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14 December 2020
Emeryville Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen MacBooks to Folsom ContactRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jonas Jarut, 41, of Emeryville, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Jarut worked as a database administrator in the Graduate School of Education at a public university in Berkeley. In that position, his duties included purchasing Apple MacBooks for the graduate school. In March 2019, Jarut began stealing MacBooks from the graduate school and selling them for cash to an individual in Folsom who, in turn, resold and shipped them to buyers outside the state of California. In total, Jarut stole and sold that individual at least 90 MacBooks. The cost to the graduate school of those MacBooks was over $200,000.
This case is a product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case.
Jarut is scheduled for a status conference regarding sentencing on June 14, 2021. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the court’s discretion after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Detroit Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Kwaine Brengettcy, 34, of Detroit, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“100% pure meth,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Meth is wreaking havoc on our communities. With each prosecution of a meth dealer like Brengettcy, we are taking back our streets and fighting for families who have lost loved ones to overdose.”
Brengettcy previously pled guilty and admitted that on February 28, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on a residence in Beckley. As the officers entered, they observed Brengettcy jump up and flee to the back room. They later located 21 grams of methamphetamine inside his jacket pocket. Brengettcy also had rented a hotel room nearby, which was searched by law enforcement. Inside, they discovered $10,576 in U.S. currency. Some of the bills in that sum of cash were marked as being used in previous controlled drug buys by law enforcement.
Brengettcy was interviewed and admitted to bringing methamphetamine from Detroit to Beckley, and that he had been selling methamphetamine in the area for at least four months prior to his arrest. The methamphetamine that was recovered was sent to a Department of Homeland Security laboratory, where it was tested and proved to be 100% pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00067.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Department of Justice Reaches Major Olmstead Settlement Agreement with North DakotaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement with the State of North Dakota under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement resolves complaints alleging that North Dakota unnecessarily institutionalizes individuals with disabilities in nursing facilities, instead of providing them the services they need to live in the community.
“Today’s settlement is a great victory for the people of North Dakota and its government. The settlement agreement will ensure that individuals with disabilities are no longer unnecessarily institutionalized in nursing facilities. Instead, these individuals will be able to choose to remain in their own home, near family and friends,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “We commend the State of North Dakota for making changes to its long-term care service system in a manner that will benefit both people with physical disabilities and their families, friends, and communities throughout the Peace Garden State. The settlement agreement is an important step towards inclusion, not just for the State, but as a model nationwide.”
“The settlement we reached ensures that thousands of North Dakotans with disabilities, including seniors, will have a meaningful choice for where they wish to live, including in their own private home,” said U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley, “that is the sacred promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and I commend our state partners who joined my office and the Department of Justice in securing for North Dakotans the right to age in place for today and all the years to come.”
Under the agreement, North Dakota will expand services to individuals with physical disabilities in, or at risk of entering, a nursing facility to allow them to live in their homes. The State will provide these services to more than 2,500 people with disabilities, helping them to assess their options, decide where they would like to live, and arrange for community-based services. These services include assistance in finding accessible housing and home health aides to help with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. As part of the agreement, North Dakota will also increase access to community-service providers.
Enabling people in nursing facilities, who choose and are appropriate for community-based care, to transition to the community is especially urgent during the Covid-19 pandemic, given the high risk of virus transmission in congregate settings.
July 26, 2020 marked the 30th Anniversary of the ADA. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Please visit the department’s ADA webpage to learn more about the ADA’s history and impact.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this settlement agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov.
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Department of Justice Announces Joint Final Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations in Department-Supported Social Service ProgramsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced a joint final rule with eight other Agencies — the Agency for International Development and the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Veterans Affairs — to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in DOJ-supported programs, and it clarifies that religious organizations do not lose their legal protections and rights just because they participate in federal programs and activities.
“The freedom to exercise religious beliefs is a cornerstone of our Constitution and the federal government must uphold this right for all Americans. The Constitution and Federal statutes require all agencies of government to treat religious groups fairly,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This joint final rule is another in a long line of steps this Administration has taken to restore and protect religious liberty and ensure equal treatment for people of faith.”
This final rule ensures equal treatment for faith-based organizations, consistent with the Constitution and other federal law. It removes requirements in prior regulations that placed unequal burdens on religious organizations, cast unwarranted suspicion on them, and were in tension with their religious liberty rights. This final rule also clarifies that religious organizations do not lose various legal protections because they participate in federal programs and activities, such as the rights to accommodations and conscience protections under the First Amendment, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and other federal laws.
This final rule preserves most of the existing regulations governing participation of religious organizations in DOJ’s financial assistance programs, including provisions barring providers from discriminating against beneficiaries based on religion and requiring that any religious activities by the organization be separated in time or location from any services directly funded with federal money.
The final rule was drafted in response to Executive Order 13831, issued in May 2018. The nine Agencies worked collaboratively to draft notices of proposed rulemaking that were published or delivered to Congress in January 2020. These Agencies then received over 95,000 public comments from a range of interested parties, including Members of Congress; state and local governments, agencies, and officials; faith-based services providers and umbrella organizations; advocacy organizations; and individuals. The Agencies considered those comments, modified their regulations to address concerns raised in the comments, and drafted responses included in the final rule.
Cumberland County Man Admits Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and Possessing with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Oscar J. Gonzalez, 37, of Vineland, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Jan. 20, 2020, through Jan. 26, 2020, Gonzalez conspired with others to distribute kilograms of cocaine. On Jan. 25, 2020, he agreed to purchase kilograms of cocaine and, pursuant to that agreement, traveled to a location in Union County, New Jersey, to obtain the cocaine. He brought with him approximately $24,000 in cash, in order to pay for one kilogram of cocaine. Once at that location, he was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
While on release in connection with that case, Gonzalez agreed to distribute five kilograms of fentanyl. On April 24, 2020, Gonzalez arranged for another individual to deliver the fentanyl to a location in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Law enforcement officers seized the fentanyl from Gonzalez’ conspirator, and Gonzalez was arrested.
The count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million. The count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Convicted Drug Trafficker Arrested for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man currently serving a term of federal supervised release, having completed a 20-year federal prison sentence for trafficking cocaine, has been ordered detained in federal custody following his arrest for allegedly trafficking multiple kilograms of cocaine.
Jesus Martinez, 38, was arrested by U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) agents following an investigation into the alleged shipment into Rhode Island of multiple packages sent through the Postal Service containing significant quantities of cocaine, and multiple shipments to Puerto Rico via the U.S Postal Service of large sums of cash.
According to court documents, in October, a parcel containing $46,500 shipped to Puerto Rico by Martinez was seized by USPIS agents. Subsequently, it is alleged, parcels found to contain varying amounts of cocaine were shipped from Puerto Rico to various Rhode Island addresses associated with Martinez. Two parcel seizures revealed a total of 4,460 grams (nearly 4.5 kilograms) of cocaine. In late November, Martinez allegedly shipped a parcel to Puerto Rico that a court-authorized search revealed contained $7,000 concealed within a book. The investigation revealed additional parcels continued to arrive from Puerto Rico and California to addresses allegedly associated with Martinez. Agents surveilled Martinez retrieving the parcels and bringing them to his residence.
It is alleged that on December 9, Martinez retrieved two packages, one from the post office and one delivered to a Providence residence. The packages contained a total of 3,310 grams (more than 3 kilograms) of cocaine. That day, court-authorized searches were conducted at Martinez’s residence and another address associated with Martinez. The following day his vehicle was searched. In total, USPIS Inspectors and members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force seized the two packages which contained a total of more than 3 kilos of cocaine, an additional 250 grams of cocaine, 23 pounds of marijuana, and a total of $95,000 in cash.
Martinez appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and unlawful use of the mail to facilitate the distribution of a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
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Chief of Staff to Former Fall River Mayor Enters Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Chief of Staff to then Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia entered a guilty plea today to charges of extortion, bribery and making false statements.
Genoveva Andrade, 49, of Somerset, agreed to plead guilty to two counts of extortion conspiracy, two counts of extortion, one count of bribery and one count of false statements. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock took the plea under advisement pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 27, 2021. Andrade was arrested and charged on Sept. 6, 2019.
At a change of plea hearing today, Andrade admitted to conspiring with Correia to extort a marijuana vendor for $150,000 in return for a letter of non-opposition from Correia. Under Massachusetts law, non-opposition letters from the head of local government are required in order to obtain a license to operate a marijuana business. After the vendor agreed to pay Correia $150,000 for the letter, Andrade said to him, “you’re family now.”
Andrade also admitted to conspiring with Correia to extort a Fall River business owner. Specifically, Andrade conspired with Correia to obtain a stream of benefits, including cash and a Rolex watch valued at approximately $7,500 to $12,000, in exchange for official action and assistance that was favorable to the business owner.
In a third criminal scheme, Andrade admitted that soon after Correia hired her as his Chief of Staff in November 2017, Andrade began kicking back half of her salary to Correia on a bi-weekly basis until July 2018. She also kicked back nearly all of the $10,000 city-funded “snow stipend” that Correia approved for Andrade.
Finally, Andrade admitted to making false statements to federal agents in December 2018 in connection with the corruption investigation into Correia.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Glenn A. Cunha, Massachusetts Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Hafer, Chief of Lelling’s Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chalmette Woman Indicted for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN (“KILLIAN”), age 40, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was indicted on December 11, 2020 by a federal grand jury for theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to today’s indictment, beginning in or about August 2013, and continuing until in or about June 2020, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN, did knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to her use, money belonging to the United States and a department and agency thereof, namely, money of the Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled, when she utilized approximately $99,940.00 in Social Security Administration funds.
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.
If convicted, KILLIAN faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General 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.
Career Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Narcotics Sales and Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Michael Bernard Lawson (38, Sarasota) to 10 years in federal prison for distributing cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Lawson to forfeit the firearms.
Lawson had pleaded guilty on November 27, 2019.
According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, on May 23, 2018, Lawson began serving a two-year term of community control after serving five years in state prison for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm. In April 2019, Lawson sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant and undercover law enforcement officer on four occasions over a 16-day period. Lawson also sold the undercover officer two firearms during two of the drug transactions. One of those firearms was a short-barreled shotgun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
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 and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana After Being Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport with 3 Kilograms of Marijuana in his SuitcaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Nathaniel Robinson, 29, of Moreno Valley, California, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in District Court and entered a guilty plea to one count charging him with possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Robinson arrived at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas on April 10, 2020. He retrieved his bag from baggage claim and was selected for a secondary inspection. Customs and Border Patrol Officers searched Robinson’s bag finding seven vacuum sealed plastic bags containing approximately three kilograms of marijuana.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Hurricane VictimsRead 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 Keonna Davis, 33, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that between September and December 2017, the defendant worked as a disaster recovery specialist for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA provides low-interest disaster relief loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from federally declared disasters. In her role as a disaster recovery specialist, Davis spoke directly with loan applicants who, in the course of applying for a disaster relief loan, provided the defendant with their name, social security number, date of birth, and other personal identifying information. Davis also had access to an SBA database of loan applications that contained the personal identifying information of disaster relief loan applicants.
On August 28, 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a victim, identified as G.O., applied for a disaster relief loan from the SBA. On January 21, 2018, the defendant used G.O.’s personal identifying information to apply for a $4,900 loan from MyPetFunding, LLC to lease a French bulldog. Davis scanned a copy of a driver’s license containing victim G.O.’s information, replacing G.O.’s picture with her own picture. The defendant executed similar schemes against more than 10 victims who applied for disaster relief loans from the SBA. The total loss was $285,430.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.# # # #
Atlanta man pleads guilty for misrepresenting a COVID-19 test to his employerRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Santwon Antonio Davis has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud his employer in May 2020 by submitting a fraudulent COVID-19 medical excuse letter. He also pleaded guilty to bank fraud related to a scheme to defraud a mortgage company while he was on bond for the earlier COVID-19 wire fraud charge.
“The defendant caused unnecessary economic loss to his employer and distress to his coworkers and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We will take quick action through the Georgia COVID-19 Task Force to put a stop to Coronavirus-related fraud schemes.”
“Davis’ streak of lies ended when he took advantage of a pandemic to cause undue harm to the company he worked for and their employees,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our federal and state partners remain vigilant in detecting, investigating and prosecuting any fraud related to this crisis we are all facing.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Davis, who was employed by a company with a facility located in the Atlanta, falsely claimed to have contracted COVID-19 and submitted a falsified medical record to his employer. In concern for its employees and customers, the corporation closed its facility for cleaning and paid its employees during the shutdown. This caused a loss in excess of $100,000 to the corporation and the unnecessary quarantine of several of the defendant’s coworkers.
During the COVID-19 fraud investigation, agents uncovered a previous incident in which the defendant submitted fraudulent documentation to obtain benefits from his employer. Specifically, in the fall of 2019, the defendant created and submitted false documentation to support a paid bereavement leave claim for the death of his child. This child never existed and was fabricated so that the defendant could obtain benefits to which he was not entitled.
Finally, while on pretrial release in the original COVID-19 case, the defendant submitted a mortgage application with numerous fraudulent statements, including a falsified earnings and employment history. The mortgage company discovered the fraud, in part, after seeing the news stories related to his original COVID-19 charge.
Santwon Antonio Davis, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II, to a wire fraud charge related to a scheme to defraud his employer and to a bank fraud charge relating to the mortgage fraud. Davis was previously charged via an information with wire fraud in May 2020. He pleaded guilty admitting that he falsely represented he had COVID-19 and to other fraud offenses that were uncovered during the COVID-19 fraud investigation. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General offered valuable assistance in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Klapman and Russell Phillips are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Georgia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force, aimed at better protecting the citizens of Georgia from criminal fraud arising from the pandemic. Formed by Georgia’s leading state and federal prosecutors, the task force serves to open channels of communication between partner agencies and more rapidly share information about COVID-19 fraud, while ensuring each fraud complaint is reported to the appropriate prosecuting agency. The task force member agencies include the Office of the Governor of Georgia, the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Georgia’s three U.S. Attorneys, the Attorney General of Georgia, and the Executive Counsel for the Governor’s Office serve on the task force. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
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.
Alleged Leader of Steroid Distribution Conspiracy Charged with Distributing Steroids, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Attleboro man awaiting trial in federal court in Providence on charges he allegedly led a conspiracy that arranged for the importation and distribution of large quantities of steroids has been arrested and charged with conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids and money laundering.
It is alleged in court documents that David M. Esser, 47, while awaiting trial on charges brought in February 2020 in U.S. District Court in Providence, resumed arranging for the sale, packaging, and distribution of anabolic steroids with at least one individual, a Virginia resident he allegedly conspired with in the past. It is alleged that the individual in Virginia received, prepared, packaged and shipped steroids to Esser’s customers at Esser’s direction. The orders were arranged through various means, including text messaging and encrypted emails. Payment was made in cash or by cryptocurrency.
Esser’s alleged continued criminal conduct came to light during an unrelated DEA drug trafficking investigation in Virginia. According to court documents, evidence and information allegedly included communications and information sharing between Esser and the individual in Virginia, to include steroid orders, pricing, payment methods, and shipping instructions. It is alleged the two also communicated about Esser’s business dealings, court case, and automobiles they purchased. Esser also shared photographs of a scantily clad woman he described as being his girlfriend and foods that he ate.
While on pre-trial release awaiting trial on a federal criminal complaint brought in February 2020 charging him with intent to distribute Schedule III and IV Controlled Substances; conspiracy to distribute, possess with intent to distribute and conspiracy to import Schedule III and IV Controlled Substances; manufacturing and distributing Schedule III and IV Controlled Substances; importation of Controlled Substances into the United States; trafficking in counterfeit goods and services; smuggling goods into the United States; as well as wire fraud and money laundering, Esser was arrested on Friday and appeared today in U.S. District Court in Providence on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge David Magdycz.
Esser was ordered detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
Esser’s alleged criminal activity is being investigated by a team of law enforcement agencies led by Homeland Security Investigations. United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge David Magdycz thank the DEA and the Mansfield, MA, Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this most recent matter.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Alburgh Man Convicted of Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Randy Sheltra, 58, of Alburgh, Vermont, was convicted on December 11, 2020, in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, following a six-day trial by jury, of two counts of attempting to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, and one count of attempted receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss ordered Sheltra to remain in custody after the jury returned its verdict.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan stated: “I applaud those who worked tirelessly to secure the conviction of Sheltra, a man who preyed on children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize prosecution of child exploitation crimes and we will continue to do all we can to protect the innocent and vulnerable, working with our law enforcement partners. Thank you to our talented, hardworking Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Masterson and Andrew Gilman, who prosecuted the case, to our office staff who supported them, and to our outstanding law enforcement partners in Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for investigating the case in strong collaboration.”
According to court records and proceedings, on September 7, 2017, Sheltra began communicating with whom he thought was the mother of a 10-year-old girl after she responded to an ad he posted on Craigslist. In reality, the woman was an undercover law enforcement officer. During communications between Sheltra and the undercover officer over the following three days, Sheltra attempted to persuade the woman to permit her 10-year-old daughter to engage in sexual activity with her and Sheltra. On September 10, 2017, when Sheltra showed up at a park in South Burlington to meet with whom he thought was the woman and her daughter for sexual activity, he was arrested by law enforcement. During a search of his person at the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered Sheltra’s cell phone. In it, law enforcement discovered that in August 2017, Sheltra had attempted to persuade a real 15-year-old girl who lived in Vermont to engage in sexual activity with him. In fact, Sheltra met this 15-year-old girl and engaged in sexual activity with her. Sheltra also asked the 15-year-old girl on two separate occasions to send sexually explicit photos of her genitalia to him.U.S. Attorney Nolan commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation and prosecution of Sheltra. The prosecution of Sheltra was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara A. Masterson and Andrew C. Gilman. Sheltra was represented by Mark Kaplan of Kaplan & Kaplan.
Sheltra faces a sentence of not less than 10 years, and up to a lifetime term of incarceration, followed by not less than five (5) years, and up to a lifetime term, of supervised release, restitution, a possible fine, and a $300 mandatory special assessment. Sheltra’s sentence will be determined by the sentencing judge after consultation with the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
U.S. Attorney Nolan noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Albuquerque man charged for assault on a federal officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derick Martin Garcia Pacheco, 32, of Albuquerque, has been charged in a criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Garcia is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 15 at 9:28 a.m.
According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 11 at 7:20 a.m., Garcia allegedly shot a special agent of the FBI as the agent was in the process of executing a search warrant on the premises. The agent was wearing a marked vest identifying him as an FBI agent, and agents had knocked, identified themselves as FBI, and announced that they had a warrant. The injured agent was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for care.
“On behalf of the Department of Justice, I want to extend to the injured federal agent our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery," said John Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our federal, state and local law enforcement officers face on a daily basis in Albuquerque, and of the pressing need to confront the subculture of violence that is taking root in our city. Officers should be able to perform their duties without fear of becoming victims of potentially deadly gun violence in Albuquerque. We remain committed to prosecuting dangerous crime whenever and wherever it presents itself to make clear that such actions are not acceptable in Albuquerque and the District of New Mexico.”
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said James C. Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. “FBI special agents courageously accept the danger as part of their job. Fortunately, our agent who was shot on Friday while performing his duty is out of the hospital and recovering. His bravery is an inspiration to all of us at the FBI who have sworn an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and defend the American people, regardless of the sacrifices that may be asked of us.”
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Garcia faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Holland S. Kastrin and Sarah J. Mease are prosecuting the case.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison for tax evasion, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, John P. Cooney of Jefferson County, Alabama, disclosed to the IRS in December 2011, through late-filed tax returns, that he owed approximately $780,000 to the IRS for the 2008 to 2010 tax years. Despite acknowledging he owed these taxes, Cooney never paid them. Instead, Cooney sought to conceal income he was earning by setting up a nominee corporation, GVA Advisors LLC (GVA), and arranging for payments to be made to GVA, rather than directly to him. From 2013 through 2016, Cooney deposited more than $435,000 into the GVA account, concealing the income from the IRS and evading payment of his outstanding tax liabilities. As a result of his actions, Cooney currently owes more than $1.3 million in outstanding balances, penalties, and interest to the IRS.
Cooney previously pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on Feb. 18, 2020.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Cooney was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,311,904.70 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Escalona commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Kathryn Sparks and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Alabama man was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison for tax evasion, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, John P. Cooney of Jefferson County, Alabama, disclosed to the IRS in December 2011, through late-filed tax returns, that he owed approximately $780,000 to the IRS for the 2008 to 2010 tax years. Despite acknowledging he owed these taxes, Cooney never paid them. Instead, Cooney sought to conceal income he was earning by setting up a nominee corporation, GVA Advisors LLC (GVA), and arranging for payments to be made to GVA, rather than directly to him. From 2013 through 2016, Cooney deposited more than $435,000 into the GVA account, concealing the income from the IRS and evading payment of his outstanding tax liabilities. As a result of his actions, Cooney currently owes more than $1.3 million in outstanding balances, penalties, and interest to the IRS.
“Today’s sentence should send a clear message that those who execute schemes to evade payment of federal income tax will be prosecuted and could face prison time,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona.
“Mr. Cooney knowingly and willfully committed a series of affirmative acts, constituting attempts to evade the payment of his income taxes, and designed to conceal his income from the IRS,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “The sentence issued today is the penalty for those actions. Taxpayers looking to willfully evade the payment of taxes should know that they will be prosecuted for those actions.”
Cooney previously pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on Feb. 18, 2020.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Cooney was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,311,904.70 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Escalona commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Kathryn Sparks and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bacon Announces Partnership with Special Inspector General for Pandemic RecoveryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced today that her office has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), regarding the investigation and prosecution of fraud relating to CARES Act funding.
Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “This partnership is part of our effort to investigate and prosecute the fraudsters who have stolen from government-backed relief programs during the coronavirus pandemic. We look forward to working with SIGPR to prosecute bad actors, deter further fraud, and recover ill-gotten gains.”
Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller stated: “We will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York to hold accountable and bring to justice those who improperly take or use taxpayer dollars meant to support the Nation’s economic health and recovery.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 created SIGPR to investigate the spending of government funds meant to provide economic relief to people and businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The MOU will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SIGPR to enhance their cooperative efforts in investigating and prosecuting matters involving loans, loan guarantees and other investments made by the Secretary of the Treasury under the CARES Act.
The MOU outlines four objectives: 1) to provide a coordinated response to CARES Act funding fraud, with an emphasis on organized criminal activity, as well as criminal and civil fraud affecting federal money, vulnerable victims, and fraud recidivists; 2) to speed up legal process, case intake, and prosecution of CARES Act-related fraud; 3) to link and associate isolated CARES Act-related complaints with larger schemes and related, unlawful activity; and 4) to deter future CARES Act funding fraud by increasing awareness of successful criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions against individuals and companies involved in CARES-related financial fraud.
As part of the MOU, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will designate two Assistant United States Attorneys – one from the Criminal Division and one from the Civil Division – to serve as liaisons for the partnership.
11 December 2020
Wilmington Woman Receives 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC woman was sentenced yesterday to a total of 168 months in prison for distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Crystal Denise James, 30, was stopped by Wilmington Police Department officers on August 13, 2018 in a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit. Officers searched James and found several bindles of heroin in her front pocket. James reached into her back pockets and removed more bindles of heroin. A total of 57 bags of a heroin and fentanyl mixture were seized.
From April 25, 2019 to June 6, 2019, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department used a confidential informant to make three controlled purchases of heroin and a mixture of heroin acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl from James. Following the June 6, 2019 controlled purchase, law enforcement searched James’ residence. During the course of the search, law enforcement found 5,639 bags of heroin (some of which contained acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl), $5,183, 86 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle and other manufacturing and packaging materials.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case. Mr. Averitt prosecutes matters in federal court as the result of funding provided by the New Hanover County Commission.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00153-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Westwego Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Export Stolen Motor VehiclesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on December 9, 2020, MUSA FATTY, age 35, of Westwego, was sentenced by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to export stolen motor vehicles and criminal contempt.
Specifically, FATTY previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to export motor vehicles, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 553(a)(1) and 371; and one count of criminal contempt, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3).
According to court records, FATTY and others conspired to export motor vehicles to The Gambia. In addition, while on bond in this case, FATTY failed to surrender his passport, as required, and traveled out of the United States without permission, in violation of the conditions of his bond.
In total, Judge Africk sentenced FATTY to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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Washington, D.C. Felon Pleads Guilty in Maryland to Federal Charges for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Ronald Clarence Kearney, age 32, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty on December 10, 2020, to a federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Director Donald W. Washington of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to his guilty plea, on November 27, 2019, deputies of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) went to Kearney’s residence in Washington, D.C. to arrest Kearney on an outstanding warrant. Kearney fled, getting into a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria parked in the parking lot at his residence, and drove away. USMS deputies followed Kearney with emergency equipment activated. Kearney drove onto the Suitland Parkway and crossed into Maryland, ultimately crashing the car into a concrete column supporting the Naylor Road Metrorail Bridge. Although the vehicle was stuck, Kearney continued to attempt to move the vehicle forward and backwards and nearly struck a USMS deputy who had left his vehicle after the crash. Fearing that Kearney would hit him the USMS deputy fired his service weapon, striking Kearney’s car.
Realizing that his efforts to dislodge the vehicle were unsuccessful, Kearney fled on foot and was apprehended by USMS deputies in a nearby creek bed. Kearney told the arresting law enforcement officers that he had a firearm in his car. USMS deputies searched the Crown Victoria and recovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The Crown Victoria had been stolen in Prince George’s County three days earlier. Kearney had been convicted previously in the District of Columbia Superior Court of robbery with a deadly weapon and in Prince George’s County, Maryland Circuit Court of carjacking and robbery, all of which were felonies. Kearney knew that as a result of these felony convictions he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition
Kearney faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Marshals Service for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollis Raphael Weisman, who is prosecuting this case.
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Utah resident indicted for operating fake charities that falsely claimed donations would benefit veteransRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Travis Peterson has been indicted by a federal grand jury on mail and wire fraud charges for operating a fraudulent charity scheme. For years he allegedly used millions of robocalls to urge people to donate vehicles and other valuable items by falsely claiming their donations would go to veterans’ charities and were tax-deductible.
“Thousands were allegedly defrauded by Peterson's false claims that he wanted to help veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Many veterans face significant financial challenges, and Peterson allegedly exploited the generosity and good intentions of those who donated to support those who served our nation.”
“While fraud is always wrong, Peterson’s exploitation of the public’s trust and charitable giving, providing false assurances that the donations were going to help veterans’ charities, is especially egregious,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The US Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant in keeping fraudsters from using the U.S. Mail to commit their offenses.”
“Peterson used millions of illegal robocalls to convince people to donate to his fake veterans’ charities and, in turn, hurt legitimate charities that do great work on behalf of our service-members,” said Anna Burns, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Southeast Region. “This announcement shows that putting a stop to illegal robocalls and protecting well-meaning Americans from fraudulent charities remains a top priority for cooperation between law enforcement agencies around the nation.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Between approximately April 2012 and July 2018, Peterson established and registered multiple corporate entities, including Vehicles for Veterans LLC, Medal of Honor, Act of Valor, Donate Real Estate LLC, Donate That Car LLC MI, Donate That Car LLC NV, Telefunding LLC, Tiny Towns R.E. LLC, Victims Relief LLC, Veterans of America, and Saving Our Soldiers in Nevada, Michigan and Utah. Each of these companies was purportedly a tax-exempt charitable organization that Peterson established to help veterans and their families. None of these companies, however, was an actual charity with tax exempt status. Peterson in fact never owned or operated a single charity that benefitted veterans.
Using millions of robocalls, as well as multiple websites and newspaper advertisements, Peterson allegedly defrauded thousands of people around the country into believing they were donating vehicles and other property to benefit veterans. Peterson and those working at his direction falsely informed would-be donors that their donations would be used to benefit veterans and were tax deductible. Peterson himself did not pick up and sell the donated vehicles. Rather, he contracted with third-party auto auction companies to handle the logistics of acquiring and selling the donated vehicles. After the vehicles were sold, the auction companies would remit any proceeds to bank accounts controlled by Peterson. None of these funds went to the benefit of veterans. Peterson instead allegedly used them for own personal expenses, including to pay for online dating services and to purchase an all-terrain vehicle. As a result, Peterson defrauded donors of more than $500,000.
The FTC had previously filed a complaint against Peterson in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah arising from this same fraudulent scheme. On April 1, 2019, the court entered a stipulated order and judgment which permanently banned Peterson from soliciting charitable contributions and from using robocalls, as well as prohibiting him from making misrepresentations that a charitable contribution is tax-deductible. The order also imposed a $541,032.10 monetary judgment against Peterson and required that he forfeit 88 vehicles. The FTC’s investigation of Peterson is part of a broader initiative by the agency to combat illegal robocalls. More information about several of the FTC’s recent enforcement actions, including Peterson’s, is available online: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/03/ftc-crackdown-stops-operations-responsible-billions-illegal.
Travis Peterson, 53, of St. George, Utah, was indicted on December 9, 2020. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Cleveland and Atlanta Regional Offices of the Federal Trade Commission provided invaluable contributions in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case, which was begun by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie Verduce.
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.
USNCB Alerts U.S. Partners to Potential COVID FraudRead the Press Release
Image Courtesy INTERPOL.INTERPOL Washington, the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB), is working closely with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to ensure that our U.S. law enforcement partners receive critical COVID-19 pandemic-related alerts in a timely manner. Recently, INTERPOL issued a world-wide alert warning of criminal activity associated with the pandemic. Distributed as an “Orange Notice” to law enforcement agencies in its 194 member countries, this alert identifies new criminal activity related to falsifying, stealing, and illegally advertising COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines. INTERPOL issues Orange Notices to warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
The USNCB ensures that our state and local law enforcement partners have access to the most current alerts and warnings from INTERPOL that could impact U.S. citizens. The USNCB’s active and continuous dissemination of information on threats identified by other INTERPOL member countries to these and other relevant U.S. Government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, reinforces the value, reach, and efficiency of the USNCB’s outreach framework across all jurisdictional levels.
“The potential for counterfeit vaccines as well as fraudulent and unsafe personal protective equipment (PPE) to be distributed within the United States poses significant risks to first responders, law enforcement officers, vulnerable populations, and the general public. The USNCB has a longstanding commitment to providing state, local, federal and tribal authorities with direct access to INTERPOL data related to emerging threats to public safety. That commitment has been reaffirmed and strengthened during the worldwide pandemic,” said USNCB Director Uttam Dhillon.
The USNCB is also emphasizing INTERPOL’s advice to the general public to be cautious when seeking to purchase medical equipment or medicines, especially when those products are pandemic-related. “Criminal networks will also be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives,” warned INTERPOL General Secretary Jürgen Stock in an INTERPOL news release.
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice, the USNCB is the designated United States representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General. It serves as the national point of contact for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
U.S. Attorneys, DEA Launch Website to Combat Stigma of Substance Use DisorderRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Federal law enforcement leaders in the Commonwealth of Virginia today announced the launch of www.storiesoverstigma.com to fight back against the silent health epidemic of substance use disorder.
“Our hope is that through this website we will empower Virginians to share their buried stories of substance use disorder,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Unfortunately, the stigma that historically accompanies this disease often silences family and friends of the deceased. Those who succumb to substance use disorder are our loved ones: our parents, our sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, and friends. They deserve to have their stories told, free from shame and without stigma.”
Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports that fatal drug overdose has been the leading method of unnatural death in Virginia since 2013.
“We must work together to do all we can to stem the flow of opioids in our communities and the addiction and death they can cause,” said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. “This website is a major step toward encouraging individuals across Virginia to join together and tell their stories as we seek to remove the stigma of substance use disorder. I thank our colleagues in the Eastern District for inviting our participation in making sure these important stories are told.”
The website will allow those who have a family member whose life has been tragically cut short by substance use disorder, to share their story through the power of social media. Five families who lost their loved ones to substance use disorders have provided details about what happened in the hopes of turning those tragedies into life-saving conversations and lessons for others. The platform, in turn, allows others across Virginia to add to the story and let others know they are not alone in this ongoing fight to save lives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, together with the DEA and other law enforcement partners, is continuing to work with countless families and advocates to raise awareness and change the false narrative that substance use disorder is a choice. Through this joint effort, the federal partners and others behind this effort are hoping to change the conversation.
Towards that goal, #StoriesOverStigma is a social activation that allows people in recovery and family members who have lost a loved one to share their stories and change the conversation. The website is aimed at educating others about the dangers of substance use disorders, to start lifesaving conversations with our youths and loved ones, and emphasizes that there is hope for those who need help.
Visit www.storiesoverstigma.com to join the conversation and submit your story.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorneys, DEA Launch Website to Combat Stigma of Substance Use DisorderRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Federal law enforcement leaders in the Commonwealth of Virginia today announced the launch of www.storiesoverstigma.com to fight back against the silent health epidemic of substance use disorder.
“Our hope is that through this website we will empower Virginians to share their buried stories of substance use disorder,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Unfortunately, the stigma that historically accompanies this disease often silences family and friends of the deceased. Those who succumb to substance use disorder are our loved ones: our parents, our sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, and friends. They deserve to have their stories told, free from shame and without stigma.”
Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports that fatal drug overdose has been the leading method of unnatural death in Virginia since 2013.
“We must work together to do all we can to stem the flow of opioids in our communities and the addiction and death they can cause,” said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. “This website is a major step toward encouraging individuals across Virginia to join together and tell their stories as we seek to remove the stigma of substance use disorder. I thank our colleagues in the Eastern District for inviting our participation in making sure these important stories are told.”
The website will allow those who have a family member whose life has been tragically cut short by substance use disorder, to share their story through the power of social media. Five families who lost their loved ones to substance use disorders have provided details about what happened in the hopes of turning those tragedies into life-saving conversations and lessons for others. The platform, in turn, allows others across Virginia to add to the story and let others know they are not alone in this ongoing fight to save lives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, together with the DEA and other law enforcement partners, is continuing to work with countless families and advocates to raise awareness and change the false narrative that substance use disorder is a choice. Through this joint effort, the federal partners and others behind this effort are hoping to change the conversation.
Towards that goal, #StoriesOverStigma is a social activation that allows people in recovery and family members who have lost a loved one to share their stories and change the conversation. The website is aimed at educating others about the dangers of substance use disorders, to start lifesaving conversations with our youths and loved ones, and emphasizes that there is hope for those who need help.
Visit www.storiesoverstigma.com to join the conversation and submit your story.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces Charges for New York and Georgia Men for their Role in a $185,000 Scam of a North Dakota AttorneyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U.S. Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced the unsealing of a complaint charging Inshan Baksh, age 32 from Queens, New York, and Sang Bae Chung age 36 from Lawrenceville, Georgia, with wire fraud, mail fraud, and aiding and abetting wire and mail fraud for their role in illegally receiving and laundering funds as part of a scam, which targeted a North Dakota attorney. Specifically, scammers targeted this attorney and, by using an email spoof scam, tricked the attorney into wiring a total amount of $185,000 to three separate individuals or entities: Scott Anderson, Dorese Coles, and Krystal Fashion Corporation. None of the individuals or entities were entitled to receive these funds.
As stated in court records, Inshan Baksh, d/b/a Kristal Fashion Corporation, illegally received a $60,000 wire transfer from the attorney and, immediately thereafter, laundered the money by sending a cashier’s check in the amount of $31,850 to Sang Bae Chung, d/b/a De Nice Ware, Inc. The $31,850 cashier’s check was deposited in Chung’s De Nice Ware bank account and immediately thereafter, Chung attempted to wire $31,600 to another individual; however, the bank successfully recalled the wire transfer.
On June 3, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Scott Anderson, 57 years old, Seattle, Washington, and Dorese Coles, 30 years old, Newport News, Virginia, on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering for their roles in illegally receiving $65,000 and $60,000 wire transfers respectfully from the attorney and then taking steps to launder the received funds.
Chung’s preliminary and detention hearing on the complaint occurred on December 1, 2020 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Baksh’s initial appearance on the complaint occurred on December 2, 2020 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. All future hearings for Chung and Baksh’s will be scheduled in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota.
"Because of their professional role in our communities, attorneys are susceptible to being the targets of fraud schemes," said US Attorney Drew Wrigley. The State Bar of North Dakota recently alerted members that financial scammers have been targeting North Dakota attorneys. "We join the State Bar in cautioning attorneys to be mindful of financial scams, and will aggressively pursue individuals who commit these targeted crimes."
A complaint and an indictment are an accusation and notice of charges. The defendants are presumed innocent under the law.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek assigned to the case.
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Two Georgia Correctional Officers Indicted for Civil Rights and Related Offenses for Assaulting InmatesRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Macon, Georgia, returned a 4-count indictment against former supervisory correctional officer Sergeant Patrick Sharpe, 29, and former correctional officer Jamal Scott, 33, of the Valdosta State Prison (VSP) for their roles in using excessive force against inmates incarcerated at the facility.
The indictment charges Sharpe and Scott with conspiring to assault, and aiding and abetting one another in the assault of, inmate F.G., in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 (conspiracy against rights) and 18 U.S.C. § 242 (deprivation of rights under color of law). Specifically, the indictment charges that on Dec. 29, 2018, Sharpe instructed Scott and another correctional officer named Brian Ford to assault inmate F.G., despite the fact that F.G. was handcuffed and compliant. In response, Scott and Ford struck F.G. multiple times in the body, resulting in bodily injury to F.G. Brian Ford previously pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, 2020, to depriving F.G. of his civil rights.
The indictment also charges that on Sept. 24, 2018, Sharpe assaulted inmate M.B. by striking M.B. in the face and head with handcuffs wrapped around his fist, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, and then making false statements to Special Agents with the FBI about his conduct, in violation of 18. U.S.C. § 1001.
The maximum penalty for the deprivation-of-rights and conspiracy offenses is 10 years of imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for the false statements offense is five years of imprisonment.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Criminal Chief Michael Solis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentence today for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Kevin Edward Swarthout, 48, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 25 years of supervised release today in front of U.S. District Court Judge Gregory K. Frizzell. In addition, at least 5 victims who were abused during the creation of the pornography he downloaded and distributed will receive mandatory restitution as required by the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
Swarthout has both state and federal convictions for child pornography. Additionally, he has extensive state probation violations for further sexual misconduct and placing himself in proximity to children. Swarthout, a member of the Cherokee Nation, recently had state child pornography charges dismissed at the Tulsa County District Court due to the recent Supreme Court decision on McGirt v. Oklahoma.
“Multi-convicted child porn offender Kevin Swarthout is headed exactly where he belongs, behind bars. Our system of laws seeks to protect our children from men like Swarthout who are seemingly addicted to child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This is a supply and demand problem. We must attack both so as to weed out these child-preying criminals. I am thankful for the thorough work of our law enforcement partners, and I applaud Judge Frizzell for handing down this stern sentence.”
Swarthout admitted that between December 25, 2019 and May 12, 2020, in the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, after he had previously been convicted of Possession of Child Pornography, he knowingly received more than 100 videos and distributed at least 21 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He further admitted to possessing and accessing with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct in multiple graphic image and video files. At least one of the files depicted a minor that had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The Tulsa Police Department Cyber Crimes Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case.
Troy Felon Sentenced to 51 Months for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joshua Vega, age 28, of Troy, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Vega, who has a 2014 felony conviction for criminal sale of a controlled substance (heroin), previously admitted that on April 14, 2018, he possessed a loaded firearm located in his apartment in Troy.
Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue also sentenced Vega to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Troy Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Giglio Suarez.
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.
Tipton Man Sentenced to Prison for Handling Loaded Firearm While at WorkRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who loaded and handled a gun while he was working overnight at a business was sentenced December 10, 2020, to more than two years in federal prison.
Michael Joe Meyer, age 29, from Tipton, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 27, 2020 guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm.
Meyer was observed on a surveillance camera while he was working overnight. He was seen loading and pointing a firearm towards the door for several minutes. Meyer was prohibited from possessing a gun because of previous felony convictions for eluding and burglary.
Meyer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Meyer was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Meyer is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Tipton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-00040.
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Three Arrested with Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Wednesday, December 9th, federal agents arrested three individuals for using stolen personal identifying information to open fraudulent online bank accounts and loans, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
A 26-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Kristen Miyamoto, 39, La Verne, California, Shawn Adame, 46, La Verne, California, and Veronica James, 41, Pomona, California, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Miyamoto was also charged with unlawful production of identification documents or authentication features.
According to the indictment, from March 2017 through October 2020, Miyamoto, Adame, and James stole personal identifying information of individuals in various locations within the United States. Miyamoto, Adame, and James used the stolen personal identifying information to open fraudulent bank accounts and create numerous email accounts with various providers, often using account names that would match the stolen identities. These email accounts were used for online banking and submitting online loan applications. As part of the scheme, Miyamoto created false California driver’s licenses to facilitate opening bank accounts under the stolen identities for herself and her co-conspirators.
Miyamoto, Adame, and James face a mandatory minimum of two years and up to 30 years in prison. Their actions affected numerous individuals, including residents of the Northern District of Alabama, as well as significant banking activity important to the economy of the district.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen S. Osborne is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Texas Syndicate Prison Gang Member Who Headed Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to 30 YearsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A 48-year-old Zapata, Texas man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Jose Ernesto-Medrano pleaded guilty on Sep. 10, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant on Dec. 9, 2020.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2017, law enforcement officers received information that Medrano, a multi-convicted felon and member of the Texas Syndicate prison gang, was conducting drug trafficking transactions in the Plano, Texas area. Law enforcement ultimately determined that Medrano was a leader in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy, which distributed methamphetamine throughout the Austin and Plano areas. Medrano agreed he was responsible for distributing 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.
Medrano and four co-defendants were indicted on Jan. 9, 2019. Erik Brown was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison on Feb. 25, 2020. Martin Ysassi and Priscilla Zamora were each sentenced to 180 months on March 3, 2020. Sanjuanita Benavides is awaiting sentencing.
This is a Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 28 Years After Committing Five Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Eric Lee Robinson, Jr. (29, Tampa) to 28 years in federal prison for conducting a string of armed robberies of convenience stores and a restaurant over a three-week period in Tampa. On March 7, 2019, Robinson had pleaded guilty to four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, Robinson robbed a Circle-K store on May 23, 2018; attempted to rob a Hungry Howie’s pizza store on June 4, 2018; robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sunoco gas station on June 4, 2018; robbed a Sunoco gas station on June 5, 2018; and robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store on June 15, 2018. During each of the robberies, Robinson burst into the business wearing a ski mask, gloves, and head-to-toe black clothing. He also brandished a gun, threatened to hurt or kill the store employees, and demanded that the employees give him the money from the safes and cash registers. Across the five armed robberies, Robinson stole a total of $881 and multiple batches of lottery tickets. He was arrested a few hours after the June 15, 2018, robbery of the 7-Eleven convenience store.
During each of the robberies, Robinson was joined inside the business by a co-conspirator, and was often aided by a waiting getaway driver. One of Robinson’s alleged co-conspirators, Ishmell Upshaw, has been charged and is set for trial in January 2021.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on Senate ResolutionRead the Press Release
Online child sexual exploitation is a global crime that demands a continued global response. And yet an expansion of the “ePrivacy Directive” slated to take effect in the European Union this month may prohibit tech companies from using some of the most powerful tools available to detect child sexual abuse material and grooming by predators, making it easier for children to be exploited without detection. We commend Senators Cotton, Loeffler, and Boozman for introducing a resolution that encourages the EU to preserve companies’ ability to detect and prevent child exploitation, consistent with the Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on Mexico's Proposed LegislationRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr gave the following statement in response to Mexico's proposed legislation.
"The Department of Justice is committed to working with the Government of Mexico to fight the transnational criminals who threaten both our nations. As always, our cooperation takes place within the longstanding framework designed to address jointly our shared challenges: that is why, for example, the United States recently returned former Secretary Cienfuegos to Mexico, in order to allow him to be investigated there. Thus, we are troubled by legislation currently before the Mexican Congress, which would have the effect of making cooperation between our countries more difficult. This would make the citizens of Mexico and the United States less safe. The passage of this legislation can only benefit the violent transnational criminal organizations and other criminals that we are jointly fighting."
State Court Victim Advocate Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that ROBERT ECCLESTON, 56, of Canton, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child pornography.
As alleged in court documents, covert FBI personnel in two different field offices outside of Connecticut have been monitoring various public groups on the social medial application Kik. In August and September 2020, Eccleston, using the Kik username “hartfordctguy,” distributed numerous pornographic images and videos of children in these Kik groups, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers and prepubescent children.
Eccleston is employed as a Victim Services Advocate for the Hartford Superior Court in Hartford.
If convicted of the charge of distribution of child pornography, Eccleston faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Following his arrest, Eccleston appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson. He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for December 14 at 3 p.m.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Serial Fraudster, Who Was a Fugitive for More Than 14 Years, Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison in Maryland for Bank Fraud and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Adetubokun Adesioye age 45, formerly of Bladensburg, Maryland, to 153 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy. Adesioye pleaded guilty to those federal charges in Maryland, which were part of two separate cases, on March 31, 2001, then fled the United States to Nigeria prior to sentencing. Adesioye was a fugitive for 14 years before being arrested in 2019, as he arrived at JFK Airport in New York, New York.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, from approximately March to June 2000, Adesioye conspired with four bank tellers to defraud financial institutions. Specifically, co-conspirator Dawn Hall provided information to Adesioye about various bank accounts, then arranged for other tellers to issue fraudulent bank checks from accounts of unsuspecting victims and give the checks to Adesioye and his accomplices. Co-conspirators then forged signature on and deposited the fraudulent checks at financial institutions. After depositing the checks, co-conspirators withdrew, and attempted to withdraw funds from the accounts. The total face value of the fraudulent checks was $194,209.67. Adesioye provided payment to Hall for her participation in the scheme and Hall passed on payments to the other teller co-conspirators. Upon learning that one of the tellers had been arrested, Adesioye advised the teller to tear up the fraudulent checks and to tell law enforcement she did not know the person who asked her to get the checks.
As further detailed in his plea agreement, in a separate bank fraud in approximately October 1999, Adesioye also personally obtained counterfeit checks drawn on financial institutions with forged signatures, then arranged for the checks to be deposited into the bank accounts of others who agreed to allow Adesioye to use their bank accounts. After the counterfeit checks were deposited, Adesioye arranged to withdraw the funds. The total face value of these checks was $170,250.
Adesioye committed both the bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy offenses while on supervised release for earlier convictions for bank fraud and assault on a federal officer in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Adesioye admitted that he fled to Nigeria prior to sentencing, where he remained a fugitive for more than 14 years. On October 23, 2019, Adesioye was arrested at JFK Airport and stated to officers that he was aware of his outstanding arrest warrant. Adesioye has been detained since his arrest in October 2019.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Wine, who prosecuted the case.
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Serial Fraudster Sentenced for Counterfeit Check SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A transient man who formerly resided in various hotels across Virginia was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for defrauding a financial institution and possessing counterfeit business checks.
According to court documents, Michael Culpeper, 44, defrauded financial institutions and other businesses by creating and using counterfeit checks to obtain U.S. currency and buy goods and services. Culpeper has an extensive criminal history, encompassing numerous prior felony convictions, most of which involve similar conduct.
In January 2015, Culpeper rented a hotel room owned and operated by a Roanoke business. At the end of the rental period, the hotel refunded his security deposit with a check drawn on its business account. Culpeper subsequently used the names, addresses, and bank information from this refund check to create counterfeit and fraudulent checks. Between November 2015 and January 2017, Culpeper negotiated these counterfeit checks at least 16 times. At the time of his arrest, he had 141 more counterfeit checks.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and D. Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-44.
Seminole Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Don Reed, age 40, of Seminole, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession Of Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 28, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly possessed a stolen firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the firearm was stolen.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Holdenville Police Department, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Cooper represented the United States.
Second Man Charged with St. Thomas Gems & Gold Corner Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that Tashawn T.A. Warner was arrested today for his involvement in the September 19, 2020 Gems & Gold Corner store robbery. He made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller this afternoon. A detention hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2020.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, two masked men exited a vehicle and entered the store carrying guns. One of the men used a pistol to assault a store employee by striking the employee in the head. The other man brandished the rifle type firearm. Both men took jewelry from the store and got back into the vehicle which was driven by a third man. The complaint alleges Warner was the man brandishing the rifle in the store. Jamari Benjamin was previously arrested in connection with this offense; the third man remains at large.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office of the Virgin Islands.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Role in Schenectady County Gun Store BurglaryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan Saez, age 38, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison for receiving, possessing and storing firearms stolen from Target Sports, Inc., a federally licensed firearms dealer in Schenectady County.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue also sentenced Saez to a 3-year term of supervised release and ordered that he pay restitution of $48,775.47.
Saez, already a felon for a 2014 drug offense, pled guilty on May 7, 2018. As part of his plea, Saez admitted that on October 24, 2017, he traveled from Rochester to Amsterdam, New York, to meet Christian Roman and Jose Fontanez, who were on the run from law enforcement and hiding out with Omar DeJesus after stealing more than 60 firearms from Target Sports. Saez agreed to help, and did help, Roman and Fontanez travel to Rochester, along with most of the stolen firearms. After arriving in Rochester, Saez helped Roman and Fontanez avoid law enforcement and hide or sell the stolen firearms.
Christian Roman, age 25, of Schenectady, pled guilty in 2018 to stealing the firearms from Target Sports, and other, related charges. He was sentenced to 150 months in prison.
Jose Fontanez, age 38, of Schenectady, pled guilty in 2018 to stealing the firearms from Target Sports, and other, related charges. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison.
Omar DeJesus, age 32, and Onic Martinez, age 34, both of Amsterdam, pled guilty in 2018 for their respective roles in stealing, transporting, and possessing the firearms. Both men were sentenced to 120 months in prison.
Dalmary Morales, age 24, of Schenectady, pled guilty in 2018 to stealing the firearms from Target Sports. She was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF, New York State Police, and the Glenville Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Providence Man Detained on Drug, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man federal agents watched allegedly take possession of a package sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS) that contained nearly 1,400 grams of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico, and, a short time later, who was found to allegedly have a firearm, ammunition, and drug trafficking paraphernalia in his residence, has been ordered detained in federal custody.
Modesto Batista, 30, was arrested Wednesday, shortly after a U.S. Postal Inspection agent made a controlled delivery of the package to the front porch of a Providence residence that, according to court documents, Batista, who had been sitting in a vehicle parked nearby, quickly removed and transported to his Providence residence. Batista’s alleged actions were surveilled by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents and detectives assigned to the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA).
Moments after Batista went inside his residence, agents knocked on the door and announced their presence, after which they forcibly entered the residence. According to court documents, Batista was found standing at the foot of the stairs leading to the upstairs portion of the house. The package containing the cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico was allegedly found at Batista’s feet.
From inside Batista’s bedroom agents allegedly seized, among other items, a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and a magazine for the firearm loaded with fourteen rounds of live ammunition. Various items used in the delivery of cocaine were also found inside the residence.
The investigation began in October, when HSI agents in Rhode Island were contacted by Customs and Border Protection agents in Puerto Rico regarding a USPS package containing 769 grams of cocaine shipped from the U.S. Virgin Islands earmarked for delivery to a Providence address.
On Thursday, Batista was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of more than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge David Magdycz, Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division and Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
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Passenger of Vessel Pleads Guilty to Smuggling $287,660 into St. Thomas Following High-Speed Chase and Apprehension Near Savana IslandRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jose Carlos Diaz Melendez, resident of Puerto Rico, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in the District Court and entered a guilty plea to the charge of concealing $287,660.00 in U.S. currency while onboard a vessel outfitted for smuggling in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Section 70503(a)(3), U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, on September 30, 2019, at approximately 2:00 A.M., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Marine Unit agents identified a boat traveling without navigational lights north of Savana Island. CBP agents pulled their vessel alongside the 24-foot yola-type vessel that was operating without lights. CBP agents activated their police blue lights and discharged a flare, in an effort to convince the other vessel to yield. When CBP agents attempted to initiate a stop, the other vessel did not yield but instead increased speed. The CBP agents shot one round into one of the engines of the other vessel at which point the vessel decreased speed and stopped. The passenger threw a duffel bag overboard. The bag was recovered by CBP agents and later found to contain $287,660.00 in U.S. currency and a Glock firearm. After CBP agents disabled one of the boat’s motor, they boarded the vessel, and apprehended the captain, who was later identified as Arioc Diaz Melendez, and the passenger, later identified as Jose Carlos Diaz Melendez, of the vessel. After pleading guilty, Jose Carlos Diaz Melendez was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. He will be sentenced on a later date. The captain of the vessel, Arioc Diaz Melendez, pled guilty on November 30, 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Albino.
Pain Clinic Medical Providers Sentenced for Their Roles in Operating Pill Mills in TennesseeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On December 9 and 10, 2020, defendants Cynthia Clemons, Courtney Newman, and Holli Carmichael Womack, all of whom are nurse practitioners, were sentenced for their roles in prescribing massive quantities of opioids from pill mills in Knoxville, Tennessee. Clemons was sentenced to 42 months in prison, Newman was sentenced to 40 months in prison, and Womack received a sentence of 30 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office made the announcement.
Clemons and Newman, both of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Womack, of Crossville, Tennessee, were sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas A. Varlan. All three defendants were found guilty by a jury on February 13, 2020, of using drug-involved premises for the purposes of distributing opioid narcotics.
The evidence at trial proved that, collectively, Clemons, Newman, and Womack prescribed millions of tablets of oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine from the pill mills. All told, the pill mills where these defendants worked generated over $21 million in revenue, with a corresponding street value of $360 million. The conspiracy involved four separate clinics in Tennessee, each of which the jury determined were drug-involved premises, i.e., pill mills. The proof at trial established that the vast majority of the patients at these pill mills were addicted to opioids.
“Our office is determined to seek prison sentences for medical providers who think their licenses will protect them from prosecution,” said United States Attorney J. Douglas Overbey. “The sentences imposed by Judge Varlan should demonstrate that there will be severe consequences for illegally dispensing addictive narcotics.”
“Opioid abuse destroys lives and it devastates families. The FBI takes our responsibility to investigate those who exploit their medical license at the expense of those suffering from addiction very seriously. We, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will remain vigilant to assure that unscrupulous individuals are brought to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico.
This sweeping prosecution, which has resulted in approximately 140 convictions so far, is the result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Organized Crime and Gang Section, U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), comprised of investigators assigned to the task force by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, and Clinton Police Department. Other agencies provided invaluable assistance, including the Rome Attaché of the Office of International Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, FBI’s liaison in Rome, FBI’s Miami Field Office, the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Knoxville Diversion Group.
The investigation that led to this prosecution, as described above, fall under the auspices of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Stone, Eastern District of Tennessee, and Deputy Chief Attorney Kelly Pearson and Trial Attorney Damare Theriot, both of the Organized Crime and Gang Section, U.S. Department of Justice, represented the United States in the prosecution of this case.
Owner of St. Cloud Press Bar Charged with Arson, Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging ANDREW CHARLES WELSH, 41, with intentionally setting fire to his business and submitting a fraudulent insurance claim. WELSH, who was arrested earlier today, made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Kate M. Menendez in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the allegations in the indictment, WELSH is the owner and operator of the Press Bar and Parlor located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. WELSH purchased and maintained a $1,350,000 business owner’s insurance policy for the Press Bar and Parlor. On February 17, 2020, WELSH used an ignitable liquid to set fire to the basement of the Press Bar and Parlor. The fire eventually spread and resulted in the total destruction of the building as well as other losses. On February 24, 2020, WELSH retained a Public Insurance Adjuster to assist in the preparation, presentation, and adjustment of insurance claims related to the fire. On February 26, 2020, WELSH, through the Public Insurance Adjuster, claimed that he was entitled to payment from the insurance company in the amount $1,430,123.28 for property damage and other losses related to the February 17, 2020 fire.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the St. Cloud Police Department, the St. Cloud Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshals, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Stearns County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan H. Nelson and Evan B. Gilead are prosecuting the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Teirab.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
ANDREW CHARLES WELSH, 41
Saint Joseph, Minn.
Charges:
- Arson, 1 count
- Use of fire to commit a federal felony, 1 count
- Wire fraud, 1 count
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Oklahoma City Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeannie Rene Welch, age 35, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10.000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about October 15, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Norwalk Man with 2 Prior Federal Convictions Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOMENICO SANDALO, 46, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sandalo was previously convicted of federal narcotics trafficking offenses in 2011 and 2013. In June 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Stamford Police Department and Norwalk Police Department received information that Sandalo was in possession of a large quantity of cocaine, oxycodone pills and marijuana. On June 7, 2019, Sandalo was arrested after investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Sandalo’s residence and seized approximately 600 grams of cocaine, six kilograms of marijuana, 77 oxycodone pills, 46 fentanyl pills, 771 THC vape cartridges, and $53,943 in cash.
Sandalo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 10, 2021, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Sandalo’s criminal history.
Sandalo is released on a $1.5 million bond pending sentencing.
The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force, includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Northern District of Alabama Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Part of Global Crackdown Against Money Laundering and Transnational FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, North Alabama federal law enforcement agencies announced their participation and continuing engagement in the global law enforcement action against transnational money laundering and fraud perpetrated by “money mules”. The local North Alabama offices of the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service took part in the global enforcement action, which has acted against more than 2,300 suspected money mules. U.S. federal law enforcement agencies and Europol worked simultaneously in the Money Mule Initiative and the European Money Mule Action.
Over the last two months, U.S. law enforcement agencies took action against over 2,300 money mules. Northern District of Alabama law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate and engage suspected money mules. This year’s Money Mule Initiative is the third annual crackdown against money mules involved in a wide range of schemes including lottery fraud, romance scams, government imposter fraud, technical support fraud, business email compromise or CEO fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud that tend to target the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
Money mules are people who receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they have been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters. Often, money mules are engaged by responding to a seemingly legitimate advertisement or social media post that promises easy money for little effort, or by helping someone they have met online or over the phone by agreeing to receive and transfer money, packages, gift cards, or virtual currency that support the global movement and laundering of criminal goods and finances.
“Federal law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to protect victims from the many complex criminal schemes that seek to defraud consumers, businesses, and vulnerable populations,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “Federal prosecutors and law enforcement remain determined in their fight against both the root and branch of criminal enterprises that deceive and harm our communities and citizens. Our office and our Elder Justice Coordinator will continue to reach out to North Alabama communities to educate citizens and communities on how best to recognize money mules and prevent financial fraud.”
“Acting as a money mule—allowing others to use your bank account, or conducting financial transactions on behalf of others, jeopardizes your financial security and compromises your personally identifiable information,” said Johnnie Sharp, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI Birmingham Division. “Protect yourself by refusing to send or receive money on behalf of individuals and businesses for which you are not personally and professionally responsible. To report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use, no matter where those crimes originate,” said Adrian Gonzalez, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The number and variety of schemes that target our most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, are numerous and the effects of those schemes can be devastating to the victim and their families. Today’s challenging economy deems it critical that we give consumers tools to guard against losing their hard-earned money to these money mules. Postal Inspectors will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in investigating these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
“The U.S. Secret Service remains steadfast in its investigative pursuit of money mules who are either knowingly or unknowingly attempting to hide and/or transfer illicit funds,” said Patrick M. Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these crimes, seize unlawfully obtained funds and/or goods, and seek federal prosecution for those involved.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. The best method for prevention of elder fraud is sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors, and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves. To find public education materials, as well as information about how fraudsters use and recruit money mules, please visit the Department of Justice’s Money Mule Initiative website - Don't Be A Mule. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage (https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice). If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
New York Man Sentenced to 54 Months’ Imprisonment and Must Pay over $857,000 for Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 9, 2020, Francisco Rodriguez-Polanco, age 35, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment and a two-year term of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiring to defraud the government and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Rodriguez-Polanco pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government between January 2015 to July 2016. Rodriguez-Polanco and his conspirators obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks by stealing victims’ identities and using those stolen identities to file false tax returns that generated significant refunds. Rodriguez-Polanco and his conspirators then secured the fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at various check cashing businesses, including several in Pennsylvania. Rodriguez-Polanco admitted that between $550, 000 and $1.5 million in losses occurred as a result of the criminal activity.
Judge Mariani also ordered Rodriguez-Polanco to pay $857,729.65 in restitution. Rodriguez-Polanco is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and faces deportation at the conclusion of his sentence of imprisonment.
Rodriguez-Polanco’s codefendant, Marien Torres-Acevedo, and another coconspirator, Julio Polanco Suarez, both pleaded guilty to similar offenses and await sentencing. A third coconspirator, Alfred LiPuma, age 81, was previously sentenced to three years of probation and paid $2.1 million in restitution and fines.
The matter was investigated by agents from the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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New Jersey Man and New York Man Indicted on Fraud Charges Related to A Romance ScamRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 9, 2020, Kelvin Aggrey-Arthur, age 27, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, and Ibrahim Adam, age 32, formerly of New York City, were indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and conspiring to commit wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that from June 2018 through March 2020, Aggrey-Arthur, Adam, and others perpetrated a romance scam in which they developed online relationships with victims and then requested that those victims send them money for various reasons, including travel, medical treatment, housing, and schooling. The indictment further alleges that during the course of the scam, the co-conspirators attempted to obtain over $160,000 from victims.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Susquehanna Township Police Department, and the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the charged crimes is 20 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty also includes a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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