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Thursday 12 November 2020
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Five Bank Robberies, Five Armed Robberies of Liquor Stores, and Related Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell today sentenced Anthony Eugene Wiggins, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 21 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a string of robberies, and for violating his supervised release from a previous federal conviction. Wiggins committed five bank robberies and five armed robberies at liquor stores, between September 24, 2018 and November 15, 2018, as well as an attempted robbery on November 15, 2018, all while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Charles Moore of the Bel Air Police Department.
“Anthony Wiggins was a walking crime spree, endangering the lives of employees and customers at the banks and liquor stores that he robbed,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “As a convicted felon, Wiggins should not have been able to purchase a gun, but he was able to obtain a gun that had been assembled from firearm parts kits. So-called ‘ghost guns’ circumvent the laws designed to prevent felons from possessing firearms because they have no serial numbers and do not require background checks. We will continue working with our partners to keep guns out of the hands of people who cannot possess them lawfully.”
“Anthony Wiggins committed 10 armed robberies in less than 60 days,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “As a convicted felon, he should have never been in possession of a gun, but because ‘ghost guns’ have become so easy to obtain, the lives of customers and employees were put in danger. We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to justice.”
According to his plea agreement, between September 24 and October 18, 2018, Wiggins committed robberies at five separate Maryland banks, including two banks in Baltimore, and one each in White Marsh, Bel Air, and Arbutus. Wiggins was on federal supervised release at the time of the robberies, having previously been convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
As detailed in his plea agreement, between November 2 and November 15, 2018, Wiggins committed five armed robberies at four liquor stores in Dundalk, Middle River, and Baltimore, Maryland. Wiggins admitted that he discharged a firearm in two of those robberies, specifically, a robbery in Dundalk on November 2, 2018 and a robbery in Baltimore on November 13, 2018, and brandished a firearm in the other three robberies. Wiggins also attempted to rob a fifth liquor store, located in Dundalk, on November 15, 2018. In nearly all of the robberies, Wiggins threatened victim employees with physical violence and, during one robbery, fought with and assaulted a store customer and a victim employee.
As stated in the plea agreement and other court documents, the gun discharged by Wiggins in two of the robberies was an untraceable “ghost gun,” which was assembled from a firearm parts kit and did not have a serial number. These kits can be purchased from various kit manufacturers or secondary retailers, including Internet websites. Crucially, convicted felons, who are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as a result of their convictions, can order such firearm kits and assemble an untraceable working gun in the privacy of their homes in as little as one hour with minimal effort.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Bel Air Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Mary W. Setzer, who prosecuted the case.
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Bakersfield Man Indicted for Scheme Creating Dozens of Fraudulent Accounts and Siphoning More Than $900,000 from Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eleven-count indictment today against Nahed Mishmish, 46, of Bakersfield, charging him with wire fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme that caused more than $900,000 in losses to the financial institutions, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the indictment, between Jan. 1, 2015, and Jan. 15, 2020, Mishmish carried out a scheme to defraud Synchrony Bank, Capital One and other credit card companies and financial institutions. Mishmish obtained personally identifiable information (PII) of numerous individuals without their authorization and used the information to open credit card accounts. Mishmish allegedly used the cards to pay for personal expenses such as a vehicle lease and rent. The credit accounts were also being used to purchase large amounts of cigarettes at Rite Aid stores.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI was tipped off that someone in Kern County was creating and using fraudulent credit card accounts, in part to buy large quantities of cigarettes from a Rite Aid store in McFarland. The FBI identified this individual as Mishmish. During a search of Mishmish’s residence, more than 60 cellphones were found and seized. The cellphones were marked with names, PII, and corresponding credit accounts.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and task force members: the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Bakersfield Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Mishmish faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of wire and mail fraud, a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison on each count of aggravated identity theft and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Attorney General William P. Barr Honors Department of Justice Employees and Others for the 68th Annual Attorney General’s AwardsRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the recipients for the 68th Annual Attorney General’s Awards, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. This year, 240 DOJ employees received awards, while 27 non-department individuals are also being honored for their work. This year, due to coronavirus restrictions, Attorney General Barr is honoring recipients virtually here.
“I am honored to recognize the recipients of this year’s Attorney General’s Awards, whose tireless work and steadfast dedication have proven critical to enforcing the rule of law and protecting all Americans,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Those honored today have demonstrated exceptional efforts and made tremendous personal sacrifices throughout their time working at the Department of Justice, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
The 68th Annual Attorney General’s Awards and recipients are as follows.
The Attorney General’s David Margolis Award for Exceptional Service is the department’s highest award for employee performance. Attorney General Barr recognizes Justice Management Division, Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Lee J. Lofthus.
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service is the department’s second highest award for employee performance; there are thirteen Distinguished Service Awards being awarded today.
The first Distinguished Award is presented to Special Agents Brad S. Brasher, Ryan C. Caudill, Russel R. King, Louisville Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and; Majors Richmond (Kentucky) Police Department William J. O’Donnell and Rodney O. Tudor.
The second Distinguished Award is presented to Section Chief Lynda K. Marshall, Assistant Section Chief Caldwell Harrop, Trial Attorney Timothy S. Longman, and Paralegal Specialist Jessica A. Rodriguez of the Antitrust Division, International Section.
The third Distinguished Award is presented to September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya and Deputy Special Master Stefanie G. Langsam, of the Civil Division.
The fourth Distinguished Award is presented to Deputy Chief, Special Operations Leonard H. LeVine, Jr., Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne L. Rose, and Trial Attorney Kaitlin J. Sahni Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Trial Attorney Margaret N. O’Malley of the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Debora J. Wilson, Victim/Witness Specialist Dimple A. Smith, Legal Assistant Lori E. Daly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota; Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon; Special Agent Michael A. Buemi, Miami Division, Drug Enforcement Administration; Special Agent Steven J. Gilpin, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and; Special Agents Guy Gino, Alexis J. Gregory, and Jeremy L. Grube, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The fifth Distinguished Award is presented to Deputy Chief Keith A. Becker and Trial Attorneys Ralph A. Paradiso and Lisa Marie Freitas, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Criminal Division; Senior Trial Attorneys Judith H. Friedman and Lynn C. Holliday, Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division; Deputy Chief Michael J. Stawasz, Senior Counsels Jared S. Hosid and Nathan P. Judish, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Criminal Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristi N. O’Malley and Thomas M. Sullivan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; Supervisory Special Agents J. Brooke Donahue and P. Michael Gordon, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI; Supervisory Agent Steven A. Smith, Jr., Cyber Division, FBI, and; Supervisory Special Agent Daniel E. O’Donnell, Critical Incident Response Group, FBI.
The sixth Distinguished Award is presented to Special Litigation Counsel Julia K. Gegenheimer, Trial Attorney Patricia A. Sumner, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Kimberly N. Lawrence, Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack E. Jenkins and Paralegal Specialist Adriana Abalos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California; Supervisory Special Agent Randy R. Gonzalez, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI; Supervisory Special Agent Ramon C. Johnson, New York Field Office, FBI; and Special Agents Caroline A. Walling and Michael Richard Ramsey, Los Angeles Field Office, FBI.
The seventh Distinguished Award is presented to Section Chief Lisa Lynne Russell, Principal Deputy Chief James D. Gette, Assistant Section Chief Guillermo A. Montero, Senior Litigation Counsel Frank J. Singer, Senior Attorney Marissa A. Piropato, Trial Attorneys Sean C. Duffy, Clare M. Boronow, and Erika D. Norman, Natural Resources Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and; Principal Deputy Chief Andrew C. Mergen, and Trial Attorneys Robert J. Lundman and Sommer H. Engels, Appellate Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
The eighth Distinguished Award is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celia V. Cohen, Scott A. Hartman, Jaqueline C. Kelly, Alexandra N. Rothman, and Hagan Scotten, Special Agent John J. Carillo, and Paralegal Specialist Shannon N. Becker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; Special Agents Christopher J. Munger, Elizabeth Nygaard, Theodore J. Otto III, and Cindy A. Peil, New York Field Office, FBI; Supervisory Special Agent Luigi Mondini, Chicago Division, FBI; Detective Darrell J. Julien and Task Force Officer William E. Dionne, New York City Police Department.
The ninth Distinguished Award is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Lazarus, Susan M. Poswistilo, Mark T. Quinlivan, Amanda P.M. Strachan, Fred M. Wyshak, Jr., K. Nathaniel Yeager, Victim Assistance Specialist Jessica M. Pooler, and Litigation Technology Specialist Helen R. Bower of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Massachusetts; Special Agents Vivian M. Barrios, Paul S. Baumrind, Staff Operations Specialist Stacey Schlender, and Forensic Accountant Bridget Horan, Boston Field Office, FBI; Special Agent Sharon L. Moorefield, Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Special Agent Scott T. Wisnaskas, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and; Senior Investigator Christine M. Tang, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
The tenth Distinguished Award is presented to Supervisory Attorney-Advisors Alan M. Fisher and Sean S. Park, Office of Intelligence, National Security Division; Trial Attorney Adam L. Small, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney William N. Hammerstrom, Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia; Supervisory Special Agent Ryan C. Gaynor and Special Agents Christine A. Botz and Christina M. Sun, Washington Field Office, FBI.
The eleventh Distinguished Award is presented to Special Counsel Paul P. Colborn and Attorney-Advisors Kevin J. Barber, Christine M. Buzzard, Nathan A. Forrester, Jared M. Kelson, David K. Suska, Ryan N. Watzel, Office of Legal Counsel.
The twelfth Distinguished Award is presented to Pro Bono Program Manager Laura F. Klein, Professional Responsibility Advisory Office.
The thirteenth Distinguished Award is presented to Chief Senior Litigation Counsel Dennis M. Donohue and Senior Litigation Counsel Kari Madrene Larson, Office of Civil Litigation, Tax Division; Senior Litigation Counsel Judith A. Hagley, Appellate Section, Tax Division; Trial Attorneys Matthew S. Johnshoy, Gregory L. Jones and Harris J. Phillips, Civil Trial Section, Tax Division, and; Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Farrior of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement recognizes outstanding professional achievements by law enforcement officers of the Department of Justice. This year, one Excellence in Law Enforcement Award is presented to Supervisory Special Agent Clifford R. Swindell, Special Agent Kevin W. McDonald, Baltimore Field Office, FBI; Task Force Officers Joseph Landsman, Jeffrey Lilly, Mark Neptune, Baltimore Police Department, and; Task Force Officer Daniel DeLorenzo, Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Police Department.
The Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country recognizes extraordinary efforts by those who demonstrated the department’s commitment to fighting crime in Indian Country. This year, two Exceptional Service in Indian Country Awards are being presented.
The first Exceptional Service in Indian Country is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey K. Starnes, Lori Harper Suek, Paralegal Tammy M. Farris, and Victim/Witness Specialist Keri B. Leggett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman and Paralegal Lori E. Climis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota; Special Agent Fred Bennett, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anissa D. Andrews, Special Agents Justin C. Christman and Justin W. Reedy, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and; Police Officers Frank Goings, Charlie Wolftail, and Sarah Wolftail, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Agency.
The second Exceptional Service in Indian Country is presented to Special Agent Elizabeth A. Green, San Francisco Field Office, FBI; Special Agents Aaron D. Christensen, Larry J. McGrail II, Victim Specialist Michele L. Stewart, and Evidence Technician Susan L. Stephenson, Salt Lake City Division, FBI; Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori HarperSuek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, and; Special Agent John J. Grinsell, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Management recognizes outstanding administrative or managerial achievements, which have significantly improved operations, productivity, or reduced costs. This year, two Excellence in Management Awards are being presented.
The first Award for Excellence in Management is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Toscano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of New Jersey.
The second Award for Excellence in Management is presented to Deputy Assistant Inspector General Allison E. Russo, Evaluation and Inspections Division, Office of the Inspector General, and; Assistant Regional Audit Manager Elizabeth M. Smith, Auditors Gerardo Cartagena and Jessica M. Rivera, and Program Manager Jessica R. Brower, Audit Division, Office of the Inspector General.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Information Technology recognizes outstanding achievements in applying information technology to improve operations and productivity, reduce or avoid costs, and solve problems. One Excellence in Information Technology Award is presented to Supervisory Information Technology Specialists George A. Cramer, Omar S. Khan, Anmy D. Torres Lawrence P. Packard, Information Technology Specialists Dee A. Alkire, Natasha Gibson, Christopher M. Greer, Connie LaSalle, Darrell L. Lyons, Matthew K. Phillips, Eliot E. Schmidt, James W. Schreiner, Benjamin L. Schwarten, Jun B. Yun, Office of the Chief Information Officer, and; Supervisory Security Specialist Robert L. Mack II, Security and Emergency Planning Staff, Justice Management Division.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions towards protecting U.S. National Security. One Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security Award is presented to Supervisory Attorney-Advisors Tyrone A. Brown and Loyaan A. Egal, Foreign Investment Review Section, National Security Division.
The Attorney General’s Award for Equal Employment Opportunity is the department’s highest award for performance in support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. One Equal Employment Opportunity Award is presented to Senior Trial Attorney Liza Zamd and Trial Attorney Stacey I. Young, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section, Civil Rights Division; Trial Attorney Eliza P. B. Dermody, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division; Trial Attorney Colleen M. Phillips, Educational Opportunities Section, Civil Rights Section; Senior Trial Attorney Patricia L. Stasco, Employment Litigation Section, Civil Rights Division; Trial Attorney Melanie Krebs-Pilotti, International Section, Antitrust Division; Trial Attorney Patricia L. Sindel, Technology and Financial Services Section, Antitrust Division; Trial Attorney Danielle Wolfson Young, Federal Programs, Civil Division; Trial Attorneys Lindsay C. Dunn, Allison Frayer, Stefanie Notarino Hennes, Office of Immigration Litigation, Appellate Section, Civil Division; Assistant Director Marc R. Salans, Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management, Justice Management Division, and; Supervisory Attorney-Advisor Shana N. Eaton, Office of Intelligence, National Security Division.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Legal Support recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of legal support to attorneys by paralegal specialists and other legal assistants. Three Excellence in Legal Support Awards are presented this year.
The first Excellence in Legal Support Award in the paralegal category is presented to Paralegal Specialist Minnie V. Becton, Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
The second Excellence in Legal Support Award in the paralegal category is presented to Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Christina J. Griffiths of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
The third Excellence in Legal Support Award in the legal support category is presented to Legal Assistant Jennifer L. Goldbetter, Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support recognizes outstanding performance in administrative or managerial support by administrative employees or secretaries. Two Excellence in Administrative Support Awards are being presented.
The first Excellence in Administrative Support Award in the Administrative category is presented to Administrative Officer Elaine A. Thompson, Atlanta Regional Office, U.S. Trustee Program.
The second Excellence in Administrative Support Award in the Secretarial category is presented to Warden’s Secretary Rodell T. Fletcher, Federal Correctional Institution – Edgefield, SC Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The John Marshall Awards are the department’s highest awards offered to attorneys, which recognizes attorneys for their contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance. Thirteen awards in nine categories are being presented this year.
The first John Marshall Award in the Trial of Litigation category is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D. Leshner, Todd W. Robinson, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
The second John Marshall Award also in the Trial of Litigation category is presented to Trial Attorney Richard M. Rolwing, Northern Criminal Enforcement Section, Tax Division, and; Senior Litigation Counsel John E. Sullivan and Trial Attorneys Leslie A. Goemaat and Arthur J. Ewenczyk, Western Criminal Enforcement Section, Tax Division.
The third John Marshall Award in the Participation in Litigation category is presented to Assistant Section Chiefs Lisa A. Scanlon and Yvette F. Tarlov and Trial Attorneys Meagan K. Bellshaw, Lee F. Berger, Mona S.K. Haar, Sarah H. Licht, Craig D. Minerva, Media, Entertainment, and Professional Services Section, Antitrust Division.
The fourth John Marshall Award also in the Participation in Litigation category is presented to Associate Director Christopher J. Smith and Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Haciski, Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, and; Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Emery, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The fifth John Marshall Award in the Support of Litigation category is presented to Senior Counsel Wendy R. Waldron, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Criminal Division; Criminal Division Deputy Chief Sarah M. Kauke and Trial Attorney Molly S. Braese, Office of Enforcement Operations, Criminal Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Larson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Assistant General Counsel Christopher G. Bubb, Office of the General Counsel, FBI, and; Trial Attorney Jennifer Kennedy Gellie, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
The sixth John Marshall Award also in the Support of Litigation category is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollie W. Reed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
The seventh John Marshall Award in the Handling of Appeals category is presented to Trial Attorney John M. Pellettieri, Appellate Section, Criminal Division.
The eighth John Marshall Award in the Providing Legal Advice category is presented to Appellate Litigation Counsel Mark B. Stern and Trial Attorneys Daniel Aguilar and Joshua M. Salzman, Appellate Staff, Civil Division.
The ninth John Marshall Award also in the Providing Legal Advice category is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Herbert L. Bunton III of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
The tenth John Marshall Award in the Preparation or Handling of Legislation category is presented to General Counsel Rafael A. Madan, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Justice Programs.
The eleventh John Marshall Award in the Preparation of Asset Forfeiture category is presented to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Galatzan, Michael R. Sew Hoy, John J. Kucera, Poonam G. Kumar, and Steven R. Welk, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California; Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cardani, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon; Associate Director Jeffrey M. Olson, Senior Trial Attorney Colette L. Ford, Trial Attorney Erin E. Mikita, Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, and; Deputy Chief, International Unit Mary K. Butler, Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee, Senior Trial Attorney Jonathan T. Baum, Trial Attorneys Barbara Yu. Levy and Joshua L. Sohn, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Criminal Division.
The twelfth John Marshall Award in the Preparation of Alternative Dispute Resolution category is presented to Acting Chief John R. Read, Trial Attorneys Thomas P. DeMatteo, James K. Foster, Catherine S. Montezuma, Samer M. Musallam, Blake W. Rushforth, Lowell R. Stern, Angela Y. Ting, and Bashiri B. Wilson, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, and; Trial Attorneys William H. Jones II and Ethan D. Stevenson, Media, Entertainment, and Professional Services Section, Antitrust Division.
The thirteenth John Marshall Award in the Interagency Cooperation category is presented to Senior Assistant Regional Counsel D. Henry Elsen, Region 8 – Montana Operations Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Claudia J. Flynn Award for Professional Responsibility recognizes department attorneys who have made significant contributions in the area of professional responsibility by successfully handling a sensitive and challenging professional responsibility issue in an exemplary fashion and/or leading efforts to ensure that department attorneys carry out their duties in accordance with the rules of professional conduct. This year’s Claudia J. Flynn Award is presented to Senior Legal Advisor Patrice M. Mulkern, Professional Responsibility Advisory Office; Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee; Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecil VanDevender, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, and; Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony R. Arvin, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
The Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention recognizes exceptional dedication and effort to prevent, investigate, and prosecute fraud, white-collar crimes, and official corruption. This year’s Fraud Prevention Award is presented to Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Rothman and Philip M. Toomajian, Investigator Luke M. Shoemaker, Consumer Protection Branch, Civil Division; Senior Trial Attorney John A. Beasley, Jr., Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luis M. Perez, Kimberly A. Selmore, Paralegal Specialist Maureen Booker, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and; Postal Inspectors Bryan Masmela and Luis F. Soler, Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety recognizes outstanding achievement in the development and support of community partnerships designed to address public safety within a community. Two Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety Awards are being presented this year.
The first Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety is presented to Special Agent Michael C. Coad, Tampa Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The second Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety is presented to Counsel Amy M. Markopoulos, Health Care Fraud Unit, Fraud Section, Criminal Division.
The Cubby Dorsey Award for Outstanding Service by a Wage Grade System Employee recognizes extraordinary performance and contributions by wage grade system employees, including laborers, mechanics, and skilled craft workers. One Cubby Dorsey Award for Outstanding Service by a Federal Wage Grade System Employee is presented to, Utility System Repairer – Operator Leader Allen B. Hudson, Finance and Facilities Division, FBI.
The Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee recognizes exceptional performance and notable accomplishments towards the department’s mission by an employee with fewer than five years of federal career service. The Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee is presented to Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro, Organized Crime and Gang Section, Criminal Division.
The Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity pays tribute to the memory and achievements of former Attorney General Edward H. Levi. This award is presented to an individual whose career as an attorney, law professor and dean, and public servant exemplified these qualities in the best traditions of the Department. This year’s Edward H. Levi Award is presented to Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kevin R. Jones, Office of Legal Policy.
The Attorney General’s Award for Meritorious Public Service, the top public service award granted by the department, recognizes the most significant contributions of citizens and organizations that have assisted the department in the accomplishment of its mission and objectives. Two Meritorious Public Service Awards are being presented this year.
The first Award for Meritorious Public Service is presented to, Phoenix 11, a group of 11 survivors whose child sexual abuse was recorded, and in the majority of cases, distributed online. This group has banded together to challenge the inadequate responses to the prevalence of child sexual abuse images on the internet.
The second Award for Meritorious Public Service is presented to the Middle East Media Research Institute and its President and Founder, Yigal Carmon.
The last award presented this year is the Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award, which recognizes employees who have served at least 20 years in the department and who have demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication throughout their careers. This award is presented only in exceptional circumstances to those individuals of special merit and is not awarded to express general appreciation for tenure alone. This year’s the Mary C. Lawton Award is presented to Supervisory Criminal Investigator Daniel P. Wertheimer, Investigative Operations Division, U.S. Marshals Service.
Albany Man Sentenced to 241 Months for Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Christopher J. Cohn, a/k/a “Wolf,” age 27, of Albany, was sentenced today to serve 241 months in prison for two armed bank robberies he committed in February 2019.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Keith M. Corlett, Superintendent of the New York State Police; Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department; and Chief David M. Keevern of the Town of North Greenbush Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also ordered Cohn to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration, and to pay $193,863.57 in restitution to his victims. Cohn was also ordered to forfeit $14,954 in recovered proceeds and $150,570 in unrecovered proceeds of the robberies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “Christopher Cohn inflicted terror on everyone in the banks during the robberies and even fired a shot hitting an employee. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Cohn will now spend many years in prison. Our community is a safer place now that he has been held accountable for his shocking crimes.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford stated: “Mr. Cohn’s violent crimes terrorized bank employees, customers, and members of our community. The FBI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address violent crimes, including bank robberies, within our communities. This 20+ year sentence should send a clear message to criminals that we will never waiver in our pursuit of justice.”
As part of his March 2020 guilty plea to armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and related crimes, Cohn admitted to participating in two armed robberies. On February 6, 2019, Cohn and another man drove to a Trustco Bank branch in Albany, where Cohn declared he was about to “go do this,” meaning that he planned to rob the bank. Cohn and his accomplice then entered the bank wearing ski masks. In the bank, Cohn’s accomplice displayed a gun, and both men threatened to kill the bank’s employees, who surrendered $150,570 to the pair.
Cohn also admitted that on the morning of February 26, 2019, he and the same accomplice entered an M&T Bank branch in North Greenbush, each wearing a ski mask and brandishing a gun. In the course of the robbery, Cohn fired multiple shots, including one that grazed a bank employee. According to court documents, law enforcement tracked Cohn, his accomplice, and their getaway driver to an Albany motel using a GPS device that a bank employee had secretly placed with the stolen money. Cohn was arrested by officers with more than $10,000 in cash and wearing red sneakers matching those depicted in bank surveillance footage. Cohn’s accomplice was arrested in the motel’s lobby, where officers found him with several bags containing approximately $3,800 in cash along with ski masks matching those worn by the robbers.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the New York State Police, the Town of North Greenbush Police Department, and the Albany Police Department, with the assistance of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Wayne A. Myers.
Airline Passenger Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport for Having 5 Kilos of Marijuana in Carry-On SuitcaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that a complaint has been filed against Christopher Lloyd Turnbull, charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Turnbull made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Thursday, November 12, 2020.
According to the affidavit submitted in support of the complaint, upon Turnbull’s arrival to the Cyril E. King Airport on November 11, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers directed Turnbull to secondary inspection. Upon searching a black carry-on suitcase in Turnbull’s possession, which Turnbull admitted was his, CBP officers discovered approximately eight different sealed packages containing a green leafy substance that tested positive for the presence of marijuana. The parcels had a combined field weight of approximately 5 kilograms.
Turnbull, who originally departed from the Ronald Reagan airport in Washington, D.C., claimed that while he was waiting at the gate for his connecting flight in Charlotte, an unknown man approached him and offered him $15,000 to transport the black carry-on suitcase to St. Thomas. Turnbull also claimed that a friend of his (whose last name he did not know) paid for his one-way ticket to St. Thomas. Turnbull had no accommodations reserved for his stay in St. Thomas and did not know when he would be returning.
This case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
44 Charged Following 18 Month Investigation into Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA – A total of 15 defendants have been indicted on federal drug-trafficking charges and an additional 29 co-conspirators face state drug-trafficking charges as a result of a multi-agency effort to bring down an organized drug trafficking operation in North Florida. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., and Mike Dubet, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Jacksonville District Office, made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
In May 2019, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the DEA Panama City Resident Office Task Force began investigating James Young and Shelley Johnson, a couple operating a methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) in Walton County, Florida.
Intelligence obtained during the investigation revealed Young routinely acquired multi-pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine and multi-ounce quantities of heroin and fentanyl from sources in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Young and Johnson distributed these controlled substances to other drug dealers and users in and around Walton County, Florida using Johnson’s waterfront residence in Freeport, Florida.
A variety of investigative techniques were utilized by investigators to identify the full scope of Johnson and Young's activities. These techniques included extensive physical surveillance, numerous purchases totaling more than 500 grams methamphetamine by a DEA undercover agent, and four federal wire intercepts of telephones used by Johnson, Young, and one of Johnson's local sources of supply for heroin, methamphetamine and diverted pharmaceutical pills.
On May 6, 2020, the wire intercepts lead investigators to information that Young and Johnson were returning to the Walton County area from Atlanta with a shipment of methamphetamine.
The DEA and WCSO coordinated a traffic stop of Young and Johnson shortly after they returned to Walton County, Florida. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of $25,049.00 in U.S. Currency, approximately three pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and over 500 grams of suspected GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate). Following this traffic stop, WCSO and DEA Task Force investigators executed search warrants at three different locations associated with Young, Johnson, and one of their DTO distributors, where more evidence of drug trafficking was discovered and seized, along with four firearms.
In June and October of 2020, a federal grand jury at the U.S. District Court in Pensacola, Florida, returned indictments charging Johnson, Young, and 13 co-conspirators with conspiracy to possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute. Johnson and Young were also charged with possessing firearms as convicted felons. A copy of the indictment with more information about the federal defendants and the charges against them can be found at the bottom of this page.
State drug charges have been obtained in the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida in Walton County against 29 additional individuals in this investigation.
To date, this investigation and other accompanying investigations have resulted in the seizure of the following:
· Nearly 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine
· 672 grams of heroin
· 162 grams of carfentanil
· 32 grams of suspected fentanyl
· 533 grams of suspected GHB
· 5 motor vehicles valued at approximately $91,515.00
· Freeport waterfront property valued at $1.3 million
· $27,572.00 U.S. Currency
· Four firearms
The indictment and arrests resulted from an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative. The OCDETF approach to combating drug trafficking 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 and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize its assets.
These cases resulted from investigations by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Panama City Police Department, the Springfield Police Department, the Lynn Haven Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the DeFuniak Springs Police Department. The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - Operation Mr. Clean Indictment - Operation Mr. Clean
Wednesday 11 November 2020
Statement by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division on Veterans DayRead the Press Release
The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and its Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative would like to wish a happy Veterans Day to our soldiers, both past and present. We owe you our thanks, but more than that, we owe you our freedom. As the head of the Civil Rights Division, I am entrusted with enforcing laws that protect the rights of the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces, and the veterans who have served in the past. Enforcement of these very important federal civil rights laws helps ensure that these men and women can continue to safeguard our freedom.
Our nation’s servicemembers have been tasked with novel and difficult tasks this year. When COVID -19 reached our shores, tens of thousands of members of our National Guard in all 50 states responded to the pandemic. Many of these same servicemembers, as well as thousands of others, were also deployed in response to the public demonstrations in the past months. In March 2020, the Department of Defense issued stop movement orders on domestic and overseas travel for all military personnel and their families. These orders were necessary to slow the spread of the virus and to protect force readiness. Unfortunately, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act did not protect servicemembers who had to terminate their leases in order to comply with these orders. This meant that servicemember-lessees could have been forced to pay rent for a property that they were unable to occupy or to make car payments for a vehicle they were unable to drive due to military orders.
Upon learning about this problem, the Civil Rights Division and its Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative mobilized to work on a solution. Fortunately, on July 20, Congress passed S. 3637, a bill to allow for lease termination based on stop movement orders. On Aug. 14, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed the bill into law. As a result, servicemembers can rest assured that the law will protect them when stop movement orders related to COVID-19 – or any future local, national or global emergency – require them to terminate their leases.
While we maintain vigilance with respect to the deployments and orders related to COVID-19, we also continue to commit time and resources to protect the rights of servicemembers. The employees of the Department of Justice are proud to serve our nation’s men and women in uniform in this capacity. We at the Civil Rights Division ardently enforce three statutes that protect the rights of service members; the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
The right to vote is among our most fundamental civil rights. Protecting the rights of servicemembers and their families to vote in our nation’s federal elections, whether they are serving here or abroad, is one of our highest priorities. Through the enforcement of the UOCAVA, the department ensures that servicemembers and overseas U.S. citizens have the opportunity to request and receive absentee ballots in time to vote and have their votes counted in federal elections. The department vigilantly monitored nationwide compliance with UOCAVA for all federal elections in the 2020 cycle. In 2020, the department also filed statements of interest in lawsuits in Georgia and Massachusetts to ensure that eligible military and overseas voters would have sufficient time to vote. In each case, the private lawsuits sought modifications to election-related dates, and the department’s briefs explained the importance of the UOCAVA requirement that states transmit absentee ballots no later than 45 days prior to any federal election.
Our Housing and Civil Enforcement Section, in collaboration with U.S. Attorney’s offices nationwide, enforces the SCRA, and has to date obtained over $474 million in remediation to over 120,000 service members whose financial rights were violated. These cases involved unlawful home foreclosures, vehicle repossessions, interest rate reductions, lease terminations, and default judgments. In 2019, the Division obtained a $3 million settlement against a Nissan Motors for repossessing vehicles owned by 113 qualified servicemembers. On Sept. 3, 2020, the division reached a $259,000 settlement with the City of San Antonio, TX to resolve allegations that the city violated the SCRA by auctioning, or otherwise disposing of, cars owned by protected servicemembers without first obtaining court orders.
The division’s Employment Litigation Section, also in collaboration with U.S. Attorney’s offices nationwide, continues to enhance its enforcement of USERRA against private, state, and local government employers, through litigation, facilitated settlements, outreach, and advocacy. Since the division assumed USERRA enforcement authority in 2004, it has filed 105 lawsuits and favorably resolved 193 complaints through consent decrees or private settlements.
The Civil Rights Division also continually looks for new ways to protect the rights of service members, veterans and military family members. For our veterans with disabilities, the division’s Disability Rights Section has focused on outreach to the veteran population about the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensure equal access to all aspects of civic and community life. In recent months, the department resolved complaints from veterans who alleged that, because they use a service animal, they were denied access to restaurants, shops, and healthcare facilities.
America’s service members are willing to fight for us in the face of danger, and at great personal sacrifice especially in times like these.
While servicemembers carry the burdens of this nation, they should not have to worry that the financial sacrifices they are making will result in adverse actions, such as lenders foreclosing on their homes. They should not have to worry about facing employment discrimination due to their service. They should not have to worry about being able to vote while stationed away from home. They should not have to worry about being targeted for fraud and scams. And finally, our veterans should not face discrimination based on physical and mental disabilities.
We at the Department of Justice are committed to using all of the tools in our arsenal to fight for them. The violation of anyone’s civil rights is unacceptable and unlawful, and the Department of Justice will not tolerate any actions that violate the rights of service members or anyone else in our nation.
Bronx Man Charged with 2017 Murder of Joshua LopezRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced a Superseding Indictment in United States v. Scales, et al. 19 Cr. 96 (JSR). In the initial indictment, unsealed on February 21, 2019, defendant SYDNEY SCALES, a/k/a “Sid,” a/k/a “Moe Black,” was charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire, as well as narcotics and firearms offenses. A second defendant on the Indictment, ERNEST HORGE, a/k/a “Ern,” a/k/a “Mac,” was charged with narcotics and firearms offenses. In the Superseding Indictment, SCALES is charged with causing another person to shoot at rival drug dealers on June 9, 2017, in the vicinity of 1135 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, New York, causing the death of Joshua Lopez. SCALES and HORGE are also charged in the Superseding Indictment with engaging in multiple specific drug sales between November 2018 and February 2019, in addition to the narcotics conspiracy charged in the initial indictment. The case is proceeding before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Sydney Scales was responsible for the murder of Joshua Lopez. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners at HSI and the NYPD, Scales is now charged in federal court for this terrible crime.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “The murder of a bystander during a drug-related shooting is a disturbing crime against the people of this City. Scales and Horge are charged with serious narcotics and firearms offenses that caused great harm the community, and ultimately resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. HSI and its law enforcement partners remain committed to ridding our streets of armed and violent drug traffickers, and to doing justice for victims of such senseless violence.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1]:
Between in or about 2016 and in or about 2019, SCALES and HORGE participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana in the Bronx and elsewhere. SCALES and HORGE also used, carried, and possessed firearms, which were brandished and discharged, in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, and aided and abetted such firearms offenses. In addition, in or about June 2017, SCALES conspired to commit murder for hire, agreeing to compensate another individual in return for locating and killing at least one rival drug dealer. On the night of June 9, 2017, SCALES caused another person to shoot at rival drug dealers, but the shooter missed the targets and hit Joshua Lopez, causing Lopez’s death.
SCALES, 41, and HORGE, 50, face maximum sentences of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Balsamello, Sarah Krissoff, and Mathew Andrews are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Tuesday 10 November 2020
York Man Sentenced for Attempted Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 5, 2020, Olvin Manuel Ventura-Rivera, age 21, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for attempted distribution of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Ventura-Rivera pled guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride on September 23, 2019, in York, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy 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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West Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty in Coupon Fraud Scheme Targeting Kmart Stores in 25 StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between June 2017 and December 2017, Thompson possessed and used fraudulent mobile device coupons at numerous Kmart stores in approximately 25 states. Thompson used the fraudulent coupons to purchase third party gift cards and prepaid credit cards. The total loss to Kmart was approximately $94,977.50.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted Thompson to remain free on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel.
Washington County Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – April Allen, age 30, of Fort Ann, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute cocaine. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of her guilty plea, Allen admitted that between July 2019 and November 2019, she agreed with another person to distribute cocaine.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2021, at which time the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. 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.
This case was investigated by the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Ulster County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nicholas Rockwell, age 26, of Hurley, New York, pled guilty today to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Rockwell admitted that on October 11, 2019, he used a social media messaging application to send and receive numerous child pornography videos to another man over the Internet. Rockwell also admitted that at the time of his federal arrest on December 19, 2019, he possessed on his iPhone and in two cloud-based storage accounts approximately 281 images and 1,848 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Rockwell, who has been ordered detained since his federal arrest, faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, with a maximum of up to 20 years in prison on each count, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. 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. Rockwell will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
USDA Contractor Admits to Giving Gifts to USDA Officials to Influence Award of Contracts and Obstructing Federal Grand Jury InvestigationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Eric Schneider, a 60-year-old Virginia resident and former Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Communications Resource, Inc. (CRI), pled guilty on November 6, 2020 in federal court in the District of Columbia to one count of conspiracy to violate the Procurement Integrity Act and one count of obstruction of justice.
According to court papers, Schneider admitted to giving gifts to multiple officials at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to influence the award of contracts worth over $19.2 million to CRI and another company he controlled. Schneider admitted to giving USDA officials Corvette wheels, concert tickets, PGA tour tickets, meals, alcohol, strip clubs, parking, concierge medical services, prescription drugs, and other cash tips. Schneider further admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, he drafted or instructed employees to draft procurement documents in such a way as to favor the award of a multi-million dollar contract to CRI. Schneider then provided the documents to a USDA official to whom he provided gifts, for use in the procurement process as if they had been prepared by the USDA. Schneider also admitted to directing two CRI employees to destroy documents responsive to a federal grand jury subpoena.
Schneider pled guilty in United States District Court for the District of Columbia. United States District Judge Carl J. Nichols is presiding over the case. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice is ten years of imprisonment.
The Washington Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Beltsville Field Office of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigated the case, along with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services OIG, the Department of State OIG and the Small Business Administration OIG. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Aloi of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
FARGO – U.S. Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on November 10, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota recognized individuals throughout the state who provide outstanding services to victims. Victim assistance awards were presented to the following individuals:
Assistant United States Attorney Victim Assistance Award – James Patrick Thomas, Assistant U.S Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bismarck.
Support Staff Victim Assistance Award – Fallon Clouse, Supervisory Probation Officer, U.S. Probation, Minot.
Victim-Witness Advocate Assistance Award – Gene Hughes, Victim Specialist, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Aberdeen, SD.
Special Agent Victim Assistance Award – Bruce Bennett, Special Agent (Retired), Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minot.
State Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award – Sue Schwab, Detective, Devils Lake Police Department, Devils Lake.
Crime Victim Service Legacy Assistance Award – Joan Halvorson, Victim Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fargo.
Special Courage Victim Assistance Award – Denise Stevenson, Survivor.
The U. S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s observance in North Dakota was postponed from April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme, Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope, recognizes the individuals and groups whose advocacy has propelled the victims’ rights movement forward for the past half century, inspiring in victims and their loved ones a feeling of hope for progress, justice, and healing.
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U.S. Attorney Observes Veterans Day HolidayRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. - U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of
Illinois issued the following statement today in observance of Veterans Day:“On Veterans Day, we celebrate the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed
Forces. It is a day appropriately set aside to honor their heroism and recognize their sacrifices.
The peace and security we enjoy in this great nation could never be achieved without the honorable
service of all who have donned a military uniform, and we are forever grateful.”Weinhoeft continued, “I especially want to thank the veterans who work in this office. Those
individuals helped preserve our freedom while in uniform, and they continue to serve our country
from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. To each of those men and women, we say thank you.”U.S. Attorney Announces More than 30 Defendants Charged for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced that more than 30 individuals have been named in two separate indictments for their roles in heroin trafficking operations in Oklahoma. The indictments were unsealed late Tuesday in U.S. District Court after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies arrested 23 individuals in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. At least 18 of the 30 defendants named in the indictments are individuals known to be unlawfully in the United States.
“Two major indictments targeting organized crime and drug trafficking were unsealed in federal court today. Operations ‘Royal Flush’ and ‘Town Clown’ involved the takedown of massive heroin trafficking organizations in Oklahoma. Early this morning, the DEA orchestrated the simultaneous execution of search and arrest warrants at 14 different sites in Oklahoma, arresting 23 individuals and seizing approximately 4 kilograms of heroin and $120,000 in U.S. currency,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I commend the more than 200 law enforcement agents and officers who participated in today’s takedown and thank the DEA for their leadership throughout this investigation.”
“Today is another point in the win category for all Oklahomans who value safe and drug-free communities,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA operations in Oklahoma. “These individuals who spent their days delivering heroin can now spend nights in jail while the men and women of DEA Tulsa and our Eastern Oklahoma law enforcement partners continue their efforts to keep heroin off our streets.”
In the first indictment, 25 members and co-conspirators of the Rivera-Serna Drug Trafficking Organization were charged for their alleged roles in a continuing criminal enterprise that allegedly distributed more than 1 kilogram of deadly heroin into Oklahoma communities and laundered the proceeds.
Eleven defendants were arrested during Operation Royal Flush and made initial appearances in U.S. District Court Tuesday. An additional six individuals were also arrested as part of the operation, who are not named in the indictment, and will be charged by Criminal Complaint.
According to the indictment, Juan Carlos Rivera-Serna and Felipe Rios-Galicia are charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise in Count 1 of the indictment. The two men worked in concert with other individuals and acted as principal administrators, organizers, supervisors and leaders of the enterprise. In Count 2 of the indictment, all 25 defendants are charged with drug conspiracy for possessing with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Thirteen of the defendants are further charged with money laundering in Count 3 of the indictment. The conspirators allegedly laundered the proceeds from heroin sales in order to conceal and fund their illegal drug operation.
In a second indictment, seven other defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute heroin and other violations. Six of the 7 individuals were arrested by law enforcement as part of Operation Town Clown. According to the indictment, the seven individuals are charged with drug conspiracy, allegedly conspiring to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin. Several of the defendants are also charged with distribution of heroin; possession of heroin with intent to distribute; and use of a communication facility in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony.
The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Miami Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Operations, Yukon Police Department, Moore Police Department, Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, El Reno Police Department, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma City Police Department, Duncan Police Department, District 18 Task Force, and from Arkansas, the Springdale Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office took part in the investigation and arrests today.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
Truck Driver Sentenced to 70 Months for Transporting FentanylRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Felipe Genao Minaya, 49, of Nagua, Dominican Republic, was sentenced on November 6, 2020 by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Minaya received a sentence of 70 months’ imprisonment with a three-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On April 26, 2018, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop on an NNN Transport semi-truck hauling a refrigerated trailer for a traffic violation. The driver, Minaya, was an employee of NNN Transport, and the passenger, Nelson Nicholas Nunez-Acosta, was the company owner. During the course of the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. While inspecting the refrigerator unit inside the trailer, the trooper determined that there was a hidden compartment concealed behind the unit. After accessing the hidden compartment, the trooper discovered 42 bricks containing 118 pounds of fentanyl.
Minaya became suspicious when Nunez-Acosta flew from New Jersey to California to meet him regarding picking up a load. Minaya eventually learned that he was transporting something illegal, but wasn’t told what. Nunez-Acosta has also pleaded guilty to the same charge and sentencing is set for November 13, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Troy Man Charged with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sherrod Johnson, a/k/a “Rod,” age 27, of Troy, New York, was indicted last week on multiple drug and firearms offenses.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
The indictment alleges that Johnson possessed and intended to distribute heroin on two occasions, first in March 2019 and then in April 2020, and that on each occasion he also possessed a handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment also alleges that Johnson was subject to an order of protection when he possessed the handguns, which rendered his possession of the handguns unlawful.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnson was arrested on April 2, 2020, and charged by complaint with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He is detaining pending trial.
If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life; a minimum term of post-release supervision of 3 years and a maximum term of life; and fines of up to $1 million.
The case is being investigated by the ATF, DEA, and the Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking and Kidnapping WifeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man pleaded guilty today in connection with kidnapping and stalking his then wife, and his subsequent efforts to prevent her testimony in federal court.
Sunil K. Akula, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, one count of stalking, one count of obstruction of justice and one count of witness tampering. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2021. Akula was arrested and charged in September 2019.
On Aug. 6, 2019, Akula traveled from his home in Texas to Agawam, Mass. to confront his then wife, from whom he was living apart. A couple of days later, he physically assaulted his wife and forced her to leave her apartment and get into a car with him, stating that he was taking her back to Texas.
Akula then drove his wife south through many states, during which time he again assaulted her, forced her to send a resignation e-mail to her employer, and smashed her laptop and threw it on the side of the highway. Akula stopped at a Knox County, Tenn. hotel, where he again beat his wife. When Akula could not quiet his wife from crying loudly, he opened the door to leave the hotel room and was arrested by local law enforcement officers.
While Akula was held before trial, he made phone calls to family in India instructing them to contact his wife's father so that he would convince her to withdraw her statements to law enforcement and not to testify, not to go to court or to have the charges against Akula dropped.
The charge of kidnapping provides for a sentence of up to life prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of stalking provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of witness tampering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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; Chicopee Police Chief William R. Jebb; Agawam Police Chief Eric Gillis; Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler; and Plano (Texas) Interim Police Chief Dan Curtis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley are prosecuting the case.
Taiwan Individual and International Business Organizations Charged with Criminal Conspiracy to Violate Iranian SanctionsRead the Press Release
Chin Hua Huang, 42, a resident of Taiwan, was charged in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with participating in a criminal conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws and sanctions against Iran. Also charged was Taiwan business organization DES International Co., Ltd. (DES Int’l) and Brunei business organization Soltech Industry Co., Ltd. (Soltech).
Huang, DES Int’l, and Soltech were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to defraud the United States and to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSRs).
“The defendants are charged with conspiring to violate American sanctions on Iran by buying goods from the United States, concealing the origin of those goods and sending them to Iran for use by the government and business,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers. “Violations of the sanctions diminish their effectiveness and delay the day when Iran will cease its belligerent activity.”
“Individuals or business organizations that violate U.S. laws by providing U.S. goods to Iran without a license will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin.
“The FBI greatly appreciates the coordinated efforts with HSI, OFAC, DCIS, BIS, DC USAO, and DOJ CES to bring formal charges against DES International, it’s subsidiary Soltech Industry, and Ms. Chin Hua Huang. Together, they worked to relentlessly pursue every lead to ensure these individuals would face the charges detailed in the criminal complaint for their roles in illegally supplying U.S. technology to Iran,” stated FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “The items, which were allegedly delivered by DES International, its front companies and Ms. Huang to Iran, undermined our national security. For me, the most impressive aspect of this investigative team’s diligent work was not only the criminal charges against these three entities, but also the addition of four individuals and more than six companies to the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN) surrounding this proliferation network located throughout the Middle East and Asia.”
“Today’s action is a tremendous example of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) collaborative commitment to enforce the export laws of the United States. These individuals and organizations are eroding our country’s national security and legitimate commerce by transshipping sensitive U.S. technology to Iran through various shell companies and affiliates,” said Special Agent in Charge, Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “This effort demonstrates the U.S. Government’s enduring resolve to ensure significant consequences to violators. HSI is uniquely positioned to use its wide ranging investigative authorities and global footprint to mitigate weaknesses within the U.S. trade and financial sectors by utilizing the full authorities of the U.S. Government.”
"This investigation underscores the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's commitment to safeguarding our nation's most sensitive technologies and preventing those technologies from getting into the hands of our adversaries," said Michael Mentavlos, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Southwest Field Office. "DCIS, in consort with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively identify, disrupt, and bring to justice those who attempt to circumvent export control laws and threaten the integrity of U.S. military technology."
“Today’s action is the result of seamless coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts of a very dedicated multi-agency team of law enforcement professionals from the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Homeland Security Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI and the Department of Justice. OEE and our partners will continue to prevent the illegal export of U.S. technologies and protect American businesses by combatting transnational criminal networks and violators of our export laws.” said P. Lee Smith, Performing the Nonexclusive Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that Huang was a sales agent for DES Int’l and Soltech, both of which procured goods from the United States for the benefit of Iranian government entities and business organizations. DES Int’l and Soltech were affiliated with one another by virtue of common directors, employees, and customers. Huang used her position as a sales agent to help an Iranian research center obtain U.S. goods without a license from the Department of the Treasury. These goods included a power amplifier designed for use in electromechanical devices, and cybersecurity software. Huang took steps to conceal the U.S. origin of the goods, including by removing serial number stickers with the phrase “Made in USA” from packages, and by causing the cybersecurity software to be downloaded onto a computer outside of Iran. Huang shared developments regarding this illegal conduct with other employees and directors of DES Int’l and Soltech.
A concurrent action was taken by the Department of the Treasury, sanctioning Huang, DES Int’l, and Soltech, and seven related individuals and entities.
If convicted, Huang would face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, and Des Int’l and Soltech would each face a fine of up to $500,000. The criminal charge in the complaint is an allegation, and criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s San Antonio, Texas, Field Office, HSI, DCIS, and DOC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Friedman and National Security Division Trial Attorney William Mackie are representing the United States.
Taiwan Individual and International Business Organizations Charged with Criminal Conspiracy to Violate Iranian SanctionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Chin Hua Huang, 42, a resident of Taiwan, was charged in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with participating in a criminal conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws and sanctions against Iran. Also charged was Taiwan business organization DES International Co., Ltd. (DES Int’l) and Brunei business organization Soltech Industry Co., Ltd. (Soltech).
Huang, DES Int’l, and Soltech were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to defraud the United States and to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSRs).
“Individuals or business organizations that violate U.S. laws by providing U.S. goods to Iran without a license will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin.
“The defendants are charged with conspiring to violate American sanctions on Iran by buying goods from the United States, concealing the origin of those goods and sending them to Iran for use by the government and business,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers. “Violations of the sanctions diminish their effectiveness and delay the day when Iran will cease its belligerent activity.”
“The FBI greatly appreciates the coordinated efforts with HSI, OFAC, DCIS, BIS, DC USAO, and DOJ CES to bring formal charges against DES International, its subsidiary Soltech Industry, and Ms. Chin Hua Huang. Together, they worked to relentlessly pursue every lead to ensure these individuals would face the charges detailed in the criminal complaint for their roles in illegally supplying U.S. technology to Iran,” stated FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “The items, which were allegedly delivered by DES International, its front companies and Ms. Huang to Iran, undermined our national security. For me, the most impressive aspect of this investigative team’s diligent work was not only the criminal charges against these three entities, but also the addition of four individuals and more than six companies to the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN) surrounding this proliferation network located throughout the Middle East and Asia.”
“Today’s action is a tremendous example of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) collaborative commitment to enforce the export laws of the United States. These individuals and organizations are eroding our country’s national security and legitimate commerce by transshipping sensitive U.S. technology to Iran through various shell companies and affiliates,” said Special Agent in Charge, Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “This effort demonstrates the U.S. Government’s enduring resolve to ensure significant consequences to violators. HSI is uniquely positioned to use its wide ranging investigative authorities and global footprint to mitigate weaknesses within the U.S. trade and financial sectors by utilizing the full authorities of the U.S. Government.”
"This investigation underscores the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's commitment to safeguarding our nation's most sensitive technologies and preventing those technologies from getting into the hands of our adversaries," said Michael Mentavlos, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Southwest Field Office. "DCIS, in consort with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively identify, disrupt, and bring to justice those who attempt to circumvent export control laws and threaten the integrity of U.S. military technology."
“Today’s action is the result of seamless coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts of a very dedicated multi-agency team of law enforcement professionals from the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Homeland Security Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI and the Department of Justice. OEE and our partners will continue to prevent the illegal export of U.S. technologies and protect American businesses by combatting transnational criminal networks and violators of our export laws.” said P. Lee Smith, Performing the Nonexclusive Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that Huang was a sales agent for DES Int’l and Soltech, both of which procured goods from the United States for the benefit of Iranian government entities and business organizations. DES Int’l and Soltech were affiliated with one another by virtue of common directors, employees, and customers. Huang used her position as a sales agent to help an Iranian research center obtain U.S. goods without a license from the Department of the Treasury. These goods included a power amplifier designed for use in electromechanical devices, and cybersecurity software. Huang took steps to conceal the U.S. origin of the goods, including by removing serial number stickers with the phrase “Made in USA” from packages, and by causing the cybersecurity software to be downloaded onto a computer outside of Iran. Huang shared developments regarding this illegal conduct with other employees and directors of DES Int’l and Soltech.
A concurrent action was taken by the Department of the Treasury, sanctioning Huang, DES Int’l, and Soltech, and seven related individuals and entities.
If convicted, Huang would face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, and DES Int’l and Soltech would each face a fine of up to $500,000. The criminal charge in the complaint is an allegation, and criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s San Antonio, Texas, Field Office, HSI, DCIS, and DOC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Friedman and National Security Division Trial Attorney William Mackie are representing the United States.
T&A Crips member who led Columbus-to-Portsmouth drug operation sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of 19 defendants charged in a Columbus gang-related racketeering conspiracy was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 180 months in prison.
Eric Henderson, Sr., 41, participated extensively in planning and organizing the gang’s Portsmouth, Ohio, drug operation by recruiting accomplices and co-conspirators to carry out the trafficking.
T&A Crips derived its name from Trevitt and Atcheson streets in the King-Lincoln District of Columbus, where its members predominantly reside. T&A controlled the neighborhood through intimidation, fear and violence. Gang members were expected to retaliate with acts of violence when their members and associates were disrespected, threatened, intimidated or subjected to acts of violence.
Specifically, the co-conspirators in this case are charged with five murders:
the murder of Franky Tention on July 1, 2012, in the area of 431 Ellison Street;
the murder of William Moore on March 15, 2013;
the murder of Marvin Ector on December 23, 2013, on East 5th Avenue;
the murder of Quincy Story on January 24, 2015; and
the murder of Deaonte Fisher on March 4, 2016.
T&A engaged in a long-term operation of consistent transportation of heroin and crack from Columbus to Portsmouth, Ohio, for sale in various “trap houses.” In the summer of 2015, T&A, under the leadership of Henderson, Sr. began to deliver large amounts of heroin, crack and oxycodone from Columbus to Portsmouth on a weekly basis. Female associates and drug-addicted “mules” transported the drugs at the direction of T&A members and associates. The drugs were then sold on a daily basis out of a number of “trap houses” in Portsmouth controlled by T&A members.
Henderson, Sr., also known as “Easy,” pleaded guilty in March 2019 to conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Tom Quinlan; United States Marshal Pete Tobin and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.
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Suburban Chicago Businessman Charged with Swindling Hospitals in Connection with Attempted Purchase of $2.6 Million in PPERead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman has been charged with fraud for allegedly swindling more than $2.6 million from hospitals who paid for scarce personal protective equipment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges DENNIS W. HAGGERTY, JR., the president of Illinois-based At Diagnostics Inc., with one count of wire fraud. Haggerty, 44, of Burr Ridge, Ill., was arrested this morning. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance today at 2:45 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole in Chicago.
Also today, federal law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of Haggerty’s office in Willowbrook, Ill.
The complaint and arrest were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Eichenseer.
According to the complaint, Haggerty and two business partners formed At Diagnostics in March 2020 to sell personal protective equipment. Two large university hospitals – one in Chicago and the other in Iowa City, Iowa – ordered a combined one million N95 face masks from the company. As a deposit on the masks, the hospitals paid more than $3 million into a bank account that Haggerty falsely represented as an At Diagnostics account but which was actually solely controlled by Haggerty, the complaint states. The complaint alleges that Haggerty spent part of the hospitals’ funds for his own personal benefit, including purchasing two Maserati automobiles and a Land Rover sport-utility vehicle.
When At Diagnostics failed to deliver the masks on time, Haggerty allegedly falsely claimed to one hospital that his bank had no record of the payment being received. After his business partners confronted Haggerty about the whereabouts of the money, Haggerty altered a bank statement to make it appear as if the funds had never been received, the complaint states.
To date, Haggerty has failed to return more than $2.6 million paid by the hospitals for masks that were never delivered, the complaint states.
The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Staten Island Man Arrested in Connection with Threats to Kill Protesters, Politicians and Members of Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Brian Maiorana, a resident of Staten Island, with threatening to kill and ordering others to kill protestors, politicians and law enforcement in retaliation for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. Maiorana was arrested this morning, and made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara. Maiorana was ordered detained pending trial.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.
“The Department of Justice will not stand idly by when people like the defendant allegedly threaten to kill elected officials, lawful protesters and law enforcement simply because of animus towards the outcome of an election. Americans have a constitutional right to voice their opinions, but this Office will not tolerate violence or threats of violence used to intimidate others with whom they disagree,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme.
“Mr. Maiorana’s online posts called for violence against our entire community—protestors, politicians, and law enforcement officers alike. His alleged threats are disturbing and far outside of acceptable norms, but they also violated federal law. A word of advice to those who haven’t yet figured this out—the FBI will carry out our mission to protect the public’s safety and our constitutional right to disagree with one another, but we will not tolerate threats and acts of violence. Any others who wish to follow the example set by Mr. Maiorana will be held accountable in the same way,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
As set forth in the complaint, beginning in September 2020, Maiorana used a social media platform to post multiple threats to kill protestors, politicians and law enforcement officers and to encourage others to do the same. For example, on October 19, 2020, Maiorana posted that “[i]ts come to the point where pipe bombs need to be thrown into these mobs of potentially non violent violent protesters.” On November 8, 2020, Maiorana posted: “Soap Box, Ballot Box…that was fraudulently stolen from us, Now Cartridge Box,” a reference to ammunition or “cartridges.” On November 8, 2020, following the news media’s projection of the result of the 2020 Presidential Election, Maiorana posted that “The Turner Diaries must come to life. We blow up the FBI building for real. All the alphabet agencies assassination will become the new normal now . . . that the electoral process is finished.” The “Turner Diaries”—a 1978 novel influential among white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups—depicts an overthrow of the U.S. federal government, nuclear war, and ultimately, the extermination of non-whites. It has been cited as inspiration for numerous acts of terrorism, including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
Following Maiorana’s arrest, the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence and seized, among other things, a semiautomatic firearm and ammunition.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Maiorana faces up to five years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell and Jonathan E. Algor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
BRIAN MAIORANA
Age: 54
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 20-MJ-1072
Spring Creek Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spring Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 5, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Antonio Marshall, age 22, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on each count to run concurrently, three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and forfeiture of three firearms and ammunition.
Marshall was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. He pled guilty on August 17, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that began in January 2017, continuing until March 2018, wherein Marshall conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine on the Rosebud Indian reservation. Further, on January 16, 2018, law enforcement seized over 50 grams of cocaine and three firearms from a residence. At the time, Marshall was an unlawful user of a controlled substance and prohibited from possessing the firearms.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 its 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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Marshall was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Southern California Man Sentenced to Ten Years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 9, 2020, Richard Garner (age: 56) of Rancho Cucamonga, California, was sentenced to a term of ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).
According to court documents, on July 31, 2019, Garner had a suspected drug-laden package mailed from Redondo Beach, California, to a residence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted the suspicious package, which was later confirmed to contain approximately a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, commonly known as fentanyl. During the same timeframe, Garner was also responsible for sending and further distributing controlled substances in other locations within the continental United States, including Ohio and Louisiana. Garner committed this offense while on federal supervised release for prior convictions for Operating a Criminal Enterprise and Money Laundering.
In pronouncing sentence, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman noted the serious nature of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant.
The case was investigated by the North Central HIDTA Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Brady, Jr.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
414-297-1700
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Shiprock man pleads guilty to assaulting a federal officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derrick Begay, 33, of Shiprock, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Nov. 6 to assault on a federal officer involving physical contact.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Jan. 22, a federal special agent with the a Bureau of Indian Affairs made contact with Begay on the side of a road in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. The special agent requested that Begay get out of the vehicle, but Begay did not comply. At one point Begay lunged out of his vehicle and hit the special agent in the face. Begay got back into his vehicle and fled the scene with law enforcement in pursuit. Begay reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. The weather was poor and there were school buses on the roadway, so law enforcement called off the pursuit. Begay was later arrested on May 1.
Begay is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to eight years in prison.
The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case along with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen is prosecuting the case.
Seafood Company Pleads Guilty to the Illegal Sale of OystersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD COMPANY, LLC, ("INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD") a Louisiana Limited Liability Company located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a one count Bill of Information for the illegal sale of oysters in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court records, from January 1, 2017 through March 19, 2019, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD did knowingly sell and transport oysters in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350.00, when, in the exercise of due care, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD should have known that said oysters were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4; R.S. 56:306.5; R.S. 56:306.6. INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOOD failed to report to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries approximately 14,346 sacks of Louisiana oysters, valued at approximately $656,865.
INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD faces a maximum fine of not more than $200,000 and a special assessment of $125.00. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 18, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan.
“NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is dedicated to enforcing federal marine resource laws, including the Lacey Act, to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” Tracy A. Dunn, Assistant Director, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement said. “This investigation is an example of how we collaboratively work with other federal and state partners, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.”
“Accurate and timely recordkeeping about the harvesting, holding, and sale of shellfish is not only required by law, but exists to protect the public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to investigate such matters and keep our food supply safe.”
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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San Antonio Businessman Brian Alfaro Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison on Mail Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 51-year-old Brian Alfaro, owner of Primera Energy, LLC, to 121 months in federal prison for scheming to defraud investors in his company, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered that Alfaro pay $9,922,428.63 in restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
On February 13, 2020, a federal jury convicted Alfaro of eight counts of mail fraud. Evidence presented during trial revealed that from January 2012 to June 2015, Alfaro offered individuals the opportunity to invest in numerous oil and gas prospects, including the Screaming Eagle 4H Prospect in Gonzales County, Screaming Eagle 6H Prospect also in Gonzales County, and Black Hawk Horizontal Buda #1 Prospect. Investors mailed investment checks to Primera in San Antonio. Alfaro told investors their monies would be used for expenses related to operation of the prospects, however, Alfaro used investor funds to support his extravagant lifestyle to include purchasing a high-end Rolex watch and numerous luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini, a Mercedes Benz and a Porsche. In addition, Alfaro purchased VIP season tickets to the San Antonio Spurs valued at approximately $100,000.
“Today’s ten-year prison sentence guarantees that Mr. Alfaro will not be driving his Lamborghini to his $100,000 VIP seats at the AT&T Center. Instead, he must work to pay back almost $10 million to the victims of his criminal scheme, while serving time in prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer. “White collar crime undermines our economy and causes real damage to real people.”
Many of the victims in this case were retired or nearing retirement and the loss of the investment wiped out their retirement. One victim, a 76-year-old widow, had been using her investment to supplement her social security. She has now been forced to go back to work. A couple, who fell victims to Alfaro’s scheme, had saved up approximately $100,000 over 35 years. They have a daughter with disabilities that will require her to receive care for the rest of her life. The couple invested their entire savings hoping to expand the nest egg that they were building to provide care for their daughter after they pass away. That is all now gone. Many victims had to delay or rethink retirement plans as well as college plans for children and grandchildren.
“Alfaro convinced his victims to invest their hard earned money in profitable oil and gas ventures, but he stole their money and used it to finance an extravagant lifestyle,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs. “While some of his victims were wealthy investors, others trusted Alfaro with their entire life savings and will likely struggle financially for the rest of their lives. The sentence handed down today should serve as a warning to others who seek to victimize and betray investors in our community.”
USA Sofer commended the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation agents who investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory J. Surovic, Fidel Esparza, III, and Robert Almonte who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Salinas Norteño Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for His Participation in Federal RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Johnny Magdaleno, a/k/a “Soldier Boy,” was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for his federal RICO conspiracy conviction, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. Magdaleno was a high-ranking Norteño gang member who orchestrated and participated in multiple attempted murders in the Monterey County Jail.Magdaleno, 33, of Salinas, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2020, to a RICO conspiracy charge and admitted in his plea agreement to being a member of the Nuestra Familia/Salinas Norteños, known legally as an enterprise. The enterprise consisted of members and associates of the Nuestra Familia prison gang as well as Norteño street gangs in Salinas and the surrounding areas. Norteño gang members pledge their allegiance and loyalty to Nuestra Familia and are instructed on its rules, rituals, and obligations. Members agree to commit crimes such as murder, narcotics trafficking, and other acts of violence as a pattern of their racketeering activity.
Gang rules and discipline are maintained by threatening and assaulting those individuals who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Inside prisons and local jails, all members and associates of Nuestra Familia and the Norteños work together to maintain the structure and follow the rules of the enterprise.
In his plea agreement, Magdaleno admitted that while in jail he conspired with enterprise members to commit murder by approving “removals” of inmates as a means of enforcing the gang’s most important rules. The term “removal” refers to a weapons-based assault designed to remove (from both the custodial housing unit and the gang itself) a member of the gang who committed a serious violation of the gang’s rules. A removal is accomplished by having one or more “hitters” stab the victim and then having at least two “bombers” assault the target by punching and kicking the victim. The purpose of the subsequent bombers’ beating is to inflict maximum injury on the victim while giving time to the hitters to wash blood off of themselves and to get rid of the weapons.
Magdaleno admitted that during the RICO conspiracy period he was a high-ranking member of the Norteños group called La Casa. In that role, he had the power, authority, and responsibility to authorize removals in the Monterey County Jail. Magdaleno admitted that while in custody at the Monterey County jail he committed the following removals:o On December 2, 2012, Magdaleno orchestrated and directly participated in the removal of an inmate referred to as Victim-1 by stabbing Victim-1 in the chest and back over 20 times. Immediately thereafter two bombers punched and kicked the victim to inflict maximum damage and to allow Magdaleno to escape from being caught with the stabbing weapon by guards.
o On February 25, 2013, Magdaleno orchestrated and directly participated in the removal of Victim-2 by first giving marijuana to the victim so that he would let his guard down and then stabbing the victim in the head with a shank made from an electrical outlet plate sharpened into a stabbing instrument. Three bombers then punched and kicked the victim to allow Magdaleno to take the shank away. Magdaleno disposed of the shank and returned to join the bombers in beating Victim-2.
o On April 29, 2013, Magdaleno orchestrated the removal of Victim-3 by falsely assuring him that he would not be harmed if he returned to his housing pod and by directing others also to assure the victim of his safety. During the ensuing removal, Victim-3 was stabbed in the head several times by a hitter using a metal shank and punched and kicked by bombers to allow the hitter to dispose of the shank.
o On November 13, 2013, Magdaleno orchestrated the removal of Victim-6 that resulted in the hitter stabbing Victim-6 in the head, torso, and arms approximately ten times and two bombers setting upon the victim, punching and kicking him.
o On April 14, 2014, Magdaleno orchestrated and directly participated in the removal of Victim-7 in the Monterey County Jail Main Yard by stabbing the inmate in the head and thereafter joining two bombers in punching and kicking the victim.
Magdaleno further admitted to overseeing and actively participating in a narcotics distribution conspiracy within Monterey County Jail.
Magdaleno and 14 other Norteño gang members were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 27, 2018. They were charged with one count of a RICO racketeering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d); one count of conspiracy to commit attempted murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5); and one count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6). In addition, some of the defendants, but not Magdaleno, were charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) and assault with a dangerous weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3).
To date, 11 of the charged defendants have pleaded guilty and nine have been sentenced, while four defendants remain scheduled for a trial set to commence on August 30, 2021. Each of the 11 defendants listed below pleaded guilty to a RICO conspiracy, and their status is as follows:
Defendant
Date of Sentencing
Sentence
JOHNNY MAGDALENO, a/k/a “Soldier Boy”
November 10, 2020
30 years in prison
RODNEY LUIS ROMERO,
a/k/a “Speedy”
November 17, 2020
TBD – pending sentencing
RAMON MONTOYA, a/k/a “Ray Ray”
October 27, 2020
10 years in prison
MICHAEL JAMES RICE,
a/k/a “Redwood”
March 3, 2020
156 months in prison
ALEJO ALEX ALEGRE, IV,
a/k/a “Chino”
October 13, 2020
10 years in prison
CARLOS CERVANTES, a/k/a “Lil Huero”
September 22, 2020
10 years in prison
ALBERTO MORENO,
a/k/a “Doughboy”
January 7, 2020
7 years in prison
STEVEN ANTHONY DORADO,
a/k/a “Castro”
July 14, 2020
7 years in prison
JEFFREY LOPEZ,
a/k/a “T-Bone”
May 11, 2020
7 years in prison
JUAN ALVAREZ,
a/k/a “Chucky”
January 5, 2021
TBD – pending sentencing
ERIK LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Bimbo”
August 18, 2020
10 years in prison
The sentence for Magdaleno was handed down today by The Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, U.S. District Court Judge, following a guilty plea on one count of engaging in a racketeering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d). Judge Freeman also sentenced the defendant to a five year period of supervised release following release from prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia Quiroz and Stephen Meyer are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the Salinas Police Department, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Roma man heads to prison for transporting cocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old South Texas man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute a large amount of narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Andres Garza pleaded guilty Sept. 2.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Garza to serve a 37-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
On March 23, Garza attempted to enter the United States via the Roma Port of Entry, driving a GMC Sierra truck. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the presence of concealed narcotics. Authorities ultimately found cocaine, weighing approximately 4.06 kilograms, taped inside Garza’s vehicle.
At the time of his plea, he admitting he knew there were narcotics in his vehicle and expected to be paid money for transporting them.
Garza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Blake Land prosecuted the case.
Rincon man faces federal charges for aiming laser at commercial aircraftRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: An Effingham County resident has been indicted on federal charges for aiming a powerful laser at commercial aircraft.
Roger Floyd Hendricks, 48, of Rincon, was indicted by a U.S. District Court grand jury on three counts of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison and substantial fines, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a prank; it’s incredibly dangerous and stupid,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “The FBI did an outstanding job of locating and stopping this threat to hundreds of Savannah air travelers.”
The Federal Aviation Administration contacted the FBI in February for assistance in locating the source of three separate green laser strikes on aircraft inbound to the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. According to the indictment, those strikes included:
- A Nov. 27, 2019 strike on Commutair flight 4935 from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145, has a capacity of more than 50 passengers and crew and landed safely.
- A Dec. 8, 2019 strike on Delta flight 697 from Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, has a capacity of up to nearly 200 passengers and crew and landed safely. And,
- A Jan. 14, 2020 strike on NetJets flight 385 from Chicago Midway International Airport. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Sovereign, has a capacity of eight passengers plus crew and landed safely.
Hendricks was charged after he was identified in the FBI investigation.
In the past year, the FAA reports that nationwide there were more than 6,000 laser strikes on aircraft in United States airspace.
“Aiming a laser at an airplane is not a game, it’s a federal felony and something the FBI takes very seriously,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These alleged actions placed the lives of innocent air travelers and commercial airline crews in danger and must be prosecuted.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Joshua S. Bearden.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Second Degree Murder and Using Firearm During Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Joshua Walking Eagle, age 31, was indicted on September 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 5, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 29, 2020, in Rosebud, South Dakota, Walking Eagle killed a man by shooting him with a shotgun.
The charges are merely accusations and Walking Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 its 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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Walking Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 5, 2021.
Quincy Real Estate Broker Indicted for Real Estate Deposit ScamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy real estate broker was charged today for his role in a scheme to falsely market properties that were not for sale, or had already been sold, to steal real estate deposits.
Michael P. Flavin, 38, was charged with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges that between 2017 and April 2020, Flavin solicited deposits on real estate transactions by marketing numerous real estate properties that were not actually for sale. In each case, Flavin executed purchase and sale agreements and received deposit checks from or on behalf of the potential buyers, even though the actual owners of the properties had not agreed to sell them, or to sell them to those buyers. Flavin forged the signatures of the sellers on the purported purchase and sale agreements. All told, Flavin allegedly cashed more than 60 deposit checks totaling approximately $1.8 million.
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 $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year 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 and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Peach Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Yesterday, Michael Gilbert Butler, Sr., 45, of Peach Springs, Arizona, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Butler previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On August 26, 2018, Butler stabbed the victim, causing serious bodily injuries. Butler, a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, committed the assault on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The victim is a member of the Navajo Nation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hualapai Nation Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08147-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-098_Butler# # #
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.Parkersburg Man Sentenced on Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Sean Anthony Nalle, 35, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for walking away from a halfway house earlier this year. The six month term of imprisonment is to run consecutively to Nalle’s 2015 federal sentence.
“Never a good idea,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Walking away from a halfway house only gets you more time in federal prison.”
Nalle previously pled guilty and admitted that in February 2020, he left Dismas Charities, Inc., a Bureau of Prisons residential reentry facility, without permission and did not return. He had been confined at Dismas because of a previous federal gun crime conviction.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Negar Kordestani handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00089.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Online fraudster sentenced to prison for $700K “spoof” email scheme and moreRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 65-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to conspiring to commit money laundering for his role in a complex email fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kenenty Kim aka Myung Kim, of Firecrest, Washington, pleaded guilty June 2.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks handed Kim a 108-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay restitution of $745,540.70. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from witnesses describing the harm Kim’s actions caused to them. One described not only the harm caused to his company financially, but also the toll on his employees, relationships with other victims and effects on his and his workers’ personal lives. An attorney described the effect that this scheme had on his practice and noted how much more damaging this crime is for a sole practitioner such as himself rather than a large-sized firm.
In handing down the sentence, the court called Kim was a “fraudster” and a “con man.” Judge Hanks stated he did not believe Kim was sincere in his apology to the victims and only sorry for being caught.
“Business email compromise (BEC) is a pervasive threat and one of the most financially damaging online crimes,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner. “It exploits the fact that so many of us rely on email to conduct business—both personal and professional. In this case, one of the victim companies notified law enforcement and the FBI was able to unmask Kim and put an end to his years-long theft and fraud.”
Kim engaged in a business email compromise scheme using “spoof” email addresses which have similar names to legitimate email accounts he hacked. He would then use the addresses to create fictitious transactions or to hijack legitimate transactions to convince a victim company or individual to send funds to a bank account Kim actually controlled.
For example, Kim created a spoof email account for a Pinehurst-based construction company. He then used that account to convince another company, based in Huntsville, to send over $200,000 to them. In reality, the account where they sent the funds was actually an account Kim controlled. He then took that money and moved it through several different bank accounts before placing it in an offshore account.
Kim also engaged in the same conduct against the parent company of several major appliance companies. Kim created a spoof account of one of its vendors and used it to convince the company to send more than $300,000 to what it thought was a vendor. The account was actually set up for a different shell company Kim created with a similar name. Again, Kim took that money and eventually placed it in an offshore account.
The court had also heard about Kim’s numerous credit card fraud and other schemes. In some of those, Kim created a system to process credit card payments. He would then obtain a victim’s personal identifying information and charge over $10,000 on their credit cards. Kim also had 36 different credit cards in a variety of names, four different Social Security numbers, two dates of birth, 11 different overlapping addresses and a prior real estate license suspension for engaging in fraud.
Another spoof email scheme victimized a medical device company for which Kim used an address at a Washington hotel known as a “drug den.” In yet another scheme, Kim promised to make individuals a million dollars flipping houses when, in fact, the houses he listed were not even for sale.
Kim acknowledged he gained over $700,000 from his various fraud schemes.
Kim has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.
Oklahoma Woman Sentenced on Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lawton, Oklahoma, woman convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 5, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jessi Barrera, age 34, was sentenced to time served equaling 150 days in tribal custody and 17 days in federal custody, one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Barrera was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. She pled guilty on November 5, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 7, 2019, wherein Barrera was involved in a traffic stop in a rural area on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Officers searched the vehicle and recovered a scale, pipes, baggies, butane fluid and butane torch, rolling papers, a marijuana grinder, syringes and a small amount of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
New York Man Admits Illegal Sale of Unregistered Pesticide Imported from Nigeria to Individuals Throughout United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted to knowingly distributing and selling to individuals throughout the United States an unregistered pesticide imported from Nigeria, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito, announced.
Jude Chukwuebuka Amadike, 62, of Elmont, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of knowingly distributing or selling an unregistered pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
According to court documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
FIFRA provides for federal regulation of pesticide distribution, sale, and use to ensure that pesticides sold in the United States are safe, effective, and bear labeling containing true and accurate information. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility under FIFRA to regulate the manufacture, labeling, and distribution of all pesticides shipped or received in interstate commerce. All pesticides must be registered with the EPA before the pesticide can be sold or distributed, and no person may distribute or sell a pesticide that has not been registered with the EPA.
From Sept. 15, 2016, through Nov. 14, 2018, Amadike sold an unregistered pesticide called Sniper DDVP on Amazon and eBay to customers in at least 22 states, including New Jersey. The investigation into these sales revealed that the defendant procured this pesticide by importing it from a Nigerian supplier. One such purchase in December 2017 revealed an import of approximately 798 pounds of Sniper DDVP.
On Nov.14, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Amadike’s home and recovered 1,728 bottles of the unregistered pesticide. Laboratory testing of samples taken from these bottles revealed each sampled bottle to contain the chemical dichlorvos, which has been classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen.
The illegal sale of an unregistered pesticide carries a statutory maximum prison sentence of one year and a fine of up to $25,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tyler C. Amon; special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Troy Miller, Director of Field Operations, New York Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason P. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney's Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
New Jersey man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyle Flack, of Camden, New Jersey, has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Flack, 37, pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Flack admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl from June to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Flack faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Nebraska Man Indicted for Assault and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lincoln, Nebraska, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender.
Dwaine Walter Little Elk, age 35, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 5, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five up to thirty years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 20, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Little Elk assaulted an individual with a bat with the intent to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleges, the following day, on June 21, 2020, Little Elk assaulted another individual with a sharp-edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm, and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
Little Elk was convicted of Attempted 1st Degree Assault of a Child in April 2008. As a result of this conviction, Little Elk is classified as a Tier III Sex Offender and is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his natural life. As a result, the Indictment alleges that between June 17, 2020, and August 11, 2020, Little Elk failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration, and that he committed the assaults while failing to register as a sex offender.
The charges are merely accusations and Little Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Little Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Multiple defendants indicted on charges including illegal firearms possession in continuation of collaborative law enforcement strategyRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Twelve defendants face federal felony charges related to illegal firearms possession after their indictments by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
Those charged include multiple convicted felons, many of them on state probation for previous weapons or drug charges. The cases are investigated under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).
“Our office continues to hammer home a message that we will not tolerate illegal firearms possession, particularly by convicted felons, drug traffickers and gang members,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “In collaboration with the ATF and other law enforcement partners, we will work to make our communities safer.”
Those named in federal indictments from the November term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- Marcus Joseph Everett, 42, of Augusta, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Everett was charged May 8, 2020, after Richmond County Sheriff’s investigators found cocaine, marijuana and two pistols during a search of his apartment.
- Matthew Kyle Brazell, 33, of Grovetown, Ga., charged with Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, a charge resulting from Brazell’s prior conviction on a crime of domestic violence. Brazell was charged after a traffic stop June 30, 2020, when Grovetown Department of Public Safety officers found drugs and a firearm in his vehicle.
- Joe Lewis Hills, a/k/a “Polo,” a/k/a “David Owens,” 32, and Edward Albert Brown, 28, both of Augusta. Hills is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, while Brown is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Both were arrested July 29, 2019, after Richmond County Sheriff’s investigators searched their vehicle and a hotel room rented to Hills and found drugs, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle.
- Nasir Perez, 18, of Orlando, Fla., charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User. Georgia State Patrol troopers stopped Perez for driving more than 100 mph at about 2 a.m. July 22, 2020, while northbound on I-95 in Pooler, Ga. While searching Perez’s vehicle, troopers found drugs and drug sales paraphernalia, five pistols, more than 1,000 bullets, more than $3,300 in cash, and a bullet-proof vest.
- Jervario Melton, 28, of Kingsland, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Melton was found in possession of a firearm during an Aug. 28, 2020, traffic stop by Port Wentworth police.
- Michael Alvin Jackson, 43, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jackson was charged Aug. 11, 2019, when a pistol fell from his waistband as he fled from Savannah Police officers.
- Curtavious Bonner, 29, of Thomson, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Bonner was charged July 17, 2019, when Thomson Police officers checking on suspicious activity outside a residence found two pistols in Bonner’s vehicle.
- Dequan Beniman, 26, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers investigating a disturbance at a grocery store arrested Beniman after a brief foot chase and found two pistols in his possession.
- Cameron Wills, 27, of Claxton, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Wills was charged June 20, 2020, when Evans County Sheriff’s deputies and Claxton Police officers investigating a domestic disturbance at Wills’ residence heard a gunshot and found him in the yard holding a pistol.
- Tyron Newman, 38, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was charged Oct. 30, 2019, by Chatham County Police officers.
- Bryant Young, 25, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was arrested July 16, 2019, by Savannah Police officers responding to a report of a man with a firearm
“Gun violence has negatively impacted the lives of far too many people in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “This type of violence is more likely to happen when guns are in the hands of individuals willing to obtain and/or use them illegally. This inter-agency collaboration and the resulting arrests go a long way to toward addressing gun violence by removing from our streets firearms and those willing to obtain them illegally and potentially use them.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison terms for crimes including illegal firearms possession.
- Raphael Smith, 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Smith, a member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang who had two pistols in his possession, was arrested Sept. 2, 2019, during a traffic stop by Port Wentworth Police officers, and subsequently charged in regard to a Savannah Police Department investigation several days earlier in which Smith was suspected of firing shots into a man’s residence. At the time of his arrest, Smith was on state probation after his release from a prison sentence on charges of robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
- Devonte Brown, 28, of Augusta, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brown, a member of the Bolt Drive Alley Boyz criminal street gang, was arrested Dec. 4, 2019, during a traffic stop when Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies found him in possession of a pistol. Brown has multiple prior felony convictions including charges involving drugs and firearms.
- Phillip Dayan Burke, 23, of Savannah, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Burke was arrested July 24, 2019, when Savannah Police officers found a pistol in his waistband during a traffic stop. Burke at the time was under indictment on state charges for fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, and possession of a weapon in a school zone. Those charges are pending.
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 Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Georgia State Patrol; the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Evans County Sheriff’s Office; the Claxton Police Department; the Port Wentworth Police Department; the Grovetown Department of Public Safety; the Pooler Police Department; and the Thomson 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; Alejandro V. Pascual IV; Jennifer G. Solari; Joshua Bearden; Jennifer Stanley; Steven Lee; Jennifer Kirkland; Joseph McCool; John P. Harper III; and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron Hubbard.
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.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Brownlee, age 42, of Long Pond, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on November 5, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for possessing child pornography.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Brownlee previously pleaded guilty to using cell phones and laptop computers to access images and videos of child pornography. Brownlee committed the offense between August 2017 and April 2018, in Monroe County. Brownlee committed the offense after having previously been convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography in 2012.
Judge Mannion also ordered Brownlee to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence, undergo sex offender treatment, and to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Mitchell Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on November 5, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
John Willard Arcoren, III, age 40, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by eight months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Arcoren was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2020. He pled guilty on August 31, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 14, 2020, when Arcoren did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Arcoren was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Miami Couple Charged in $3.3M Scheme to Defraud Verizon WirelessRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A couple from Miami, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on September 23, 2020, named Samuel T. Johnson, 31, and Daphne Debrosse, 30, as defendants.
According to the Indictment and information presented to the court, Johnson, Debrosse, and others conspired to defraud Verizon Wireless by fraudulently obtaining new, in-box cellular devices and reselling them on the illicit market. Through various means, Johnson was able to compromise existing Verizon accounts and charge the various devices to them. Johnson also created fraudulent accounts and charged devices to those as well. Afterwards, Johnson, Debrosse, and other others would retrieve the purloined devices from various Apple Stores and other third-party vendors, located throughout the United States. Johnson, Debrosse, and others would then resell them.
According to information presented in court, the conspiracy illegally obtained approximately 2,941 devices worth approximately $3,398,394.21. The devices were purchased in the names of various aliases. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the apartment Johnson and Debrosse shared, they recovered currency totaling $619,184.00, which was seized. Law enforcement also initiated forfeiture proceedings against a 2019 Lamborghini Urus that Johnson had purchased on the grounds that it had been bought with illegal proceeds. The court also received information that Johnson and Debrosse conspired to commit money laundering by depositing the fraud proceeds into 13 different bank accounts. Between January 2017 and April 2019, a total of $813,227.59 was deposited into the accounts. Johnson used some this money to further the wire fraud conspiracy to pay for traveling expenses when he retrieved the illegally obtained cellular devices. The court received information that Johnson traveled to 21 different states during the conspiracy’s existence to obtain the phones.
At the conclusion of a detention hearing held on November 5, 2020, Chief United States Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan in the Southern District of Florida ruled that Johnson was to be detained pending trial on the grounds that he constituted a flight risk
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $6,796,788.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of Verizon Global Corporate Security Solutions and Apple Global Security Loss Prevention, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Meadville Resident Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Nathan L. Troup, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Troup attempted to induce, entice and persuade an undercover investigator posing as a fifteen year old male to engage in illegal sexual activity and then traveled to Ohio for the purpose of meeting the purported fifteen year old for illegal sexual activity. Troup also sent pictures of his exposed penis to the undercover investigator posing as a fifteen year old.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Managers of Queens Business Charged with Selling Ineffective Covid-19 Air SanitizerRead the Press Release
This afternoon, in federal court in Brooklyn, Po Shan Wong and Zhen Wu of JCD Distribution Inc. (JCD) will make their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara on a criminal complaint charging the defendants with selling “Virus Shut Out Cards,” which they marketed as air sanitizers designed to kill the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but which have not been demonstrated to be effective in treating or preventing the virus. Specifically, the defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute and sell one or more pesticides that are not registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and that are adulterated or misbranded. The defendants surrendered to authorities this morning.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), and Tyler Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States.Environmental Protection Agency, New York Region (EPA), announced the arrests.
As alleged in the complaint, between May 2020 and July 2020, Po Shan Wong served as the General Manager, and Zhen Wu served as Sales Manager at JCD which maintained a business address in College Point, Queens. During that time, the defendants and JCD advertised “Virus Shut Out Cards” on the company’s website and Facebook page, and marketed and sold these products to customers by phone, making various untested claims regarding the effectiveness of the cards. For example, JCD’s Facebook page claimed that the cards emit chlorine dioxide and, thereby, serve as “portable space disinfection and sterilization cards” with a “sterilization rate at 99%.” In fact, chlorine dioxide—a gas—is a bleaching agent and a pesticide as defined by Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
JCD’s Facebook page also contained images that depicted a blue card, approximately the size of a credit card, being used by children and adults. For example, the images showed the blue card worn on a lanyard around a woman’s neck, hung from the lapel of a man’s suit jacket, hung from the pocket of a medical doctor’s white coat, attached to a boy’s backpack and a girl’s stroller, and attached to computer monitors. JCD’s Facebook page also claimed that the cards “replace masks.” JCD sold the cards in minimum quantities of 50, charging $9.50 per card.
Random samples of the “Virus Shut Out Cards” were tested by the EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center and found to contain sodium chlorite in amounts sufficient to convert into chlorine dioxide when exposed to the water vapor and carbon dioxide in the air. Breathing air with sufficiently high concentrations of chlorine dioxide may cause difficulty breathing, irritation in the nose, throat and lungs, shortness of breath, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
“The brazenly false claims allegedly promoted by the defendants about their product potentially endangered the public not only by claiming to protect against the Covid-19 virus, but also by exposing users to the health hazard posed by a misbranded pesticide,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “The Department of Justice is working closely with its law enforcement partners to protect the public from those who exploit the global pandemic to enrich themselves.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has opened a flood gate of fraudsters whose only goal is to take advantage of the public with bogus and unsubstantiated claims of virus protection products, such as this one. Consumers should be skeptical of any device, elixir, lotion or potion claiming to prevent or cure COVID-19 because to date, there is no such product. Postal Inspectors are working hard to stop these fraudsters in their tracks,” stated USPIS Inspector-in- Charge Bartlett.
“American consumers continue to be at risk from the illegal sale of products making bogus claims about effectiveness against viruses,” stated EPA Special Agent-in-Charge Amon. “EPA and our law enforcement partners will continue focusing our efforts on stopping these illegal sales and holding criminal opportunists accountable for their actions. Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of EPA approved disinfectant products.”
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, they face up to one year in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank A. Cavanagh and Rachel A. Bennek are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
PO SHAN WONG
Age: 55
Jericho, New YorkZHEN WU
Age: 35
Flushing, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-MJ-1054
Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Stafford man and Herndon woman pleaded guilty today to charges arising from the recovery of a firearm and cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, during the execution of a search warrant in Prince William County.
According to court documents, Christopher John Davis, Jr., 25, and Kenya Johnson, 25, conspired with each other and others to distribute cocaine base between June 2019 and October 2019. On Sept. 24, 2019, Davis and Johnson were together inside an apartment in Prince William County. At that time, Davis and Johnson possessed with intent to distribute approximately 7.2 grams of cocaine base and a firearm, which were recovered by law enforcement officers during the execution of a search warrant of the apartment.
Davis pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
Davis and Johnson are scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2021. Davis faces up to life in prison and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. Johnson faces up to 40 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Jarad L. Phelps, Acting Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Smalky and Cristina Stam are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-197.
Man Sentenced for Possessing Significant Quantities of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 600 grams of crack cocaine.
According to court documents, Paul Cosmos Voskanyan, 35, had been wanted on felony warrants out of Virginia Beach since February 2018. In April 2019, members of the Virginia Beach Police Department tracked Voskanyan to a hotel in the City of Chesapeake. Chesapeake SWAT officers responded to assist with the arrest. Voskanyan eventually exited the hotel and made his way towards an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot. Knowing his tendency to flee, officers moved in to take him into custody before he could enter the vehicle. Voskanyan tried to run and actively resisted their commands but was ultimately apprehended. Officers searched Voskanyan, a large duffel bag he had been carrying, and the vehicle he was about to enter. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 630 grams of crack cocaine, $180,000 in cash, 16 grams of marijuana, 10 cell phones, and a Glock 17 firearm.
This case is part of Operation High Tide, a proactive, large-scale narcotics trafficking and firearms investigation that focused on high-impact targets driving crime in some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in Hampton Roads.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; Paul W. Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police; and Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Bird prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-170.
MS-13 Gang Members Charged with Multiple Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal indictment was unsealed here today charging three MS-13 gang members for their roles in multiple violent crimes including a 2017 murder in Charlottesville and two 2019 attempted murders in Prince William County.
According to allegations in the indictment, Andy Tovar, 31, of White Post, was the First Word or leader of the Guanacos Lil Cycos Salvatruchas (GLCS) clique of MS-13, while Roberto Cruz Moreno, 20, of Woodbridge, was a pasa de homeboy or soldier in the GLCS clique, and Kevin Perez Sandoval, 22, of Warrenton, was an observacion or associate in the GLCS clique.
In July 2017, Tovar allegedly authorized members and associates of the GLCS clique to travel from Prince William County to Charlottesville to murder an individual the GLCS clique believed was a rival gang member. At Tovar’s direction, on or about July 3, 2017, four members of the GLCS clique stabbed Victim-1 to death over 140 times using knives and a machete before they dumped Victim-1’s body in a river, burned his car, and fled back to Prince William County.
In March 2019, Cruz Moreno allegedly picked up three other members or associates of GLCS and Victim-2 and drove them to an isolated wooded area in Bristow, where one associate of GLCS shot Victim-2 multiple times and another associate of GLCS stabbed Victim-2 because members and associates of GLCS believed Victim-2 was disrespecting MS-13. Following the attempted murder, Cruz Moreno fled the scene with the three other GLCS participants and drove them to his residence.
In April 2019, local law enforcement officers in Fairfax County allegedly found Cruz Moreno, an illegal alien, in possession of the same firearm used to shoot Victim-2, and several grams of packaged cocaine in his vehicle with three other associates of GLCS. Cruz Moreno obtained the cocaine from Tovar and had been selling the cocaine on behalf of the clique earlier that day.
In August 2019, members and associates of GLCS identified Victim-3 as a rival gang member living in GLCS controlled territory and Tovar allegedly authorized members and associates of GLCS to kill Victim-3. On Aug. 12, 2019, Perez Sandoval and two members or associates of GLCS observed Victim-3 at a laundromat in Manassas and sought Tovar’s permission to kill Victim-3 at the laundromat. After Tovar allegedly granted permission to conduct the killing at the laundromat, Perez Sandoval drove the two members or associates of MS-13 to retrieve a firearm, and back to the laundromat area where Victim-3 was shot before Perez Sandoval drove them from the scene of the shooting.
Name, Age
Hometown
Charges
Andy Tovar, 31
White Post
Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11
Roberto Cruz Moreno, 20
Woodbridge
Counts 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12-14
Kevin Perez Sandoval, 22
Warrenton
Counts 1, 4, 7, 9, 11
Count
Charge
1
Conspiracy to Participate in a Racketeering Enterprise
2-4
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering Activity
5
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
6, 7
Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering Activity
8, 9
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering Activity
10, 11
Using and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
12
Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
13
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
14
Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien
Tovar, Cruz Moreno, and Perez Sandoval each face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; John J. Durham, Director of the Justice Department’s Joint Task Force Vulcan; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; Ron L. Lantz, Chief of Albemarle County Police; Douglas W. Keen, Chief of Manassas City Police; Jarad L. Phelps, Acting Chief of Prince William County Police; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police; Michael P. Kochis, Chief of Warrenton Police; and Robert P. Mosier, Fauquier County Sheriff, made the announcement.
This case was brought by the Eastern District of Virginia in coordination with JTFV. In August 2019, Attorney General William Barr created JTFV to carry out the recommendations of the MS-13 subcommittee formed under the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, which was the result of President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order directing the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, such as MS-13, and restore safety for the American people. The principal purpose of JTFV is to coordinate and lead the efforts of the Justice Department and United States law enforcement agencies against MS-13 in order to dismantle the group.
JTFV has successfully implemented the whole-of-government approach to law enforcement relating to MS-13; increased coordination and collaboration with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala; designated priority MS-13 programs, cliques and leaders, who have the most impact on the United States for targeted prosecutions; and coordinated significant MS-13 indictments in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. In addition, all Department of Justice law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort – the FBI; DEA; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Marshals Service; and the Bureau of Prisons. The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations has also played a critical role in JTFV.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas U. Murphy II and Nicholas J. Patterson are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-18.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.