tailored to the needs of a particular patient) without having established a doctor-patient relationship, spoken to the patient or conducted any medical evaluation. Ogon often signed preprinted prescription forms – with patient information and medication already filled out – where all that was required was his signature. Then, instead of providing the prescription to the patient, Ogon would return the prescriptions to specific compounding pharmacies involved in the conspiracy. Ogon was paid $20 to $30 for each prescription he signed, and his participation in the conspiracy caused losses to health care benefit programs of over $24 million, including losses to government health care programs of over $7 million.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Ogon to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $24.3 million and forfeiture of $75,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, and special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Jason S. Gould, Acting Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Brooklyn Attorney Charged with Defrauding Real Estate InvestorsRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Shimon Rosenfeld, an attorney admitted to practice law in the State of New York since 1987, with defrauding multiple investors of at least $4 million by falsely claiming he was investing their funds in real estate opportunities. Rosenfeld was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance this afternoon via videoconference before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Cheryl. L. Pollak. The defendant was released on a $200,000 bond.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Freaney, Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the charge.
“Through this alleged scheme, Rosenfeld abused his position as an attorney and betrayed his victims’ trust for his own selfish gain,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “Those who commit fraud, including lawyers, must be brought to justice, and this Office will continue to work tenaciously to ensure integrity in the practice of law.”
“As alleged, Rosenfeld solicited investments based on his stated intent to purchase various real estate and 'flip' it for substantial profit. In reality, he didn't buy any properties, so there were none to sell. Rather, Rosenfeld used the money he received to make his own financial trades and investments. Today, we’ve flipped the script on him and held him accountable for his fraudulent actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“The U.S. Secret Service remains dedicated to investigating those who commit financial fraud and would like to recognize the efforts of our law enforcement partners in helping bring them to justice,” stated USSS Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge Freaney. “This investigation exemplifies the success that law enforcement can achieve when working in a collaborative manner. In this instance, the defendant allegedly perpetrated a scheme to defraud and misappropriated funds from numerous victims for his own personal gain.”
According to the complaint, between May 2014 and March 2018, Rosenfeld allegedly perpetrated a fraudulent scheme by soliciting and receiving approximately at least $4 million from various individuals (collectively, the “Victims”) based on fraudulent misrepresentations. Specifically, Rosenfeld induced the Victims to invest their money with the defendant based, in part, on representations that he would purchase real estate and sell it to a prospective buyer at a higher price, also referred to as “flipping” the property. Rosenfeld further told the Victims that he would split the profits from the real estate transactions with the Victims. In reality, Rosenfeld misappropriated the investors’ money by directing the funds into bank accounts he controlled and using the money to trade securities out of his brokerage account. Rosenfeld falsely told the Victims that there were problems with the real estate transactions, such as title or appraisal issues, to explain why no properties had been purchased.
If convicted of wire fraud, Rosenfeld faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The charge in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney Hiral D. Mehta is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
SHIMON ROSENFELD
Age: 59
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-MJ-96
Braddock Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Braddock, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Deshaun Curtis Jones, age 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 20, 2021, Jones possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed a firearm as a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI and the North Huntingdon Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Aroostook County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court records, between approximately July 2018 and May 2019, members of the conspiracy obtained methamphetamine in western and southern states from sources in Mexico. Conspirators distributed the drugs in Aroostook County and other parts of central and northern Maine. Michael Deveau, 35, traveled with co-conspirators on one such trip to Georgia to obtain methamphetamine and transport it back to Maine.
Deveau faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. He also faces between three years and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this case with the assistance of multiple state and local law enforcement agencies.
The prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Albuquerque man faces federal firearms charges under Operation LegendRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Eduardo Enrique Zazueta, 27, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court Jan. 13, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Zazueta was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 17, 2020. According to the indictment, on Sept. 20, 2020, Zazueta allegedly possessed a 9mm pistol and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Zazueta cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Zazueta faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case as part of Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Albany Felon Sentenced to 32 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zaiqua Acosta, age 22, of Albany, was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Acosta, who has a 2016 felony conviction for criminal possession of stolen property, admitted that on May 5, 2020, he possessed a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE .40 caliber pistol, loaded with nine rounds of ammunition.
Senior Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
26 January 2021
Yankton Man Sentenced for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Transportation of Child Pornography was sentenced on January 25, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Joshua Robert Hein, age 49, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hein was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. He pled guilty on June 26, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between November 1, 2018, and February 21, 2019, when Hein, using his cell phone and the internet, uploaded graphic image and video files depicting child pornography into his Google account. Hein knew the files contained child pornography.
This case was investigated by South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Hein was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.