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Tuesday 1 December 2020
Lexington Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Josh Gregory Taylor, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for his conviction for distributing fentanyl.
According to his plea agreement, on August 26, 2019, law enforcement responded to a report of an unresponsive person and discovered a package that contained fentanyl at the scene. Taylor admitted to selling the unresponsive person what Taylor said was heroin on August 25. Testing of the substance confirmed that the substance contained fentanyl.
Taylor pleaded guilty in July 2020.
Under federal law, Taylor must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Leader of Boston Chapter of Latin Kings Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former leader of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Wilson Peguero, a/k/a “King Dubb,” 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2020, Peguero pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings, or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members who reported to Peguero, who served as “Inca” or the leader of the Chapter. The Devon Street Kings, in turn, reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state. As described in the court documents, Peguero produced various music videos touting his allegiance to the Latin Kings, distribution of controlled substances and threats against rival gang members. During the investigation, various meetings were covertly recorded in which Peguero and members of the Devon Street Kings discussed the business of the racketeering enterprise. Internally, Peguero was present during meetings where members were beaten and violence against rival gangs was discussed and decided upon.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Peguero is the fifth defendant to be sentenced in this case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Latwon M. James of Wilmington Receives 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC man was sentenced today to a total of 288 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). In addition, James was sentenced for the distribution of a quantity of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol, possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and more than twenty-eight (28) grams of cocaine base (crack). James was sentenced to 264 months imprisonment on the underlying convictions and an additional 24 months for a violation of the terms of his federal supervised release from a prior conviction.
According to court documents, Latwon M. James, 40, on multiple occasions, sold quantities of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of methamphetamine, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and methamphetamine and a quantity of a substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol to confidential informants in New Hanover County, NC. In addition, James possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). The conduct took place from July 2018 to July 2019.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This case is part of an FBI led OCDETF operation “Tiny Toon Adventures” with cooperation from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and Wilmington Police Department and law enforcement associated with the Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00152-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Ketchikan Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Juneau, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Herman Joseph Brown III, 27, of Ketchikan, Alaska, has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On July 16, 2020, Brown pleaded guilty to the federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Ketchikan Police Department received multiple reports alleging many postal parcels from different manufacturers of firearm parts being delivered to Brown. An investigation commenced in January 2020 and KPD confirmed that Brown had received out-of-state parts for an AR-15 and a Glock style handgun. Due to Brown’s previous conviction for misconduct involving a controlled substance, a search warrant was obtained and during the execution of the warrant, KPD located unregistered firearms such as a "Polymer 80" 9mm pistol, AR-15 rifle, and a Mossberg 12-gauge pump action shotgun. Additionally, a variety of ammunition was located, including 2,741 rounds of .223, 136 rounds of 9mm, 115 rounds of .45 ACP, and 117 rounds of 12-guage, and various materials to assemble pipe bombs and other explosive devices.
In imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Timothy M. Burgess emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for deterrence in justifying the sentence.
Ketchikan Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive (ATFE) conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
Justice Department Sues Northern Alabama Housing Authority and Property Owners for Housing Discrimination on the Basis of RaceRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority of Ashland, Alabama, which manages seven federally funded low-income housing complexes, violated the Fair Housing Act by intentionally discriminating on the basis of race or color against applicants for housing.
The department’s complaint alleges that the Housing Authority denied African-American applicants the opportunity to live in overwhelmingly White housing complexes, while steering White applicants away from properties whose residents were predominantly African-American.
The lawsuit also names as defendants Southern Development Company of Ashland Ltd., Southern Development Company of Ashland #2 Ltd., and Southern Development Company LLC, which are the private owners and managing agent of one of those housing complexes.
“On April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the United States enacted the Fair Housing Act to outlaw race, color, and other forms of discrimination in housing. Denying people housing opportunities because of their race or color is a shameful and blatant violation of the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The United States has made great strides toward Dr. King’s dream of a nation where we will be judged by content of our character and not by the color of our skin. The dream remains at least partially unfulfilled because we have not completely overcome the scourge of racial bias in housing. Discrimination by those who receive federal taxpayer dollars to provide housing to lower-income applicants is particularly odious because it comes with the support and authority of government. The U.S. Department of Justice will not stand for this kind of unlawful and intolerable discrimination. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of all Americans to rent and own their homes without regard to their race or color.”
“Individuals and families should not have their rights affected by their race or national origin,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to defending the civil rights of everyone.”
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleges that since at least 2012, the defendants have maintained segregated housing properties by denying African-American housing applicants the opportunity to live at three overwhelmingly White housing complexes, known as Ashland Heights, Clay Circle and East Side, and denying White applicants the opportunity to live at West Side and Pine View, two properties whose residents are predominantly African-American. All of these complexes are located in Ashland, Alabama.
The lawsuit seeks damages to compensate victims, civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring action to correct the effects of the defendants’ discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination at the defendants’ properties should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 9997, or by email at [email protected]. Individuals who have information about this or another matter involving alleged discrimination may submit a report online at civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
Justice Department Sues Northern Alabama Housing Authority and Property Owners for Housing Discrimination on the Basis of RaceRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority of Ashland, Alabama, which manages seven federally funded low-income housing complexes, violated the Fair Housing Act by intentionally discriminating on the basis of race or color against applicants for housing. The Department’s complaint alleges that the Housing Authority denied African-American applicants the opportunity to live in overwhelmingly White housing complexes, while steering White applicants away from properties whose residents were predominantly African-American.
The lawsuit also names as defendants Southern Development Company of Ashland, Ltd., Southern Development Company of Ashland #2, Ltd., and Southern Development Company, LLC, which are the private owners and managing agent of one of those housing complexes.
“On April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the United States enacted the Fair Housing Act to outlaw race, color, and other forms of discrimination in housing. Denying people housing opportunities because of their race or color is a shameful and blatant violation of the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The United States has made great strides toward Dr. King’s dream of a nation where we will be judged by content of our character and not by the color of our skin. The dream remains at least partially unfulfilled because we have not completely overcome the scourge of racial bias in housing. Discrimination by those who receive federal taxpayer dollars to provide housing to lower-income applicants is particularly odious because it comes with the support and authority of government. The United States Department of Justice will not stand for this kind of unlawful and intolerable discrimination. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of all Americans to rent and own their homes without regard to their race or color.”
“Individuals and families should not have their rights affected by their race or national origin,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to defending the civil rights of everyone.”
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleges that since at least 2012, the defendants have maintained segregated housing properties by denying African-American housing applicants the opportunity to live at three overwhelmingly White housing complexes, known as Ashland Heights, Clay Circle and East Side, and denying White applicants the opportunity to live at West Side and Pine View, two properties whose residents are predominantly African-American. All of these complexes are located in Ashland, Alabama.
The lawsuit seeks damages to compensate victims, civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring action to correct the effects of the defendants’ discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination at the defendants’ properties should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 9997, or by email at [email protected]. Individuals who have information about this or another matter involving alleged discrimination may submit a report online at civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Owners and Mangers of Housing Properties in Honolulu, Hawaii for Discriminating Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the owners and managers of housing in Honolulu, Hawaii, to resolve a lawsuit filed last year alleging that the defendants refused to rent to families with children at properties they owned and managed, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Today’s agreement, which is in the form a consent decree and still must be approved by the court, resolves a lawsuit alleging that Hawaii Student Suites Inc., Hawaii Student Residences LLC d/b/a Hawaii Student Suites, Savio Hauoli Street LLC, and 258-60 Beach Walk LLC engaged in unlawful familial status discrimination in connection with three properties in Honolulu: Beachwalk, Kalo Terrace, and Pacific Villa. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the defendants discriminated against families with children by: (1) refusing to rent to or negotiate for the rental of the three properties on the basis of familial status; (2) steering prospective renters with children who inquired about housing away from these properties to a separate property management company; and (3) making discouraging and other discriminatory statements to potential renters with children who inquired about housing, including that the housing was not “suitable” or the right “fit” for families with children.
“Many families across the country are struggling right now to find housing, and they should not also have to endure discrimination that makes finding a place to live even more difficult,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “It is illegal to refuse to rent to families with children, and the Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful discrimination.”
“The Fair Housing Act promotes the public interest in prohibiting discrimination on the basis of familial status,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji Price for the District of Hawaii. “This settlement advances society’s strong interest in ensuring equal access to private student housing in Hawaii by those who chose to enjoy the beauty of family life. My office is committed to protecting these families by enforcing the law.”
Under the consent decree, the defendants must:
- Pay a total monetary settlement of $80,000, consisting of a $70,000 settlement fund that will be used to compensate families that were harmed by defendants’ practices, as well as $10,000 to the United States as a civil penalty;
- Adopt non-discriminatory policies and practices that ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act;
- Conduct employee training to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act; and
- Submit to record keeping and monitoring requirements for the three-year period of the consent decree.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii brought this matter to the department’s attention after conducting testing which, as the complaint alleges, showed discrimination against families with children in connection with the defendants’ properties. Today’s settlement also resolves claims brought in a separate complaint by one of Legal Aid Society’s testers.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of familial status discrimination or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by the defendants, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, at 1-800-896-7743, and select mailbox 998 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report housing discrimination by submitting a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Johnson County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Sean Tharp, 36, of Hager Hill, Ky., pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins, for his role in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, between April 2020 and September 2020, Tharp conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tharp admitted that he developed a relationship with a supplier of methamphetamine outside of Kentucky, from whom he obtained pound quantities of methamphetamine on multiple occasions. Tharp admitted to traveling to Georgia to obtain the methamphetamine, which he brought back to the Johnson County area to sell. In his plea agreement, Tharp admitted that his conspiracy involved 1.5 to 5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Tharp was indicted in September 2020.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Doug Saylor, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
A date for Tharp’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Tharp faces a minimum sentence of ten years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
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Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Larry Bouknight (34, Jacksonville) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death.
Bouknight had pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020.
According to court documents, on September 6, 2018, Bouknight sold a Jacksonville woman and her friend a controlled substance that they believed to be heroin, but actually contained fentanyl. After the friend had ingested the narcotic, a relative found her dead in her home later that day. The Jacksonville Medical Examiner’s office subsequently determined that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl toxicity.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hackenberry.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jeffery Allen York, 50, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing a gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal Mark Shepard. York was also sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine.
On May 21, 2019, U.S. Marshals Service task force agents arrested York at an address in Jackson on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, a firearm was found in York’s possession. York has a 2017 felony conviction in Hinds County for possession of methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
York was charged in a criminal indictment on July 24, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Wingate on January 9, 2020.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Illegal Alien indicted for fourth reentryRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mario Casiero-Antonio, a citizen of Mexico, is facing an illegal reentry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Casiero-Antonio, also known as “Mario Antonio Cajero,” 33, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of Removed Aliens.” Casiero-Antonio, having been removed three times from illegal entry to the United States in October and December 2008, is accused of being in Berkeley County in September 2020 without approved admission to the U.S.
Casiero-Antonio faces up to two years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 ,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal Alien and Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to 4th Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An illegal alien who has been deported from the U.S. at taxpayer expense on four occasions, pleaded guilty yesterday to once again illegally entering the United States.
According to court documents, Oscar O. Cabrera, 47, an El Salvadoran citizen, has illegally entered the U.S. at least five times. On each occasion, Cabrera has only come to the attention of law enforcement after committing further crimes while in the U.S. illegally. Cabrera was most recently deported in January 2017, after a felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. Cabrera also has seven misdemeanor convictions for various crimes, including discharging a firearm in a public place, and driving under the influence.
On February 13, Cabrera was arrested in Hanover County on charges that included identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny. On November 9, he pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges. Thereafter, he was turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to face federal criminal immigration charges.
Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shawn Byers, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Maguire is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-128.
Heroin and Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced for Role in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Triangle man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for distributing heroin to a woman who fatally overdosed four days after she got out of substance abuse treatment.
According to court documents, Jeremy Bruce Jones, 31, was a prolific heroin and fentanyl dealer in Prince William County who for years sold dangerous narcotics to addicted persons in his community.
On March 15, 2019, law enforcement responded to Brianna Beatty’s residence and found her deceased. Detectives recovered heroin from the scene. A search of Beatty’s phone revealed that the day before, Beatty had met up with Jones and obtained drugs from him.
The investigation revealed that Beatty first bought heroin from Jones in January 2019 and was hospitalized after non-fatally overdosing. At the time, she was on probation, and she was sent to an in-patient substance abuse clinic in California for 30 days. She returned to Virginia on March 10, 2019. Four days later, Beatty bought heroine from Jones that contributed to her fatal overdose.
After law enforcement identified Jones, the ensuing investigation identified a network of heroin/fentanyl dealers extending from Woodbridge to the District of Columbia and Maryland. One such dealer was Darrell Pope, a former employee of the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Pope has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Jarad L. Phelps, Acting Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-30.
Greenville Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – A Greenville man was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Sherrod Farico Jones, Jr., 28 of Greenville, North Carolina was named in an Indictment filed on February 6, 2020 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On June 30, 2020, Jones pled guilty to that charge. Jones’ was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison to run consecutive to his state conviction for trafficking fentanyl.
In March of 2019, Greenville Police Officers responded to a call involving a suspicious person walking in the middle of the street while impaired. The officers found Jones impaired and disoriented while leaning against a car at the location. When officers attempted to pat down Jones for weapons, Jones began to resist and attempted to reach towards his pants. Officers restrained Jones and located a loaded revolver in his right pants pocket. Jones had previously been convicted of trafficking in Fentanyl in Pitt County Superior Court.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Greenville Police Department conducted the investigation. The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigated of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-00009-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Greenville Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge After Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jerome Little of Greenville was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Among other crimes, Little was previously convicted of armed bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the charge arose from a long-term investigation that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted using an undercover warehouse in Kinston, NC. During the investigation, agents used the location—outfitted with audio and video monitoring equipment—to make controlled purchases of firearms and drugs from multiple individuals.
In August 2018, a confidential informant notified ATF that the defendant Jerome Little was interested in selling a rifle that resembled an AR-15. Undercover officers and Little negotiated a price and arranged a meeting. On August 22, 2018, Little arrived at the warehouse carrying a suit bag. He contacted the undercover agent and unzipped the bag to reveal a loaded Mossberg .22 rifle and 325 rounds of ammunition. On a recorded video, Little sold the rifle to the agent.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-0005-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Georgia man sentenced for smuggling protected turtlesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - A federal judge sentenced Kuo Pin (“Kenny”) Cheng for illegally smuggling protected turtles from Asia, including at least two endangered species, in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Treaty (“CITES”), the Lacey Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
“Illegal trafficking in fish and wildlife is big business all over the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, “Laws protecting endangered species were enacted to preserve our treasures in the wild. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect endangered wildlife.”
“This arrest and conviction show what collaboration can achieve to protect threatened and endangered species,” said Aurelia Skipwith, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I applaud Service Regional Director Leo Miranda and the office of law enforcement for their collaborative work in leading this effort in conservation of our precious species. We take the business of protecting turtles and other species seriously.”
“This investigation involved inter-agency coordination to uncover an illegal trafficking operation,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors are charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the individuals responsible are brought to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The United States and approximately 180 other countries are signatories to CITES, a multilateral treaty that provides a mechanism for regulating the international trade of wildlife and plants whose continued survival is considered threatened by trade. The United States has implemented CITES as part of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it unlawful, among other things, for any person to import wildlife contrary to the provisions of CITES.
Between October 2018 and January 2019, Cheng received at least 28 shipments from Hong Kong containing more than 150 live turtles. Among the turtles Cheng received were multiple CITES-protected species, as well as two species of turtles—the Asian Spotted Pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii) and Three-Keeled Asian (Melanochelys tricarinata)—that are classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Cheng attempted to avoid detection by having the shipments labeled as “toys” or “truck” and addressed to fake names. After receiving the turtles, Cheng sold them to other collectors in the United States that he met online. Cheng admitted to earning approximately $40,000 from the sales of the illegally imported turtles.
Kuo Pin (“Kenny”) Cheng, 56, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg, to one year of probation and ordered to forfeit $10,000. On August 21, 2019, Cheng pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully smuggling turtles in violation of federal law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to Be Representatives of Cell Phone ProvidersRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – The United States Secret Service (Secret Service) has received multiple reports that individuals falsely claiming to be customer service representatives of local cell phone providers are calling members of the public as part of a scam to receive personal and financial information, announced United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information or access codes during these calls.
Reports received by the Secret Service indicate that these scammers falsely represent themselves as employees of the cell phone provider and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient by offering a discount to those that register for auto-pay with ATH Movil. The customer receives a call and is told that the cell phone provider is updating the network from 3G to 5G and also offering a discount off their cell phone bill if they pay using ATH-Movil. Customers are then told that in order to receive the discount, they need to confirm account information.
During the call, the scammer sends an authentication code from the cell phone provider’s website to the customer. The scammer then requests that the customer verbally confirm the code claiming that the scammer needs to confirm the identity of the customer before proceeding to discuss their account information. Once the customer provides the code, the scammer gains access to the customer’s account with the cell phone provider. The scammer now controls the customer’s account, and fraudulently requests that the customer provide their ATH Movil information. Customers are then told to turn off their phones for the changes in the account to take place. During this time, the scammers are able to transfer funds to different bank accounts in Puerto Rico and outside of the jurisdiction and/or make fraudulent purchases using the customer’s information.
Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information or access codes during these calls. The public can report these scams to the Secret Service by calling 787-277-1515.
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Former Honolulu Police Officers Sentenced for Framing an Innocent Man with a CrimeRead the Press Release
Special Attorneys Michael Wheat (619) 546-8437, Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951, Janaki Chopra (619) 546-8817, and Colin McDonald (619) 546-9144
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 1, 2020
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Two former Honolulu police officers, Derek Wayne Hahn and Minh-Hung “Bobby” Nguyen, were sentenced today for conspiring to obstruct justice by framing an innocent man with a crime he did not commit. Hahn and Nguyen were sentenced to 42 and 54 months in custody, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright. Each will also be subject to two years of supervised release following their sentence.
In imposing the sentences, Judge Seabright remarked that the conspiracy was “staggering in its breadth, its scope, and its audacity.” He stated further that “the impact on the community is clear: the conduct of the defendants has shaken the community and its trust in the Honolulu Police Department.”
The sentences imposed today mark the end of one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii. In June 2019, after six weeks of trial and one day of deliberation, a federal jury in Honolulu convicted Hahn, Nguyen, and their two co-conspirators, former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and former Honolulu Chief of Police Louis Kealoha, of conspiracy and attempted obstruction of justice pertaining to the false arrest and prosecution of Katherine’s uncle, Gerard Puana. The evidence at trial established that the conspirators used their considerable power, including commandeering the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), to frame Gerard with stealing the Kealohas’ mailbox. The Kealohas’ motive for framing Gerard was to discredit and intimidate him after he accused Katherine of extensive fraud, of which Gerard and his elderly mother—Katherine’s grandmother—Florence Puana were victims. Hahn and Nguyen were both members of CIU, which acted directly at the behest of Louis.
As Lieutenant of CIU, Hahn—who also had a business relationship with Katherine—played an integral role in the conspiracy to frame, arrest, and prosecute Gerard Puana. As Judge Seabright said at sentencing, Hahn “had his fingerprints all over the efforts the Kealohas were making to frame Gerard Puana for a crime he did not commit.” To accomplish the frame job, Hahn directed 20-30 police officers to conduct 24-hour surveillance of Gerard and initiate unnecessary law enforcement database searches of Gerard, his residence, and vehicle. Hahn also directed a CIU officer to selectively edit the surveillance video of the alleged mailbox “theft,” write false reports about the surveillance video, and destroy the original evidence so that the conspirators’ criminal acts could not be uncovered. Judge Seabright commented that Hahn “wanted to make it look as clean as possible. As sterile as possible. As by the book as possible.”
For his part, Nguyen—who was related by marriage to the Kealohas at the time—manipulated Florence into providing information about Gerard that would later be used to frame him. Nguyen also participated in an illegal search of Gerard’s residence, falsely identified Gerard as the “thief” in the surveillance video of the frame job, generated false police reports about Gerard, and conducted surveillance of Gerard leading to Gerard’s false arrest. Doubling down on all of his criminal actions, Nguyen then repeatedly lied with “ease and arrogance,” as noted by Judge Seabright, to the Honolulu Ethics Commission, federal agents, and the federal grand jury about the conspirators’ scheme and his extensive involvement in it. “Bobby Nguyen was a willing participant in all this. Happy to help. Happy to set up Gerard. Happy to leave this trail of destruction,” Judge Seabright said today.
“These officers shattered the victims’ lives and dishonored the Honolulu Police Department, said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This community deserved so much better from these officers. Today’s sentences, which bring this chapter to a close, will aid in restoring faith in a system that ultimately delivered justice.” Brewer praised FBI agents and Special Attorneys Michael Wheat, Joseph Orabona, Janaki Chopra, and Colin McDonald for achieving justice in this case after many years of tenacious investigation and skillful litigation.
Yesterday, Katherine Kealoha and Louis Kealoha were sentenced to 13 years and seven years, respectively. At the conclusion of their sentencing hearings, Hahn and Nguyen were ordered to report to prison on April 12, 2021.
DEFENDANTS Case Number: CR 17-00582-JMS-WRP
Derek Wayne Hahn Age: 48 Honolulu, Hawaii
Minh-Hung “Bobby” Nguyen Age: 46 Kaneohe, Hawaii
SUMMARY OF CONVICTIONS
Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Against the United States – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
Obstruction of Official Proceeding – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1512(c) (three counts)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Honolulu, Portland, and San Diego Divisions
Florida Attorney Admits Role in $7.5 Million Bank Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida attorney today admitted his role in a scheme to extort $7.5 million from a California bank, Attorney for the United States Rachael A. Honig announced.
Richard L. Williams, 73, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with conspiracy to transmit an interstate communication with the intent to extort.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in May 2020, Williams and his client (Client-1) conspired to extort $7.5 million from a commercial bank headquartered in California (Bank-1). Williams threatened Bank-1 that if it did not pay Client-1 $7.5 million, Client-1 would publicly disclose that Client-1 had accessed and obtained certain confidential data from the bank that did not belong to Client-1 and that Client-1 was not authorized to retain.
On June 18, 2020, Williams sent an email to an attorney for Bank-1 that attached a proposed agreement that Bank-1 had not requested. The agreement – titled “Settlement, Assistance, and Confidentiality Agreement” – provided for Bank-1 to pay Client-1 approximately $7.5 million as a “settlement, assistance and confidentiality fee” within 48 hours of signing the agreement. The payment was purportedly in exchange for Client-1 serving for one week as an “advisor” to Bank-1, a service that Bank-1 had not requested, and agreeing not to publicize confidential Bank-1 data that Client-1 had accessed and obtained. The agreement was designed to conceal that Williams and Client-1 were extorting Bank-1.
From July through August 2020, Williams also engaged in a series of telephone conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent (UC-1) who Williams believed was a representative of Bank-1 located in New Jersey, with authority to transfer funds to Williams. During a telephone call with UC-1 on July 24, 2020, Williams warned UC-1 that if Bank-1 did not pay Client-1 it should “fear” that Client-1 might reveal to various third parties that Client-1 had accessed and obtained the confidential data from Bank-1 or issue a press release disclosing that information. Williams also implied that if Bank-1 refused to accede to his demands and pay Client-1, there may be violent consequences from third parties unrelated to Williams. Williams warned UC-1 that “FBI agents were murdered a couple of blocks from where [he was] sitting,” and that if Williams were in Bank-1’s position, “what would scare the [expletive] out of [him] would be” the reaction of those third parties to the public revelation of Client-1’s access and retention of the data.
The charge to which Williams pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross grain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Williams’s sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2021.
Attorney for the United States Honig credited the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott Lampert; Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman and Bernard J. Cooney, Acting Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Federal Grand Jury Charges Dive Boat Captain with Seaman’s Manslaughter in Fire off Santa Barbara Coast that Killed 34 PeopleRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The captain of the P/V Conception, a Santa Barbara-based dive boat that caught fire last year near Santa Cruz Island, resulting in the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter.
Jerry Nehl Boylan, 67, of Santa Barbara, was named in the indictment returned this afternoon by a federal grand jury that alleges Boylan, as the captain and master of the vessel, “was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel, its crew, and its passengers.”
Federal prosecutors informed Boylan’s attorneys of the indictment after it was filed, and the defendant is expected to self-surrender to federal authorities in the coming weeks.
The indictment alleges that Boylan caused the deaths of 33 passengers and one crewmember “by his misconduct, negligence, and inattention to his duties.” The indictment cites three specific safety violations:
- failing to have a night watch or roving patrol, which was required by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and for over 20 years was a requirement in the Conception’s Certificate of Inspection issued by the United States Coast Guard;
- failing to conduct sufficient fire drills, which are mandated in the CFR; and
- failing to conduct sufficient crew training, which was also required by the CFR.
The Conception was a 75-foot, wood-and-fiberglass passenger vessel that docked in Santa Barbara Harbor. During a Labor Day weekend dive trip last year, the boat carried 33 passengers and six crew members, including Boylan. During the early morning hours of September 2, 2019, a fire broke out while the boat was anchored in Platt’s Harbor near Santa Cruz Island. The fire, which engulfed the boat and led to its sinking, resulted in the deaths of 34 people who had been sleeping below deck. Five crewmembers, including Boylan, were able to escape and survived.
“As a result of the alleged failures of Captain Boylan to follow well-established safety rules, a pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a hellish nightmare as passengers and one crew member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunkroom with no means of escape,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “The loss of life that day will forever impact the families of the 34 victims. With this indictment and our commitment to vigorously prosecute the case, we seek a small measure of justice for the victims and their loved ones.”
“Nothing will ever replace the 34 lives that were lost in the Conception tragedy,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly S. Hoyle of the Coast Guard Investigative Service – Pacific Region. “Our hearts remain with the families as the Coast Guard continues to work with our partners in the Department of Justice on this investigation.”
“This tragedy forever altered the lives of so many families and loved ones, and it deeply affected members of the public who watched in horror. We continue to grieve with them,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI provided extensive investigative and technical resources to the joint investigation, including expert divers and evidence recovery assets. Our hope is that this indictment leads to the prevention of boating accidents and the senseless destruction of lives through proper precautions and training.”
“This was a devastating and tragic loss of 34 lives,” said Monique Villegas, the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division. “Our condolences continue to go out to all the families that have suffered from this tragedy. ATF remains committed to working closely with our partners to investigate complex fire scenes such as this by providing our technical expertise in the area of fire investigation.”
Each charge of seaman’s manslaughter carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation in this matter is being conducted by the FBI; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Williams, Joseph O. Johns and Diana Kwok of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
Fairbanks Man Sentenced to Twelve and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Fairbanks, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that 40-year-old Sherman Kay Howard, of Fairbanks, Alaska, has been sentenced on charges of possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 100 grams of heroin.
Court records state that on February 11, 2019, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Howard’s vehicle and learned he had outstanding arrest warrants. Troopers later searched Howard’s vehicle and seized approximately 971.5 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and 198.5 grams of heroin, as well as other drugs and drug dealing paraphernalia. When questioned, Howard told Troopers that he sold over 50% of the methamphetamine available in the Fairbanks area. Howard committed these charged offenses while on parole from a 9-year sentence for drug trafficking and weapons misconduct.
In imposing the 150-month sentence, Senior District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline emphasized Howard’s extensive criminal history and his designation as a "career offender" as justifying the sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department and the North Pole Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey.
Elder Fraud Prevention Campaign during COVID-19Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. - The United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, and the Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF) announced today the launch of an elder fraud education and prevention campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public service campaign aims to raise awareness about the different types of fraud associated with the pandemic that have been prevalent during these past months; advise senior citizens and their caretakers on how to prevent becoming victims of these scams; and inform the different ways to report cases of fraud. The campaign encourages the public to provide information to the federal and state authorities in a confidential manner.
“This educational campaign seeks to provide the elderly and the general public with the tools to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the crisis we are living through. As I have stated in previous occasions, the well-being of our elderly citizens during this pandemic is one of our main priorities. I commend the efforts of the Elder Justice Task Force and those who have joined our mission during this emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.
The Acting Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, Inés del C. Carrau Martínez, urged Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to protect themselves, be cautious, and disregard any unsolicited calls or visits that offer COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or medical equipment, if they suspect anything is amiss. “We are dealing with a serious and complex health issue. We have to take care of our elderly so they don’t become a target for scams through false advertisement or offers,” stated Secretary Carrau.
“We have been very diligent in providing guidance to the population we serve and at senior centers so that they do not become victims of fraud. Today we are doubling our efforts with this excellent task force in order to raise awareness about these illegal practices,” said the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Family Affairs, Orlando López Belmonte.
“As part of this initiative, we call on the family caretakers who support the elderly to be alert, because they are a key part in detecting, avoiding, and reporting these new scams associated with COVID-19 that threaten their own and their loved ones’ financial safety,” warned José R. Acarón, local director of AARP PR.
“This educational campaign is part of a preventive approach geared towards protecting the rights of the elderly population in Puerto Rico, and fighting crimes that target them. There is a pressing need for education, particularly during the pandemic,” informed Dr. Carmen Delia Sánchez Salgado, Ombudsman for the Elderly.
Other entities that have joined forces in this campaign are the Postal Inspector Service; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This campaign stems from the Elder Justice Initiative. The EJTF’s mission is to support and coordinate the U.S. Department of Justice’s compliance efforts to combat abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target our nation’s seniors. The EJTF in Puerto Rico is coordinated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Novas. To report a suspected fraud, please call the following numbers: National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311; National Center for Disaster Fraud 1-866-720-5721; the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 1-800-225-5324; the FTC 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); and/or the HHS - 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477); or submit a report at the Federal Department of Justice’s website www.Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm or through the FTC’s website ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.
Learn more about these scams and how to protect yourself by visiting the fbi.gov/coronavirus and the FTC at ftc.gov/es/coronavirus
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage (https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice). Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
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Dominican Republic National Who Operated the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas Pleads Guilty to Bringing Illegal Aliens to the U.S. for Financial Gain and to Transporting Women in the TerritoryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Yohanna Gonzalez-McFarlane, 39, of the Dominican Republic, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in District Court and entered a guilty plea to four counts charging her with bringing illegal aliens to the United States for financial gain, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii), and to transportation for prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Gonzalez-McFarlane admitted to illegally bringing in and transporting women from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in 2018 and 2019 for the purpose of having the women perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas, USVI. As part of her plea agreement, Gonzalez-McFarlane admitted to profiting financially from employing twelve different undocumented female aliens to perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub, one of whom was just seventeen years old. Gonzalez-McFarlane acknowledged and agreed that many of the women were required to perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub to pay off their smuggling debt. She further admitted that the nightclub had three small rooms in the rear of the club, each having a bed which was used for commercial sex acts.
Gonzalez-McFarlane faces up to a maximum of 55 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison. She further faces possible deportation or removal from the United States, mandatory sex offender registration, and a minimum term of supervised release of five years and up to life. Her sentencing will be scheduled for a future date.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted and supported by the Virgin Islands Police Department, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Donna Rainwater.
Del Rio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In Del Rio this morning, 34-year-old Rodrigo Rodriguez was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On February 27, 2019, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the charge. By pleading guilty, Rodriguez admitted that from April 2017 through December 2018, he used his cell phone to produce child pornography that depicted the abuse and exploitation of a female child approximately 12 years old.
“Producing child pornography is a monstrous crime that cannot be tolerated. We must ensure that those who prey upon our vulnerable children are kept off of the streets. Thanks to the work of the Del Rio Police Department and the FBI, this defendant will be incapacitated for the better part of the next two decades,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.
Court records reflect that officers with the Del Rio Police Department (DRPD) arrested Rodriguez on January 7, 2018 after they discovered an image depicting child pornography on the defendant’s cell phone. DRPD officers forwarded the information to the FBI for further investigation into the transmission and storage of potential child pornography. Special agents from the FBI’s San Antonio Division obtained search warrants for the defendant’s cell phone and email account. Forensic evaluations of the seized phone and email account revealed the presence of approximately five images and three videos of child pornography produced using that phone and stored on the defendant’s email account from April 2017 through December 2018.
Rodriguez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 7, 2018.
The FBI, along with assistance from DRPD, conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Spears, John Kennedy and John Cooper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Dayton man sentenced to 19 years in prison for armed robberiesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A 22-year-old Dayton man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today for committing at least five armed robberies.
Marquice Murray was sentenced to 230 months in prison for robbing local cell phone stores and retail establishments at gunpoint.
According to court documents, in December 2019, Murray brandished a firearm while robbing the Boost Mobile store on West Third Street in Dayton. After committing the robbery, Murray fled the store and, as a security guard actively pursued him, discharged a 9mm handgun toward the security guard.
Murray brandished firearms on at least four other occasions while committing robbery. He robbed the Boost Mobile on North Main Street in Dayton twice, in October and November 2019. He committed armed robbery at two different Family Dollar Stores (on Salem and Siebenthaler avenues in Dayton) in December 2019.
Murray pleaded guilty in August 2020 to brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime and to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller is representing the United States in this case.
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Daughter of Former Union Officer Admits EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The daughter of a former secretary treasurer of a union at Jersey City Medical Center today admitted her role in helping her mother embezzle $40,455 from the union, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jennifer Rogers, 38, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to Count One of an indictment charging her with embezzling from Local 2254 of the American Federal State County and Municipal Amalgamated Transit Workers Union (AFSCME) in Hudson County.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Linda Rogers was employed at the Jersey City Medical Center and also held a part-time position at Local 2254 as its secretary treasurer. In that role, she had sole control over the union’s checkbook and savings account. From July 2016 through August 2017, Jennifer Rogers, also an employee at the hospital at that time, deposited 112 unauthorized checks totaling $35,267 from Local 2254’s account to joint checking and savings accounts she owned with her mother. From October 2016 through December 2016, Linda Rogers allegedly made six telephonic wire transfers from the Local 2254’s savings account, totaling $5,188, into her personal credit card account. None of the expenditures were authorized or for legitimate union purposes.
The count of embezzlement from a labor union carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the investigators of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of Adriana Vamvakas, Regional Director; and special agents of the Department of Labor (OIG), New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.
The pending charges against Linda Rogers are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cincinnati man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Elroy Bradshaw, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bradshaw, 36, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Bradshaw is accused of selling methamphetamine near Wheeling Central Catholic High School in October 2020 in Ohio County.
Bradshaw faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Campaña de prevención de estafas a adultos mayores durante la pandemia del COVID-19Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – El Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow y el Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy el lanzamiento de una campaña de educación y prevención de estafas a adultos mayores en tiempos de la pandemia del COVID-19.
La campaña de servicio público busca alertar sobre las nuevas modalidades de fraude que hemos visto durante los últimos meses relacionadas a la pandemia, además de dar consejos a los adultos mayores y sus cuidadores para evitar ser víctimas de éstas estafas, y dar a conocer las distintas maneras para reportar casos o sospechas de fraude. También invita al público a proveer información de manera confidencial a las autoridades de ley y orden, tanto a nivel federal como estatal.
“Esta campaña de educación busca proveer herramientas, tanto a los adultos mayores como al público en general, para evitar que los criminales se aprovechen de la crisis que estamos viviendo. Como he declarado en ocasiones anteriores, el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos de edad avanzada durante esta pandemia es una de nuestras principales prioridades. Elogio los esfuerzos del Elder Justice Task Force y aquellos que se han unido a nuestra misión durante esta emergencia”, dijo el Fiscal Federal Muldrow.
La Secretaria Interina del Departamento de Justicia, Inés del C. Carrau Martínez exhortó a los beneficiarios de Medicare y Medicaid a que se protejan, sean cautelosos y si sospechan de cualquier llamada inesperada o visitas a su hogar en las que le ofrecen pruebas de COVID-19, vacunas contra esta enfermedad o suplido de equipos médicos, hagan caso omiso. “Nos encontramos ante una situación de salud seria y compleja, debemos cuidar de nuestra población de edad avanzada para que no sean objeto de estafa mediante anuncios u ofrecimientos engañosos”, indicó la titular de Justicia.
“Hemos estado muy activos y orientando en los centros para adultos mayores y a la población a la que subvencionamos, para que no se conviertan en víctimas de estafas. Hoy redoblamos esfuerzos con este gran grupo de trabajo para prevenir y educar a toda la población sobre estas prácticas ilícitas,” señaló el Secretario de la Familia, Orlando López Belmonte.
“Como parte de esta iniciativa hacemos un llamado a los cuidadores familiares que apoyan personas mayores, ya que ellos son claves para detectar, evitar y denunciar las nuevas estafas relacionadas al COVID -19, que atentan contra la seguridad financiera de ellos y sus seres queridos”, alertó José R. Acarón, director estatal de AARP PR.
“Esta campaña educativa forma parte de un acercamiento preventivo dirigido a proteger los derechos de la población adulta mayor en Puerto Rico y combatir crímenes hacia ellos. La necesidad de educar en asuntos de fraude es urgente particularmente en estos tiempos de Pandemia”, informó la Dra. Carmen Delia Sánchez Salgado, Procuradora de las Personas de Edad Avanzada.
Otras entidades que han colaborado mano a mano con esta campaña son el Servicio de Inspectores Postales; Oficina del Inspector General del Departamento de Salud Federal; la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC, por sus siglas en inglés); y el FBI.
La campaña surge como parte de la Iniciativa de Justicia para los Ancianos, del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos. La misión del EJTF de Puerto Rico es apoyar y coordinar los esfuerzos programáticos y de cumplimiento del Departamento de Justicia Federal para combatir el abuso, la negligencia y el fraude financiero y las estafas que tienen como blanco a las personas de edad avanzada de nuestra nación. Los esfuerzos del Task Force en Puerto Rico están dirigidos por la Coordinadora de EJTF, la Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Jacqueline Novas. Para informar sobre casos sospechosos de fraude puede llamar a los siguientes números: National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311; National Center for Disaster Fraud 1-866-720-5721; al FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 1-800-225-5324; al FTC 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); y/o a HHS - 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477); o reportar a través del portal del Departamento de Justicia Federal www.Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm o a través del portal de la FTC ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.
Conozca más acerca de estas estafas y cómo puede protegerse, visitando fbi.gov/coronavirus y la FTC en ftc.gov/es/coronavirus
Desde que el presidente Trump promulgó la Ley bipartidista de Enjuiciamiento y Prevención del Abuso de Ancianos (EAPPA, por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Justicia ha participado en cientos de acciones para hacer cumplir la ley en casos criminales y civiles que afectaban desproporcionalmente o estaban dirigidos a las personas mayores.
Para mayor información acerca de los esfuerzos del departamento para ayudar a las personas mayores visite el portal de la Iniciativa de Justicia para los Ancianos (https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice-espanol). Para presentar una denuncia de fraude a personas mayores ante la FTC acceda a https://reportefraude.ftc.gov/#/ o llame al 877-FTC-HELP. El Departamento de Justicia proporciona una variedad de recursos relacionados a la victimización por fraude a personas mayores mediante su Oficina para Víctimas del Delito, a la cual se puede acceder en https://ovc.ojp.gov/library/recursos-en-espanol.
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California hacker who stole proprietary information from Nintendo sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 21-year-old Palmdale, California, man was sentenced to three years in prison today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for federal crimes related to his computer hacking scheme and his possession of child pornography found on his digital devices, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. RYAN S. HERNANDEZ, aka Ryan West, who used the online moniker “RyanRocks,” pleaded guilty to a two-count information in January 2020. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered HERNANDEZ to be on seven years of supervised release following prison. He will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to records filed in the case, in 2016, while still a minor, HERNANDEZ and an associate used a phishing technique to steal credentials of a Nintendo employee, which were exploited to gain access to and download confidential Nintendo files related to its consoles and games. That stolen information, including pre-release information about the anticipated Nintendo Switch console, was leaked to the public. In October 2017, following an investigation into the hack, FBI agents contacted HERNANDEZ and his parents at their California residence. HERNANDEZ promised to stop any further malicious activity and confirmed that he understood the consequences of any future hacking.
Nevertheless, from at least June 2018 to June 2019, HERNANDEZ returned to his malicious activities, hacking into multiple Nintendo servers and stealing confidential information about various popular video games, gaming consoles, and developer tools. HERNANDEZ boasted about his hacking exploits on several online and social media platforms, such as Twitter and Discord, and leaked some of the stolen information to others. HERNANDEZ further operated an online chat forum called “Ryan’s Underground Hangout” in which he and others discussed Nintendo products and shared information about possible Nintendo network vulnerabilities, and on which he shared some of the confidential information he had stolen.
In June 2019, FBI agents searched HERNANDEZ’s home and seized numerous electronic devices, including computers, hard drives, and circumvention devices used to access pirated video games and software. On those devices, they discovered thousands of confidential Nintendo files. Forensic analysis of his devices also revealed that HERNANDEZ had used the internet to collect more than one thousand videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, stored and sorted in a folder directory he labeled “Bad Stuff.”
Under the terms of the plea agreement, both prosecutors and defense attorneys recommended three years in prison. Judge Coughenour recommended HERNANDEZ be incarcerated at a Bureau of Prisons facility for inmates with cognitive challenges. HERNANDEZ has agreed to pay $259,323 in restitution to Nintendo for the remediation costs caused by his conduct.
The case was investigated by the FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Masada.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for his role in a conspiracy to traffic drugs from California to Western Massachusetts and launder the proceeds.
Victor Hugo Gonzalez, 27, of Perris, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 76 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2020, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
On July 26, 2016, as part of a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO), Gonzalez traveled from California to Western Massachusetts to oversee the arrival of 11 kilograms of cocaine and the subsequent laundering of the sale proceeds back to the DTO. On Aug. 2, 2016, in West Springfield, Gonzalez and a co-conspirator removed 11 kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle, which had arrived by car carrier from California, and transferred the cocaine into the co-conspirator’s apartment. These kilograms were subsequently broken down, repackaged, and distributed. On Aug. 6 and 8, 2016, Gonzalez made multiple structured cash deposits at banks in Hartford and Bloomfield, Conn., thus laundering the proceeds of the drug transactions into multiple bank accounts held by individuals in California.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. DEA’s Carlsbad Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Westfield Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches, Catherine Curley and Steven H. Breslow of Lelling’s Springfield Office prosecuted the case.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Demontra Tucker, 23, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Tucker was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On April 14, 2020, Biloxi police officers responded to the burglary of an unmarked police vehicle in Biloxi. They learned that two Glock pistols, a Taser, and a radio had been stolen from the vehicle. On April 15, 2020, an investigation led to information that Demontra Tucker had possession of the stolen Taser and had attempted to sell it.
Officers went to Tucker’s apartment and observed him walking away from a vehicle holding a small pistol bag in front of his chest. They gave him verbal commands to stop but Tucker fled on foot. The officers gave chase and Tucker ran through a thickly wooded area where the law enforcement officers lost sight of him. With assistance from witnesses, Tucker was soon apprehended. The wooded area was searched, and the pistol bag Tucker was seen carrying was located. Inside the bag, law enforcement located the stolen Taser as well as a silver and black Smith and Wesson. The firearm was loaded with one magazine holding ten .40 caliber cartridges of ammunition and one .40 caliber round in the chamber.
Tucker had previous convictions for burglary and robbery in the Circuit Court of Harrison County and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Tucker was charged in a federal indictment on May 12, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on September 2, 2020.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
Bend Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Phoning in a Hoax Threat of a Bomb in the Deschutes County CourthouseRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to federal prison today for crafting a hoax bomb and phoning in a threat to blow up the Deschutes County Courthouse on July 29, 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Kellie Kent Cameron, 32 was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. As part of his sentence, Cameron was also ordered to pay $43,620.18 in restitution to the Deschutes County Circuit Court, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, First Interstate Bank in Bend, and Bend Fire & Rescue.
“Constructing a hoax bomb and threatening to blow up a courthouse to interfere with a judicial proceeding, is beyond reprehensible” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Courthouses are the very symbol of justice, safety and fairness in a functioning society, and this unconscionable act not only caused fear, panic and disruption in this community, it jeopardized their sense of safety.”
"Hoax devices cause real-world damage. They cost money for first responders and businesses, and they create fear for those who live and work in the area. The device that Cameron built - and the 911 calls he made - did both. If you become aware of a potential threat, we encourage you to contact the FBI or local law enforcement right away," said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.*
According to court documents, on or about July 28 to July 29, 2019, Cameron and co-defendant Jonathan Tyler Allen, also of Bend, conspired with one another to shut down the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend by planting a fake bomb and calling in a bomb threat. Around the same time, Cameron constructed a realistic looking fake bomb using batteries, wiring, a circuit board, and a fuel filter, among other materials.
Early on the morning of July 29, 2019, Cameron and Allen drove to the courthouse and placed the hoax device on a ramp near the building. Cameron used a cell phone to call 911 and told the operator, “I just want to let you know that there are two bombs, one’s in the courthouse and good luck finding the other one.” Less than an hour later, Cameron called 911 and repeated his threat using more urgent and profanity-laden language. As a result of defendant’s threat, the Deschutes County Courthouse, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office, a bank, and other nearby businesses were shut down and evacuated while first responders rushed to the scene and investigated the threat. When the device was discovered, a bomb squad, used disabling techniques to prevent an explosion. The device was later dismantled and found to be a hoax.
On August 7, 2019, Cameron and Allen were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to make a threat to damage property and conveying false information and hoaxes. Cameron plead guilty in federal court on August 21, 2020 to using a telephone to make a threat to damage a building by means of an explosive.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Police Department, and was prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
*For more information on what to do if you become aware of a potential threat, check out the FBI's webpage on hoax threats. (https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518) Those wishing to report a tip to the FBI can do so by calling the nearest office or submitting information online at tips.fbi.gov
Components of the hoax bomb deviceArsonist admits setting fire that caused nearly $1 million damage to Savannah's Code Enforcement OfficeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Chatham County man has admitted deliberately setting the May 3, 2020, blaze that extensively burned the city of Savannah’s Code Enforcement Office.
Stephen Charles Setter, 19, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Arson, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a minimum possible sentence of five years in prison, up to 20 years, along with substantial financial penalties, and up to three years of supervised release after completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Deliberately set fires are a clear danger to the community, and to the firefighters who protect it,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Considering the massive damage to the Code Enforcement building, it’s fortunate that no one was harmed by this destructive act.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Setter admitted starting the fire at the Code Enforcement Office at 1700 Drayton Street in downtown Savannah shortly after 3 a.m. on May 3, 2020. Setter started the fire that quickly spread into the attic and roof of the building, causing damage estimated at nearly $1 million.
Setter also told investigators that he activated a fire alarm at the Landings marina that same night, requiring the Chatham County Fire Department to respond, and while the station was unoccupied he then stole a fire department radio so he could listen to fire department communications.
Setter will remain in custody until sentencing at a later date.
“As part of our mission, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will continue to work with our state and local counterparts to investigate the crime of arson,” said Lenwood S. Reeves, Resident Agent in Charge of the Savannah Field Office of the ATF. “Arson is a crime of violence that not only endangers the general public but our first responders and firefighters. This case is another example of how teamwork between agencies brought an arsonist to justice.”
“We are pleased with the positive result of the joint investigation between Savannah Fire and the ATF,” said Fred Anderson, Savannah Fire Department Chief Fire Investigator. “It is good to know that this individual is no longer on the streets.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Savannah Fire Department Arson Unit, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania D. Groover.
Arizona Adoption Attorney Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Alien Smuggling for Financial GainRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – First Assistant United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Peter Kapoukakis of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Miami Field Office and Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced that Paul Petersen, age 45, of Mesa, Arizona was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine and court costs totaling $105,100.00 for Conspiracy to Smuggle Illegal Aliens for Commercial Advantage and Private Financial Gain. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
“The defendant in this case violated the laws of three states and two countries during the course of his criminal scheme,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Fowlkes.” He exploited a legal loophole and used it to run an International adoption business outside the necessary oversight from the United States or the Republic of the Marshall Islands. During the scheme, the defendant lied to state court judges, falsified records, encouraged others to lie during court proceedings, and manipulated birth mothers into consenting to adoptions they did not fully understand. This unique case merited the strong sentence ordered by the Court today. It is our sincere hope that this sentence sends a message to those who would seek to conduct human trafficking operations in the Western District of Arkansas, and to those who would seek to manipulate and take advantage of people like the Marshallese citizens in this case.”
According to the Plea Agreement filed in this case, the FBI, the DSS and local law enforcement, have been actively investigating the criminal activities of Paul Petersen, 44, of Mesa, Arizona, for several years. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the defendant, Paul Petersen, among other things, orchestrated the travel of several pregnant women from the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Western District of Arkansas. The purpose of this travel was for Petersen to arrange adoption of their children by families living in the United States.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is an island country near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. In 1983, the United States entered into a Compact of Free Association (hereinafter, the “Compact”) with the RMI government. The United States and the RMI signed an Amended Compact in 2003, which Congress codified at Public Law 108-188. Section 141 of the Compact grants RMI citizens the ability to freely enter and take up employment within the United States. Section 141(b) prohibits RMI citizens from entering the United States under the Compact agreement if their travel is for the purpose of adoption.
According to the Plea Agreement, the Defendant, Paul Petersen, is a licensed attorney who practices law in Arizona, Utah, and Arkansas. During the course of the investigation, FBI and DSS agents discovered that Petersen used credit card accounts that he controlled to purchase airline tickets for several women, all citizens of the RMI who did not have official authorization to enter or reside in the United States, to travel from the RMI to the Western District of Arkansas. This travel arranged and funded by Petersen was in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act because the women were all citizens of the RMI and were not eligible for admission into the United States under the terms of the Compact. According to State of Arkansas Circuit Court records, the families who adopted these children paid Petersen significant sums of money for him to act as a legal facilitator of the adoptions. Finally, also according to the Plea Agreement, witness interviews conducted by the agents investigating Petersen revealed that it was part of the conspiracy that Petersen’s co-conspirators offered the women $10,000 to induce them to travel to the United States and consent to the adoptions.
A federal grand jury indicted Petersen in October 2019, and he entered a guilty plea in June 2020.
The FBI and the DSS conducted the investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes, Deputy Criminal Chief Kim Harris, and Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also assisted in the investigation.
Albuquerque man charged with being a felon in possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jay Bickford, 48, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on November 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bickford will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 21, Bickford allegedly was driving a motorcycle with no plate or temporary tag, resulting in a traffic stop by law enforcement. A query through the National Crime Information Center revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to a search of Bickford’s backpack in which the investigating officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.
As a previously convicted felon, Bickford cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Bickford faces up to 10 years in prison.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Tierney is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man arraigned on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Martin Duran, 49, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Nov. 25 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Duran will remain in custody pending trail.
According to a criminal complaint, a search of Duran’s home on Oct. 28 revealed individually packaged methamphetamine and heroin, as well as pistol and shotgun ammunition. As a convicted felon, Duran cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Duran faces up to 30 years in prison.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford is prosecuting the case.
Accused smuggler faces criminal charges after deadly car crashRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging a 27-year-old Laredoan for conspiring to transport an undocumented alien resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
David Valadaz is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge next week.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on Nov. 5, law enforcement attempted to stop a Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation. Valadaz was allegedly driving.
Instead of complying, he fled at a high rate of speed, according to the charges. Authorities pursued him until he allegedly crashed the vehicle through a fence of a local business. According to the charges, Valadaz attempted to abscond on foot but was quickly apprehended.
The indictment further alleges authorities conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered three people who were all determined to be aliens illegally present in the United States. One allegedly died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.
He is charged with conspiracy to transport an undocumented alien causing death and three counts of transporting an undocumented alien causing death.
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is 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.
4 Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Crack Cocaine Distribution in PeekskillRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Don Halmy, Chief of the Peekskill Police Department (“PPD”), and Thomas Gleason, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety (“WCDPS”), announced the unsealing of a one-count Indictment charging JORDAN CAMPBELL, a/k/a “Jayoh,” DERRICK DICKEY, a/k/a “D,” TERRANCE PATTERSON, a/k/a “Cupid,” a/k/a “Q,” and JOHNNIE THOMAS, a/k/a “Country,” with crack cocaine distribution in the Peekskill-area. All four defendants were taken into custody today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:
JORDAN CAMPBELL, a/k/a “Jayoh,” DERRICK DICKEY, a/k/a “D,” TERRANCE PATTERSON, a/k/a “Cupid,” a/k/a “Q,” and JOHNNIE THOMAS, a/k/a “Country,” conspired to distribute at least 280 grams or more of crack cocaine between March 2020 and August 2020.
* * *
Each defendant faces a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force – which comprises agents and detectives from the FBI, Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, WCDPS, PPD, Putnam County Sheriff, Mount Vernon Police Department, NYPD, Greenburgh Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department, Ramapo Police Department, and U.S. Probation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah, Jacob Warren, and David R. Felton are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
19 Columbia, KC Residents Indicted for $1.2 Million Insurance Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Nineteen defendants, primarily from the Columbia and Kansas City, Missouri, areas, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1.2 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents.
Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 32, and Latoya Marie Brown, 35, who resided in Columbia and in the Kansas City area; Lauren Courtney Luque, 34, Michael Jadon Carter, 30, Tiera Rachell Wallace, 38, Lanay Deshawn Wallace, 26, Dylan James Danielsson, 26, Larell Montez Banks, 27, Kathy Davvy Kimhang, 29, Michael Lee Gene Stapleton, 34, and Cedrick Shawndale Goldman, 44, all of Columbia; Matthew Stephen Akins, 32, who resided in Columbia and Fulton, Mo.; Michael Stuart Smith, 34, Taron Donte Ford, 35, Dontay Laray Campbell, 31, and Eriona Tyjaez Fleeks, 28, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cornelius Deshawn Phelps, 35, who resided in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tara Colleen Jackson, 57, of Independence, Mo.; and Maurice Frank Penny, 37, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in a 69-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 18, 2020.
The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Aug. 19, 2020, which originally charged only Lawhorn and Luque with eight counts related to the fraud conspiracy.
The federal indictment charges all 19 defendants with participating in a conspiracy that defrauded six insurance companies of a total of $1,234,581 from June 2017 to July 2020. Conspirators allegedly submitted false claims that they had suffered bodily injuries and that they would be personally liable for any medical bills related to insurance claims. Conspirators, some of whom were involved in multiple incidents, received thousands of dollars, and in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, based on these false claims. According to the indictment, however, none of the conspirators made any payments to medical providers and instead used the funds for their personal expenses.
Lawhorn was directly involved in two incidents in which he received separate payments of $1,500 and $17,350 from insurance companies, the indictment says. In eight additional incidents, Lawhorn allegedly sent emails to insurance companies, made telephone calls to insurance companies, directed others what to tell insurance companies, reviewed insurance policies prior to incidents, witnessed release agreements, and assumed the identity of parties to the incidents or people related to parties to these incidents in communication with insurance companies.
Luque (with whom Lawhorn was in a romantic relationship), Jackson (who is Lawhorn’s mother), Carter, Banks, and Stapleton each received fraudulent insurance payments of $50,000 or more, according to the indictment. Lawhorn also was in romantic relationships with Kimhang and Brown, who has a child in common with Lawhorn. Brown was involved in three incidents, the indictment says, and received a total of $44,269 in insurance payments. Kimhang received a fraudulent insurance payment of $18,429, according to the indictment.
In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy, most of the defendants are charged with participating in a mail fraud conspiracy. Lawhorn and Carter are also charged together in a money-laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charges various defendants in 38 counts of wire fraud, six counts of attempted wire fraud, and 20 counts of mail fraud. Lawhorn is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. Lawhorn and Luque are also charged together in one count of aggravated identity theft.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Maness. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
18 Members of the “Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation” Gang Charged with Racketeering, Murder, Narcotics, Firearms, and Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William V. Grady, Dutchess County District Attorney, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Thomas Pape, Chief of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department (“CPPD”), Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Don Halmy, Chief of the Peekskill Police Department (“PPD”), Thomas Gleason, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety (“WCDPS”), and Anthony J. Annuci, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”), announced the unsealing of a 16-Count Indictment charging 18 members of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Gang (“Gorilla Stone”) with committing various racketeering, murder, narcotics, firearms, and fraud offenses. BRANDON SOTO, a/k/a “Stacks,” is charged in connection with the September 21, 2020, murder of a minor in Poughkeepsie. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged in the Indictment, members of Gorilla Stone committed terrible acts of violence, trafficked in narcotics, and even engaged in brazen fraud by exploiting benefits programs meant to provide assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that, communities across the Southern District – from Poughkeepsie to Peekskill to New York City – suffered. Most shocking, as alleged in the indictment, a minor was murdered in furtherance of the gang’s activities. Because of the extraordinary work of our law enforcement partners, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As the indictment alleges, the violence and drug activity committed by these gang members threatened the safety of our communities and placed innocent lives at risk. Their unabashed criminal behavior, as alleged, included the murder of a 15 year-old and even extended to defrauding programs meant for people suffering economic hardship due to the pandemic. But thanks to the partnership and hard work of all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, we were able to stop this violent criminal organization – and show that Gorilla Stone is actually not ‘untouchable.’”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “These arrests demonstrate the NYPD’s relentless pursuit of the few individuals who drive violence and disorder in New York City. I commend the NYPD investigators and the many law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation whose hard work resulted in these arrests. Murder, robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other associated gang behavior will never be tolerated by the people we serve.”
Peekskill Police Chief Don Halmy said: “While it’s clear that the alleged actions of these individuals had a negative impact on the quality of life in Peekskill, it’s also obvious that the extent of their alleged criminal enterprise was much further reaching. Through this joint operation, utilizing Federal, County and local law enforcement agencies, communities both large and small will benefit from the arrest of those allegedly responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics as well as the commission of violent felonies. We thank all those involved in bringing this to such a successful conclusion."
Westchester County Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Gleason said: “Today’s arrests put a halt to an alleged criminal enterprise involved in drug trafficking, gang-related violence and other crimes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Our streets are indeed safer thanks to the great work of the Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and all of the partner agencies that contributed to the success of this complex investigation.”
DOCCS Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annuci said: “DOCCS has zero tolerance for any criminal activity involving incarcerated individuals in its custody and within our facilities. These arrests highlight the successful investigation that the Department fully assisted with in the pursuit of justice.”
Dutchess County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew A. Weishaupt said: “Gorilla Stone Nation, as alleged below, was involved in widespread crimes of violence which erodes the infrastructure and quality of life in our community. Our office will continue to collaborate with our Federal, State, County and Local partners to eradicate the crime drivers that fuel gang violence. This effort will enhance the safety and quality of life in our community. We extend our thanks to the outstanding job of all the law enforcement agencies involved and special thanks to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, and Bureau Chief Sara Thompson of our office.”
City of Poughkeepsie Chief of Police Thomas Pape said: “I would like to thank our partners at the Federal, State and Local levels of law enforcement for the unwavering assistance and dedication to their sworn duties. These partnerships are proof that collaborations with agencies at all levels of law enforcement work to bring those responsible for the heinous murder of a 15-year-old on our City streets to justice.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:
DWIGHT REID, a/k/a “Dick Wolf,” CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE, a/k/a “Beagle,” WALTER LUSTER, a/k/a “Shells,” DESHAWN THOMAS, a/k/a “Don,” NAYA AUSTIN, a/k/a “Baby,” BRANDON NIEVES, a/k/a “Untouchable Dot,” AHMED WALKER, a/k/a “Ammo,” CASWELL SENIOR, a/k/a “Casanova,” BRANDON SOTO, a/k/a “Stacks,” DEZON WASHINGTON, a/k/a “Blakk,” ROBERT WOODS, a/k/a “Blakk Rob,” STEPHEN HUGH, a/k/a “Chino,” JORDAN INGRAM, a/k/a “Flow,” SHANAY OUTLAW, a/k/a “Easy,” ISAIAH SANTOS, a/k/a “Zay,” ROBERTA SLIGH, a/k/a “Trouble,” and BRINAE THORNTON, a/k/a “Luxury,” are members of a racketeering conspiracy known as Gorilla Stone.
On September 21, 2020, BRANDON SOTO, to further the Gorilla Stone enterprise, participated in and facilitated the murder of a minor victim, and aided and abetted the same, in Poughkeepsie, New York.
On July 20, 2020, STEPHEN HUGH shot at rival gang members in New Rochelle. HUGH shot at rival gang members to maintain and increase his position in the Gorilla Stone racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On June 12, 2020, NAYA AUSTIN, DEZON WASHINGTON, and JORDAN INGRAM committed a gunpoint robbery of a rival drug dealer in Peekskill, New York. AUSTIN, WASHINGTON, and INGRAM committed the robbery in order to maintain or increase their position in the Gorilla Stone racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On August 28, 2018, BRINAE THORNTON shot at a rival gang member in Brooklyn, New York, and aided and abetted the same. THORNTON shot at the rival gang member to maintain and increase her position in the Gorilla Stone racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On January 12, 2018, ROBERT WOODS maimed and assaulted an individual with a dangerous weapon, and aided and abetted the same, by slashing the individual in the face. WOODS slashed the individual in part to maintain and increase his position in the Gorilla Stone racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
In August 2020, NAYA AUSTIN and SHANAY OUTLAW, without lawful authority, knowingly used the identification of others to file fraudulent applications for COVID-19-related unemployment benefits, and aided and abetted the same.
* * *
Seventeen of the 18 defendants are in custody.
Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force – which comprises agents and detectives from the FBI, Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, WCDPS, PPD, Putnam County Sheriff, Mount Vernon Police Department, NYPD, Greenburgh Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department, Ramapo Police Department, and U.S. Probation – as well as the outstanding investigative work of the CPPD and DOCCS, Office of Special Investigations. Ms. Strauss also thanked the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI’s Newark, Albany, and Tampa Divisions, the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the New York State Department of Labor for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah, Jacob Warren, and David R. Felton are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
DEFENDANT(S)
MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1962(d))
DWIGHT REID
CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE
WALTER LUSTER
DESHAWN THOMAS
NAYA AUSTIN
BRANDON NIEVES
AHMED WALKER
CASWELL SENIOR
BRANDON SOTO
DEZON WASHINGTON
ROBERT WOODS
STEPHEN HUGH
JORDAN INGRAM
SHANAY OUTLAW
ISAIAH SANTOS
ROBERTA SLIGH
BRINAE THORNTON
Life in prison as to all defendants except OUTLAW, for whom the maximum term is 20 years in prison
Count Two: Travel Act Murder
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1952 and 2)
BRANDON SOTO
Life in prison
Count Three: Attempted Murder and Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5), (a)(6), and 2)
STEPHEN HUGH
10 years in prison
Count Four: Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
STEPHEN HUGH
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
Count Five: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)
NAYA AUSTIN
DEZON WASHINGTON
JORDAN INGRAM
20 years in prison
Count Six: Possession and Brandish of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and 2)
NAYA AUSTIN
DEZON WASHINGTON
JORDAN INGRAM
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
Count Seven: Attempted Murder and Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5), (a)(6), and 2)
BRINAE THORNTON
10 years in prison
Count Eight: Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
BRINAE THORNTON
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
Count Nine: Maiming and Assault in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(2), (a)(3), and 2)
ROBERT WOODS
30 years in prison
Count Ten: Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) and 18 U.S.C. § 2)
NAYA AUSTIN
40 years in prison; Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison
Count Eleven: Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) and 18 U.S.C. § 2)
CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE
NAYA AUSTIN
JORDAN INGRAM
40 years in prison; Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison
Count Twelve: Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) and 18 U.S.C. § 2)
BRANDON SOTO
40 years in prison; Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison
Count Thirteen: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 846)
DWIGHT REID
CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE
WALTER LUSTER
DESHAWN THOMAS
NAYA AUSTIN
BRANDON NIEVES
AHMED WALKER
CASWELL SENIOR
BRANDON SOTO
DEZON WASHINGTON
ROBERT WOODS
STEPHEN HUGH
JORDAN INGRAM
ISAIAH SANTOS
ROBERTA SLIGH
BRINAE THORNTON
JAMAL TRENT
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
Count Fourteen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2)
DWIGHT REID
CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE
WALTER LUSTER
DESHAWN THOMAS
NAYA AUSTIN
BRANDON NIEVES
AHMED WALKER
CASWELL SENIOR
BRANDON SOTO
DEZON WASHINGTON
ROBERT WOODS
STEPHEN HUGH
JORDAN INGRAM
ROBERTA SLIGH
BRINAE THORNTON
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
Count Fifteen: Possession and Brandish of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and 2)
ISAIAH SANTOS
Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
Count Sixteen: Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1), 1028(b) and 2)
NAYA AUSTIN
SHANAY OUTLAW
20 years in prison;
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Monday 30 November 2020
Young man sent to prison for making bomb threats on TwitterRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 19-year-old resident of Harlingen has been ordered to federal prison after he claimed he was being “edgy” when threatening to destroy the Federal Reserve, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Joel Hayden Schrimsher pleaded guilty Aug. 24 to conveying false or misleading information through the internet concerning the potential destruction of a federal building.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez handed Schrimsher a 24-month sentence to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.
At the hearing, the court found sufficient evidence in support of Schrimsher’s intent and that he disrupted public, governmental or business functions. Judge Rodriguez also noted Schrimsher had precursor chemicals and bomb making recipes in his bedroom at the time he made the threats. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that he considered this a very serious crime.
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners take threats of violence very seriously,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “While law enforcement is committed to investigating these threats, members of the public play a critical role in helping law enforcement protect our community from violence by reporting online threats.”
“Working with our law enforcement partners to prevent violence before innocent citizens are hurt or killed remains at the core of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.
On June 6, 2019, authorities learned of an online threat made via Twitter from the username @HaydenJool displayed as @Hayden Ter(rawr)ist. They quickly identified Schrimsher as the source. The investigation also revealed a post on his account relaying a family conversation which ended with “Me: I’m gonna mail a bomb to the Federal Reserve.”
Law enforcement executed a search warrant for Schrimsher’s home in Harlingen on June 6, 2019. At that time, they discovered physical and documentary evidence in his room consistent with the message he sent about the Federal Reserve building. After Schrimsher’s arrest, authorities also found a photo in his cellphone of a fake certificate declaring him as “Most Likely to Damage Federal Property.”
Schrimsher admitted to having the account @HaydenJool and name Hayden Ter(rawr)ist as well as making a tweet about bombing and damaging a Federal Reserve building. He claimed he was being “edgy” when he made the threats.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI, Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, police departments in Harlingen and Brownsville the ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jody Young and Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case.
Weld County Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Gun Parts Out of the United States and for Possessing Unregistered FirearmsRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Michael John Suppes, age 47, of Weld County, Colorado, was sentenced today to serve 46 months (nearly 4 years) in federal prison for smuggling gun parts out of the United States and possessing unregistered firearms. Suppes was also ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) joined in this announcement.
In addition to the prison sentence, Suppes agreed to a substantial forfeiture of assets that totaled nearly $300,000. He also agreed to forfeit 123 firearms as well as firearm parts and ammunition.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the Suppes’ plea agreement, Suppes, who was not a licensed firearm dealer or manufacturer, willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms. He exported firearm parts to buyers in other countries without obtaining an export license. Furthermore, he possessed short-barreled rifles that were not registered under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
Suppes operated a business, MJS Performance LLC, that sold firearm parts and motorcycle muffler parts. Between January 25, 2015, and November 5, 2018, he, through his business, shipped over 1,200 domestic and international packages. Suppes came to the attention of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after it learned of multiple packages that contained concealed gun parts destined for other countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, and Cambodia. The gun parts required an export license, which Suppes did not obtain.
Between December 2018 and April 2019, Suppes communicated with individuals who said they wanted to smuggle firearms into Mexico. In April 2019, he agreed to sell one of the individuals 30 AR-15 and 20 AK-47 rifles as well as magazines and ammunition. Suppes was arrested on his way to meet with the individual; he had the 50 rifles, magazines, and ammunition with him. Most of the firearms were short-barreled rifles.
“Selling AR-15 and AK-47 semi-automatic rifles and parts to individuals in Mexico serves only to increase the violence there and the drug trafficking into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “By taking this individual off the streets and putting him in a federal prison, we have stopped a significant pipeline of this deadly trade.”
“Anyone who circumvents federal laws designed to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and terrorists deserves to be in prison,” said Steven Cagen, Special Agent In Charge, HSI Denver. “HSI routinely works with the U.S. Attorney and law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute people like Suppes to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals based here and abroad.”
Suppes was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Treaster. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews handled the asset forfeiture portion of this prosecution. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 19-cr-291.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Join Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Officers for a Press Conference Tomorrow, December 1, in Myrtle Beach at 2:30 p.m.Read the Press Release
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, December, 1, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., at the Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations Center / Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4 at 1170 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach SC 29577
Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; Myrtle Beach Police Department; North Myrtle Beach Police Department; Horry County Police Department; and Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
WHEN: Tomorrow, December 1, in Myrtle Beach, 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations/Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4
1170 Howard Avenue
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Derek A. Shoemake, 843-813-0982. Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather outside the Myrtle Beach Police Department Annex at 2 p.m., 30 minutes in advance.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Truck Driver Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting Minors During A Cross-Country TripRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Jason Leonard Valdivia, 28, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, was sentenced today by visiting U.S. District Judge Laurie J. Michelson, in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville, to serve 300 months in federal prison for transporting a minor in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity with the minor.
Following his imprisonment, Valdivia will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives, works, or attends school.
The investigation began in August 2018 after a minor reported that Valdivia had sexually assaulted the minor during a cross-country trip during the summer of 2018. When confronted, Valdivia admitted that he had engaged in sexual acts with two minors during the trip. Subsequent investigation revealed that Valdivia sexually assaulted the minors in his truck in June 2018 during a trip from Tennessee to Nevada and back.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Morris represented the United States in court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Troy Man Sentenced to 75 Months on Drug and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Dyshawn Fisher, age 25, of Troy, New York, was sentenced last week to 75 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Fisher, who has a prior felony conviction for attempted burglary, admitted that on June 5, 2018, while distributing marijuana out of a residence in Troy, he fired multiple shots down the street in order to protect his marijuana distribution operation. Fisher further admitted to possessing and intending to sell the marijuana that was recovered from inside the residence.
Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also sentenced Fisher to a 5-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment.
This case was being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
Three Lincoln Gang Members Indicted in RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against three members of the Day One Brothers gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. Edward Dean Williams, a.k.a. “Eddie”, Antonio Corell Shannon, a.k.a. “Mack Glock,” a.k.a. “Tone,” and Emmanuel Charles Kuot, a.k.a. “E-Mon,” are charged with conspiring to violate the racketeering laws of the United States. The indictment alleges that the Day One Brothers is an enterprise that engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts involving murder or attempted murder, robbery, and the distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana. The defendants are each charged with committing acts in furtherance of the conspiracy. Among those acts, all three defendants are alleged to have participated in a shooting on October 26, 2019 that targeted a rival gang member. The indictment further charges Williams with committing attempted murder and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and with discharging a firearm while committing those crimes of violence. If convicted of all charges, Williams faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, and possibly up to life. Shannon and Kuot face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The initial appearance for the three defendants took place this afternoon in Lincoln before the Honorable Cheryl R. Zwart, United States Magistrate Judge. All three defendants were ordered to be detained.
U.S. Attorney Kelly praised the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other agencies for coming together on this investigation and prosecution.
An Indictment is simply an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was primarily investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Marshals also assisted during the investigation of this case.
Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Using Brother’s Identity to Steal Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Frances Stevens, 53, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property and aggravated identity theft and has agreed to pay full restitution, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in 2015, Stevens applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in California under his true identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) ultimately denied his application because it did not find him disabled. In 2017, Stevens then stole his brother’s identity and used it unlawfully to apply for SSI benefits again. In his application, Stevens used a fraudulent California driver’s license that he obtained using his brother’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
In July 2017, SSA approved Stevens’ fraudulent SSI application and began paying him SSI benefits. During a portion of the time Stevens was receiving benefits, he was incarcerated for unrelated offenses. Stevens listed his wife as a representative payee so she could continue to collect the stolen benefits on his behalf while he was incarcerated. In general, jail inmates are not eligible to collect SSI benefits while they are incarcerated.
According to the plea agreement, SSA paid Stevens over $28,000 in SSI benefits between 2017 and 2019. Additionally, because Stevens was approved for SSI, he qualified for Medi-Cal benefits that were subsidized through federal funds paid to the California Department of Health Care Services. During this same timeframe, Stevens received over $38,000 in Medi-Cal benefits, in the form of medical coverage and services, to which Stevens was not entitled. Stevens knew he was not entitled to any of these benefits because, at a minimum, he had used a fraudulent identity to obtain them.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
Stevens is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Feb. 22, 2021. Stevens faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for theft of government property. The penalty for aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two‑year prison term consecutive to any other sentence and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Statement by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband on World AIDS DayRead the Press Release
On December 1, as our country joins in observing World AIDS Day, the Justice Department stands with all people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30 years ago, the department has worked zealously, through enforcement, outreach, and technical assistance, to protect and advance the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. This past year is no exception.
In recognizing World AIDS Day 2020 Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband gave the following statement:
“The Department of Justice is proud to play a central role in protecting the civil rights of individuals living with HIV and AIDS. On this day, the Civil Rights Division reaffirms its commitment to eradicating discrimination against those living with HIV or AIDS. Discrimination against individuals with HIV or AIDS is not only unlawful, it also is contrary to this nation’s ideals. As long as the unlawful treatment of persons living with HIV and AIDS continues, the Justice Department will continue its efforts to protect their rights.”
Notably, the Civil Rights Division’s enforcement efforts over the last year have helped ensure that people with HIV and AIDS are not turned away when seeking medical care because of unfounded fears and misinformation about the virus. In March 2020, the department entered into a settlement agreement with a nationwide pharmacy after an investigation substantiated that an individual was denied a flu shot after disclosing that he has HIV. The agreement requires the company to pay compensatory damages to the individual and a civil penalty to the government, and to provide training to all pharmacists on this issue.
Another settlement agreement resolved allegations that an individual, who due to back pain sought a breast reduction procedure at the recommendation of her primary care provider, was denied that procedure because she has HIV. The Illinois-based plastic surgery provider agreed to pay compensatory damages to the complainant and to ensure that its customers are aware that the practice welcomes patients with disabilities.
Still other resolutions addressed the ability of individuals living with HIV to access the vast array of goods, services, and privileges regularly available to all members of the public. One settlement agreement addressed the allegation that an individual with HIV was turned away by a provider of cosmetic medical procedures in California. The provider was required to pay compensatory damages to the individual and a civil penalty to the United States, and to provide training on ADA requirements. Another settlement agreement resolved allegations that an Illinois tattoo provider refused to provide tattoo services to a prospective customer who disclosed that she has HIV. The settlement agreement secured a monetary payment to the individual and the business adopted a non-discrimination policy.
Finally, this year we worked to ensure that children are not denied opportunities based on their actual or perceived HIV status. Specifically, we entered into a settlement agreement to resolve allegations that a daycare in New Jersey denied admission to the complainant’s child based on the perception that the child has HIV or hepatitis. The agreement requires the daycare to adopt a non-discrimination policy, train staff, and pay compensatory damages to the complainant.
As we support our federal agency partners in furthering the nation’s shared goal to eradicate HIV altogether, the department will continue its enforcement, outreach, and technical assistance work to ensure that people living with the virus enjoy their rights. Until the day when HIV is eliminated, we will act every day to stamp out the scourge of illegal discrimination against those living with the virus.
To learn more about the department’s work, please visit www.ada.gov/hiv.
South Texas woman heads to prison for imported large amount of hidden methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year-old resident of Rio Grande City has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of importing 59 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Alma Rosa Salinas pleaded guilty Oct. 24, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Salinas to serve 63 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
“As a consequence of her drug trafficking activities, Salinas will spend the next five years in federal prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI will continue to ensure that individuals involved in illegal drug smuggling operations are held accountable.”
On Aug. 7, 2019, Salinas attempted entry into the United States at the Los Ebanos Port of Entry driving a Ford F-150. She was referred to secondary inspection where a K-9 had alerted to the presence of concealed narcotics.
Authorities directed the driver to the secondary inspection area where they ultimately found liquid meth hidden in the vehicle’s gas tank weighing approximately 59 kilograms.
At the time of her plea, she admitted she knew there were narcotics in her vehicle and expected to be paid money for transporting them.
Salinas will be in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Blake Land prosecuted the case.
Plea: California Man Drove Heroin, Fentanyl to KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A California man pleaded guilty today to federal charges that officers found more than 9 pounds of fentanyl and more than 8 pounds of heroin when they stopped his car in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Eduardo Arellano-Sanchez, 24, Cathedral City, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a cell phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In his plea, Arellano-Sanchez admitted that on Aug. 21, 2019, officers stopped his car in Thomas County, Kan. They found the fentanyl and heroin in his car. He was using his cell phone to navigate to a drug transaction to take place in New York.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 16, 2021. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 96 months in federal prison. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak for their work on the case.