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21 January 2021
Albuquerque man charged with sending threatening messages to local familyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Stephen Yochim, 48, of Albuquerque, made his initial appearance on Jan. 19 in federal court where he was charged with transmitting threatening interstate communications. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 26.
According to a criminal complaint, Yochim allegedly sent a series of messages from multiple Google email (gmail) accounts to an Albuquerque couple. In highly graphic language, the messages, received between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15, threatened physical violence against one of the recipients and expressed morbid joy at the prospect of cancer afflicting the other recipient. Included in the profane terms directed toward the family was the repeated use of an ethnic slur.
“Those who engage in online threats and harassment cross a line and they should know that they will be subject to prosecution,” said Fred Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico.
"The type of behavior the defendant is accused of committing is unacceptable," said James Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division. "The FBI will aggressively investigate those who maliciously threaten others and we will work closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office to hold these offenders accountable."
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Yochim faces up to five years in prison.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A Hurtado is prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler Announces Partnership with Special Inspector General for Pandemic RecoveryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler announced today that his office has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), regarding the investigation and prosecution of fraud relating to CARES Act funding.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler stated: “This partnership is part of our on-going efforts to investigate and prosecute the fraudsters who have stolen millions of dollars from government backed relief programs during the pandemic. This is a high-priority area for our office and we look forward to working with SIGPR to hold accountable anyone who illegally profited at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller stated: “This partnership is an important step in protecting taxpayer money. We will work together to hold accountable and bring to justice those who steal, or misuse, money meant to support the Nation’s economic health and recovery.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 created SIGPR to investigate the spending of government funds meant to provide economic relief to people and businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The MOU will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SIGPR to enhance their cooperative efforts in investigating and prosecuting matters involving loans, loan guarantees and other investments made by the Secretary of the Treasury under the CARES Act.
The MOU outlines four objectives: 1) to provide a coordinated response to CARES Act funding fraud, with an emphasis on organized criminal activity, as well as criminal and civil fraud affecting federal money, vulnerable victims, and fraud recidivists; 2) to speed up legal process, case intake, and prosecution of CARES Act-related fraud; 3) to link and associate isolated CARES Act-related complaints with larger schemes and related, unlawful activity; and 4) to deter future CARES Act funding fraud by increasing awareness of successful criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions against individuals and companies involved in CARES-related financial fraud.
As part of the MOU, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will designate two Assistant United States Attorneys – one from the Criminal Division and one from the Civil Division – to serve as liaisons for the partnership between SIGPR and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These AUSAs will be direct points of contact for case-related inquiries from SIGPR.
The MOU also calls for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to create a streamlined, accelerated process for SIGPR investigations to obtain needed preliminary legal process, including grand jury subpoenas and court orders, subpoenas, and civil investigative demands.
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ADT Technician Pleads Guilty to Hacking Home Security FootageRead the Press Release
A home security technician has pleaded guilty to repeatedly hacking into customers’ video feeds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Prerak Shah.
Telesforo Aviles, a 35-year-old former ADT employee, pleaded guilty to computer fraud on Thursday before Magistrate Judge David Horan.
“This defendant, entrusted with safeguarding customers’ homes, instead intruded on their most intimate moments,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah. “We are glad to hold him accountable for this disgusting betrayal of trust.”
“The defendant used his position of employment to illegally breach the privacy of numerous people. The FBI works with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate all cyber intrusions and hold criminals accountable for their actions,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “Cyber intrusions do not only affect businesses, but also members of the public. We encourage everyone to practice cyber hygiene with all their connected devices by reviewing authorized users and routinely changing passwords. If you become the victim of a cybercrime, please contact the FBI through ic3.gov or 1-800-CALL FBI.”
According to plea papers, Mr. Aviles admits that contrary to company policy, he routinely added his personal email address to customers’ “ADT Pulse” accounts, giving himself real-time access to the video feeds from their homes. In some instances, he claimed he needed to add himself temporarily in order to “test” the system; in other instances, he added himself without their knowledge.
Mr. Aviles took note of which homes had attractive women, then repeatedly logged into these customers’ accounts in order to view their footage for sexual gratification, he admits. Plea papers indicate he watched numerous videos of naked women and couples engaging in sexual activity inside their homes.
Over a four and a half year period, Mr. Aviles secretly accessed roughly 200 customer accounts more than 9,600 times without their consent, he admits.
Mr. Aviles, who waived indictment and was charged via an information, now faces up to five years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sid Mody is prosecuting the case.
15-year Prison Sentence for Indiana Man Who Travelled to Wisconsin to Meet a Child for Sex and Pornography ProductionRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 21, 2021, Ronald P. Ortgea (age: 47) of Dyer, Indiana, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
In June of 2020, Ortega began corresponding via a popular messaging platform with someone he believed to be a 40-year-old woman in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During these conversations Ortega sent videos containing child pornography and stated his desire to have sexual intercourse with the woman’s 15-year-old daughter. On July 6, 2020, Ortega travelled from Indiana to Oshkosh to meet the woman and her child at a local motel. Ortega brought lingerie, sex toys, and electronic devices for the purpose of capturing images of himself engaged in sexual activity with the child. The “woman” was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer, and Ortega was arrested.
Ortega’s indictment and subsequent conviction were part of Operation Kick Boxer, a collaborative effort involving the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. (https://go.usa.gov/xfPHh).
In handing down the sentence, Senior District Judge Griesbach noted the very serious nature of the charge and the need for just punishment. Following his release from prison, Ortega will spend seven years on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sexual offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee and Green Bay Offices, as well as the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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20 January 2021
Woodinville Water Commissioner pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
Seattle – A current Woodinville, Washington Water District Commissioner, who is also a general contractor, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. DALE KNAPINSKI, 67, was indicted in November 2019. KNAPINSKI is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on April 20, 2021.
According to records filed in the case, in April and May 2019, the FBI, through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), began an investigation of an IP address in Woodinville, Washington. An electronic device at the IP address was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download images of child rape and abuse. On July 9, 2019, agents executed a court authorized search warrant at the address and seized a laptop computer belonging to KNAPINSKI. A subsequent forensic evaluation revealed approximately 280 images of child rape and abuse.
Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence at the low end of the guidelines range determined by the court at sentencing. KNAPINSKI is required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by the FBI as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Dreher.
Walcott Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Firearm and Robbery OffensesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On January 19, 2021, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Curlie Marquee Quarterman, age 35, of Walcott, to 228 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Robbery announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Quarterman was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as immediately pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Quarterman was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm in May of 2016, after police were called regarding a domestic dispute and Quarterman was found in possession of a stolen firearm. On July 20, 2017, Quarterman was placed on federal pretrial release. Quarterman subsequently cut off his ankle monitor and fled from supervision, stole a truck and a haircut, and on July 22, 2017, committed Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence (Hobbs Act Robbery). Following the robbery, Quarterman was spotted by law enforcement in Johnson County and fled at speeds over 100 mph. Quarterman’s vehicle was debilitated, and he was eventually apprehended in Muscatine, Iowa.
Quarterman had three prior felony convictions for robbery, which qualified him as an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.
These matters were investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Davenport Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Virginia man who participated in Columbus murder sentenced to 30 years in prison for participating in MS-13 racketeering conspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Virginia man was sentenced in federal court in Columbus today to 360 months in prison for participating in a racketeering conspiracy in Columbus on behalf of the transnational gang MS-13.
Jose Daniel Gonzalez-Campos (a/k/a Flaco), 31, of Falls Church, Va., took part in the November 2015 murder of 17-year-old high school student Wilson Villeda.
Gonzalez-Campos is one of 23 members and associates of MS-13 in Columbus charged in a February 2018 second superseding indictment.
The defendants are charged in a racketeering conspiracy, which includes five murders as well as attempted murder, extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation, weapons offenses and immigration-related violations.
Court documents detail that the defendants committed a host of overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy, including: 1) the December 2006 murder of Jose Mendez, a suspected confidential informant, in Perry County; 2) the November 2008 murder of Ramon Ramos on Lockbourne Road in Columbus; 3) the mid-2015 murder of Carlos Serrano-Ramos, a suspected rival gang member, near Innis Road in Columbus; 4) the November 2015 murder of Wilson Villeda near Innis Road in Columbus; and 5) the December 2016 murder of Salvador Martinez-Diaz, a suspected rival gang member, on Melroy Avenue in Columbus.
The murders sometimes involved defendants using weapons like machetes, knives and hammers to attack and beat their victims to death.
In the murder of Wilson Villeda, MS-13 members and associates attacked and killed the victim with bladed weapons and buried his body in a shallow grave in the woods in Innis Park.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Rebecca Adducci, Detroit Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; and Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.
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United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona December 2020 Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
241 individuals were charged in December with illegal reentry
A. 153 of those 241 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.
Of the 153 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:
1. 39 had violent crime convictions, including:
1 individual had a homicide conviction
5 individuals had sex offense convictions
8 individuals had domestic violence convictions2. 12 had property crime convictions
3. 42 had DUI convictions
4. 70 had drug crime convictions
B. 99 of those 241 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
34 individuals were charged in December with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
0 individuals were charged in December with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information is based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in late March of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-002_December Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.United States Attorney Mark a. Klaassen Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
Cheyenne, WY – United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, has announced his resignation from office effective midnight January 31, 2021. Upon his resignation, Klaassen will be taking a post with the State of Wyoming.
Klaassen, a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, had previously served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Civil Division, and as Chief of Staff to the General Counsel for the United States Department of Homeland Security. He was nominated by President Trump on July 21, 2017, confirmed by the Senate on November 9, 2017, and sworn into office on November 21, 2017. During his tenure as United States Attorney, he served as chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Subcommittee on Asset Recovery.
“It was an honor to serve the people of Wyoming in this role,” said Klaassen. “I had the privilege of working alongside an amazing group of prosecutors and staff, as well as law enforcement partners across the state who are truly making a difference in our communities. I know this office will continue to uphold the high standards of competence, fairness, and respect for the rule of law that I inherited upon taking over, and hopefully built upon during my tenure”
Under Klaassen’s leadership, the United States Attorney’s Office refocused its efforts on violent crime prosecution, including firearms offenses. He led an inter-agency effort to reinvigorate the District’s current Project Safe Neighborhood program, a cooperative arrangement with state and local law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively target the most violent offenders in a given community. As United States Attorney, Klaassen also focused on major drug crimes, including the prosecution of one of the largest single drug interdictions on record in Wyoming.
In addition to violent crime reduction and drug enforcement, Mr. Klaassen emphasized prosecutions of child exploitation offenses, with particular attention to cases involving those who were abusing children to produce images of pornography. The efforts of prosecutors and agents in this area of emphasis led to the rescue of 16 child victims in 2020 alone.
The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state and all of Yellowstone National Park. The United States Attorney’s Office, with staffed offices in Cheyenne, Casper, Lander, and Mammoth, WY is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district involving the United States government.
Two Men Indicted on Fraud Charges Involving Small Business Administration Disaster FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man and a Methuen man were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in connection with a scheme involving the use of stolen identities to fraudulently obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Darwyn Joseph, 24, of Lawrence, and Ramon Joseph Cruz, Jr., 24, of Methuen, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting and one count of aggravated identity theft. The defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested in December 2020.
According to the charging documents, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Specifically, Joseph and Cruz used stolen identity information of U.S. citizens to open fraudulent bank accounts which were then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Joseph and Cruz also received through the mail some of the debit cards associated with fraudulent bank accounts into which SBA funds were deposited, and then laundered those funds by using them to purchase large numbers of iPhones for re-sale. Joseph and Cruz also wired a portion of the funds to the Dominican Republic in furtherance of the scheme.
It is alleged that over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with this scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna Nuzum and Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colorado woman and a Florida woman pleaded guilty today in connection with a multi-million dollar Medicare fraud scheme.
Jessica Jones, 30, of Louisville Colo., and Elizabeth Putulin, 30, of Coconut Creek, Fla., each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. U.S. District Court Senior Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. scheduled sentencing for May 19, 2021.
Jones and Putulin conspired with Juan Camilo Perez Buitrago to submit more than $109 million in false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (DME) such as arm, back, knee and shoulder braces. In October 2020, Perez pleaded guilty to health care fraud and paying kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2021.
Jones and Putulin helped Perez manufacture and submit false and fraudulent Medicare claims by establishing shell companies in more than a dozen different states, including Massachusetts. Perez directed employees, including Jones and Putulin, to list his mother, wife and yacht captain as corporate directors and to use fictitious names when registering the shell companies as DME providers. At Perez’s request, Jones and Putulin purchased Medicare patient data from foreign and domestic call centers that targeted elderly patients, and instructed call centers to contact the Medicare beneficiaries with an offer of ankle, arm, back, knee and/or shoulder braces “at little to no cost.” Perez then submitted Medicare claims for those patients without obtaining a prescriber’s order to ensure that the braces were medically necessary. It is further alleged that he submitted blatantly fraudulent claims, including claims for deceased patients and repeat claims for the same patient and the same DME. Perez failed to provide any DME for more than $7.5 million in claims. When Perez did provide DME to patients, he typically billed insurance policies more than 12 times the average price of the DME that he provided to the patient.
Jones and Putulin further facilitated the fraud by answering frequent phone calls from Medicare patients who received DME that they did not request, want or need. Jones and Putulin also responded to insurance companies’ requests for prescriber’s orders and medical records, which they were unable to provide.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Johnnie Sharp Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Division; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Two Brothers Wanted on Federal Kidnapping Charges Captured by the US Marshal's ServiceRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – Two East St. Louis men wanted on federal kidnapping charges were captured earlier today by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Arrest warrants were issued for Kenwyn
L. Frazier (age 36) and Kendrick A. Frazier (age 34) on December 21, 2020, after a criminal complaint charged the brothers in connection with the kidnapping and shooting of a man named Kein
Eastman. The U.S. Marshals Service has been searching for the Fraziers since that date.On January 20, 2021, at approximately 7:45 am, the U.S. Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional
Fugitive Task Force in the Southern District of Illinois, East St. Louis Office, located and arrested Kendrick Frazier and Kenwyn Frazier on Hillwood Drive in Belleville, Illinois. They were taken into custody and no injuries are reported.United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft credited U.S. Marshal Brad Maxwell and his Task Force for apprehending the Fraziers safely. Weinhoeft said, “The United States Marshals Service Task
Force is made up of incredibly brave agents who risk their personal safety to locate and apprehend the most violent fugitives. We thank them for their courage and for seeing to it that those charged with the most serious crimes see their day in court.”The complaint and arrest warrants against Kendrick Frazier and Kenwyn Frazier were unsealed and made public on December 23, 2021, at a press conference held at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center. At that press conference, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced the creation of a new
ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) that conducted this investigation, along with the East
St. Louis Police Department.The federal charges allege that on August 13, 2020, Kenwyn Frazier kidnapped Kein Eastman from a residence in East St. Louis after accusing Eastman of stealing personal property. Kendrick Frazier is alleged to have joined in the kidnapping later in the day. An affidavit filed in the case states that video evidence recorded Kendrick Frazier shooting Eastman with a .45 caliber handgun outside of a home on Kansas Avenue as Eastman tried to escape.
The SUV used in the kidnapping was discovered burned following the shoot ng.
Eastman’s body has never been found, and he has not been seen or heard from since that day.Upon conviction, Kenwyn Frazier and Kendrick Frazier face up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. No court date has been scheduled at this time.
Jasmine M. Crawford (age 23), also of East St. Louis, was charged in United States District Court on November 16, 2020, with obstruction of justice for tampering with a Ring doorbell as it recorded portions of the crime. She faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Crawford is scheduled for an Initial Appearance and Arraignment in U.S. District Court on January 25, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft commended the Illinois State Police for their role in the investigation, “These charges were made possible by excellent investigative work by the Illinois State Police’s new Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG). This case demonstrates that PSEG is already working. We are grateful to Director Kelly and the ISP for their continued commitment to the region.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, the defendants are presumed to be innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Kenwyn Frazier and Kendrick
Frazier. The Task Force in the Southern District of Illinois is composed of the U.S. Marshals; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Illinois State Police; Illinois Department of
Corrections; Effingham County Sheriff's Office; St. Clair County Sheriff's Department; Belleville
Police; East St. Louis Police; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fairmont City Police.The criminal investigation was conducted by agents from the Illinois State Police Public Safety
Enforcement Group and the East St. Louis Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.Two Aiken Residents Each Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Casey C. Kohler, 36, and Anna E. Mason, 28, both of Aiken County, were each sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Evidence presented in court established that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Kenneth Evans and Eddie Brockington, co-defendants in the case. Through controlled purchases and other investigative techniques, agents learned that members of the conspiracy purchased and distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin for Evans and Brockington. Some of the individuals charged were responsible for transporting multi-kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and heroin into South Carolina and then distributing the drugs throughout the state. Both Kohler and Mason were involved in purchasing and distributing methamphetamine in the Aiken County area for Evans. Mason was also involved in collecting money owed on drug debts and forwarding the money to others on Evans’s behalf.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Kohler to 100 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release. Mason was also sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the DEA and Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.
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Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple drug offenses including distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
In a blind plea, Richard Howard Barnett III, 24, admitted to two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of heroin with intent to distribute; and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell set Barnett’s sentencing for April 9, 2021.
“The Tulsa Police Narcotics Unit and DEA closed the door on Richard Barnett’s illicit drug trafficking operation,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Combined with the advocacy of Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick, this law enforcement team successfully removed large quantities of meth and heroin from the illegal drug market.”
On Feb. 5, 2019, the Tulsa Police Department Special Investigations Division’s Narcotics Unit executed a probable cause warrant on Barnett’s residence in Tulsa. After announcing their presence, a male identified as Richard Barnett attempted to flee from a door along the side of the garage. Officers subdued Barnett, and as he was being taken into custody, a Taurus semi-auto pistol fell from his waistband. During a search of the home, officers found Barnett’s photo identification and Cherokee Nation paperwork. They also discovered 1,837 grams of methamphetamine, 13 grams of heroin, multiple firearms and ammunition, and items used in the distribution of narcotics such as digital scales and baggies. Three others were also taken into custody.
Just weeks after his arrest, Barnett bonded out of custody and immediately resumed his drug operation by obtaining another stash of methamphetamine and another firearm. On March 15, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at the same residence, where they found methamphetamine, numerous pills in baggies, and a loaded .25 caliber pistol. Four others were also taken into custody.
The Tulsa Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. AUSA McCormick is the Lead Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Texas Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Hugo Gomez, age 34, of Laredo, Texas, to 240 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The Court further sentenced Gomez to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on February 6, 2019, Gomez possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm in furtherance of his intent to distribute the methamphetamine as he traveled through Iberville Parish, Louisiana, in the Middle District of Louisiana. Shortly after 9 p.m., patrol agents with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Gomez’s vehicle. At the time of the stop, Gomez had in his possession, a black leather bag containing 4902 grams of methamphetamine, (98% purity) and a loaded .357 Caliber H&K pistol.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our office remains committed to disrupting the drug trade by prosecuting those who ply this dangerous trade in our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the Middle District from career offenders. I applaud the excellent work of our prosecutors along with DEA and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi praised the hard work and dedication of his interdiction team and said, “We remain committed to our partnerships with federal, state and other local law enforcement agencies to stop drugs and gun in our parish.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance from the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Morris.
Statement of Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen Regarding Nationwide Safety and Security for Inauguration DayRead the Press Release
Tomorrow, the Nation and the world will witness an orderly and peaceful transfer of power in the United States, as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court swears in President-Elect Biden. Throughout our Nation’s proud history, this ceremony has served as a beacon of democracy and a testament to the enduring strength of our Constitution.
By contrast, the violence we witnessed at the Capitol two weeks ago was an intolerable travesty, which is why the Justice Department has now brought charges against more than one-hundred individuals and has investigations of many others underway.
The Department of Justice is committed, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to ensuring a safe and peaceful Inauguration – one that reflects our Nation’s enduring highest values.
As I have repeatedly said over the last two weeks, the Justice Department will have no tolerance for anyone who attempts to mar the day with violence or other criminal conduct. Anyone who does that will be caught, and they will be prosecuted.
Indeed, over the past two weeks, we have seen friends, family members, co-workers, and others reporting information to us about those who were involved in the breach of the Capitol on January 6th. The FBI has received nearly 200,000 digital tips from the public. The American people have demonstrated that they will not allow mob violence to go unanswered. Violence and senseless criminal conduct are not the right way to resolve differences or promote change in our country.
So, rest assured that every level of law enforcement and the National Guard are working around the clock here in Washington, D.C., to provide safety and security for Inauguration Day, and that federal, state, and local law enforcement all around the country are doing the same in our state capitols and government buildings across all fifty states.
As Americans, we all should seek to have a safe and peaceful Inauguration Day, and if we hold fast to our country’s Constitution and traditions, we will.
St. Clair Man Sentenced to 127 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Romeu, age 37, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 15, 2021 to 127 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between October 1, 2015 and April 9, 2016, Romeu conspired to distribute over 1.5 kilograms but less than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Schuylkill County.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)- Philadelphia Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Seven individuals indicted on federal firearms charges under agencies' Project Guardian collaborationRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Seven defendants face federal felony firearms after their indictments by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
All of those charged are previously convicted felons, which prohibits them from possessing firearms. The cases are being investigated under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with local law enforcement agencies and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).
“It couldn’t be more clear: Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms - period,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to enforce existing law.”
In the past three years, more than 650 defendants were federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for carrying a firearm after having been convicted of a previous felony. The charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system. Nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants were charged with federal firearms violations in the past year – 168 of them in the Southern District.
Those named in federal indictments from the first 2021 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- April Nina Hawthorne, 32, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Jamerson Brandon Turner, 27, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Blake McDuffie, 26, of Winder, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- James Stallings III, 28, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Kenneth Wayne Jones III, 26, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Joseph Edward Palmer, 28, of Thomson, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Marquise Grant, 31, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a possible penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These Project Guardian cases also are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.
In addition to the ATF, agencies investigating the cases include the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pooler Police Department.
The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Patricia G. Rhodes; Frank Pennington III; Edwin Caban; and Steven Lee.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
Serious violent felon sentenced to 90 months in federal prisonRead the Press Release
Evansville – Acting United States Attorney John Childress announced today that Cameron M. King, 25, of Evansville, Indiana was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
King had pleaded guilty on October 14th, 2020 to a possession of a firearm by a felon and was later found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, after a two day jury trial on October 20th, 2020.
“Drug dealing is disruptive to the well-being of the citizens of Evansville and fuels much of the violence that occurs in this community,” said Childress. “Prosecuting convicted felons with long criminal histories who choose to illegally possess firearms and sell drugs will remain a priority of this office.”
On August 31, 2018, patrol officers with the Evansville Police Department observed Cameron King run through a stop sign and a stop light on a bicycle at night without a light on the front of the bike. King was stopped by the officers and was observed reaching into his waistband. Officers ordered King to remain on his bicycle, but he got off the bike contrary to their request.
Officers approached King and conducted a pat down of King, which immediately resulted in the discovery of a loaded .45 caliber semi- automatic handgun in his waistband.
Officers discovered that King has a history of violent acts involving the use of a firearm. He had been convicted on two counts of felony criminal recklessness and a misdemeanor possession of a firearm in Vanderburgh County on May 2, 2014. That case involved two counts of attempted murder by shooting that were reduced to criminal recklessness.
King also had been convicted of a felony possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm on May 11, 2018 in Muscogee County, Georgia. He was sentenced on that case and remains on probation after the supervision was transferred from Georgia to Vanderburgh County.
King was also found in possession of a digital scale, $312, and over 13 grams of cocaine that was broken down in six individual plastic baggies. The baggies were discovered in his sock at the jail.
While in custody for this case, King committed two more acts of violence. On June 1st, 2019, he punched the face and broke the nose of a White County Illinois jail guard. On July 8th, 2019, he punched a Henderson County Kentucky jail guard in the face and scratched the guard’s arm.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Miller and Todd Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case for the government, the defendant was also ordered to serve a term of 3 years supervised release upon being released from imprisonment.
In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s enduring commitment to investigating and prosecuting firearm and violent crime prosecutions. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 2.2.
Statement of United States Attorney Matthew Schneider on Kwame Kilpatrick’s Sentence CommutationRead the Press Release
“My position on the disgraced former Mayor of Detroit has not changed. Kwame Kilpatrick has earned every day he served in federal prison for the horrible crimes he committed against the People of Detroit. He is a notorious and unrepentant criminal. He remains convicted of 24 felonies. Kilpatrick has served only one quarter of the sentence that was very appropriately imposed. Thankfully, under Michigan law, he cannot hold state or local public office for 20 years after his conviction.”
Rochester Man Sentenced to 94 Months for RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas Hegarty, 26, of Rochester, was sentenced to 82 months for attempted bank robbery and robbery, and 12 months to run consecutively for violating his conditions of supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2020, at around 4:00 a.m., Hegarty entered a Circle K gas station in Rochester, showed the cashier a hammer, and stole cash from the register. Later that morning, Hegarty entered a bank in Dover, and passed the teller a note demanding money and indicating that he had a weapon. Tellers locked themselves in an office and called the police. Hegarty jumped over the teller counter and unsuccessfully attempted to open the teller drawers. He then fled the bank without taking any money. Investigators released surveillance photographs from the robberies to the public and identified and apprehended Hegarty later that day. At the time of the robberies, Hegarty was on federal supervised release.
Hegarty previously pleaded guilty on October 5, 2020.
“Robberies are violent crimes that jeopardize public safety and frighten innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to maintain the safety of our communities, we prioritize the prosecution of violent criminals. This 94-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who would be inclined to prey on their fellow citizens with acts of threat and violence. I am grateful to the FBI, the Dover and Rochester Police Departments, and members of the public whose efforts were instrumental in swiftly bringing this criminal to justice.”
“While on supervised release, Mr. Hegarty orchestrated a violent crime spree that left many in the community in fear for their lives,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We’d like to thank the concerned citizens who responded to our investigators’ call for assistance to identify him, and in doing so, helped us hold him accountable for his crimes while also making our communities safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and the Dover Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.
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Protester Sentenced for Being in Possession of Molotov CocktailRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Steven M. Fitch, age 25, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for being in unlawful possession of a destructive device. Judge Buescher sentenced Fitch to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Once Fitch is released from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
An investigation conducted by the Omaha Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms determined that on May 31, 2020, Fitch was participating in protests in and around downtown Omaha. During the protests, Fitch was encountered by officers with the Omaha Police Department at 15th and Jackson Streets. Officers determined Fitch possessed a destructive device, also known as a Molotov cocktail, which is a firearm under the National Firearms Act. The Molotov cocktail was located in Fitch’s front pants pocket and consisted of a glass bottle with clear liquid inside and a red rag protruding out of the opening. Fitch also had several lighters in his front pants pocket.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau tested the red rag that was attached to the Molotov cocktail, which was positive for containing the chemical “Gasoline.” The Molotov cocktail was in operating condition and was capable of exploding when ignited.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms determined that the Molotov cocktail device was not registered to Fitch as required by the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
“This case demonstrates the commitment of ATF and our Law Enforcement partners to investigate those that threaten the life and property of others by introducing violence and fear into peaceful, well-intended protests,” said Fred Winston, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Philadelphia Man Arrested for COVID-19 PPE FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man has been charged in connection with a $700,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Gauravjit Singh, 26, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in May 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh engaged in a scheme to defraud by making various misrepresentations, including by claiming that he was a purveyor of PPE and that he had contacts at a factory in Nanjung, China, that manufactured medical gowns. Singh induced his victims to enter into an agreement with one of Singh’s businesses, Mask Medical LLC, pursuant to which Singh would be paid approximately $7.125 million in exchange for 1.5 million medical gowns, which ultimately were destined to the City of New York. His victims wired Singh, though his company GJS Solutions LLC, a deposit of approximately $712,500. After receiving these funds, Singh made additional misrepresentations and excuses, ensuring the victims that they would receive the medical gowns. Instead of purchasing and delivering medical gowns, Singh used the funds for personal expenses, including transferring funds to his brokerage account and using the funds for online gaming and other personal expenditures.
The count of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Additional victims associated with Singh’s conduct may reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or visit www.fbi.gov.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Norwalk Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging DAVID BURDEN, 40, of Norwalk, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on December 21, 2020. Burden appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel and entered a plea of not guilty. Burden has been detained in state custody since his arrest on September 30, 2020.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2020, Bridgeport Police officers arrested Burden after he fired a gun in the area of Kossuth Street and Nichols Street in Bridgeport. Investigators seized a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol from Burden.
It is alleged that Burden’s criminal history includes federal convictions in 2003 for crack cocaine distribution, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering offenses, and multiple state felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Newark Tax Preparer Admits Aiding and Assisting in Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man who worked as a tax preparer in Newark admitted today to helping his clients file falsified tax returns that generated larger refunds, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Sylvain Dienhoue, 53, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging him with three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Dienhoue worked as a tax preparer at Cadi’s Multi Services in Newark. He knowingly and willfully aided and assisted in the preparation of 44 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of clients for the tax years 2014 through 2016. Dienhoue used fabricated and inflated figures, including expenses and itemized deductions, in order to generate inflated refunds.
Each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents from IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. - A Missouri man, Gregory Parrish Evans, 58, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 120 months in federal prison, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, approximately 15 kilograms of methamphetamine was delivered to Evans, in Laurel County, Ky. Evans admitted to agreeing with a co-conspirator to sell the methamphetamine by fronting quantities to customers. On March 10, 2020 Miles further admitted to taking delivery of $13,000 that he believed was the proceeds from the sale of the fronted methamphetamine.
Evans pleaded guilty to the federal charge in October 2020.
Under federal law, Evans must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisville Field Office, announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by FBI. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.
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Mexican National Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Scheming to Launder Money for Drug Trafficking OrganizationsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Mexican national who pleaded guilty to a federal racketeering offense and admitted participating in a scheme to launder drug trafficking proceeds – which included attempting to purchase a bank to facilitate the money laundering – was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison.
Pablo Hernandez, 80, of Tijuana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II after pleading guilty in November to conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Hernandez was one of 16 defendants named in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed in 2015 that alleged a series of money laundering schemes, some of which involved the Westminster-based Saigon National Bank (now known as California International Bank). Hernandez and a second defendant, Emilio Herrera, had a series of conversations and meetings with a purported money launderer – who actually was a confidential source – which included discussions about regular cash deposits in the U.S. that would then be wired to Mexico, court documents state. During negotiations with the confidential source, Hernandez and Herrera also asked the confidential source about moving money to other countries, but they discounted a proposal to send wire transfers to Panama because associates had lost $100 million in drug money that was confiscated there.
After an account at Saigon National Bank that was used to launder funds was closed, Hernandez, Herrera and then-bank president Tu Chau “Bill” Lu discussed “the possibility of buying Saigon National Bank for the purpose of laundering money,” according to court documents.
In his plea agreement, Hernandez admitted having discussions with the confidential source “about laundering cash for the Sinaloa cartel for a fee,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “[Hernandez’s] involvement in drug trafficking and associated money laundering activity is confirmed by a separate investigation by the California Department of Justice in 2014 in which defendant was identified as a drug broker and money launderer for a drug trafficking organization considered to be an extension of the Sinaloa Cartel.”
As a result of this investigation – Operation “Phantom Bank” – a total of 25 defendants were named in six indictments. So far, prosecutors have secured the conviction of 15 defendants.
Herrera died after being indicted in this case. The charges against Lu are still pending.
The Phantom Bank investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), and IRS Criminal Investigation.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kim Meyer and Joseph D. Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Martinsburg man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darian Leizear, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Leizear, 23, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Leizear, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in September 2020 in Berkeley County.
Leizear is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a gun pled guilty January 19, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Jeremy Werneburg, age 41, from Carroll, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Werneburg was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in November 2007, in the United States District Court for Northern District of Iowa. The 2007 conviction prohibited Werneburg from legally possessing firearms.
At the plea hearing, Werneburg admitted that from November 2017 through about December 2018, he and others distributed more than 150 grams of pure methamphetamine. On October 7, 2018, law enforcement, utilizing a confidential informant, bought over 27 grams of pure methamphetamine from Werneburg. On November 9, 2018, law enforcement received a tip that Werneburg’s vehicle contained drugs. On the same date, Werneburg’s vehicle was searched and law enforcement seized approximately one ounce of methamphetamine (pre-packaged in smaller amounts) and a handgun. The methamphetamine and gun were located in two separate hidden compartments in the vehicle.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Werneburg remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Werneburg faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, the possible maximum sentence is 10 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3017.
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MIT Professor Indicted on Charges Relating to Grant FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A professor and researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in connection with failing to disclose contracts, appointments and awards from various entities in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Gang Chen, 56, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, one count of failing to file a foreign bank account report (FBAR) and one count of making a false statement in a tax return. Chen was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 14, 2021.
According to charging documents, Chen is a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in China. He is a professor and researcher at MIT where he serves as Director of the MIT Pappalardo Micro/Nano Engineering Laboratory and Director of the Solid-State Solar Thermal Energy Conversion Center (S3TEC). Since approximately 2013, Chen’s research at MIT has been funded by nearly $19 million in grants awarded by various U.S. federal agencies.
Since 2012, Chen has allegedly held various appointments with the PRC designed to promote the PRC’s technological and scientific development by providing advice and expertise – sometimes directly to PRC government officials – and often in exchange for financial compensation. This includes acting as an “overseas expert” for the PRC government at the request of the PRC Consulate Office in New York and serving as a member of at least two PRC Talent Programs. Since 2013, Chen allegedly received approximately $29 million of foreign funding, including $19 million from the PRC’s Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech).
From at least 2017 to 2019 when Chen was serving in several advisory roles for the PRC and PRC entities, Chen applied for and obtained a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant in order to fund a portion of his research at MIT. In doing so, it is alleged that Chen failed to disclose information about his ongoing affiliations with the PRC as required by DOE.
Chen also allegedly failed to disclose to the IRS in his 2018 tax return that he maintained a bank account in the PRC with more than $10,000 in 2018.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of failing to file an FBAR provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation, Boston; Ramsey Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Jim Breckenridge, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys B. Stephanie Siegmann, Chief of Lelling’s National Security Unit, and Jason Casey and Timothy Kistner also of Lelling’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
UPDATE: Criminal charges against the defendant in this case were dismissed in January 2022.
Las Vegas Felon Sentenced to over 23 Years in Prison for Committing Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday to 282 months in prison for committing two armed robberies at the same bank in Henderson and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
In April 2019, following a three-day trial, a jury convicted Anthony Delano Hylton Jr., 35, of two counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He subsequently pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of felon in possession. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced Hylton to five years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 7, 2016, Hylton entered a bank in Henderson, armed with a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Once inside, he pointed the gun at customers and bank employees, and ordered everyone to get down on the ground. Hylton jumped over the teller counter and discharged the firearm into the floor, in close proximity to a teller who was crouched down on the ground. He then demanded money from bank employees while pointing his gun at them. Hylton fled the bank with approximately $69,565.
Three months later, on January 17, 2017, Hylton — armed with a revolver — entered the same bank in Henderson. He pointed the gun at customers and bank employees and, like the previous robbery, Hylton ordered everyone to the ground. He jumped over the counter and demanded money from bank employees at gunpoint. Hylton fled the bank with approximately $13,046.
Hylton has a prior conviction for battery with substantial bodily harm in Clark County, Nevada.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Peter S. Levitt prosecuted the case.
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Laplace Man Sentenced to Four Years Probation for Falsifying Documentation Related to SBA Disaster LoanRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that KEITH CRAIG (“CRAIG”), age 59, of LaPlace, Louisiana was sentenced on January 19, 2021 to four (4) years probation by the Honorable Greg Gerard Guidry for falsifying documents related to a federal Small Business Administration loan, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. Also, CRAIG was ordered to pay $161,203.19 in restitution to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, the defendant applied for an SBA loan after Hurricane Isaac impacted Louisiana in 2012. CRAIG owned a residence in LaPlace, Louisiana and applied for and received SBA loan proceeds to repair damages to his residence allegedly caused by Hurricane Isaac. In support of the SBA loan, CRAIG submitted fraudulent documentation and statements related to his annual income and the repairs performed on his LaPlace residence.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Small Business Administration on investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.
Judge sentences St. Louis man for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Richard Enloe, Jr to 125 months in prison today. The 40-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in October, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 1, 2019, St. Louis County Police responded to a 911 call regarding a possible drug overdose at a gas station on Butler Hill Road. An officer arrived and found Enloe, Jr. and a woman asleep inside a running vehicle at a gas pump. The officer also noticed drug paraphernalia and controlled substances on the vehicle’s console.
After the officer knocked on the window, Enloe, Jr. and the woman woke up. The officer searched the vehicle and found three pistols, 223 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a scale and multiple plastic bags. Enloe, Jr., a previously convicted felon, admitted possessing the firearms and intending to distribute the drugs.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jen Szczucinski is handling the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative, which was launched by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri in 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYLON HICKS, 44, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Michael P. Shea to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2019, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force received information that Tylon Hicks’ brother, Troy Hicks, was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. On August 14, 2019, investigators engaged a cooperating source to purchase fentanyl from Troy Hicks. Troy Hicks instructed the source to meet him at a restaurant in East Hartford to complete the transaction. Troy Hicks and Tylon Hicks were arrested after they arrived together at the meeting location and a search of Tylon Hicks’ person revealed approximately 48 grams of fentanyl. A search of the vehicle they arrived in also revealed approximately 103 dose bags of fentanyl and approximately three grams of cocaine.
Tylon Hicks has a criminal history that dates to 1993, and he was on parole for a felony drug conviction when he committed this offense.
Tylon Hicks has been detained since his arrest. On October 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Troy Hicks pleaded guilty to drug and firearm offenses and awaits sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Gang Member Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Rolando Vargas, age 31, of Sunnyside, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on October 29, 2019, to Carjacking. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Vargas to a 7-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on July 31, 2019, patrol deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported carjacking in Outlook, Washington. While investigating, deputies learned that several individuals were involved, including Vargas, a documented Bell Garden Locos (“BGL”) Sureno gang member. Investigators also learned that one of the individuals involved brandished a firearm and ordered the victim out of the vehicle, whereupon the victim was assaulted resulting in injury to his face and hands. A separate individual then entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away followed by Vargas and the other participants in separate vehicles.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Vargas has been removed from the community. Today’s sentence is significant and sends a clear message to those who may commit crimes like this that your criminal conduct will not be tolerated. The United States Attorney’s Office works closely with our federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violent offenders and to deter criminal conduct. We commend the law enforcement officers with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated this case. Their partnership resulted in the successful outcome of this case.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Yakima Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Gang Member Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Lukes Lorenzo Herrera, age 23, of Prosser, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on November 4, 2020, to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Herrera to a 2-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on April 10, 2020, patrol deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision on Waneta Road, Grandview, Washington. While on scene, officers learned that one of the individuals involved, subsequently identified as Herrera, a Bell Garden Locos (“BGL”) Sureno gang member, had requested that the police not be notified because he had a firearm and drugs in the car. Herrera fled the scene on foot after throwing what appeared to be a firearm into an adjacent canal. Shortly after retrieving the discarded firearm, deputies found Herrera hiding near a field and arrested him.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “The prosecution of firearm-related crimes continues to be a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. If you unlawfully possess a firearm, we will hold you accountable and remove you from our streets.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Yakima Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Gang Member Sentenced for Violating Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 5 years and 1 day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of narcotics trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jared Ogrosky, age 23.
According to information presented to the Court, on May 10, 2019, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Ogrosky’s residence and located nine bricks of heroin in a closet outside of Ogrosky’s bedroom, which the defendant told law enforcement he threw in the closet when he heard police outside of his residence. Law enforcement also located a Glock model 19x, 9 mm handgun, with a round of ammunition chambered, in his bedroom closet, as well as a 50 round, 9 mm drum style magazine. In conjunction with his guilty plea, Ogrosky admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
Additionally, the Court was informed that Ogrosky also accepted responsibility for additional violations of federal law. Namely, that in conjunction with each purchase of a firearm on November 30, 2018, December 28, 2018, December 29, 2018, January 6, 2019, and February 19, 2019, Ogrosky made false statements on the ATF Form 4473s. Specifically, Ogrosky indicated on the forms that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any narcotic drug when in fact he was a marijuana and Percocet user, which under federal law prohibited him from purchasing and possessing a firearm.
As a term of Ogrosky’s supervised release, the Court instructed the admitted "Gwalla" gang member that he is prohibited from interacting with any member of a street gang while on supervised release. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of the Glock, 50 round magazine, all ammunition and $860.00.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who conducted the investigation in this case, which was brought under 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.
Front Royal Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing Two Fatal Doses of Fentanyl-laced HeroinRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va.- A Front Royal, Virginia man, who in the fall of 2017 distributed two fatal, fentanyl-laced doses of heroin, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg to a drug charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, and the possibility of a life sentence, Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, announced.
Glenn Eugene Sovereign Jr., 43, of Front Royal, pleaded guilty today to two counts of distributing fentanyl. Because the recipient of the distribution died from overdose by ingesting the fentanyl within, Sovereign faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum possible statutory penalty of life at sentencing.
“When Sovereign trafficked fentanyl-laced heroin to an already-vulnerable group of people, he perpetuated their addiction and despair, and ultimately caused their death,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar stated today. “Because of the hard work and persistence of our federal and state partners, Sovereign has been brought to justice and will spend the better part of his life in federal prison.”
“The threat fentanyl brings to our Virginia neighborhoods and families cannot be overstated. With overdoses across the area spiking in the past year, DEA Washington Division has been working hard to investigate and arrest egregious criminals such as this, who are blatantly distributing poisonous drugs and spreading death and violence across our communities," Special Agent in Charge Forget said today.
Sovereign admitted today that in the fall of 2017 he made regular trips from Front Royal, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland in order to purchase heroin.
On October 24, 2017, Sovereign met with victim E.R. in Front Royal. E.R. purchased a small packet of heroin from Sovereign which contained fentanyl. Later that night, E.R. ingested the contents of the packet, and as a result died.
On or about October 25, 2017, Sovereign traveled to Baltimore to meet his source of supply, where he purchased one gram of heroin. When Sovereign returned to Front Royal, he met with victim N.C. at Sovereign’s residence where he and N.C. ingested 4-5 Ritalin pills together. Later, before Sovereign left for work, he provided N.C. with a small packet of heroin, which contained fentanyl. On or about October 26, 2017, N.C. ingested the contents of the packet, and she died.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — John Jacob Gullatt III, 47, of Fresno, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to three and a half years in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on April 9 and 10, 2019, law enforcement officers investigating illegal firearms crimes searched Gullatt’s primary residence. Inside Gullatt’s bedroom, officers found thousands of rounds of ammunition and a handgun. Buried in the side yard of the house, officers dug up a disassembled AR-15-style rifle. Gullatt had been convicted of several felonies and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Stanislaus County Special Investigations Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian
Four Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DUVELL LONDON, JR., a/k/a “Dookie,” a/k/a “Dukie,” a/k/a “Duke,” a/k/a “D,” age 40, of St. Rose, La., KARRON JOHNSON, age 27, of Laplace, La., JEREMY LEVANDA, a/k/a “J,” “Jae,” and “Fresh,” age 39, of Destrehan, La., and COREY MORTON, a/k/a “Big C,” age 41 of Destrehan, La., were charged January 15, 2021, in a 16-count superseding indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of powder cocaine, and 28 grams or more of a crack cocaine. JOHNSON was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
If convicted, LONDON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. LEVANDA and MORTON face a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, if convicted. JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, if convicted of drug trafficking. He also faces up to 10 years of imprisonment if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and an additional, consecutive 60 month term of imprisonment if convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Each defendant faces a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 for every felony conviction.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the defendants’ guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan D. Paige and Paige O’Hale.
Former State Employee Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Srinivas Kancha, age 52, of Selkirk, New York, was charged today with conspiring to defraud his former employer, the Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC).
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli; and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A criminal complaint alleges that between 2015 and 2017, while employed at OSC, Kancha conspired with the owner of a company (identified in the complaint as “Company-P”) to fraudulently obtain money by hiring computer programmers from Company-P to work on a project Kancha managed for OSC in exchange for a kickback from Company-P. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In January 2015, according to the complaint, OSC entered into a contract with a consortium of three companies to identify and hire computer programmers for a project. When OSC needed to hire a programmer, it sent a request form to one of the three companies. Each company then submitted a purportedly qualified applicant. Frequently, the applicants were employed by subcontractors, including Company-P. From January 2015 through October 2016, OSC hired 17 programmers for the project at hourly rates ranging from $80 to $120. In late 2016, OSC learned that many of the programmers’ references and work histories were not legitimate, including those hired from Company-P, and launched an internal investigation.
According to the complaint, between February 2015 and October 2016, Kancha and his co-conspirator ensured that programmers from Company-P were hired by falsifying information regarding their experience and work histories, and providing them with interview questions ahead of their interviews at OSC. Kancha then interviewed the programmers, hired them knowing that their qualifications were falsified, and set their hourly rates. Between February 2015 and September 2017, Company-P received approximately $870,000 from OSC for its programmers’ pay. The owner of Company-P kept a percentage of the programmers’ pay. He then paid Kancha a portion of that percentage.
If convicted of this offense, Kancha faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Kancha appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered released with conditions pending further proceedings.
This case was initiated by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, and is also being investigated by HSI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.
Former Radio Personality Martin Tirrell Sentenced to Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa — On January 20, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Martin James Tirrell, age 60, formerly of West Des Moines, to 41 months in prison for Mail Fraud announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Tirrell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, as well as immediately pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Tirrell was also ordered to pay over $1.4 million in restitution to victims.
Tirrell pleaded guilty to the offense on December 6, 2019. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that Tirrell had been participating in sports ticket scams for over ten years. He marketed himself as a sports insider who had access to prime seating for sporting events. He found investors by giving them free sports tickets and access to VIP seating. Tirrell then convinced them to give him money to purchase sports tickets at a discount, that he would then sell to the general public at a higher price. Tirrell promised to return their investments and split the profits. Tirrell instead took the money and paid off other victims, made unauthorized purchases, or used the money to place online sports bets. When Tirrell was unable to find new “investors,” he kited checks, stole credit cards, and made fraudulent claims to banks to try to obtain more money to perpetuate his scheme. Tirrell also scammed people out of money by promising sports tickets, receiving payment, then failing to produce the promised tickets.
These matters were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ankeny Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on racketeering charges. The defendant admitted to his role in a May 28, 2019 incident in New Bedford, when a rival gang member was shot at.
Luis Santiago, a/k/a “King Tiny,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2020, Santiago pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Santiago admitted that on May 28, 2019, he was one of multiple members of the Latin Kings who travelled to Dartmouth Street in New Bedford to confront and assault rival gang members. For this incident, Santiago was provided with a firearm by another member of the gang. The confrontation began as a fight, but at some point Santiago pulled out the firearm and began to chase the rival gang members. Santiago fired one shot at the fleeing rival gang members, missing and striking a parked vehicle.
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. Santiago is the 13th defendant to be sentenced in the 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 Miciof the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Former Member of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Morton Street Bricks Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Alexis Velasquez, a/k/a “King Booboo,” 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2021.
Named for the Morton Street housing project in Boston, the Morton Street Bricks or MSB Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately half-a-dozen members. The MSB Chapter, 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. In addition to conspiring with members of the Latin Kings to further the goals of the enterprise by committing criminal acts, Alexis Velasquez personally participated in an attack against a rival gang member in prison in 2010, and attempted to murder a different rival gang member using poisoned narcotics, also known as a hotshot, in 2019.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Alexis Velasquez is the 29th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
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.
Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for BriberyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Jose Rosalio Fuentes, 58, of Nogales, Arizona, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Rosemary Marquez. Fuentes previously pleaded guilty to Bribery of a Public Official.
In early 2018, Fuentes, then a CBP officer assigned to canine duty at the Nogales Port of Entry, agreed to allow an illegal alien into the United States in exchange for a $6,000 cash bribe. Fuentes knew the alien was a convicted felon, and proposed that the alien enter the United States through the port of entry during Fuentes’ shift. Surveillance footage shows Fuentes, on-duty and in uniform, pretending to swipe the alien’s identification at the port of entry, and then waiving the alien through the pedestrian gate and into the United States. Fuentes later met up with the alien and another individual to receive the $6,000 cash bribe.
In addition to 30 months in prison, Fuentes is required to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $6,000 fine. Fuentes is also prohibited from holding a position of trust with the United States in the future.
The Southern Arizona Corruption Task Force, which is composed of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, Immigration and Custom Enforcement-Office of Professional Responsibility, Customs and Border Protection-Office of Professional Responsibility, Tucson Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, conducted the investigation in this case. The Public Integrity Section of the United States Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 4:18-cr-02068-RM-EJM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-001_Fuentes# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Florida Man Known as “the Monkey Whisperer” Indicted for Trafficking in Protected PrimatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, also known as “the Monkey Whisperer” (57, Parrish), with conspiracy, trafficking, and submitting a false record in violation of the Lacey Act, a federal law involving the illegal trade in wildlife. Hammonds was also charged with violations of the Endangered Species Act and witness tampering. If convicted, Hammonds faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on the witness tampering count, up to 5 years in federal prison on each of the conspiracy and Lacey Act counts, and up to 1 year on each Endangered Species count.
According to the indictment, Hammonds owned and operated The Monkey Whisperer, LLC - a business engaged in the breeding and selling of wildlife. From September 2017 until February 2018, Hammonds conspired to sell a capuchin monkey to a buyer in California, even though that buyer could not lawfully possess a capuchin monkey in California. Hammonds facilitated the transportation of the capuchin monkey from Florida to California through individuals who were not permitted to possess that species of monkey in either state. Law enforcement later seized that monkey from the residence of the California buyer.
In addition, according to the indictment, Hammonds illegally sold cotton-top tamarins, which are primates listed as an endangered species, to buyers in Alabama, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Hammonds allegedly concealed his unlawful wildlife trafficking by submitting false records to a law enforcement officer and attempted to persuade a witness to lie to a law enforcement officer.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin McDonell.
Federal Judge Sentences Chicago Man to Eleven Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon from Chicago has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded gun and offering to pay witnesses to lie on his behalf.
RAMONE SHAFFERS illegally possessed the handgun and extended magazine on Oct. 16, 2016, in a parked car in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Shaffers had previously been convicted of a felony and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Three passengers were in the car at the time of Shaffers’s illegal possession. After Shaffers was arrested, he directed individuals to offer payment to the passengers in exchange for giving false testimony to law enforcement.
A federal jury in December 2019 convicted Shaffers, 38, on one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of obstruction of justice. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., imposed the sentence Tuesday in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“Standing alone, the defendant’s possession of a firearm with a serial number plate removed and an extended magazine, is a serious crime,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Kavitha J. Babu argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “However, the defendant went further. In a selfish effort to absolve himself, the defendant attempted to disrupt the administration of justice.”
Holding convicted felons accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategies. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN and Guardian programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Dow Chemical Company and Two Subsidiaries will Reduce Harmful Air Pollution at Four U.S. Chemical PlantsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) announced a settlement with Dow Chemical Company and two subsidiaries, Performance Materials NA Inc. and Union Carbide Corporation, that will eliminate thousands of tons of air pollution from four of Dow’s petrochemical manufacturing facilities in Texas and Louisiana.
The settlement resolves allegations that Dow and its subsidiaries violated the Clean Air Act by failing to properly operate and monitor industrial flares at their petrochemical facilities, which resulted in excess emissions of harmful air pollution.
The complaint, filed Tuesday along with the settlement, alleges that Dow and its subsidiaries “oversteamed” their flares and failed to comply with other key operating parameters that ensure the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants contained in the gases routed to the flares are effectively combusted.
The companies will spend approximately $294 million to install and operate air pollution control and monitoring technology to reduce flaring and the resulting harmful air pollution from 26 industrial flares at the companies’ facilities in: Hahnville, Louisiana; Plaquemine, Louisiana; Freeport, Texas; and Orange, Texas.
Once fully implemented, the pollution controls required by the settlement are estimated to reduce harmful air emissions of VOCs by more than 5,600 tons per year. The settlement is also expected to reduce toxic air pollutants, including benzene, by nearly 500 tons per year.
“This settlement will improve air quality in Texas and Louisiana by eliminating thousands of tons of harmful air pollution each year,” said Jonathan D. Brightbill, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement, which requires Dow to reduce emissions from its facilities in Texas and Louisiana, demonstrates the Justice Department’s and EPA’s continuing efforts, together with our state partners, to reduce harmful air pollution from unnecessary and improper flaring in order to protect the American public by bringing sources of air pollution into compliance with the Clean Air Act.”
“This settlement means cleaner air for communities across Texas and Louisiana and reinforces EPA’s commitment to enforce the law and hold those who violate it accountable,” said Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As this agreement shows, EPA is dedicated to partnering with states to address critical environmental issues and improve compliance in the regulated community to prevent future violations of the law.”
“The Clean Air Act provides a blueprint for industry to operate in a safe and controlled fashion,” said Dr. Chuck Carr Brown, LDEQ Secretary. “LDEQ will continue to work with our federal partners, EPA and the Justice Department, to finalize agreements that settle both long- and short-term compliance issues. Every citizen of Louisiana will benefit from the Beneficial Environmental Project portion of the settlement.”
The pollutants addressed by the settlement can cause significant harm to public health. VOCs are a key component in the formation of smog or ground-level ozone, a pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Chronic exposure to benzene, which EPA classifies as a carcinogen, can cause numerous health impacts, including leukemia and adverse reproductive effects in women.
Flares are devices used to combust waste gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during certain industrial operations. Well-operated flares should have high “combustions efficiency,” meaning they combust nearly all harmful waste gas constituents, like VOCs and hazardous air pollutants, and turn them into water and carbon dioxide. The agreement is designed to improve Dow’s flaring practices. First, it requires Dow to minimize the amount of waste gas that is sent to the flares, which reduces the amount of flaring. Second, Dow must improve the combustion efficiency of its flares when flaring is necessary.
In order to minimize the waste gas sent to the flares at each facility, Dow will operate flare gas recovery systems that recover and “recycle” the gases instead of sending them to be combusted in a flare. The flare gas recovery systems will allow Dow to reuse these gases as a fuel at its facilities or a product for sale. Dow will also create waste minimization plans for each facility to further reduce flaring. For flaring that must occur, the agreement requires that Dow install and operate instruments and monitoring systems to ensure that the gases sent to its flares are efficiently combusted. Dow will also perform air quality monitoring that is designed to detect the presence of benzene at the fence lines of the four covered plants and pay a civil penalty of $3 million.
The LDEQ will receive $675,000 of the $3 million total civil penalty, and Dow will perform three state-authorized “beneficial environmental projects” in Louisiana that were negotiated by Louisiana.
More information about this settlement can be found at https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/dow-chemical-company-performance-materials-na-inc-and-union-carbide-corporation-clean.
The consent decree, lodged in the Eastern District Court of Louisiana, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Defendants Sentenced for Roles in International Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Lauderdale, FL. – Two defendants were sentenced last week in federal court for their roles in an international firearms trafficking ring. On Monday, January 11, 2021, Naomi Natal Haynes, 41, a citizen of Canada and United States legal resident, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by United States District Judge Roy K. Altman for conspiracy to make false statements to firearms dealers and to smuggle firearms to Canada from the United States, as well as aggravated identity fraud. On January 14, 2020, Marco Ian Almeida-Barreto, 24, of Pompano Beach, FL, was sentenced to 120 months in prison by United States District Judge James I. Cohn, for possession of firearms as a convicted felon.
According to court records, on September 22, 2018, the Canadian Border Service Agency (“CBSA”) intercepted 19 handguns and one silencer which were hidden inside a vehicle with a trap compartment. The seizure occurred after the vehicle entered Canada from Plattsburg, New York. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) traced nearly all of the firearms to South Florida and determined several handguns were purchased at gun shows in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Additionally, three of the firearms, including a Glock Model 43, 9 mm handgun, a Sig Sauer .45 caliber handgun and a Gemtech .45 caliber silencer were reported stolen.
According to court documents, Ameida-Barreto ensured that firearms made their way to Haynes. Haynes drove the 19 firearms and silencer from South Florida to Plattsburg, New York. A co-conspirator drove them the rest of the way into Canada.
Others charged for their alleged roles in the scheme are Mackenzie Delmas, Enza Esposito, Shalena Mary Haynes, and Jeremy Ruwan Rosello.
Rosello was sentenced on July 24, 2020 to 108 months in prison for his role in the offense.
Delmas is set for trial in July 2021. Esposito and Shalena Haynes are fugitives.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Miami Field Division, Gregory Tony, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
Ms. Fajardo and Mr. Cekada also wish to acknowledge the assistance of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the cooperation of the many international law enforcement agencies, including CBSA, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Montreal Police Services, Toronto Police Services and the Ontario Provincial Police, all of which contributed to the successful prosecution of these defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam C. McMichael and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Paola Henry prosecuted these cases.
Delmas, Esposito, and Shalena Haynes are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 19-cr-80045 and 19-cr-60383.
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Dealer in Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues Sentenced to Ten Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Kwame’ Leon Weaver (31, Clearwater) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a mixture of fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, and heroin with the intent to distribute it.
Weaver had pleaded guilty on November 20, 2019.
According to court documents, Weaver sold fentanyl and acetylfentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer on several occasions. When officers executed a search warrant at Weaver’s residence, they found him outside, whereupon he dropped several grams of an acetytlfenatnyl/fentanyl/heroin mixture. The officers also recovered a .38 caliber pistol from inside Weaver’s home. Weaver has prior convictions for carjacking and selling hydromorphone and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan L. Albritton.