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Thursday 5 November 2020
Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Grow 8,656 Marijuana Plants in Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced two Mexican nationals today for a conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, marijuana cultivation in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and depredation of federal lands and resources, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Armando Vargas Garcia, 38, of Mexico, and Eduardo Montero Aleman, 38, of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, were each sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay $34,931 in restitution for the damage caused to the land by the cultivation in the National Forest.
According to court documents, between Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, the defendants were involved in the cultivation of 8,656 marijuana plants in the Big Mountain area in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Two compound archery bows, nine arrows, and 42 rounds of hollow-point .22-caliber ammunition were discovered on the site. Officers also discovered bottles of carbofuran, a toxic pesticide, which is banned in the United States.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
Two Pinellas County Men Sentenced in Timeshare ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Ronald Carapellucci (51, Clearwater) to six years in federal prison and Manuel Parrado (47, St. Petersburg) to two years and six months in federal prison for their participation in a property-sale fraud scheme. Carapellucci and Manuel had pleaded guilty in July 2020.
According to court records, from 2015 through at least 2018, Carapellucci and Parrado conspired with others to take money from victims throughout the United States who wanted to sell their timeshare or other properties. Carapellucci, Parrado, and other conspirators placed telephone calls to these victims impersonating attorneys and real estate professionals. They misled the timeshare owners to believe that the conspirators had identified buyers for the victims’ timeshares and other properties. The conspirators further advised the victims that the timeshare and property sales could be consummated if the victims made one or more advanced payments to the conspirators for various fees purportedly associated with the sales, such as closing costs, courier services, title searches, transfer fees, and legal fees. Once the victims agreed to pay the bogus fees, the conspirators directed the victims to send funds via wire transfers to one of the conspirators. That conspirator then withdrew the fraud proceeds and shared them with the others, based upon each conspirator’s role in the fraudulent transaction. The conspirators often repeatedly re-contacted their victims and fraudulently advised them that additional fees were needed in order to complete the sales, and they continued to dupe the victims into sending bogus advance fees until the victims either ran out of money or became aware of the scam.
Several related defendants have pleaded guilty to charges related to this property-sale fraud scheme:
Name
Charge
Sentence
Gary Kinard
Wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft
7 years and 11 months in prison
Martin Steele
Wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft
7 years and 5 months in prison
Mark Boring
Wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft
7 years in prison
Richard Bell
Money laundering conspiracy
3 years and 4 months in prison
Jeffrey Grospitch
Wire fraud conspiracy
2 years and 3 months in prison
David Bell
Money laundering conspiracy
2 years and 3 months in prison
Joseph Willett
Money laundering conspiracy
2 years and 3 months in prison
Donald Seimo
Money laundering conspiracy
18 months in prison
Kevin McGarry
Money laundering conspiracy
18 months in prison
Bryan English
Money laundering conspiracy
12 months in prison
Phillip Torres
Money laundering conspiracy
Five years’ probation
Michael Levan
Money laundering conspiracy
Five years’ probation
Troy Cater
Money laundering conspiracy
Five years’ probation
Paul Wagner
Money laundering conspiracy
Sentence pending
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel K. Jones.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Police Officers over FacebookRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jhajuan Sabb, age 21, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to threatening to attack the Troy Police Department during a June 2020 demonstration.
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).
In pleading guilty, Sabb admitted to making Facebook Live recordings on June 5, 2020 in which he threatened to throw bricks at the Troy Police building and vehicles. Sabb also threatened to use a vehicle to run over police officers.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2021. Sabb, who has been in custody since June 6, faces up to 5 years in prison, to be followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. 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 FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Troy Police Department and New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Three Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced three individuals for trafficking methamphetamine in Catawba County, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Chha Chham, 43, of Mooresville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Kong Sayavong, 40, of Visalia, California, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Hannah Olivia Secrest, 23, of Morganton, North Carolina, was sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to filed court documents and statements made in court, from 2018 to September 2019, Chham, Sayavong, and Secrest, were involved in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in Catawba County and elsewhere. Court records show that Chham was the leader of the drug conspiracy, and obtained the methamphetamine from a supply source in California. According to court records, co-conspirator David Alexander Moralez, Jr. worked at a shipping company in California as a mail clerk, and was responsible for mailing packages containing methamphetamine from California to traffickers on the East Coast, including Chham. Sayavong and Secrest were Chham’s local drug distributors. Sayavong was also responsible for arranging drug shipments with Moralez, and Secrest frequently picked up the packages shipped by Moralez and collected drug proceeds for Chham. According to court records, Chham, Sayavong, and Secrest sent drug proceeds back to California via Walmart-to-Walmart transfers and bank deposits, to pay for, among other things, Moralez’s fees and expenses.
Chham, Sayavong and Secrest previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sayavong also pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 21, 2020, a federal jury convicted Moralez of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and money laundering conspiracy. Moralez is currently awaiting sentencing.
Today’s sentences are the result of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation codenamed “Dixie Crystal.” According to court documents, since 2015, more than 200 individuals have been prosecuted and law enforcement has seized far in excess of 120 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, $1,000,000 in U.S. currency and other assets, and dozens of firearms. OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the following agencies for their investigative efforts which led to the prosecution of this case: ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte; HSI in Greenville and Nashville; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte Field Office; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Charlotte; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office; the Boone Police Department; the Burke County Sheriff’s Office; the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office; the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office; the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Davie County Sheriff’s Office; the Gaston County Police Department; the Gastonia Police Department; the Huntersville Police Department; the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; the Hickory Police Department; the Johnson County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Mooresville Police Department; the Newton Police Department; the Longview Police Department; the Morganton Department of Public Safety; the Rutherford County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; and the Troutman Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Three Foreign Nationals Facing Federal Indictment in Maryland for $3.5 Million Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted three foreign nationals residing in Baltimore County for a bank fraud scheme in which the defendants and their co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain more than $3.5 million. The defendants, Damilola Lawal, a/k/a DML, D Baba, and Dami, age 31, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, Idowu Ademola Raji, a/k/a ID, King Soso, and James, age 39, of Pikesville, Maryland; and Akolade Ojo, a/k/a Kola and Boogz, age 30, of Owings Mills, Maryland are charged with a federal wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, passport fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was returned on October 26, 2020, and was unsealed at their initial appearances late on November 4, 2020.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Special Agent in Charge Edwin Guard of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.
According to the 12-count indictment, from August 2018 and continuing until October 26, 2020, the defendants conspired with Adewumi Abioye, Hameed Adesokan, Lukman Salam, and another person to defraud victim businesses and victim financial institutions. Specifically, the indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators used false, forged, and counterfeited passports and other identification documents that contained the facial images of co-conspirators but not their real names. They used the forged documents to create limited liability companies, and to open fraudulent bank accounts, often where the only authorized signatory was an alias or stolen identity used by the defendants and their co-conspirators. The defendants and their co-conspirators used a messaging app to communicate the timing of financial transactions, including directing members of the conspiracy regarding the deposit, withdrawal, transfer, and conversion of fraudulently obtained funds.
For example, as detailed in the indictment, on September 17, 2019, a co-conspirator sent a victim a fraudulent e-mail purporting to be from the victim’s attorney, advising the victim to send a $65,000 wire transfer to an account controlled by Salam as part of a real estate purchase. Lawal used the messaging app to send photographs and messages to Salam to show that the victim was making the wire transfer and listed a reference number. Once the funds had arrived in the account, Lawal instructed Salam to obtain a cashier’s check and make cash withdrawals so Salam could pay some of the cash to Lawal. Similarly, the indictment alleges that between October 5, 2018 and October 9, 2018, Salam engaged in numerous financial transactions at Raji’s direction, after a co-conspirator fraudulently obtained $390,000 from a victim business by sending the victim business e-mails purporting to come from an employee of one of the victim business’ service providers and requesting that payment be wired to an account in the name of Salam’s alias, Matthew John. Salam then allegedly purchased checks, made cash withdrawals, and engaged in ATM and point of sale transactions using a debit card, in order to obtain access to the fraudulently obtained funds and to conceal their further use.
According to the indictment, on June 11, 2019, Lawal alerted Abioye that fraud proceeds from another victim business were being sent to a bank account that Abioye had opened using a fraudulent passport in the name of Andrew Ali. The account was registered to Geotric Global LLC, and listed Andrew Ali as the only signatory. That same day, the victim business sent a $339,680.63 ACH transfer to the account, believing it was paying a legitimate services vendor after receiving fraudulent e-mails purporting to be from the vendor, and providing payment instructions. On December 30, 2019, Ojo received a $33,729 cashier’s check purchased by a co-conspirator using part of the $66,278.81 fraudulently obtained from a victim business. Ojo provided the check to Salam for deposit. Between December 2019 and January 2019, Salam engaged in multiple withdrawals from the account where the fraudulent funds were deposited and provided Ojo with a portion of the proceeds from the fraud of the victim business.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy and for each count of wire fraud. Lawal also faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for passport fraud; and Raji faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed for aggravated identity theft. 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. At today’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Boardman ordered that that all three defendants be detained pending a detention hearing. Detention hearings for Ojo and Lawal are scheduled for November 13, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively, and a detention hearing for Raji is scheduled for November 18, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.
In a separate federal case in Maryland, Nigerian nationals Abioye, age 33, of Baltimore, and Salam, age 36, of New Jersey and Delaware, have pleaded guilty to related federal charges are awaiting sentencing. Adesokan, age 33, also of New Jersey and Delaware, is scheduled to go to trial, although no date has been set.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Dana Brusca, who are prosecuting the case.
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Texas man sentenced to prison for scheme to fraudulently bill government medical insurance programsRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for organizing a scheme that paid workers to solicit elderly and low-income residents for information used to fraudulently bill government medical programs.
Patrick Siado, 39, of Houston, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $50,075 in restitution by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison sentence, Siado must serve three years of supervised release.
“Of the nearly three dozen defendants prosecuted in the past year for health care fraud in the Southern District of Georgia, Patrick Siado represents a hands-on example of exploiting vulnerable and elderly people for illicit profit,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We’re grateful for the work of law enforcement partners, especially the Augusta District Attorney’s Office and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, for their work in protecting the citizens and their public safety net.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Siado admitted that he and unindicted co-conspirators hired individuals to solicit information and take DNA swabs from low-income and elderly residents. The individuals were paid $150 for each “patient,” with the information used by other conspirators to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Siado would then receive an illegal kickback ranging from $100 to $575 per test accepted for billing, which typically generated a claim to Medicaid of more than $30,000 each.
“There are many losers, to include every single taxpayer in this country, when individuals like Siado scheme to bilk government subsidized programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “In this case the biggest losers were the vulnerable low-income and elderly who are entitled to those funds. Along with our federal, state and local partners we are making it a priority to uncover this sort of abuse.”
“Today’s sentencing is yet another instance in which an unscrupulous player thought he could fortify his bank account at the expense of taxpayers, but he was decidedly wrong,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Our office, along with our dedicated partners, will continue in the fight to safeguard all federally funded health care programs.”
“It is unacceptable that there are those in our society who will sink to a level so low and use Georgia citizens, specifically older, at-risk adults, as pawns for their financial gain,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “I commend the Augusta District Attorney’s Office and Burke County Sheriff’s Office for their work in protecting our most vulnerable. Our Office, through the Medicaid Fraud Division, will continue to work collaboratively with U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine’s Office and all other law enforcement to safeguard our healthcare system and those that depend on it.”
The Southern District of Georgia has now charged 30 individuals and companies as part of the nationwide crackdown on fraudulent genetic testing, and prescribing of orthotic braces and pain creams, identifying more than $1.5 billion in losses to Medicare and Medicaid. Those who believe they might have been a victim of such a scheme should contact Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Thomas Clarkson at 912-652-4422.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Thomas Clarkson and Hank Syms, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Mooney.
Tampa Gift Card King Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Stephen H. McIntyre (51, Tampa) to five years and three months in federal prison for conspiring to commit money laundering. The court also ordered McIntyre to forfeit more than $690,000, a 2014 Cadillac Escalade, and other funds that are traceable to the proceeds of the money laundering conspiracy.
McIntyre had pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.
According to court documents, from March 2014 through February 2019, McIntyre operated SHM Gulf Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Tampa Gift Card King (“GCK”). Located in Tampa, GCK was a secondhand dealer where individuals sold their unused, or partially used, returned merchandise cards and retail gift cards, some of which were procured via theft or fraud, for a percentage of the cards’ face value in exchange for cash. Thereafter, McIntyre and his co-conspirators resold the returned merchandise cards and gift cards even though they knew some of the cards had been obtained via theft or fraud. McIntyre and his co-conspirators also conducted other illicit transactions involving the cards and used the proceeds for their personal enrichment.
In operating GCK, McIntyre violated certain state law requirements including operating without registering as a secondhand dealer, flouting the requirement to wait 15 days between the purchase and resale of a secondhand good, and failing to accurately report all secondhand good purchases in the designated computer database, Business Watch International. In fact, McIntyre could not register as a secondhand dealer because he has prior theft-related felony convictions that precluded such registration. When confronted by law enforcement about this fact, McIntyre orchestrated a purported sale of the GCK to a nominee owner, but he never relinquished control of the business.
McIntyre and his co-conspirators resold most of the merchandise and gift cards via online commercial platforms, direct internet sales, and other means. McIntyre generated more than $10 million in proceeds from the resales of the cards to unwitting third-party purchasers via online commercial platforms including Raise.com and CardCash.
McIntyre and co-conspirator Brandy Fuller later used the card numbers and PINs of some of the previously sold cards in order to identify residual balances on the cards. They then stole the residual balances, aggregated them, and used the proceeds to purchase new gift cards.
McIntyre and his co-conspirators used the proceeds of this fraud scheme to purchase and renovate real properties, acquire vehicles, finance business operations, and otherwise for their personal enrichment.
Fuller previously pleaded guilty to her role in this case. She was sentenced to 36 months’ probation and was ordered to pay $25,925 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke. The forfeiture was handled by AUSA Suzanne Nebesky.
Three Milwaukee Residents Sentenced for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
THREE MILWAUKEE RESIDENTS SENTENCED FOR ARMED CARJACKING
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 2, 2020, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced the last of three defendants for an Armed Carjacking that occurred in Milwaukee in August 2018. Paul E. Anderson (20) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 102 months in prison, after he pled guilty to one count of Motor Vehicle Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1), and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), which carries a seven-year mandatory minimum sentence.
One of Anderson’s co-defendants, O’Keefer Hooker (23) was sentenced to 72 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of Motor Vehicle Robbery and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence. Anderson’s other co-defendant, Asia Rogers (21), pleaded guilty to one count of Motor Vehicle Robbery and was sentenced to a time served sentence of 13 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
The sentences stem from an armed carjacking that took place in August 2018 when Anderson pointed a loaded firearm at the victim’s head and demanded her car keys. Fearing for her life, the victim handed over her keys. Anderson and his co-defendants then stole the car, and evaded law enforcement detection for over an hour. Shortly after parking the stolen car, Anderson’s two co-defendants, Rogers and Hooker, were arrested. Anderson evaded law enforcement for several months, but he was identified and indicted in December 2018.
At sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper noted that carjackings like this one are among the most serious federal crimes and that the defendants’ actions put the victim and the community at significant risk.
“Because Anderson and his co-defendants terrorized their victim and the surrounding neighborhoods, they now face time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “This is an excellent example of federal agents working side-by-side with local law enforcement to address violent crime in Milwaukee.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes said: “Serious crime has serious consequences for the offenders. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to get violent criminals off the streets and keep our neighborhoods safe".
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Investigators. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Margaret B. Honrath.
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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Steubenville man sentenced for his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Bernard Barnett, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for his role in a crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barnett, age 44, also known as “Gator,” pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in January 2020. Barnett admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in January 2019 in Brooke County.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing and Transporting a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number and Fleeing the Customs Facility Without AuthorizationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney, Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Javier Enrique Lima of St. Thomas was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to possessing and transporting a firearm with an obliterated serial number and fleeing a designated customs facility without authorization.
According to the documents filed in this case, on February 3, 2020, defendant presented himself to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Red Hook ferry terminal after returning from Tortola, British Virgin Islands. A CBP Officer working the x-ray machine noticed a firearm in the backpack Lima brought with him, and called for another officer. Lima immediately fled the facility on foot, leaving his backpack. The backpack contained a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Law enforcement agents made multiple efforts to locate Lima, but were unable to do so. He later turned himself in and pled guilty.
United States District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Lima to thirty (30) months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on one count and twelve (12) months imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release on one count; to be run concurrently.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Juan Ordenas-Lucas, age 27, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 276 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by 20 years of supervised release on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in November 2019 the Springdale Police Department was made aware of videos of child exploitation located on Ordenas-Lucas’ phone. A subsequent search warrant of the phone revealed a video recorded by Ordenas-Lucas of him sexually abusing a 7-year-old female.
Ordenas-Lucas was indicted in January of 2020 and entered a guilty plea in June of 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Springdale Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Related OffenseRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Robert Don Henderson, age 35, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release for Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on September 23, 2019, officers with the Lincoln Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Henderson. Once the officers initiated a traffic stop, Henderson failed to stop his vehicle and fled from the officers at a high rate of speed. Henderson lost control of the vehicle, and crashed through a fence, at which point, he jumped out of the vehicle and continued his flight on foot. Officers eventually caught up to Henderson, and he surrendered by kneeling on the ground and placing his hands in the air. During a search of Henderson’s person, officers located two firearms. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located additional firearms. Later, after receiving additional information, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle driven by Henderson. Upon execution of the search warrant, investigators located approximately one-half of a pound of methamphetamine in a jacket inside the vehicle.
A federal grand jury indicted Henderson in March 2020, and he entered a guilty plea in July 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Lincoln Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Six Individuals Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Operating Large-Scale Operation to Sell Marijuana Out-of-StateRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned a 53-count indictment charging six Metro Denver residents with marijuana possession, distribution, money laundering and money laundering concealment. Of the six individuals charged, five have been arrested and one is a fugitive from justice. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the ATF joined in today’s announcement.
According to the Indictment, as well as details from other court documents, the defendants would buy marijuana at a Colorado marijuana dispensary using medical marijuana cards. They would then use the U.S. Mail to send the marijuana to customers throughout the United States who ordered the marijuana using social media and other forms of communication.
During a one-year period, the defendants purchased more than $665,000 worth of marijuana from the dispensary and received more than $923,000 in deposits from out-of-state customers.
USPIS agents executed arrests on October 28, 2020, apprehending 5 of the 6 defendants. During searches conducted subsequent to arrests, law enforcement recovered approximately $10,000 in cash, seven firearms (in addition to five firearms seized earlier in the investigation), 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and a half-pound of methamphetamine.
Those indicted include:
- Delano Monroe of Aurora
- Solomon Chambers of Thornton
- Alexis Monroe of Aurora
- Joshua Sampson of Aurora
- Michael Waterton of Highlands Ranch (fugitive)
- Ashley Montgomery of Denver
If convicted, the defendants face a possible sentence of not more than 20 years per count.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Phillips is prosecuting the case. The USPIS and the ATF is conducting the investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER. The case number is 20-cr-343.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
Savannah man pleads guilty to role in armed carjackings and attempted robberyRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A Savannah man who participated in an attempted robbery and armed carjackings across south Georgia has pled guilty to a series of violent crime charges.
Samuel Renardo Chisholm, a/k/a “Chilly Willy,” a/k/a “Pooh,” 29, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to brandishing a firearm during an attempted carjacking in Ware County, and conspiring to use and carry a firearm during a carjacking in Savannah and an attempted armed robbery in Waycross, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.
“These crimes terrorized multiple innocent citizens who shouldn’t have to live in fear of violent attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We applaud the efforts of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in investigating these violent crimes.”
As described in court documents and testimony, on July 25, 2019, Chisholm participated in the armed carjacking of a woman in Savannah. The next day, Chisholm participated in the attempted robbery of a customer outside the TJ Maxx store in Waycross, Ga., and then a short time later, he attempted to carjack a vehicle in Ware County by brandishing a handgun. He was arrested by Ware County law enforcement shortly after the attempted carjacking and has remained in custody.
“Who knows how many more innocent citizens would have been terrorized if local law enforcement had not made this arrest,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The cooperation between local and federal agencies will lead to a sentence that hopefully will ease the trauma to the victims of these violent crimes.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Savannah Police Department, the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waycross Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Ringleader convicted in immigration scam that offered fake marriages for $70,000Read the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 55-year-old woman has admitted guilt for her role in at least 40 sham marriages that charged foreigners up to $70,000 and often provided a fake wedding album to help obtain legal permanent resident status, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ashley Yen Nguyen aka Duyen was the group’s ringleader. Today, she admitted she ran the criminal organization out of the Southwest Houston area but had associates operating across the state and in Vietnam. As part of her plea, she admitted to conspiring to engage in marriage fraud, mail fraud, immigration fraud, money laundering and making false statements in a tax return.
At times, Nguyen falsely represented herself as an attorney. She also admitted to arranging at least 40 sham marriages in which a Vietnamese national would pay her group $50,000 to $70,000 to marry a wife or husband in the United States to fraudulently obtain lawful permanent resident status. Nguyen issued routine payments of approximately $200 to those U.S. citizens who participated in the fake immigration proceedings.
Nguyen acknowledged the fake spouses did not live together and did not intend to live together, contrary to documents and statements submitted to federal authorities. At her instruction, the spouses only met briefly, immediately before they obtained their marriage license or not at all. The spouses entered into the marriage pursuant to a financial arrangement for the primary purpose of circumventing U.S. immigration laws.
The criminal organization even prepared and provided fake wedding albums containing photographs to make it appear as if they had a wedding ceremony above and beyond a marriage at a courthouse. Following the arrangement, the group also submitted fabricated paperwork to authorities including tax, utility and employment information in order to help their clients gain entry and residency into the country.
To prepare the fake spouses for their interviews with immigration officials, Nguyen and her criminal organization provided fabricated facts to the fake spouses to study and recite details to falsely establish the pair was living together and familiar with each other’s daily habits.
Nguyen purchased multiple residences with the criminal proceeds. She used them as part of the scheme to either collect, distribute the proceeds and/or stage some of the rooms for the times when authorities indicated they would conduct a site inspection. The rooms were setup to appear as if they belonged to the fake spouses. The investigation revealed approximately 500 sham marriages in addition to the ones that were charged in the indictment.
Nguyen pled guilty to three counts for her role in running the marriage fraud scheme as well as a count to false statements in tax returns and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Laurence Goldman, Michael Day and Kate Suh are prosecuting the case.
Relative of Amazon finance employee pleads guilty to insider tradingRead the Press Release
Seattle - A 36-year-old Bothell, Washington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to securities fraud for his insider trading activity, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. VIKY BOHRA admits that between 2015 and 2018, he used Amazon inside information he obtained from his relative to place trades in Amazon stock–making a profit of $1,428,264. BOHRA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on February 8, 2021.
According to the plea agreement, BORHA’s relative worked in the Amazon Finance Department and had access to confidential information regarding Amazon revenue and expenses. Because of that work, the relative was subject to blackout periods during which no stock could be traded by the employee or her immediate relatives. The employee also was advised of insider trading policies making it clear the responsibility to safeguard confidential financial information. Despite those warnings, BOHRA obtained confidential information from the relative and traded in Amazon stock in accounts tied to him and his father. Trades occurred during blackout periods and, from 2015 to 2018, relied in part on information from his relative to make successful trades in advance of Amazon earnings announcements.
As part of the plea agreement, BOHRA agrees to forfeit the proceeds of his trades, $1,428,264 to the United States. On September 28, 2020, BOHRA was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a civil insider trading case. The recoveries in that case will be credited toward the forfeiture owed to the United States.
As part of the plea agreement, BOHRA’s relative will not face criminal charges. The relative is no longer employed at Amazon.
Securities Fraud is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Under the terms of the plea agreement prosecutors will recommend a sentence of no more than 33 months in prison. The ultimate sentence is up to Judge Robart after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Arnold.
Puerto Rico Legislator Indicted for Theft, Bribery, and Honest Services Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a nine-count indictment on November 4, 2020 against legislator Nestor Alonso-Vega, for his alleged participation in a theft, bribery, and kickback scheme. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Rafael Riviere Vázquez made the announcement.
“Public corruption poses a threat to our democratic institutions, erodes confidence in government, and, if left unchecked, can tear apart the very fabric of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “My office will continue to diligently investigate and prosecute public corruption schemes to protect the public and hold these persons involved accountable for their actions.”
“As I have said before, public corruption erodes public trust in its government institutions. Very few other violations can cause the generalized public anxiety and civil unrest, which corruption does. This is why public corruption is and will remain FBI San Juan’s top priority,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Riviere Vázquez. “The public is reminded that coming forward to report acts of corruption is not only in everyone’s best interests, but it is also a civic and patriotic duty, of everyone who loves this beautiful island.”
The indictment charges Alonso-Vega with Federal Funds Theft, Bribery, and Kickbacks; and Honest Services Wire Fraud. Alonso-Vega, aided and abetted by others, executed said scheme from April 2018 through September 2020.
As detailed in the indictment, between April 2018 and September 2020, Alonso-Vega authorized several salary adjustments for Person A, an employee in Alonso-Vega’s legislative office. Between in or about February 2018, and in or about April 2018, Person A’s bi-weekly, net government salary was approximately $760.02. Starting in or about April 2018, Person A’s bi-weekly, net government salary was increased to approximately $1,446.52 by Alonso-Vega. Starting in or about May 2018, Person A’s bi-weekly, net government salary was increased to approximately $2,043.08. Starting in or about July 2018, Person A’s bi-weekly, net government salary was decreased to approximately $1,417.00, due to an across-the-board budget cut. However, starting in or about October 2019, Person A’s bi-weekly, net government salary was again increased to approximately $2,270.68 by Alonso-Vega, and remained at that level until in or about July 2020, when Person A left Alonso-Vega’s office.
Out of every inflated paycheck, it was agreed that Person A would kickback to Alonso-Vega half of the total amount of the pay raise, split between each pay day.
The indictment further alleges that Person A used a variety of means to transfer the kickbacks to Alonso-Vega. For example, Person A would sometimes transfer money by using ATH Móvil, a mobile phone application that allows individuals who bank at certain financial institutions to send money to each other through an interface on their cell phones; make withdrawals around the time he received his directly deposited paycheck and pay Alonso-Vega in cash; and, at times, Person A would make payments to Alonso-Vega’s Home Depot account.
The indictment is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson.
The federal program bribery and theft charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count of honest services wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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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Prince George’s County Man Facing Federal Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Andrew Joseph Trimmer, a/k/a D and Smoke, age 31, of Bowie, Maryland, on the federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and for assault on a federal officer. The indictment was returned on November 4, 2020.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the two-count indictment, on September 25, 2020, Trimmer possessed a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, with the intent to distribute that substance. According to court documents, Trimmer was the subject of an investigation into narcotics sales in Southern Maryland. The investigation revealed that Trimmer had been living in a rental home in Bowie, Maryland, but had moved on September 15, 2020. Trimmer was subsequently located living in a hotel in the area of the Bowie Towne Center. As detailed in court documents, law enforcement found Trimmer sitting in his vehicle outside the hotel. As soon as investigators identified themselves as police officers, Trimmer fled. A law enforcement officer grabbed Trimmer, but Trimmer assaulted the officer. During the physical altercation, another officer deployed his Taser, but Trimmer continued to fight. Trimmer was able to get to his feet and run to a nearby fast food restaurant, where he was apprehended by a third law enforcement officer. Court documents allege that Trimmer continued to resist arrest and physically assaulted the third officer during the arrest.
If convicted, Trimmer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and 20 years in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer. 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. Trimmer is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, although no date has been scheduled. Trimmer is detained on an unrelated state charge.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Crofton Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin B. Pulice, who is prosecuting the case.
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Postal Worker Arrested and Charged with Failing to Deliver over 800 Pieces of Mail Which Included Three Absentee BallotsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brandon Wilson, 27, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with delay or destruction of mail. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“This Office is committed not only to ensuring the integrity of the mails but also of individuals’ rights to vote in a free and fair election,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The criminal conduct with which this defendant is alleged to have engaged, undermined both of those interests.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 3, 2020, at approximately 7:34 p.m., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers encountered the defendant, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. As part of a standard CBP vehicle sweep, Wilson opened the trunk of his vehicle for CBP Officers. A USPS mail bin containing numerous mail pieces was observed by a CBP officer inside the trunk. CBP officers also observed multiple USPS uniform items bearing the USPS logo along with a USPS identification badge with the defendant’s name. Wilson stated the mail belonged to him and his mother. However, the defendant could not account for additional names printed on the mail pieces. Wilson further stated that he had intended to deliver the mail and had forgotten to return the mail pieces to the post office.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, was called to retrieve the recovered mail pieces. A subsequent inventory of the recovered mail pieces revealed three absentee ballots sent to two Buffalo, NY, addresses from the Erie County, NY Board of Elections, 106 political mailings, 220 first class mailings, and 484 standard mailings for an approximate total of 813 mail pieces. The first-class letter mailings were destined for zip codes 14227, 14211, 14214, with the majority destined for 14215. Cancellation dates showed seven dates between September 16 and October 26, 2020.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, Pittsburgh, PA, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations, Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Portland-Area Resident Indicted for Providing Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon and Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Portland Field Office, announced today that a federal grand jury in Portland returned an 5 Count Indictment against Troutdale, Oregon resident Hawazen Sameer Mothafar, 31, charging two counts of Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Terrorist Organization and one count of Providing and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B(a)(1). In addition, the indictment charges Mothafar with one count of False Statements in an Immigration Application in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a) and one count of False Statement to a Government Agency in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).
Mothafar had his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo today. Due to the fact that Mothafar has physical disabilities and is confined to a wheelchair, the Government did not seek detention. Rather, Mothafar was released on conditions including limitations on travel and the use of electronic devices.
According to the allegations contained within the indictment, between February 2015, and up to the time of arrest, Mothafar conspired with ISIS members to provide material support to ISIS. This support included a range of activities. Mothafar produced and distributed ISIS propaganda and recruiting materials that he created and edited in coordination with official ISIS media operatives located overseas. Mothafar produced, edited, and distributed a number of publications and articles including “Effective Stabbing Techniques,” which provided detailed guidance on how to best kill and maim a target in a knife attack, a tutorial on using explosive ignition devices entitled “How Does a Detonator Work,” and propaganda that encouraged readers to carry out attacks in their home countries if they could not travel overseas to fight. Mothafar also maintained contact with ISIS officials overseas and provided technical support to these individuals that included opening social media and email accounts for official use. During the time of this alleged activity, Mothafar also made false statements on immigration documents and to government officials denying any ties to terrorist organizations.
“This defendant is a legal permanent resident of the United States who abandoned the country that took him in and instead pledged allegiance to ISIS and repeatedly and diligently promoted its violent objectives” said United States Attorney Williams. “Our national security prosecutors and law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that those who threaten our country are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
"The threat of ISIS-inspired terrorism remains very real thanks, in part, to an army of online supporters who produce propaganda that aims to incite 'lone actor' operators in the U.S. and around the world. Today, the FBI arrested one such man in our own community for his alleged role as a leading figure in the Islamic State's media network," said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. "When it comes to cases like this one, a computer and a keyboard can be powerful weapons against enemies of the Islamic State."
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Portland Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ethan Knight and Geoffrey Barrow.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Podiatrist Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- A federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a forty-count indictment on November 3, 2020 against Andrew Lynn, D.P.M., 63, of Knoxville, Tennessee, charging him with health care fraud. Lynn appeared in court on November 5, 2020, before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Bruce Guyton and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment. Lynn was released pending trial, which has been set for January 12, 2021 in front of United States District Judge Thomas A. Varlan, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that Lynn, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, engaged in a scheme to defraud when he billed Medicare for services not rendered. As part of this scheme to defraud, the indictment alleges that Lynn preformed routine foot care and then billed Medicare for unperformed surgical procedures. The indictment alleges that as a result of this scheme, Medicare was billed in excess of $1.1 million and paid out in excess of $850,000.
If convicted, Lynn faces a term of up to ten years in prison, up to three years supervised of release, up to a $250,000.00 fine and mandatory restitution.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by HHS-OIG and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia F. Davidson will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his/her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Plumas County Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Damion Jay Phillips, 42, of Chester, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on July 12, Phillips was arrested following a traffic stop in Lassen County. He was found in possession of a 9 mm handgun. Phillips has several prior felony convictions for burglary, drug offenses, attempted arson, and a prior conviction for illegally possessing a firearm that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Phillips faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison 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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Physician indicted on assault chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Kenneth C. Ramdat, a physician employed at the Louis A. Johnson VA Hospital in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is facing federal criminal charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ramdat, 65, of Silver Springs, Maryland, was indicted on two counts of “Abusive Sexual Contact” and two counts of “Simple Assault.” Ramdat is accused of touching two staff women’s breasts without permission in two separate incidents in August 2019 and October 2019 at the hospital in Harrison County.
Ramdat faces up to two years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the sexual contact counts and faces up to six months of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the assault counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Veterans Affairs Police and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pesticide Smuggler Convicted by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY –November 5, 2020
SAN DIEGO – A federal jury has found Veronica Perez of Hemet, California, guilty of smuggling an unregistered Mexican pesticide into the United States.
After a three-day trial, the jury found that Perez concealed twenty containers of Fosfuro de Zinc (zinc phosphide) in her purse, and failed to declare them at the border when she attempted to cross into the United States from Mexico on July 11, 2019. The jury returned its verdict late yesterday.
According to the EPA, zinc phosphide is an extremely toxic rodenticide, and the ingestion of small amounts can cause death in animals and humans. In fact, consumption of a single bait zinc phosphide pellet can be lethal to a small bird or mammal. Ingestion of seven drops to one teaspoon of zinc phosphide would likely kill a 150-pound person. After it is ingested, the zinc phosphide reacts with acid in the stomach, producing phosphine gas, which blocks cells from making energy, killing the cells. Phosphine gas can also be produced in the stomach if zinc phosphide dust is inhaled and swallowed after clearing from the lungs. Phosphine gas is extremely toxic and damages the heart, brain, kidney, and liver.
“There’s a reason these toxic chemicals are restricted in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This verdict serves as a warning that violators will be prosecuted as part of our best effort to protect people and the environment from deadly pesticides.” Brewer commended prosecutors Melanie Pierson and Steve DaPonte, and federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division, for their excellent work to achieve justice in this matter.
“Illegal pesticides contain very dangerous and toxic chemicals, and their use jeopardizes public safety, pollutes the environment, and puts people’s health at risk,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “These unregistered substances can be very harmful, and HSI and our partners at EPA-CID, CBP, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to working together to stop these deadly pesticides from entering the United States.”
“The pesticides involved in this case pose serious public health and environmental dangers,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in California. “The verdict in this case demonstrates that individuals who intentionally violate smuggling and environmental protection laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Pierson from the Southern District of California and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve DaPonte of the Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section.
DEFENDANT Case Number 20cr869-DMS
Veronica Perez Age: 40 Hemet, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division
Owner of New Jersey Scrap Metal Company Charged with $600,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The owner of a New Jersey-based scrap metal company has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to defraud one of his customers, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Creed White, a/k/a “Dan Stein,” 62, of Freeland, Maryland, is charged by complaint with four counts of wire fraud. White made his initial court appearance today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In early 2017, White contacted the victim through an internet message board and offered to sell the victim aluminum scrap metal. White introduced himself as “Dan Stein.” White’s company, American Scrap LLC, sold the victim 25 containers of aluminum scrap metal in exchange for wire payments totaling approximately $629,973. The containers were shipped to Korea. When the first container arrived at its destination, the victim discovered that the container contained dirt and debris and no aluminum scrap metal. The victim reached out to White to complain and met him in person in Newark in March 2017. White, posing as “Dan Stein,” assured the victim that he would correct the mistake and reimburse the victim for the costs incurred in connection with the container that contained useless waste.
Prior to shipping the next container, White sent the victim photos of the contents of the container. The photos showed that the container was filled with aluminum scrap. There was a copy of the New York Post inside the container to document the date the photos were taken. However, each of the remaining containers arrived in Korea was filled with dirt, debris or plastic waste, and no aluminum. White promised to make the victim whole and sent wire transfers to the victim in the amount of $15,000, but then failed to make good on his promise, causing the victim losses in excess of $600,000.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oregon Officers Receive Attorney General Award for Distinguished Service in PolicingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams congratulates Sergeant Jason Thien of the Curry County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Archie Lidey of the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, who were honored by United States Attorney General William P. Barr for their distinguished service in policing. The awards were announced on November 3, 2020.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. This year, the department received 214 nominations recognizing a total of 355 individual officers, deputies, and troopers. There were 39 states represented in the nomination pool, covering state, local, campus, sheriff, and other agency types. This year’s awards recognized the exceptional work of 23 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country.
The Distinguished Service Award for Sergeant Thien was in the category of Criminal Investigations and reads as follows:
In Curry County, Oregon, Sergeant Jason Thien often works alone on his shift, where he services a 1,600-square mile county and more than eighty miles of the Pacific Coast Highway. Even so, he did not hesitate to give it his all when word came down of a widespread manhunt for a murder suspect, who was thought to be in Curry County. Working his contacts, combing property records, and using other investigative tools, he found his man. Thanks to Sergeant Thien’s dedicated efforts, he apprehended the subject, who will soon be facing charges.
The Distinguished Service Commendation for Detective Lidey was in the category of Innovations in Community Policing and reads as follows:
When Josephine County, Oregon, suffered a funding crisis, Detective Archie Lidey zoomed into action. The situation was dire, with staffing reduced at the sheriff’s office and the jail, limiting the number of offenders that could be housed. Citations were issued to most criminal offenders instead of placing them under arrest. But Detective Lidey began a grassroots effort to find and maintain funding. As a founding member of Securing Our Safety (SOS), formed specifically to overcome the law enforcement–funding crisis, Detective Lidey organized a 5k race that grew to 700 participants in 2020. Lidey and SOS also raised over $60,000 to complete a study of local justice and law enforcement programs. They also formed a nonprofit called Grace Roots, to establish a residential treatment center for people with addictions; and he was key in establishing the Grants Pass Treatment Center, a methadone and suboxone treatment program for substance abuse addiction. Josephine County went from having no treatment facility to one that now sees more than 300 patients a day. And funding-wise, it has all paid off: since 2013, Detective Lidey has coordinated events and contributions that now total $324,000.
“There is no career nobler than that of a police officer, and the 23 officers we honor this year demonstrate that clearly,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “These individuals are distinguished in their service for field operations and criminal investigations – from investigating homicides to drug trafficking to sexual exploitation and assault – to making positive change in their communities through innovative outreach to local residents. Their actions are a testament to what law enforcement officers contribute to our nation each day, keeping us safe from violent crime and building more trusting communities, and they are deserving of our collective thanks. I am pleased to honor these 23 officers for their distinguished service in policing.”
“I look forward to presenting these awards to Sergeant Thein and Detective Lidey” said United States Attorney Williams. “These awards are a testament to the dedication, bravery and skill of all law enforcement across our nation and I cannot be happier that two of our own have been recognized for their public safety efforts.”
U.S. Attorney Williams will present the award to Sergeant Thien on November 18, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the Curry County Board of Commissioners Annex in Gold Beach, Oregon, and to Detective Lidey on November 24, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Safety in Grants Pass, Oregon.
New York man sentenced to prison in $1.6 million investment fraudRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A New York man who admitted defrauding investors, including a Montana resident, in a $1.6 million scheme was sentenced today to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,643,073 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Christopher Fulco, 44, of Staten Island, N.Y., also known as Christian Anthony, pleaded guilty on July 17 to mail fraud, money laundering and securities fraud.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Fulco was released and allowed to self-report to prison.
“Montanans are used to taking people at their word. Those who exploit that trust to commit fraud will be caught, prosecuted and jailed,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said Fulco, operating as JM Capital in New York, took money from 11 victims in a scheme that ran from 2014 to 2019. Fulco solicited funds in exchange for shares of stock in two companies, identified as Company 1 and Company 2. Fulco failed to obtain any shares of stock, and instead, spent the money on himself. One of Fulco’s victims is a Montana resident. When Fulco’s victims agreed to buy stock from him, Fulco deposited their money into his JM Capital Citibank account. He was the only signor on the account. Bank records indicated that Fulco spent the money on himself, including making large cash deposits and debit card transactions at casinos in Atlantic City.
At sentencing, Judge Molloy noted that Fulco was responsible for defrauding the Montana investor of more than $350,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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New York Man Admits Credit and Gift Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted he defrauded credit card companies of hundreds of thousands of dollars, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
James Olla, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to one count of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to sell, receive or possess stolen goods.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2014 through June 2015, Olla and others procured stolen information related to credit cards belonging to various individuals, including victims living in New Jersey. Using this stolen information, Olla and his conspirators obtained gift cards from various retailers and then sold the cards in Brooklyn and elsewhere, often for large sums of cash.
The count of conspiracy to sell, receive or possess stolen goods carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero; and the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Cybercrime Unit Chief David W. Feder and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Indicted in Connection with Staged Accident ProbeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the Indictment of DANNY PATRICK KEATING, Jr., age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, who was charged in a one-count federal indictment with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. If convicted, KEATING faces a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, KEATING faces a term of supervised release up to three (3) years after his release from prison.
KEATING constitutes the thirty-third (33rd) defendant charged in the Government’s federal probe into the intentional staging of motor vehicle accidents with tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles in the metropolitan New Orleans area. Thus far, eleven (11) of the 33 indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court.
According to today’s Indictment, KEATING was a personal injury attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana. KEATING was charged with conspiring with Damian Labeaud and others to defraud insurance companies, commercial carriers, and trucking companies in a scheme involving intentionally staging automobile accidents.
Labeaud referred staged accidents to KEATING and other New Orleans personal injury attorneys referenced in the Indictment as Attorneys A, B, and C, for $1,000.00 per passenger for accidents involving tractor-trailers and $500.00 per passenger for accidents not involving tractor-trailers. KEATING advanced Labeaud thousands of dollars for these accidents and instructed Labeaud that he owed KEATING a certain number of accidents based on the amount of money advanced. For instance, on July 17, 2017, KEATING gave Labeaud $15,000.00 so Labeaud could purchase a $15,000.00 Chase Bank cashier’s check to buy Mario Solomon’s truck.[1] Additionally, on September 25, 2017, KEATING wrote a $17,000.00 to himself for “advertising” and used the proceeds to purchase a $17,000.00 cashier’s check payable to Labeaud. The Indictment alleges KEATING paid Labeaud another $12,500.00 in checks during the month of June 2017.
KEATING knowingly paid Labeaud for thirty-one (31) illegally staged tractor-trailer accidents. KEATING represented 77 plaintiffs involved in the 31 accidents staged by Labeaud. KEATING settled 17 of the 31 staged accidents. The Indictment charges that KEATING and his 77 clients received approximately $1,500,000.00 in settlement resulting from his representation of his clients involved in the staged accidents and that KEATING kept approximately $358,000.00 in attorney’s fees.
The Indictment alleges that Labeaud and KEATING sometimes discussed the staging of accidents before they happened and communicated via coded language regarding staging accidents. KEATING discussed with Labeaud about changing the locations of the staged accidents, varying the number of passengers, avoiding talking to the police, and avoiding cameras. KEATING also discussed with his clients in the staged accidents that they would likely receive more money in settlement if they received medical treatment.
KEATING filed lawsuits in state and federal court in Louisiana on behalf of his clients who were involved in the staged accidents. The lawsuits filed on behalf of the 77 plaintiffs fraudulently alleged who was driving the vehicles, misrepresented who was at fault in the staged accidents, and falsely claimed injuries. KEATING used the U.S Postal Service to mail settlement demands on behalf of his clients who were involved in staged accidents from the Eastern District of Louisiana to various out-of-state locations. In many cases, clients of KEATING provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with lawsuits filed by KEATING.
”Mr. Keating was supposed to uphold the law rather than manipulate it to benefit himself and other co-conspirators financially”, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “This indictment is the culmination of an investigation conducted by Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts who worked tirelessly to bring Mr. Keating to justice and is one of many in this case that hopefully will deter others from fraudulently filing false auto and medical insurance claims.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
[1] Solomon was a spotter who worked with Labeaud in staging automobile accidents and pled guilty on May 28, 2020.
Narcotics Smugglers Sentenced after Being Stopped with 1,355 pounds of Marijuana on VesselRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney, Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Cristian Valencia-Mendoza of Colombia, was sentenced after being found guilty by a jury of Conspiracy to Possess and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court filings, the defendant was on board a go-fast style vessel that was intercepted by a United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter while on routine patrol. The USCG first sighted the go-fast vessel on October 18, 2019, at approximately 45 nautical miles north of Malpelo Island, Columbia. The vessel did not have any display indicating its nationality. The USCG boarded the vessel and successfully seized 21 bales of marijuana, which weighed approximately 1,355 pounds, and arrested the two individuals on board. Defendant later confessed to being hired to assist the boat captain in delivering the drugs. A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on January 22, 2020.
United States District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Mendoza to thirty-three (33) months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release.
The captain of the vessel, Centeno A. Hansel-Andres, of the Dominican Republic, previously pled guilty and was sentenced to thirty seven (37) months in prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Multiple Passengers Arrested for Having Marijuana in Carry-On Bags in St. Thomas Upon Arrival at Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that two complaints have been filed against Kharim Moore, Trevon Richards and Dennis Weekes for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Moore, Richards and Weekes made their initial appearances in federal court Thursday, November 5th, in St. Thomas.
According to the two affidavits filed in the cases, Moore was stopped at the Cyril E. King airport after arriving in St. Thomas from Atlanta, GA. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers then searched his carry-on bag and found approximately three kilograms of marijuana. Richards and Weekes arrived at the Cyril E. King airport after arriving in St. Thomas from Atlanta, GA on a separate flight. CBP officers searched both their carry-on bags and found marijuana. Richards’ bag contained approximately three kilograms of marijuana. Weekes’ bag contained approximately 1.5 kilograms of marijuana.
These cases are being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office for 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.
Montgomery County Man Admits to Unlawfully Selling “Ghost Guns”Read the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Castelluccio, age 42, of Fultonville, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully transferring an unregistered short-barreled rifle that had machinegun capability.
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 Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
In pleading guilty, Castelluccio admitted that between August and October 2019, he built and sold firearms from component parts ordered online. These firearms are commonly known as “ghost guns” because they do not have serial numbers, which makes them difficult for law enforcement to trace.
Castelluccio admitted to building and selling short-barreled rifles, which are rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long. Castelluccio admitted to doing so without having filed an application with or received approval from the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, or paying the tax required by federal law. He also admitted that one of the firearms he sold was modified to allow it to automatically shoot more than one shot by a single function of its trigger.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2021. Castelluccio faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Castelluccio also agreed to forfeit a pickup truck that he used to transport the firearms. 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 ATF and HSI, as well as the Schenectady County and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Offices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
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
Monongalia County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlentez McDaniel, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is facing a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McDaniel, 32, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDaniel, who is prohibited from having a gun, is accused of having a .45 caliber Glock pistol in February 2020 in Monongalia County.
McDaniel faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man indicted on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas John Winston, of Westover, West Virginia, is facing a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Winston, 30, was indicted on one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Winston, who was previously convicted of child pornography possession, is accused of having child pornography in his possession in August 2019 in Preston County.
Winston faces at least 10 years and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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/.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mississippi Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for False IRS ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Moss Point, Mississippi, resident was sentenced to 22 months in prison for preparing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to information provided to the court, Talvesha Glaude owned and operated a tax return preparation business under multiple names, including TMG Tax Service and Regional Tax Service. From 2013 through 2019, Glaude prepared tax returns for clients seeking from the IRS inflated refunds based on fraudulent dependents, federal income tax withholdings, and education credits. In addition to preparing false returns for her clients, Glaude also filed false returns for herself for the tax years 2014 through 2018.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Halil Ozerden also ordered Glaude to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $183,360.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who are investigating the case, and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Minnetonka Personal Injury Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of WILLIAM KYLE SUTOR III, 38, to 16 months in prison for health care fraud. SUTOR, who pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, was sentenced yesterday before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between 2015 and 2016, SUTOR, a licensed personal injury attorney, engaged in a scheme to defraud providers of automobile insurance policies. Specifically, SUTOR conspired with chiropractors and patient recruiters, referred to as “runners.” As part of the scheme, the chiropractor would pay the runner a fee, typically between $1,000 and $1,500, for every individual that the runner brought to the chiropractor’s clinic to become a patient. In addition, SUTOR would pay the runner a fee, typically $300, for every individual that became a client of SUTOR’s. The result was that patients got paid to receive chiropractic services. SUTOR, the chiropractors, and the runners took steps to conceal their scheme, including making kickback payments in cash or by checks written out to appear that they were payments for legitimate legal services. In his plea agreement, SUTOR acknowledged sending an attorney demand letter on behalf of a recruited patient to an insurance company for chiropractic services he knew had not in fact been performed.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. MacLaughlin prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
WILLIAM KYLE SUTOR III, 38
Minnetonka, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 16 months in prison
- One year of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Violent Armed Robbery of Downtown Minneapolis Bar and Violent Assault of Corrections Officer While in CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of HAKEEM ALEXANDER COLES, 25, to 204 months in prison for Hobbs Act robbery and assault of a person assisting federal law enforcement officers. COLES, who pleaded guilty on July 16, 2020, was sentenced today before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald said, “Mr. Coles inflicted extreme violence and injury on his victims. This type of violence is unacceptable in our communities and my office, along with our dedicated law enforcement partners, remains committed to holding accountable violent offenders such as this.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, on August 17, 2019, COLES committed a violent armed robbery of Cowboy Jacks Bar and Grill in downtown Minneapolis. COLES, who had been fired from the restaurant the night before, held the general manager at gunpoint with a short-barreled shotgun and demanded that she fill a backpack with cash from the safe. COLES tied the victim’s hands with a phone cord and violently punched the victim in the side of her head, causing her to lose consciousness. COLES stole more than $24,000 from the business. COLES then fled to Texas where he allegedly committed another armed robbery and was eventually stopped and arrested in Louisiana, where he was found in possession of a semiautomatic pistol and another short-barreled shotgun. COLES has been federally charged with Hobbs Act robbery and firearms violations in Texas and Louisiana.
In January 2020, after being transferred back to the District of Minnesota on the Hobbs Act robbery indictment for Cowboy Jacks, COLES was ordered to remain in detention at the Sherburne County Jail in United States Marshal’s custody pending trial in the Cowboy Jack’s robbery case. On January 27, 2020, COLES attacked and violently assaulted a Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer, who was making rounds in the jail where COLES was housed, causing significant injuries including a traumatic brain injury.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal’s Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
HAKEEM ALEXANDER COLES, 25
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Hobbs Act robbery, 1 count
- Assault of a person assisting federal law enforcement officers, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 204 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $86,200 in restitution
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Milledgeville Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Meth PossessionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon who admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the lethal drug was sentenced to federal prison today, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Anthony Hitchcock, 29, of Milledgeville, Georgia was sentenced to 188 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell after previously pleading guilty to one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
After midnight, on June 2, 2018, a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over Hitchcock for several traffic violations. The deputy, smelling marijuana from the car, called for back-up due to the defendant’s behavior and remote location. When back-up arrived, the deputies conducted a legal search of the vehicle, finding drugs. Hitchcock took off on foot, tripped on a railroad tie and was safely taken into custody. Deputies located a large amount of cash, three loaded firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition and 32.997 grams of methamphetamine in Hitchcock’s car. Hitchcock, who has two previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Baldwin County, Georgia, Superior Court in 2009 and 2010, admitted he intended to distribute methamphetamine.
“Guns, drugs, fleeing police and prior convictions is the perfect recipe for years in federal prison without parole. Law enforcement in Middle Georgia is committed to finding, arresting and prosecuting criminals who push deadly methamphetamine into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank ATF and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating this case.”
The case was investigated by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Michigan man charged for traveling to Toledo to engage in sexual conduct with a minorRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that a grand jury sitting in Toledo has returned a one-count indictment charging Chandos Bemus, age 30, of Trenton, Michigan, with traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
According to court documents, the defendant allegedly began an online conversation with an undercover operative of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Toledo. The defendant reportedly believed this person to be an underage, 14-year-old minor and did knowingly solicit the operative to engage in sexual conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, on October 1st, 2020, the defendant agreed to meet the undercover operative at a hotel in Toledo, Ohio. The defendant allegedly traveled to the operative’s hotel from Monroe, Michigan, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Upon arrival, the defendant was arrested.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo, Ohio. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deyana Unis and Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
Mexican National Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Francisco Javier Ochoa-Anaya, 49, residing in Denair, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 26 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
“Methamphetamine continues to be a scourge in California with devastating consequences to drug users and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Today’s sentence marks an end to this defendant’s long criminal history in the United States and Mexico. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not waver in our resolve to end the scourge of illegal drugs flooding our neighborhoods.”
According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2019, Ochoa received a shipment of approximately 118 pounds (54 kilograms) of methamphetamine. Ochoa enlisted the aid of co-defendant Victoria Rodriguez to assist him in weighing and packaging the methamphetamine. On Sept. 5, 2019, agents seized the methamphetamine during a search of Ochoa’s vehicle. In addition, agents seized a cooler stored with the methamphetamine that contained one kilogram of cocaine, five loaded firearms, a bulletproof vest, several high capacity magazines, a substance used to dilute the drugs, and a digital scale.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit, composed of agents from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Stanislaus County Probation, and the Ceres Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius prosecuted the case.
Victoria Rodriguez is in custody serving a 30-month sentence.
Metro Atlanta brothers sentenced to federal prison for gun traffickingRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A pair of Union City, Georgia, brothers have been sentenced after pleading guilty to numerous federal firearms offenses. Antonio Turrentine, a convicted felon, was sentenced for dealing firearms without a license and possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense. His older brother, Dominique Turrentine, was sentenced for unlicensed firearms dealing.
“The Turrentine brothers sought to trade in firearms and illegal drugs; conduct that often fuels violence and death in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Smart and proactive work by federal law enforcement ensured that the Turrentines will pay for their crimes rather than profit from them.”
“Placing guns in the hands of criminals is a particularly insidious offense,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Atlanta. “Turrentine, and others like him, circumvent the gun laws that are designed to protect communities and supply guns that are sometimes used to victimize innocent people and terrorize our communities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: between August 2019 and January 2019, Antonio Turrentine sold a total of 32 firearms, including assault rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic pistols loaded with large capacity magazines, to an informant participating in an ATF-sting operation. Turrentine sold several stolen guns, including one that had been used in a murder. Turrentine knew which of the guns had been reported stolen, and he advised the informant to “ship” those particular weapons out-of-state.
During some of the gun deals, Turrentine was accompanied and assisted by his older brother, Dominique Turrentine. Along with the guns, the Turrentine brothers occasionally sold illegal drugs, specifically marijuana and methamphetamine, to the informant while armed. At no time was either brother licensed by ATF to engage in the business of selling firearms. Additionally, Antonio Turrentine was specifically prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been convicted of a drug trafficking offense in 2016. At the time of their federal crimes, both men were on probation for having trafficked drugs in Oklahoma.
The Turrentine brothers were arrested on February 27, 2020, after arriving at an agreed-upon location where they expected to sell guns and a pound of marijuana. At the time of their arrests, both men were carrying loaded semi-automatic pistols. The marijuana was concealed inside a Girl Scouts cookies box.
Antonio Turrentine, 29, of Union City, Georgia, was sentenced on July 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Dominique Turrentine, 30, also of Union City, Georgia, was sentenced on November 5, 2020, by U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to three years, six months in prison. His sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
This case was also brought as part of Project Guardian, a national Department of Justice initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, including those related to firearms trafficking. More information about Project Guardian can be found at https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Merced County Man Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Angelo Frank Salaz, 31, of Los Banos, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on May 19, officers attempted to stop Salaz for traffic violations, including no front license plate and expired registration tags. Salas fled, however, running stop signs and driving on the wrong side of the street. Once the vehicle came to a stop, Salaz ran from the vehicle but was apprehended by the officers. When Salaz was searched, officers found .40‑caliber ammunition in his pockets and a loaded .40‑caliber handgun in the car under the driver’s seat. Salaz had been convicted of burglary in 2014, and in 2019, was convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Banos Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country, and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency task force leverages the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges.
Josue Carrasquillo, a/k/a “King Playboy,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2021. Carrasquillo was charged in December 2019, at which time he was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. During the plea hearing, Carrasquillo admitted to participating in the violent acts of the gang and distributing controlled substances on behalf of the gang.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Carrasquillo is the 18th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Marienville Man Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Using the Mail to Threaten Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 4, 2020, Quintin Kinchen, age 37, of Marienville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for using the United States Mail and Postal Service to send threatening communications.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on or about March 15, 2019, and again on or about April 2, 2019, while serving a prior prison sentence for a 2016 aggravated assault conviction, Kinchen sent two threatening letters to his victim, the former Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted him for the aforementioned 2016 aggravated assault offense. In these letters, Kinchen threatened serious physical violence against both the victim and her family.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced to over 10 Years for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Vienna man was sentenced today to 130 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing images of child sexual abuse and the transfer of obscene material to minors.
According to court documents, in or around 2005, Alan Tabish, 37, met a 15-year-old victim over AOL Instant Messenger. After she had identified herself as a minor online, Tabish picked her up from her parents’ home and brought her to his home in Fairfax, where he provided her with alcohol and showed her pornography. Tabish then brought her to the basement of his home, where he recorded videos and images of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with her. The victim reported the crime in 2019.
Based on the information she provided, law enforcement identified Tabish and executed a warrant to search his home in Vienna. During the search, law enforcement found a hard drive containing nine images and two videos depicting Tabish engaging in sexual activity with the minor when she was 15 years old, including at least one video in which the victim appears to be unsteady and is struggling to keep her eyes open. Additionally, law enforcement recovered from the hard drive approximately 84 other online chats with individuals purporting to be minors, including one chat with a self-identified 14-year-old in which Tabish pressed her to discuss sexually explicit and personal topics and sent her sexually explicit images of himself, and another chat with a self-identified 13-year-old in which Tabish asked her about her sexual history and also sent her sexually explicit images of himself.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force which is composed of FBI Agents along with Detectives from Northern Virginia law enforcement agencies and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department. The task force is charged with identifying, investigating and disrupting child predators and those engaged in Human Trafficking.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Clayman prosecuted the case with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Dougherty Russell.
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-45.
Man Receives 78-Month Sentence for Shooting at an Occupied StructureRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Jose Maria Moreno, 20, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 78 months in prison. Moreno previously pleaded guilty to Discharging a Firearm at an Occupied Structure.
On December 12, 2018, Moreno drove by the victim’s residence multiple times on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation. Moreno then got out of the vehicle and fired three shots at the residence, hitting a bedroom at the front of the home. At the time of the shooting, Moreno knew that multiple people lived at the residence. Five people were in the house when he fired the shots including three adults, two of whom were registered members of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, and two minor children. No one was injured.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Serra M. Tsethlikai, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR19-113-TUC-JAS(EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-097_Moreno# # #
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.Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – An Arizona man pleaded guilty today to a massive investment fraud conspiracy that cost victims tens of millions of dollars.
According to court documents, Kent Maerki, 78, of Scottsdale, the founder of Dental Support Plus Franchise, LLC, and Janus Spectrum, LLC, made a multitude of misrepresentations about those businesses in materials used to solicit investments, including during appearances on radio shows and in a presentation about investments in wireless spectrum he called “Money From Thin Air.”
Maerki, who has been barred since 1984 from working in the securities industry, acknowledged that he and his conspirators used a team of salesmen to solicit investments in extremely risky businesses that ultimately failed; made numerous material misrepresentations about the claimed investment opportunities; and continued to sell the investments without disclosing that the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and the Arizona State Corporation Commission were investigating the conspirators for fraud. Many of the victims in this scheme were elderly and losses exceeded $23 million, over $4 million of which went to Maerki.
Maerki pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud related to two investment schemes. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on March 15, 2021. 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.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. It is a term used to describe five subtypes of elder abuse: physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting at least 10 percent of older Americans every year. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness. This holistic and robust response demonstrates the Department’s unwavering dedication to fighting for justice for older Americans.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Karl Schumann, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. O’Boyle, Elizabeth M. Yusi, and Andrew Bosse 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. 2:19-cr-47.
Madison County Man Arrested on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Shawn Tompkins, age 40, of Hubbardsville, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday afternoon on a criminal complaint charging him with federal methamphetamine and marijuana distribution charges, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Tompkins was arrested and charged by complaint on November 4, 2020. The criminal complaint alleges that Tompkins possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and marijuana. It further alleges that he possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of those offenses. During a search of Tompkins’s residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 35 firearms, including assault rifles; thousands of rounds of ammunition; two silencers; 17 lower receivers; and a replica grenade launcher.
The defendant is currently held in custody without bail pending a detention hearing.
If convicted of the charges set forth in the complaint, the defendant faces up 40 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment, on the drug charge, and up to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of five years’ consecutive imprisonment, on the firearms charge. 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.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Beaty.
Lubbock Man Who Plotted Mass Shooting SentencedRead the Press Release
A Lubbock man who plotted a mass shooting has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for making false statements to a federally-licensed firearms dealer, and the court recommended he be evaluated for civil commitment prior to his release, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
William Patrick Williams, 20, was charged via criminal complaint in August 2019 with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. He pleaded guilty earlier this month and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix in Lubbock.
“We are grateful to the many people – both within the defendant’s family and inside law enforcement – who came together to avert tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “We are hopeful Mr. Williams will get the treatment he needs while incarcerated.”
According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Williams told his grandmother he had recently purchased an AK-47 rifle and planned to “shoot up” a local hotel and then commit suicide by cop. Sensing he was both homicidal and suicidal, she convinced him to allow her to bring him to a local hospital instead.
Mr. Williams gave officers consent to search the room he had rented at the hotel, where they found an AK-47 rifle, seventeen magazines loaded with ammunition, multiple knives, a black trench coat, black tactical pants, a black t-shirt that read “Let ‘Em Come,” and black tactical gloves with the fingers cut off. Mr. Williams told officers he had laid out his weapons on the bed so that law enforcement could take custody of them.
According to his plea papers, Mr. Williams admits he lied on the form 4473 he used to purchase the AK-47 from a local sporting goods store, listing an address where he no longer resided.
Court documents indicate that the residents of the address Mr. Williams listed on the form told agents they had changed the locks after Mr. Williams moved out; at the time of the purchase, he was actually living with a different roommate at a different address.
The defendant admitted to misrepresenting his current address on the firearms transaction form.
As a convicted felon, Mr. Williams will now be legally barred from possessing a weapon after he is released from prison. The Court recommended that Williams serve his 24-month incarceration at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and further recommended that prior to his release from prison, Williams be evaluated for the possibility of civil commitment under 18 USC § 4246. (18 USC § 4246 establishes a federal commitment procedure for mentally ill persons who are due to be released but whose release would create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or serious property damage to others.)
The Lubbock Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Haag, NDTX’s West Texas Branch Chief, and Stephen Rancourt are prosecuting the case.
Leader of Latin Kings Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former second in command of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday to racketeering and drug conspiracy charges.
Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G,” 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 18 years in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2020, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.
Rodriguez was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the second in command of Massachusetts for the Latin Kings, and had held leadership positions in the New Bedford Chapter.
The Latin Kings are a violent gang comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the criminal organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs.
In addition to his statewide leadership of the Latin Kings, Rodriguez also held a leadership position in the New Bedford Chapter. In New Bedford, Rodriguez ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute the narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from Rodriguez. As detailed in court filings in the case, evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Rodriguez cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Rodriguez is the fourth defendant sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.