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Tuesday 27 October 2020
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 840 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas — U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox announced that a 40-year-old Ore City, Texas man has been sentenced to 840 months in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
Jeremy OKieth Kyle, also known as Corey Webster, also known as Rick, also known as Derrick Willis, also known as Eric Sanders, also known as Brad Smith, also known as Jason, also known as J, pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2020, to three counts of coercion and enticement and was sentenced to 840 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle today.
According to information presented in court, between 2013 and 2018, Kyle, a convicted sex offender, committed numerous offenses against eighteen minor female victims and four adult female victims. He used a variety of false personas and promises of love and money to convince the victims to meet him and engage in sexual encounters. He acquired images and videos of the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct and threatened to distribute those images and videos in order to coerce more sexual encounters.
“What this man did is a tragedy. These young victims were treated in ways no person should ever be treated,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “This case also serves as a warning to parents: exploitation and abuse can be one click away in today’s social media and technological environment. Parents should take strong precautions to protect children from victimization.”
“Predators are targeting children of all ages online by using threats and manipulative tactics. The FBI will continue working with our partners to hold these online predators accountable for their dangerous behavior,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “We encourage potential victims and their parents to contact the FBI or local law enforcement if they are targeted online.”
Anyone who had contact, in person or on social media, with an individual who identified himself as Jeremy OKieth Kyle, Corey Webster, Rick, Derrick Willis, Eric Sanders, Brad Smith, Jason, or J, is urged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-800-804-3547. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will take the necessary steps to protect the individuals’ identities and confidential information.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Resident Agency, the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division, the Tyler Police Department, the Longview Police Department, the Ore City Police Department, the Hughes Springs Police Department, the Daingerfield Police Department, and the Red Oak Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld prosecuted the case.
Clarence Man pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimesRead 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 Anthony Gerace, 40, of Clarence, NY, pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that between 2006 and January 28, 2019, the defendant was involved in the possession and distribution of marijuana, THC, cocaine, hydrocodone, and other federally controlled substances. On January 28, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at the Gerace’s residence on Michael Douglas Drive in Clarence. Homeland Security Investigation special agents recovered quantities of marijuana and THC intended for distribution by the defendant, as well as 14 firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition for the various firearms. The firearms and ammunition were located in close proximity to the controlled substances, and also in close proximity to $103,360 in U.S. currency. As part of his plea, Gerace admitted that the firearms protected him, his proceeds, the location where he stored his controlled substances and currency, and the controlled substances, which had a conservative street value of approximately $98,850. As part of his plea, the defendant also agreed to forfeit $103,360 as well as the firearms and ammunition seized from him on January 28, 2019.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Askey; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Cayuga County Man Charged with Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Workman, age 32, of Conquest, New York, was arrested today and charged by criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon on October 6, 2020.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
The criminal complaint alleges that Workman, a felon, possessed and discharged a .30-06 caliber rifle at his residence in Conquest, on October 6, 2020. Authorities also located several rounds of ammunition at his residence.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Workman faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Workman appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who ordered him detained.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Office of Special Investigation for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), and the Schenectady Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
Cassville Waterslide Owner Pleads Guilty to False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The owner of a Cassville, Missouri waterslide attraction has pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false tax return.
Jerry Don Beebe, 67, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Monday, Oct. 26, to one count of making a false tax return.
Beebe owned and operated Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide in Cassville during the investigation from 2015-2018. By pleading guilty today, Beebe admitted that he filed false federal income tax returns for tax years 2015 to 2018 because he did not want to pay additional taxes.
According to his plea agreement, Beebe was interested in selling his business and met with an undercover federal agent, posing as a potential buyer, on two occasions in October 2018 and June 2019. During the meetings, Beebe showed the undercover agent records documenting the business’s true gross receipts, which differed from what Beebe reported on his federal tax returns. Beebe’s records showed gross receipts of $135,282 for 2017 (when Beebe only reported $24,535 on his tax return) and gross receipts of $145,451 for 2018 (when Beebe only reported $29,172 on his tax return). Beebe told the undercover agent that he destroyed his records for 2015 and 2016, but stated he had gross receipts of at least $70,000 for each of these years.
Beebe admitted that he routinely destroyed his business records. Beebe told the undercover agent that he was in “the mode of secrecy.” When showing the undercover agent his 2017 and 2018 records, Beebe said he was “gun shy” and wouldn’t have these records much longer. However, the records were recovered during the execution of search warrants at Beebe’s business and residence on July 18, 2019. Beebe also dealt in large amounts of cash, and told the undercover agent that he paid everything in cash that he could.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Beebe must pay $70,824 in restitution to the federal government and the state of Missouri for $50,966 in unpaid federal taxes from 2015 to 2018, $6,626 in unpaid Missouri income taxes from 2015 to 2018, and $13,232 in unpaid Missouri sales taxes from 2015 to 2018.
Under federal statutes, Beebe is subject to a sentence of up to three years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Missouri Department of Revenue – Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau.
Camp Hill Man Indicted for Evading Tax Payment of $2.7 MillionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Rempel, age 76, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was indicted on September 30, 2020, by a federal grand jury on one count of tax evasion and nine counts of failure to pay and account for employment taxes.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Rempel was the President and Chief Executive of a warehousing business in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, since the early 1990s and evaded payment of approximately $2.7 million to the IRS. It is alleged that, from 1991 to 2017, Rempel habitually failed to pay to the IRS employment taxes that he withheld from his employees’ paychecks. Rempel also failed to file required forms with the IRS to account for the employment taxes.
The IRS eventually took steps to collect the money from his business and personal bank accounts, when in 2017 they imposed levies on certain accounts. But, when they tried to collect the money from his bank accounts, Rempel began hiding the money. He took payment from his customers and turned it into cashier checks. He deposited the cashier’s checks into other bank accounts and quickly made payroll, then balanced out his bank accounts so that the IRS had no money to collect. He also began moving money overseas to international bank accounts to avoid paying the employment taxes he was withholding from his employees paychecks.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations 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 offense is five years of imprisonment, 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.
California man sentenced to prison for threatening players, school during Ohio State football gameRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A California man was sentenced to prison today for making violent threats toward The Ohio State University and its football players during the 2018 Ohio State v. Michigan game.
Daniel Lee Rippy, 29, of Livermore, Calif., was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for making an interstate threat.
According to court documents, Rippy sent a message over Facebook threatening a shooting at The Ohio State University and vowing to hurt football players. He sent several other threats during the game – which was being played in Columbus – to injure or kill players, their family members and the head coach.
“In the middle of Ohio State’s annual rival game with the University of Michigan and with more than 100,000 fans in the stadium, law enforcement suddenly had a potential threat of a shooting,” said U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers. “Because of Rippy, law enforcement officials at the stadium were placed on high alert and re-allocated resources to investigate the threat. His words are not without consequence, as illustrated by today’s sentence of imprisonment.”
Rippy’s prior connections to the state of Michigan initially concerned law enforcement given the ease with which Rippy could travel to – or perhaps already be at – the game. Officials ultimately determined that Rippy was in California at the time he made the threat, though, and did not pose an immediate danger.
“By threatening to harm Ohio State football players, coaches, and others, Mr. Rippy committed a serious federal crime,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman. “Threats like these are thoroughly investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force along with our law enforcement partners and result in significant consequences.”
FBI agents arrested Rippy in California in December 2019 and he was released on bond, but he was re-arrested and U.S. Marshals transported him to Columbus after he failed to appear for a scheduled appointment with the court.
Rippy pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of making a threat in interstate communications.
Joining U.S. Attorney DeVillers and SAC Hoffman in announcing the sentence was Ohio State University Police Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt. Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley imposed today’s sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Knight represented the United States in the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
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Businessmen Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Scheme to Avoid Federal Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Two Woonsocket businessman who operated a drywall subcontracting business that performed jobs for large construction companies and projects, and that utilized several business addresses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, are named in a twenty-eight count federal indictment. The indictment alleges that the two individuals executed schemes to avoid paying federal employment taxes by paying employees in cash, often times delivered to worksites in backpacks, and failing to submit the actual amount of employment tax payments due the IRS.
It is alleged in the indictment that for four years beginning in 2013, Jesus Jose Mendez, 43 and Jamie Zambrano, 35, operators of J&J Drywall, Inc., which later became known as Empire, Inc., used check cashing businesses to cash more than 600 business receipts totaling more than $16 million. During that time period, the defendants made more than $4 million in deposits into the business’ bank accounts.
It is alleged in the indictment that Mendez and Zambrano conspired to pay a substantial number of their employees, many of whom were illegal aliens, in cash. Payroll funds were delivered to worksites in backpacks. A small number of employees were paid by Mendez and Zambrano via official payroll, to include withholdings.
It is alleged that Zambrano and Mendez conducted more than 120 cash deposits of between $9,000 and $10,000, often times on consecutive days. Many of the deposits were in the exact amount of $9,900. It is alleged that deposits were frequently structured in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements by financial institutions.
It is alleged that Zambrano and Mendez filed forms with the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance reporting wages paid between 2013 and 2017 totaling $4.3 million, when in fact the company received approximately $20.1 million in gross receipts.
Mendez was arraigned in federal court in Providence on Monday and released on unsecured bond, charged by way of an indictment which charges him and Zambrano with conspiracy to defraud the United States, 17 counts of failure to collect and pay employment taxes, tax evasion, eight counts of structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements, and wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Joleen Simpson, and Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Zambrano.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards in Boston.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Bloods Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Murder and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
Five members of the United Blood Nation (UBN or Bloods) street gang were sentenced in Charlotte, North Carolina, after standing trial on federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and other charges. These defendants’ sentences are the culmination of a prosecution that charged 83 UBN gang members in the Western District of North Carolina with RICO conspiracy and other crimes.
U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced three defendants to terms of life imprisonment. A jury previously convicted those defendants, Dricko Dashon Huskey, aka Drizzy, 28, of Shelby, North Carolina, Renaire Roshique Lewis Jr., aka Banz, 26, of Shelby, North Carolina, and Jonathan Wray, aka Jon Jon/Yungin, 29, of Lawndale, North Carolina, of racketeering conspiracy, finding that each defendant personally committed murder. The jury also convicted Lewis of murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one of which resulted in death.
Judge Whitney also sentenced Alandus Montrell Smith, aka Kadafia, 30, of Shelby, North Carolina, and Bradley Beauchamp, aka Bizzie, 32, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Smith was sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release based on his jury convictions for RICO conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beauchamp was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison followed by two years of supervised release based on his convictions during a bench trial for RICO conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.
“Members of the United Bloods Nation gang left a trail of destruction across North Carolina, committing multiple murders, robberies, and other crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The significant sentences imposed today demonstrate the Department’s commitment to thwarting gang violence and reinforce the severe consequences awaiting those who jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
“The Bloods are a violent gang that poses a serious threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina. “This case is an outstanding example of what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we strike back at gangs and dismantle gang networks that spread violence in our cities and fear in our neighborhoods.”
“Murders, assaults, robberies, these ruthless gang members committed crime after crime with no regard for anyone not part of the UBN,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office. “These hefty federal prison sentences are the final step to secure justice for every innocent person impacted by their violent actions.”
According to evidence presented at the October 2019 trial, Lewis and four other UBN members drove from Cleveland County, North Carolina, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in order to rob an 18‑year‑old victim of marijuana and money. Lewis and another UBN member then shot and killed the victim and attempted to murder the victim’s friend, who survived a gunshot wound to his arm. The evidence presented at trial also established that Wray shot and killed a member of the Crips, a rival gang, at a party with other Bloods in Shelby, North Carolina. Evidence at trial further proved that Huskey murdered an unarmed man during an argument by shooting the victim multiple times and continuing to shoot while the victim was on the ground.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the UBN is a violent criminal street gang operating throughout the east coast of the United States since it was founded as a prison gang in 1993. UBN members are often identified by their use of the color red and by common tattoos or burn marks. The UBN has a militaristic structure, with positions of Godfather, High, Low, Five-Star to One‑Star Generals, and soldiers. UBN members use distinct hand signs and written codes, which are used to identify other members and rival gang members, as well as to try to thwart law enforcement efforts against them.
Members of the UBN are expected to conduct themselves and their illegal activity according to rules and regulations set by their leaders. Prominent among these is a requirement to pay monthly dues to the organization, often in the amounts of $31 or $93. UBN gang dues are derived from illegal activity performed by subordinate UBN members including narcotics trafficking, robberies, and wire fraud, among other forms of illegal racketeering activity.
In May 2017, 83 UBN gang members were indicted in the Western District of North Carolina for RICO conspiracy and other crimes. In all, 82 defendants have now been sentenced as a result of this investigation, with one defendant awaiting resentencing and one fugitive believed to be living overseas remaining. In May 2018, a jury convicted three top leaders of the UBN of racketeering conspiracy. In July 2019, Beauchamp was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy at a bench trial. And in October 2019, a jury convicted Huskey, Lewis, Wray, and Smith of racketeering conspiracy and other charges as described above. All other defendants pleaded guilty to their crimes before trial.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office; the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department; the Shelby Police Department; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Gastonia Police Department; the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice; North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; Scotland Neck Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Federal Probation; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the IRS Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations. Trial Attorney Beth Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Warren and Christopher Hess for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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.
Bloods Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Murder and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Five members of the United Blood Nation (UBN or Bloods) street gang were sentenced in Charlotte, North Carolina, after standing trial on federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and other charges. These defendants’ sentences are the culmination of a prosecution that charged 83 UBN gang members in the Western District of North Carolina with RICO conspiracy and other crimes.
U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced three defendants to terms of life imprisonment. A jury previously convicted those defendants, Dricko Dashon Huskey, aka Drizzy, 28, of Shelby, North Carolina, Renaire Roshique Lewis Jr., aka Banz, 26, of Shelby, North Carolina, and Jonathan Wray, aka Jon Jon/Yungin, 29, of Lawndale, North Carolina, of racketeering conspiracy, finding that each defendant personally committed murder. The jury also convicted Lewis of murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one of which resulted in death.
Judge Whitney also sentenced Alandus Montrell Smith, aka Kadafia, 30, of Shelby, North Carolina, and Bradley Beauchamp, aka Bizzie, 32, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Smith was sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release based on his jury convictions for RICO conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beauchamp was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison followed by two years of supervised release based on his convictions during a bench trial for RICO conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.
“Members of the United Bloods Nation gang left a trail of destruction across North Carolina, committing multiple murders, robberies, and other crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The significant sentences imposed today demonstrate the Department’s commitment to thwarting gang violence and reinforce the severe consequences awaiting those who jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
“The Bloods are a violent gang that poses a serious threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina. “This case is an outstanding example of what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we strike back at gangs and dismantle gang networks that spread violence in our cities and fear in our neighborhoods.”
“Murders, assaults, robberies, these ruthless gang members committed crime after crime with no regard for anyone not part of the UBN,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office. “These hefty federal prison sentences are the final step to secure justice for every innocent person impacted by their violent actions.”
According to evidence presented at the October 2019 trial, Lewis and four other UBN members drove from Cleveland County, North Carolina, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in order to rob an 18‑year‑old victim of marijuana and money. Lewis and another UBN member then shot and killed the victim and attempted to murder the victim’s friend, who survived a gunshot wound to his arm. The evidence presented at trial also established that Wray shot and killed a member of the Crips, a rival gang, at a party with other Bloods in Shelby, North Carolina. Evidence at trial further proved that Huskey murdered an unarmed man during an argument by shooting the victim multiple times and continuing to shoot while the victim was on the ground.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the UBN is a violent criminal street gang operating throughout the east coast of the United States since it was founded as a prison gang in 1993. UBN members are often identified by their use of the color red and by common tattoos or burn marks. The UBN has a militaristic structure, with positions of Godfather, High, Low, Five-Star to One‑Star Generals, and soldiers. UBN members use distinct hand signs and written codes, which are used to identify other members and rival gang members, as well as to try to thwart law enforcement efforts against them.
Members of the UBN are expected to conduct themselves and their illegal activity according to rules and regulations set by their leaders. Prominent among these is a requirement to pay monthly dues to the organization, often in the amounts of $31 or $93. UBN gang dues are derived from illegal activity performed by subordinate UBN members including narcotics trafficking, robberies, and wire fraud, among other forms of illegal racketeering activity.
In May 2017, 83 UBN gang members were indicted in the Western District of North Carolina for RICO conspiracy and other crimes. In all, 82 defendants have now been sentenced as a result of this investigation, with one defendant awaiting resentencing and one fugitive believed to be living overseas remaining. In May 2018, a jury convicted three top leaders of the UBN of racketeering conspiracy. In July 2019, Beauchamp was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy at a bench trial. And in October 2019, a jury convicted Huskey, Lewis, Wray, and Smith of racketeering conspiracy and other charges as described above. All other defendants pleaded guilty to their crimes before trial.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office; the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department; the Shelby Police Department; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Gastonia Police Department; the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice; North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; Scotland Neck Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Federal Probation; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the IRS Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations. Trial Attorney Beth Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Warren and Christopher Hess for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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.
Biddeford Man Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime ConvictionsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford man was sentenced in federal court in Portland for his role in a series of racially motivated assaults against black men in Maine, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Maurice Diggins, 36, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On March 10, 2020, following a three-day trial, a jury convicted Diggins of conspiring to commit hate crimes and of actually committing hate crimes.
“The defendant committed a series of unprovoked violent attacks on innocent men because of those men’s race,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Today’s sentence, and the jury’s previous verdict in this case, demonstrate that the legal system will not tolerate such acts of racist violence. The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute race-based violations of our federal civil rights laws.”
“In addition to doing grievous harm to individuals, hate crimes engender fear in communities,” said U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank of the District of Maine. “Violence has no place in Maine, and that is especially true of violence that is motivated by hate. Maine citizens, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, or sexual orientation have a right to live their lives free of harassment, much less physical violence. Today’s sentencing should make clear that we have no tolerance for hate crimes. I would like to thank the victims for their courage to confront their assailant, and our law enforcement officers at both the state and federal level who helped prosecute this important case.”
“Mr. Diggins’ actions were cowardly and racially motivated. It is our hope that today’s sentence will help his victims and their families with the healing process while also making it crystal clear that we will not stand for violence, especially borne from hate,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue anyone who commits these violent acts to ensure the civil rights of all Americans are protected.”
According to evidence presented at trial, on April 15, 2018, defendant Diggins and his nephew, Dusty Leo (who previously pleaded guilty in connection with this case), committed two separate racially motivated assaults, one in Portland and one in Biddeford. In the Portland assault, which occurred just before 1:00 a.m., Diggins attacked a black Sudanese male without provocation, breaking the victim’s jaw. During that same incident, Diggins and Leo assaulted another black man who was standing nearby. Witnesses heard Diggins and Leo using racial epithets during the incidents.
In the second incident, which occurred approximately an hour later and approximately 20 miles away in Biddeford, defendant Diggins and Leo drove in Leo’s truck into the parking lot of a convenience store, where Diggins got out of the truck and approached a black man who was walking toward the store’s entrance. Diggins directed a racial slur at the man and distracted him while Leo got out of the truck and sucker-punched him in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. The unprovoked attack broke the victim’s jaw in several places.
The Biddeford Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila Sawyer and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Tim Visser prosecuted the case.
Bergen County Man Charged with Distribution of Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was charged with distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Joseph Ganaro, 42, Lodi, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. He appeared by videoconference today before U.S. District Judge Leda Dunn Wettre and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Feb. 1, 2019 through Oct. 27, 2020, Ganaro received and distributed material containing images of child sexual abuse, via the BitTorrent Network, a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers. Users must download P2P software, which is widely available for free on the Internet. The software allows the user to place files into a designated “shared” folder on his or her hard drive, from which other BitTorrent users can then download those files directly to the “shared” folders of their own computers. Users can then browse, search, select, and directly download, those files. The software typically keeps a log of each download event.
Law enforcement used special software to access the BitTorrent Network and downloaded 10 video files containing child pornography from an IP address assigned to an internet service provider account associated with Ganaro’s residence.
The count with which Ganaro is charged carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years of in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, and inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked the Lodi Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bend Resident, Sentenced for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Marijuana Under the Name "BHOys"Read the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment today for running an illicit Butane Honey Oil (BHO) extraction lab on rural Bend property, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Jacob Genaro Robe, 31 years old, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.
“BHO extraction is a highly volatile and dangerous process that has resulted in explosions injuring and killing Oregon residents. When Oregon citizens passed state laws legalizing and regulating the manufacture of marijuana products including BHO, it was meant to bring those black market operations into the light of day and create safeguards protecting the health and safety of Oregon consumers” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Those laws are ineffective without enforcement. As this case demonstrates, there are individuals who will violate laws in pursuit of profits over consumer protections and we stand ready to hold them accountable.”
According to court documents, Robe and his brother created a vertical operation growing marijuana, manufacturing BHO and distributing it in other states for significant profit. On March 27, 2018, an Oregon State Police trooper stopped Jacob Robe for a traffic violation near Klamath Falls, Oregon. The officer recognized signs of drug trafficking and eventually located more than $20,000 in cash, BHO, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had previously received information regarding defendant and his brothers having a BHO lab and selling BHO in other states, and detectives served a search warrant on the brothers’ rural property in Bend, Oregon. Also found were freezers with marijuana, drying racks with sheets of BHO and jars with their logo “THE BHOys.” (Photos)
In an unattached two-story structure approximately 179 large, mature, marijuana plants were located along with around 280 starter plants. Law enforcement located an indoor marijuana grow with hundreds of plants, a closed-loop BHO lab, 18 pounds of BHO, 200 pounds of marijuana and thirteen firearms. Police located the firearms in various places in the residence, including positioned near the front door (photo) in the kitchen (photo) and in Robe’s bedroom.
On November 25, 2019 Robe was charged by information, and on January 29, 2020 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
Robe forfeited $23,000 in U.S. currency.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and Oregon State Police investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.
Labeled jars for butane honey oil (BHO) Handgun in kitchen of Robe’s residence Firearm near door in Robe’s residence BHO extraction lab on Robe’s property 3 dimensional BHOys logo in a caseBeam Suntory Inc. Agrees to Pay over $19 Million to Resolve Criminal Foreign Bribery CaseRead the Press Release
Beam Suntory Inc. (Beam), a Chicago-based company that produces and sells distilled beverages, has agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $19,572,885 to resolve the department’s investigation into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
The resolution arises in part out of Beam’s scheme to pay a bribe to an Indian government official in exchange for approval of a license to bottle a line of products that Beam sought to market and sell in India, and related internal controls and books and records violations, which included efforts by a then-member of Beam’s legal department to affirmatively avoid uncovering information related to improper activities and practices by third-parties engaged by Beam in India that presented corruption risks.
Beam entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois in connection with a criminal information unsealed today in the Northern District of Illinois charging Beam with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery, internal controls, and books and records provisions of the FCPA.
“Beam and its Indian subsidiary not only paid bribes to Indian government officials, they intentionally failed to implement internal controls to prevent bribery and falsified their books and records to conceal the corrupt activity,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Companies that use corrupt influence instead of competing in a fair, ethical, and honest manner should take note of today’s agreement: paying bribes to obtain and retain business is not business as usual, it is a crime.”
“U.S. companies that attempt to gain the upper hand in foreign business ventures by engaging in corruption must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois. “The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has a long reach, and for good reason. It is critical that our global economy remain on a fair playing field.”
“Bribery undermines the public's trust in our markets, and the FBI will never stop fighting to hold corrupt companies accountable whenever and wherever they abuse that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Office.
According to its admissions, Beam conspired with others to violate the FCPA by, among other things, engaging in a scheme to pay a bribe of one million Indian Rupees (approximately equal to $18,000 at the then exchange rate) to a senior Indian government official in exchange for that official’s approval of a license to bottle “Ready-to-Drink” (RTD) products that Beam sought to market and sell in India through its subsidiary, Beam Global Spirits & Wine (India) Private Ltd. (Beam India). The bribe was authorized by a high-ranking executive at Beam’s Asia Pacific/South America regional business unit, who directed that the payment be made through Beam India’s third-party bottler in order to conceal it.
According to its admissions, from the time Beam acquired the Indian business in 2006 through the end of the third quarter of 2012, Beam India paid bribes and made other improper payments to various Indian government officials, including corrupt payments to obtain or retain business in the Indian market. Most of the corrupt payments were made through third-party sales promoters and distributors, who paid government officials to secure orders of Beam products at government controlled depots and retail stores, obtain prominent placement of Beam products in government retail stores, acquire and renew label registrations and licenses, and enable the distribution of Beam spirit products from Beam India’s Behror bottling facility to warehouses in other states throughout India.
As part of the conspiracy, Beam also agreed with others to fail to implement and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls, which would have helped to detect and halt Beam India’s longstanding practice of making corrupt payments to Indian government officials, and to falsify its books and records. On numerous occasions, Beam was cautioned by outside advisors regarding the need to implement sufficient internal accounting controls relating to risks associated with improper activities by third parties in India, but Beam failed to implement sufficient controls. Beam also maintained falsely recorded expenses, including corrupt payments concealed as commission expenses, and falsified certifications, including false sub-certification letters submitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in its consolidated books, records, and accounts.
As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, Beam agreed to continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigations concerning Beam, its executives, employees, or agents. In addition, under the agreement, Beam agreed to enhance its compliance program and to report to the government on the implementation of its enhanced compliance program.
The government reached this resolution with Beam based on a number of factors, including the failure to timely disclose the conduct that triggered the investigation; the nature and seriousness of the offense, including the involvement of a then-executive officer of Beam, a then-high-level employee in Beam’s Legal Department, and a then-high-level executive at Beam India; the lack of an effective compliance program at the time of the misconduct; the company’s failure to fully cooperate, including positions taken by Beam that were not consistent with full cooperation, as well as significant delays caused by Beam in reaching a timely resolution and its refusal to accept responsibility for several years; and Beam’s failure to fully remediate, including its failure to discipline certain individuals involved in the conduct.
The criminal monetary penalty for Beam reflects a 10 percent reduction off the bottom of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines fine range because Beam received partial credit for its remediation and cooperation with the government’s investigation.
In July 2018, in a related matter with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Beam agreed to pay the SEC disgorgement and prejudgment interest totaling approximately $6 million and a civil monetary penalty of $2 million but the department is not crediting any portion of the penalty paid to the SEC because Beam did not seek to coordinate a parallel resolution with the department.
The FBI’s Chicago Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys John-Alex Romano and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler C. Murray of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
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.
Beam Suntory Agrees to Pay More Than $19 Million to Resolve Criminal Foreign Bribery CaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Beam Suntory Inc., a Chicago-based company that produces and sells distilled beverages, has agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $19,572,885 to resolve the Department of Justice’s investigation into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
The resolution arises in part out of Beam’s scheme to pay a bribe to an Indian government official in exchange for approval of a license to bottle a line of products that Beam sought to market and sell in India, as well as related internal controls and books and records violations, which included efforts by a then-member of Beam’s Legal Department to affirmatively avoid uncovering information related to improper activities and practices by third parties engaged by Beam in India that presented corruption risks.
Beam entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois in connection with a criminal information unsealed today in Chicago charging Beam with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery, internal controls, and books and records provisions of the FCPA.
“U.S. companies that attempt to gain the upper hand in foreign business ventures by engaging in corruption must be held accountable,” said John R. Lausch Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has a long reach, and for good reason. It is critical that our global economy remain on a fair playing field.”
“Beam and its Indian subsidiary not only paid bribes to Indian government officials, they intentionally failed to implement internal controls to prevent bribery and falsified their books and records to conceal the corrupt activity,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Companies that use corrupt influence instead of competing in a fair, ethical, and honest manner should take note of today’s agreement: Paying bribes to obtain and retain business is not business as usual, it is a crime.”
“Bribery undermines the public's trust in our markets, and the FBI will never stop fighting to hold corrupt companies accountable whenever and wherever they abuse that trust,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler C. Murray of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorneys John-Alex Romano and Della Sentilles of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case.
According to its admissions, Beam conspired with others to violate the FCPA by, among other things, engaging in a scheme to pay a bribe of one million Indian Rupees (equal to approximately $18,000 at the exchange rate at the time) to a senior Indian government official in exchange for that official’s approval of a license to bottle “Ready-to-Drink” products that Beam sought to market and sell in India through its subsidiary, Beam Global Spirits & Wine (India) Private Ltd. The bribe was authorized by a high-ranking executive at Beam’s Asia Pacific/South America regional business unit, who directed that the payment be made through Beam India’s third-party bottler in order to conceal it.
According to its admissions, from the time Beam acquired the Indian business in 2006 through the end of the third quarter of 2012, Beam India paid bribes and made other improper payments to various Indian government officials, including corrupt payments to obtain or retain business in the Indian market. Most of the corrupt payments were made through third-party sales promoters and distributors, who paid government officials to secure orders of Beam products at government-controlled depots and retail stores, obtain prominent placement of Beam products in government retail stores, acquire and renew label registrations and licenses, and enable the distribution of Beam spirit products from Beam India’s Behror bottling facility to warehouses in other states throughout India.
As part of the conspiracy, Beam also agreed with others to fail to implement and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls, which would have helped to detect and halt Beam India’s longstanding practice of making corrupt payments to Indian government officials, and to falsify its books and records. On numerous occasions, Beam was cautioned by outside advisors regarding the need to implement sufficient internal accounting controls relating to risks associated with improper activities by third parties in India, but Beam failed to implement sufficient controls. Beam also maintained falsely recorded expenses, including corrupt payments concealed as commission expenses, and falsified certifications, including false sub-certification letters submitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in its consolidated books, records, and accounts.
As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, Beam agreed to continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigations concerning Beam, its executives, employees, or agents. In addition, under the agreement, Beam agreed to enhance its compliance program and to report to the government on the implementation of its enhanced compliance program.
The government reached this resolution with Beam based on a number of factors, including the failure to timely disclose the conduct that triggered the investigation; the nature and seriousness of the offense, including the involvement of a then-executive officer of Beam, a then-high-level employee in Beam’s Legal Department, and a then-high-level executive at Beam India; the lack of an effective compliance program at the time of the misconduct; the company’s failure to fully cooperate, including positions taken by Beam that were not consistent with full cooperation, as well as significant delays caused by Beam in reaching a timely resolution and its refusal to accept responsibility for several years; and Beam’s failure to fully remediate, including its failure to discipline certain individuals involved in the conduct.
The criminal monetary penalty for Beam reflects a 10% reduction off the bottom of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines fine range because Beam received partial credit for its remediation and cooperation with the government’s investigation.
In July 2018, in a related matter with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Beam agreed to pay the SEC disgorgement and prejudgment interest totaling approximately $6 million and a civil monetary penalty of $2 million. The Department of Justice is not crediting any portion of the penalty paid to the SEC because Beam did not seek to coordinate a parallel resolution with the Department.
Baltimore Man Indicted in Maryland on Federal Charges for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Calvin Henry Sampson, III, age 21, of Baltimore, Maryland, with four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment was returned on October 26, 2020.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Marilyn Mosby, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City.
According to the indictment, between July 26, 2019 and February 26, 2020, Sampson exploited two minor prepubescent female victims in order to produce images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of those victims. The indictment further alleges that from March 3, 2020, through April 7, 2020, Sampson maintained an Internet-based account that contained visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including images of the two minor victims.
If convicted, Sampson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for each of the four counts of production of child pornography. Sampson also faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sampson is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, although no date has been set for the hearing. Sampson is currently detained on unrelated state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, and Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who is prosecuting the federal case.
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Augusta Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced in federal court in Bangor for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker sentenced Keith Holmes, 24, to three years imprisonment for the fentanyl charge, followed by a consecutive term of five years imprisonment for the firearms charge. Judge Walker also sentenced Holmes to three years of supervised release. Holmes pleaded guilty on January 10, 2020.
According to court records, Holmes was found in his Augusta apartment on May 14, 2019, with bags of a mixture containing fentanyl packed for individual sales, as well as cash and four firearms. Other evidence found in his apartment indicated he was causing drug proceeds to be sent to individuals in New York State. In imposing the sentence, Judge Walker described the crimes as a “morbid” business, and noted the danger such acts present to the community.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Augusta Police Department investigated the case.
Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Illegally Manufacture FirearmsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – On Oct. 20, 2020, three co-conspirators were arrested on the federal charge of conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture, possess, and distribute various weapons, ammunition, and suppressors. Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and Paul James Kryscuk, 35, recently of Boise, Idaho, were charged via an indictment, while Jordan Duncan, 25, currently residing in Boise, was charged via a complaint, both obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Collins and Duncan are former Marines assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to court documents, Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and his co-defendant, Paul James Kryscuk, 35, from Boise, used the conspiracy to enrich themselves and others by manufacturing and selling hard to obtain firearms and firearm parts in a manner that would hide these purchases from the federal government. From May 2019 to the present, Collins made multiple money transfers through his personal account to Kryscuk to purchase firearms to include a 9mm pistol and suppressor and a short barrel rifle. In turn, Kryscuk purchased items from vendors to manufacture the firearms and suppressors. In furtherance of the crime, Kryscuk, using an alias, mailed the manufactured weapons from Idaho to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kryscuk also shipped the short barrel rifle, not registered as required by the federal government, to Collins. Duncan was aware of and participated in the conspiracy.
Collins and Kryscuk are charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate, 18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3) and 2, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and 26 U.S.C. § 5841, 5861(j), and 5871 and 2, interstate transportation of a firearm not registered as required. They each face a maximum penalty of a combined 20 years in prison if convicted; Duncan, charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate (18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3)), faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.
Probable cause and detention hearings for defendant Duncan are scheduled before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho on October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. mountain time; detention hearing for Kryscuk is scheduled to follow at 11:30 a.m. The Public may listen at 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 160 127 6280 Passcode: 998153. Public Shall MUTE their end during hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition under federal law and Local Rule 83.1 against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The announcement of the charges was made by Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina following the unsealing of the charges.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case for the government with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Idaho.
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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.
Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Illegally Manufacture FirearmsRead the Press Release
On Oct. 20, 2020, three co-conspirators were arrested on the federal charge of conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture, possess, and distribute various weapons, ammunition, and suppressors. Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and Paul James Kryscuk, 35, recently of Boise, Idaho, were charged via an indictment, while Jordan Duncan, 25, currently residing in Boise, was charged via a complaint, both obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Collins and Duncan are former Marines assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to court documents, Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and his co-defendant, Paul James Kryscuk, 35, from Boise, used the conspiracy to enrich themselves and others by manufacturing and selling hard to obtain firearms and firearm parts in a manner that would hide these purchases from the federal government. From May 2019 to the present, Collins made multiple money transfers through his personal account to Kryscuk to purchase firearms to include a 9mm pistol and suppressor and a short barrel rifle. In turn, Kryscuk purchased items from vendors to manufacture the firearms and suppressors. In furtherance of the crime, Kryscuk, using an alias, mailed the manufactured weapons from Idaho to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kryscuk also shipped the short barrel rifle, not registered as required by the federal government, to Collins. Duncan was aware of and participated in the conspiracy.
Collins and Kryscuk are charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate, 18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3) and 2, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and 26 U.S.C. § 5841, 5861(j), and 5871 and 2, interstate transportation of a firearm not registered as required. They each face a maximum penalty of a combined 20 years in prison if convicted; Duncan, charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate (18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3)), faces a maximum of five years in prison.
Probable cause and detention hearings for defendant Duncan are scheduled before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho on October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. mountain time; detention hearing for Kryscuk is scheduled to follow at 11:30 a.m. The Public may listen at 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 160 127 6280 Passcode: 998153. Public Shall MUTE their end during hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition under federal law and Local Rule 83.1 against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The announcement of the charges was made by Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina following the unsealing of the charges.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case for the government with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Idaho.
Armed Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Christopher Price, 43, of Turtletown, Tennessee, was sentenced to 180 months in prison on drug trafficking and firearms offenses. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. also ordered Price to serve five years under court supervision upon completion of his prison term.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, in September 2018, law enforcement in Cherokee County became aware that Price was trafficking methamphetamine. On September 11, 2018, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Price’s vehicle, during which they seized methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. Court records show that, on September 14, 2018, law enforcement conducted a second traffic stop of Price, who had been released on bond on State charges, during which they seized additional methamphetamine. Then, on January 16, 2019, law enforcement were dispatched to a residence in Murphy to check on a suspicious parked vehicle. When law enforcement located the vehicle, they observed Price, who had been released again on bond on State charges, asleep at the wheel with a shotgun on his lap. Law enforcement arrested Price and seized the shotgun, which was loaded, a second loaded firearm, and methamphetamine that they located in the vehicle. Court records show that, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized from Price more than 17 ounces of highly pure methamphetamine and three loaded firearms.
On July 24, 2020, Price pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the DEA, the ATF, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their coordination and assistance throughout the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted the case.
Armed Convicted Felon Is Sentenced 24 Years in Prison for Two Carjackings and Related Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Dejuan Evans, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 288 months in prison for two carjackings and related firearms offenses. In addition to the prison term imposed, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. also ordered Evans to serve five years under court supervision.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
“Anyone willing to rob his elderly grandmother is a menace to society,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I’m glad the prison sentence imposed will remove Evans from our streets for a long time.”
According to court documents, evidence presented at Evans’ trial and today’s sentencing hearing, on June 18, 2018, Evans carjacked at gunpoint a victim, identified in court documents as J.K., at a 7-Eleven located at 1501 N. Tryon Street, in Charlotte. Court records show that Evans approached the victim, who was walking back to his parked vehicle, pointed a firearm in the victim’s face and fled the scene in the victim’s pick-up truck. Two days after the carjacking incident, on June 20, 2018, Evans and another individual were involved in an assault on Evans’ grandmother, during which her purse was stolen. Immediately after the assault, court records show that Evans was captured on bank surveillance video, driving J.K.’s pick-up truck and using his grandmother’s ATM card.
On July 2, 2018, Evans carjacked a second victim, identified as M.L., at an apartment complex in Charlotte. According to trial testimony, M.L. was delivering pizza at the apartment complex, when Evans approached M.L. in the parking lot, pointed a firearm at M.L., and ordered M.L. to empty his pockets. The victim complied and Evans fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Court records show that CMPD officers arrested Evans on July 10, 2018, as he was attempting to flee law enforcement. Court records also show that law enforcement recovered a firearm from Evans’ apartment.
At the time Evans committed the carjackings, he was on pretrial release on state charges for robbery, and had cut off his electronic monitor. Evans also has prior offenses and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A federal jury convicted Evans on December 3, 2019, of two counts of carjacking, two counts of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the CMPD and the FBI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Kelly and Erik Lindahl, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Armed Career Criminal and Serial Armed Robber Convicted After Six-Day Federal Trial in MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Donte Lamont Dingle, a/k/a Kane, Donte Dingol, Donta Dingle, and Dante Dingle, age 47, of Baltimore, Maryland, was convicted after a six-day federal trial of the following charges: four counts of interference with commerce by robbery; a conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; four counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In each of four liquor store robberies, Dingle brandished a gun and wore various costumes and disguises. The jury returned its verdict on October 20, 2020.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Anne Arundel County Interim Police Chief William Lowry.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between June 6, 2018 and July 12, 2018, Dingle committed four armed robberies of liquor stores located in Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties. During each of these robberies, Dingle entered the store and brandished a pistol at the victims, forcing them to empty the money from the cash registers into his bag and often threatening the victims with death or serious bodily injury. After getting the money from the registers, Dingle forced the victims into a room in the rear of the store, and then fled to a waiting getaway car. During the robbery on June 6, 2018, in Catonsville, Maryland, this resulted in the store owner suffering a fractured neck. During the robbery on July 12, 2018, in Reisterstown, Maryland, witnesses testified that Dingle racked the slide of his gun loading a bullet into the chamber, pointed the gun at the store clerk, and threatened to put a bullet in the clerk’s head if he didn’t comply with Dingle’s orders. In total, Dingle stole approximately $10,000 from the four stores.
According to trial testimony, DNA matching Dingle’s was recovered from a fake mustache that the robber had left on the floor behind the counter at the June 6th robbery. Dingle’s DNA was also recovered from clothing, wigs, glasses, and other disguises that matched items worn by the robber, as well as from a silver .380-caliber pistol, that were seized by law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant at Dingle’s residence. Dingle’s fingerprint was also recovered from a bag of chips grabbed by the robber then left on the counter at the July 12th robbery.
Dingle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum of life in prison for each of four counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats and violence, and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of four counts of interfering with commerce by threats and violence. Finally, as an armed career criminal, with prior robbery convictions on his record, Dingle faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a result of his conviction on four counts of brandishing a firearm and his status as an armed career criminal, Dingle faces a total mandatory minimum sentence of 43 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has not yet scheduled sentencing.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Goldsticker and LaRai N. Everett, who are prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque man charged with illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Devan Andrew Martinez, 33, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on Oct. 23 for arraignment on an indictment charging him with illegal possession of a firearm. Martinez has previously been convicted of a felony crime.
A federal grand jury indicted Martinez on Sept. 10. According to the indictment, Martinez allegedly committed the offense on July 18, 2018, on the Laguna Pueblo in Cibola County.
Martinez is currently in custody pending a trial, which has yet to be scheduled. Martinez faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charged offense. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Laguna Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
Alabama Salesman Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Hoover salesman was sentenced to 24 months in prison today for tax evasion, announced 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ivan Scott “Scott” Butler was an automobile industry consultant and sold automobile warranties as an independent salesman. In 1993, Butler stopped filing tax returns and attended tax defier meetings and purchased tax defier materials. Starting in 1998, Butler used several Nevada nominee corporations to receive his income and conceal it from the IRS. In or around 1999, Butler moved hundreds of thousands of dollars to bank accounts in Switzerland and hid his assets in offshore insurance policies held in the name of non-U.S. insurance providers, thus disguising his ownership of the funds. Such accounts, which generally are used as investment vehicles, are commonly known as “insurance wrappers.”
In 2014, Butler converted some of his insurance wrappers into precious metals, which were shipped to Butler and another individual in the United States. Some of those precious metals were given to friends and family for safekeeping. In total, Butler caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,093,400.
On March 6, 2020, Butler pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon ordered Butler to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $1,093,400 in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Nanette Davis of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Garnett and Robin Mark, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
25 people indicted in drug trafficking operation that spanned several statesRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty-five people from four states are facing charges in a drug trafficking operation that dealt with methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“This is the third major indictment announced in just the last few weeks here in the Northern District of West Virginia. What they all have in common is the presence of out of state participants alleged to be part of a significant drug conspiracy. We have dedicated law enforcement partners and aggressive prosecutors who will root out such activity in our district and enforce the law. We have always believed that this type of effort is required to protect our communities. To those thinking that they can come into our state and participate in these illegal activities without consequence, you are sadly mistaken. We will not stop, but I suggest that you do,” said Powell.
The 25 were named in a 56-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins on October 20, 2020 on charges involving a drug distribution operation spanning California, Texas, and West Virginia. They are:
• Anthony Allen, 34, of Rosenberg, Texas
• Johnnie Bradley, 37, of Houston, Texas
• Michael Alcendor, 19, of Houston, Texas
• James Pugh, 46, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Jeffrey Howard, 23, of Houston, Texas
• Kedrick Howard, 27, of Dallas, Texas
• Leonard Jasmine, 28, Houston, Texas
• Sixto Marquez, 44, of Paramount, California
• Francisco Chanes, 36, of Los Angeles, California
• Aaliyah Snowden, 25, of Eastpointe, Michigan
• Roderick Bradley, 30, of Houston, Texas
• Kelsey McClung, 27, of Westover, West Virginia
• Robert Woody, 41, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Tiffany Groves, 42, of Kingwood, West Virginia
• Sabrina Burton, 24, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Skilor Perdue, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Loren Delaney, 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Greg Snider, 61, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
• Morgan Janes, 23, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Suzanne Adiyeh, 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Antonio Buzzo, 25, of Maidsville, West Virginia
• David Gamble, 56, of Masontown, West Virginia
• Leslie O’Quinn, 30, of Houston, Texas
• Narkevia Lewis, 22, of Houston, Texas
• Ashley Johnson, 34, Morgantown, West VirginiaThe crimes are alleged to have occurred in Monongalia County and elsewhere from the spring of 2018 to October 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and, the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments. The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners: the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and, the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.
These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monday 26 October 2020
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Conduct Election Day MonitoringRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the federal, state, and local elections in Chicago and surrounding area on Nov. 3, 2020, John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.
As part of the monitoring effort, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will operate telephone hotlines for citizens to report complaints related to the voting process. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other office personnel will monitor the hotlines and respond to complaints, as needed. The hotline numbers, staffed on Election Day only, are (312) 469-6157 and (312) 469-6158.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in the Chicago Field Office on Election Day to receive allegations of election fraud or other election-related abuses. The phone number for the FBI Chicago Field Office is (312) 421-6700.
“A crucial part of our democracy is the integrity of our electoral system,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “A citizen who is entitled to vote should not be hindered or prevented from doing so, and we stand ready to help ensure the sanctity of the process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program seeks to ensure public confidence in the voting process.
Federal voting-rights laws protect the rights of voters to mark their own ballot or be assisted by a person of their choice. Actions designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places may constitute a violation. Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. Violations carry penalties ranging from one to ten years in prison, and fines of up to $250,000.
For information as to the location and hours of polling sites, Illinois residents are advised to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections by logging on to www.elections.il.gov or by calling (312) 814-6440.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Election Day Program to Combat Fraud and Protect Voting RightsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allan Urgent, Mark McCarren and Gabriel Vidoni will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program.
“The right to vote without interference or discrimination, and to have that vote counted, is a cornerstone of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “We will not tolerate voter intimidation, voter bribery, election fraud or theft of ballots. We take seriously our responsibility to maintain the integrity of the election process.”
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the public can call the Election Day Hotline – 888-636-6596. This number will be active Oct. 30, 2020, through Nov. 6, 2020, and will be staffed live on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
AUSAs Urgent, McCarren and Vidoni serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of New Jersey, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
In addition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Hotline, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI Newark field office can be reached by the public at 973-792-3000. The public may also call the FBI’s national tip line – 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), and calls will be routed as appropriate. The public may also submit online tips or complaints to the FBI via https://www.fbi.gov/tips .
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Contacts for Election Fraud and Voting Rights ConcernsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Michael F. Perry and Joshua R. Rosenthal will lead the efforts of the Northern District of New York in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Perry and Rosenthal have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Northern District of New York, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
Acting United States Attorney Bacon said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Acting United States Attorney Bacon stated that AUSAs Perry and Rosenthal will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 315-448-0913 (AUSA Perry) and 518-431-0389 (AUSA Rosenthal).
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 518-465-7551.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and they nearly always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Acting United States Attorney Bacon said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow Statement on the Passing of Judge TorruellaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow released the following statement regarding the passing of The Honorable Juan R. Torruella, United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office.
We are saddened by the passing of Judge Torruella. He was a distinguished jurist and a great man who served the First Circuit, the District Court of Puerto Rico, and all of Puerto Rico with integrity and distinction. We honor his many years of dedicated public service, including his decades as a learned jurist and mentor to many, including many law clerks who serve or have served as Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the District of Puerto Rico and throughout the Department of Justice.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the countless people whose lives he touched over his long and illustrious career.
May his memory be eternal.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Appointment of District Election Officer to Monitor Integrity of Election PollsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew Lelling announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eugenia Carris will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 3, 2020, general election.
AUSA Carris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Massachusetts, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Fair elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “Every citizen has the Constitutional right to cast his or her vote on election day free from intimidation, harassment and discrimination. The Department of Justice will do its part to ensure the integrity of the election process by enforcing federal laws that protect voters and investigating reports of fraud. We encourage the public to report concerns to us.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on Nov. 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Carris will be on duty in Massachusetts while the polls are open and can be reached by the public at 617-748-3363.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached at 857-386-2000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and are equipped to respond to an emergency.
Two Navajo men charged with sexual abuse of a minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jeremiah Elijah Jim, 40, of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, was arraigned in federal court on Oct. 6 on an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country. His co-defendant, Bryan Bull, 39, of Shiprock, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on Sept. 21 for arraignment on the same charges. Both men are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
A federal grand jury charged Jim and Bull on Sept. 10 with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of abusive sexual contact of a minor. The men are further charged in each count with aiding and abetting in the abuse.
According to the indictment, between June 3 and June 4, 2019, Jim and Bull allegedly threatened the then-14-year-old victim with serious bodily injury and sexually assaulted him. The charged offenses took place in Shiprock, New Mexico, in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.
Bull and Jim are currently in custody pending trial. If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Farmington Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.
Two Lynn Men Sentenced for Drug and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Lynn men were sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug and firearm charges.
Carlos Lopez, aka “C-Lo,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 123 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In March 2020, Carlos Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
Dionis Lopez, aka “Kuku,” 29, was sentenced by Judge Woodlock to 63 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Dionis Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The defendants were arrested and charged in September 2018.
On Nov. 14, 2017, Carlos Lopez possessed and intended to distribute heroin and marijuana while in possession of a Bersa, Model Thunder 380, .380 caliber pistol and a Beretta, Model Px4, 9mm pistol with various rounds of 9mm ammunition. Due to a previous conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, Carlos Lopez was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Also on Nov. 14, 2017, Dionis Lopez possessed and intended to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana while in possession of a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number and a Glock, Model 19, 9 mm pistol.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Moran, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, prosecuted the case.
Two Lansing Armed Robbers SentencedRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Jay Zollicoffer was sentenced to serve a total of 22 ½ years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for three counts of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a robbery and one count of robbery. His codefendant, Marco Jackson was previously sentenced to 15 years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons as well for his role as an aider and abettor. Jackson pled guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a robbery and one count of robbery.
Between July and September 2019, Zollicoffer and Jackson robbed eight convenience stores in the Lansing area at gunpoint. Zollicoffer entered each store wearing a mask and brandishing a pistol. He robbed the store clerks of cash, alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. Jackson cased the stores before the robberies and acted as a lookout and getaway driver. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker emphasized the escalating seriousness and danger of each robbery.
"Armed robbery is violent and dangerous," said U.S. Attorney Birge. "The risk of death, serious injury, and psychological harm is ever-present. Our office will continue to pursue those who use guns to commit crimes of violence."
"Robberies committed with a firearm are particularly dangerous, and finding perpetrators is a top priority for our agents and task force officers," said David G. Nanz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Gas station attendants, store workers, and citizens throughout the Lansing metro area have the right to be free from violent criminal acts that threaten the safety and security of our community. This collaborative effort to address violent crime in our communities is just one example of how we can make a difference when working together."
This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan State Police, and the Lansing Township Police Department.
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Two Companies in Business Together Agree to Pay $310,000 to Resolve DBE Fraud Allegations Arising from Platt Memorial Bridge Painting ProjectRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Hercules-Vimas Joint Venture, LLC has agreed to pay the United States $310,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it participated in a fraudulent scheme designed to take advantage of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in connection with its work on the federally-funded George C. Platt Memorial Bridge painting project.
Hercules-Vimas is a joint venture formed between the Hercules Painting Company and the Vimas Painting Company. Hercules Painting Company is based in New Castle, Pennsylvania. George Savakis, a Florida resident, is president of Hercules. Vimas Painting Company is located in Lowellville, Ohio. The president of Vimas is Bessie Xipolitas.
The DBE program is set forth by statutes and regulations to provide opportunities for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to work on projects financed by the federal government. The program requires contractors to award a percentage of subcontracts on a given project to DBEs that serve a “commercially useful function.” A DBE does not serve a commercially useful function if it acts as a mere pass-through – an extra participant through which funds are passed to create the appearance that historically disadvantaged persons did the work.
That scenario is what the government alleges happened in this case. Specifically, in 2011 Hercules-Vimas was awarded a $42.7 million contract by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) to paint the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge in Philadelphia. The contract, funded largely by the federal government, required that a percentage of work be performed by a DBE. To meet this requirement, Hercules-Vimas subcontracted with Vertech International, Inc. (Vertech), an Indian-American owned company certified as a DBE in Pennsylvania, to supply materials.
According to the government’s investigation, this arrangement was a sham. While Hercules-Vimas represented to PENNDOT that Vertech served as the supplier, Hercules-Vimas actually worked directly with a large, non-disadvantaged business to deliver paint and materials for the project, while Vertech merely created invoices designed to conceal the fraud in exchange for a nominal fee. In 2016, the owner of Vertech pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for Vertech’s role in this fraudulent scheme.
“By allegedly misrepresenting that Vertech was doing work on the project, Hercules-Vimas was able to submit the lowest bid and secure a large government contract,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “This took jobs away from the legitimate disadvantaged businesses the DBE program is intended to serve. As alleged, it was fraud – plain and simple – and it will not be tolerated in this district.”
“DBE fraud is harmful in two distinct ways. First, it prevents legitimate disadvantaged businesses from participating in transportation infrastructure contracts. And second, it compromises the integrity of the Department’s DBE program,” said Douglas Shoemaker, regional Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect the taxpayers’ investment in our nation’s infrastructure from DBE fraud schemes that undermine DOT-funded programs and projects and the public trust.”
The settled civil claims are allegations only. There has been no determination of civil liability. The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. For the United States Attorney’s Office, Assistant United States Attorneys David Degnan, Bryan Hughes, and Eric Gill handled the investigation and settlement.
Statement from United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling on the Passing of Judge Juan R. TorruellaRead the Press Release
“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Juan R. Torruella today. Judge Torruella had a long and impressive career on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. A Reagan appointee, he was a strong advocate for the rights of Puerto Ricans and spent his career advocating for their equal rights as U.S. citizens. His insight and passion for the law will be missed.”
Springfield Man Sentenced for Damaging Postal Vehicle and Stealing MailRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 in federal court in Springfield for breaking into a postal vehicle and stealing the mail inside.
Jose Luis Sanchez, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 267 days in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2020, Sanchez pleaded guilty to theft of United States mail and destruction of government property.
On Aug. 16, 2017, Luis Sanchez broke into a postal vehicle by breaking a window and then stole mail that was inside. Investigators identified Sanchez using DNA and fingerprints that were left behind on the vehicle by Sanchez when he broke the window.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Second armed robber admits guilt in bar heist that left Samaritan soldier woundedRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A second Savannah man has admitted taking part in the March 2019 robbery of a bar that left a U.S. Army serviceman wounded.
Justin Alexander Campbell, 20, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, followed by a period of supervised release. A co-defendant, Anthony Curtis Raife, 24, previously pled guilty to Possessing a Short-Barreled Shotgun in Furtherance of a Violent Crime and awaits sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our law enforcement partners have done an outstanding job in tracking down the violent criminals responsible for this robbery and getting them off of our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “A prison sentence will put them where they belong: behind bars.”
According to court documents and testimony, Campbell and Raife entered the rear door of Brewer’s Sports Pub and Grill on Ogeechee Road on March 24, 2019. Both carried firearms and pointed the weapons at patrons during the robbery. One of the customers, who was an active-duty U.S. Army serviceman, witnessed the robbery and helped other patrons escape. The serviceman then went unarmed to the rear of the bar and was shot after he punched one of the robbers in the face. Both robbers then fled; the soldier was treated for a bullet wound and recovered.
Raife was located and arrested soon after the robbery, while Campbell was taken into custody in Virginia and returned to Georgia for prosecution.
“We are so fortunate that a brave soldier did not lose his life because of the brazen act of violence,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thankfully because of his actions and the actions of our local law enforcement partners, neither of these subjects will be able to strike fear in innocent business patrons for a long, long time.”
“Chatham County Police Department officers and detectives were tireless in their efforts to solve this case,” said Chatham County Police Department Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “Criminals should understand that we will pursue every lead, collect every piece of evidence, and work as long as necessary to ensure the safety of our streets and our citizens.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Chatham County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
San Diego Drug and Money Laundering Cell Leader Sentenced to 17 YearsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Larry Casper (619) 546-6734
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 26, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Javier Felix Bayardo, a resident of Sinaloa, Mexico who was living in the San Diego area, was sentenced in federal court today to 17 years in custody for his role as the organizer of drug and money- laundering conspiracies and for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Felix pleaded guilty in August of 2018, admitting that from 2014 until 2017, Felix coordinated the receipt of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana that were smuggled to the San Diego area. He arranged to store the drugs and then deliver them to customers in Southern California and elsewhere. To do so, Felix maintained control of multiple commercial storage units that he used to store large quantities of drugs following their importation. Felix supervised drug couriers and money launderers in these efforts.
Through his plea agreement, Felix also acknowledged that he and others opened dozens of bank accounts that were used to receive cash deposits of drug proceeds from throughout the United States and then withdrawn from the San Diego area for bulk transport to drug suppliers in Mexico.
According to the plea documents, the conspiracy involved the laundering of at least $4.5 million in drug proceeds and at least 26.5 kilograms of cocaine, 938 grams of methamphetamine and 486 kilograms of marijuana that were seized during the investigation. Felix possessed five firearms, which included a .223 caliber automatic rifle and a Glock semi-automatic pistol.
In addition to the 17-year sentence, the court imposed a $30,000 fine. In connection with this case, the court has previously ordered the forfeiture of more than $27,500 in United States currency; Las Vegas real property; two Kawasaki Jet Skis; 25 wristwatches; 26 women’s handbags; 42 pairs of women’s shoes; three large screen televisions; a currency counter and the five firearms.
“Those who attempt to use Southern California as a hub for their illicit drug trafficking and money laundering efforts will continue to face stiff penalties,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Not only will we aggressively pursue significant prison sentences in these cases but also forfeiture of the ill-gotten gains of the perpetrators in whatever form.” Brewer commended prosecutor Larry Casper and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Service for their excellent work on this case.
“Today’s sentencing of Javier Felix Bayardo is a victory for our community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John Callery. “Felix Bayardo will spend the next 17 years in federal prison for dealing deadly drugs that caused the destruction of an untold number of lives. This just sentencing should serve as a warning to anyone who puts profits above the lives of Americans – DEA and our law enforcement partners will use every resource to ensure you are brought to justice and serve time for your crimes.”
“Traffickers of illegal drugs who corrupt our financial systems to launder their illicit proceeds will be caught and brought to justice,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner. “Our IRS Special Agents are committed to dismantling these drug and money laundering networks by using our financial expertise to identify and trace criminal transactions, stem the flow of dirty money and seize all assets that fund drug cartels.”
“This sentencing is the product of federal law enforcement agencies collaborating together and working with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office on ridding our communities of illegal narcotics and the violence that so often comes with it,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “I hope today’s outcome is seen as a warning to others who are thinking of getting involved in narcotics smuggling to make money. We will find you and we will bring you to justice.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
DEFENDANT Case Number 17-cr-2538-BAS
Javier Felix Bayardo Age: 36 Sinaloa, Mexico
SUMMARY OF COUNTS OF CONVICTION
Javier Felix-Bayardo
Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Marijuana, 21 U.S.C. Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846.
Sentence Imposed: Twelve years (concurrent with Count 2)
Count 2: Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, 18 U.S.C Secs. 1956(h) and (a)(1)(B)(i).
Sentence Imposed: Twelve years (concurrent with Count 1)
Count 3: Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 924(c).
Sentence Imposed: Five years (consecutive to Counts 1 and 2)
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
IRS Criminal Investigation Division
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Postal Service
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jonathan Laur, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Laur and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment. The defendant ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 12 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications revealed that the defendant distributed bag and bundle level quantities on behalf of a co-conspirator. Additionally, law enforcement arrested Mr. Laur in June 2019 while he was in possession of narcotics he had just obtained from a co-conspirator. Mr. Laur ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 12 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area as a condition of the plea.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2021 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Laur remains in detention pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Orange County Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Short-Term Loan Investment Scam that Cost Victims over $3 MillionRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for running a program that purported to offer short-term loans, but was nothing more than an investment scam that caused more than $3 million in losses to victims.
J. Michael Clancy, 58, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was sentenced today by United States District Judge David O. Carter, who also ordered him to pay $3,003,084 in restitution. Clancy pleaded guilty in March 2019 to a single-count information charging him with wire fraud.
From July 2014 until July 2016, Clancy operated Multiplied Equities and Quantum Capital California LP, both located in Lake Forest, which he claimed offered short-term loans secured by real estate. Clancy sold partnership interests to investors, telling them their funds would be used to make short-term loans. Clancy further promised to sell the loans to outside investors, which would earn profits for his victims and free up funds to make additional short-term loans.
Instead of using his victims’ funds as promised, Clancy used the money to operate a house-flipping scheme, purchase a personal residence in Silverado Canyon, pay family members, and make “interest” payments to earlier investors in the scheme.
In total, 11 victims lost $3,003,084 as a result of the scheme.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Onslow County Man Receives 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. –John Michael Gray, 33, of Onslow County, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine and heroin.
On August 8, 2019, an Onslow County Sheriff’s Detective conducted a traffic stop of Gray in the area of Pony Farm Road in Jacksonville. Law enforcement found a quantity of high purity methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin in the car.
During an on-going investigation, agents uncovered that Gray had been involved in an assault of someone involved with him in the distribution of methamphetamine. This drug trafficking organization had a reputation for violence. The assault was mentioned as a warning to other involved not to cross them. Gray was involved in the distribution of more than 700 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was part of OCDETF Operation Fighting JellyFish. An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. This OCDETF focuses on a Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization and Gang Activity that has been responsible for the distribution of large quantities extremely pure methamphetamine throughout the United States.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the jury verdict before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Onslow, Duplin and Craven Sheriff’s Offices and the Beaufort and Kinston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. 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-00160-FL.
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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.
One Convicted, One Indicted in Scheme to Defraud the USDA's Summer Food Service ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced this week that Corey Roshel Powell, age 42, of Delhi, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Janie Johnson Smith, age 40, of Monroe, Louisiana, was also indicted with wire fraud for her participation in the scheme. The pair face terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years, fines, and periods of supervised released upon conviction.
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded child nutrition program that is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. The SFSP is designed to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session.
According to court records, Powell owned and operated The NELLA Foundation (NELLA), a non-profit organization domiciled in Darrow, Louisiana, which served as a sponsor for the SFSP. Smith, an employee of NELLA, managed the day-to-day operations of NELLA’s feeding sites. Over the course of the summers of 2014 and 2015, Powell and Smith inflated the number of meals NELLA purportedly served to low-income children and submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement based on the inflated numbers. Powell and Smith also falsified program documents to support the false claims for reimbursement. Once the funds were transmitted to NELLA, Powell and Smith used SFSP funds for their own personal expenses such as car and rent payments, or withdrew the funds as cash. Additionally, Powell and Smith ordered food for NELLA’s purported operations through lines of credit obtained with food distribution companies, and once reimbursed for these expenses by the Louisiana Department of Education, the two defaulted on the lines of credit and instead converted the funds for their own personal use and financial gain. Over a two year period, NELLA submitted and received approximately $265,000 in SFSP funds.
U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Stealing taxpayer money intended to feed hungry children is a shameful crime that will be dealt with harshly by this office and our partners in the FBI and Louisiana Office of Inspector General. The conviction of one and the indictment of his accomplice are the first steps in bringing these criminals to justice, and a confirmation of our commitment to protect government programs intended for those who truly need assistance.”
“Mr. Powell aided by Ms. Smith used funds designated for the USDA Summer Foods Service Program which provides nutritional meals for children in low income families for his or their own personal expenses. Defrauding taxpayers and taking food out of the mouths of children who can’t provide for themselves is reprehensible,” said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “I would like to thank the efforts put forth by our partners at the Louisiana Office of Inspector General for helping the FBI disrupt corruption like this.”
Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “In stealing over a quarter million dollars intended to feed hungry children, these defendants showed no concern at all for the taxpayers or the children those funds were supposed to benefit. They brazenly broke the law, and it is entirely appropriate to hold them criminally accountable. Together with our law enforcement partners, the Louisiana OIG will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals who commit this fraud for as long as it takes to send the message that those who steal from the taxpayers do so at their own peril.” Street added, “I want to thank United States Attorney Brandon Fremin and his staff for their usual outstanding work, as well as our partners at the FBI.”
This matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Craig.
North Tonawanda Man Indicted by A Federal Grand Jury on Cocaine ChargesRead 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 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Daniel Rodriguez, 37, of North Tonawanda, NY, with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on September 11, 2020, investigators established surveillance at a Center Avenue residence in North Tonawanda. The Town of Tonawanda Police Department had obtained search warrants for the residence, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a body warrant for the defendant, all relating to an ongoing investigation involving an August 2019 homicide in the Town of Tonawanda.
During the course of surveillance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee left the residence with a female driver and a male passenger. Shortly thereafter, a North Tonawanda Police Officer pulled over the vehicle. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as defendant Rodriguez. Town of Tonawanda Detectives arrived on the scene of the traffic stop and notified the defendant about the search warrants. During the search of the vehicle, detectives located and seized a plastic bag in the rear of the vehicle which contained a quantity of narcotics. Initial testing determined the narcotics were cocaine and crack cocaine.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas E. Krantz.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #New London Heroin Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT WINSTON, also known as “Bobbo,” 35, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms. The investigation revealed that Winston received heroin from a co-conspirator and distributed the drug to his own customers.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging 24 individuals with various offenses. On August 6, 2019, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding Winston and another defendant. On June 4, 2020, Winston pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
Winston has been detained in state custody since August 14, 2019, for an unrelated drug offense.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Navajo man charged in shooting incident in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ferlando Wadsworth, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court today on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Wadsworth will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 14, Wadsworth allegedly arrived with two associates at a meeting to purchase food stamps from the victims. When the first victim refused to get into a vehicle with Wadsworth and his associates, Wadsworth allegedly exited the vehicle with a shotgun and followed her to the vehicle driven by the second victim. Wadsworth allegedly pointed the shotgun at the victims and demanded that they get out of their vehicle. When the second victim put the car into drive, Wadsworth allegedly attempted to open the door and then fired the shotgun into the vehicle as it began to drive away.
Navajo Police located the vehicle in which Wadsworth fled and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Wadsworth allegedly got out of the vehicle and was caught as he attempted to flee on foot. Officers located a shotgun with the serial number obliterated.
The incident took place on the Navajo Nation. As a felon previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on a peace officer, Wadsworth cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Wadsworth faces up to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 10 years for assault with a dangerous weapon and a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick T. Mendenhall is prosecuting the case.
Monongalia County woman guilty of firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Teresa Miller, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was found guilty of a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a bench trial today, Miller, age 46, was found guilty of one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Miller, having previously been convicted of a drug crime, is prohibited from having a firearm. Miller had a .380 caliber pistol and a .45 caliber pistol in July 2018 in Monongalia County.
Miller faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Mescalero man charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a childRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Troy Douglas Blaylock, Sr., 57, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was charged in federal court on Sept. 22 with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and sexual abuse of a minor. The Court ordered Blaylock detained pending trial.
A criminal complaint alleges that from late 2019 until Aug. 2020 Blaylock repeatedly sexually abused a minor victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and was eight- and nine-years old during the time of the abuse. The alleged abuse took place in the defendant’s residence within the external borders of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
If convicted, Blaylock faces up to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a child. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.
Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Iaquinta, Jr., of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Iaquinta, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Iaquinta, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a previous felony conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in Marion County in March 2020.
Iaquinta faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Madison Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Bank Robbery and Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Madison man for robbing a bank and possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Jose Guadalupe Pena, 22, to 96 months in prison on one-count of bank robbery and one-count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Pena pled guilty in June.
“By possessing a gun during the robbery, Pena placed bank employees in grave danger,” USA Escalona said. “Those inclined to put the value of a dollar over the value of someone’s safety should consider the consequences before committing the crime.”
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” FBI SAC Sharp said. “Thanks to the great work of my agents and the Madison Police Department, Pena is off the street and paying the price for his crime.”
According to the plea agreement, on September 23, 2016, Pena robbed Eva Bank located in Madison, Alabama. An employee of the bank was preparing to leave work for the day and saw Pena walking in front of the bank and looking inside. Pena walked into the bank and told the teller that she could not leave. Pena then approached another teller and demanded she give him all the money in her drawer. He showed both women a black semi-automatic handgun that he had tucked in the waistband of his pants. Pena did not point the gun at either of them, but kept his hand on it. At Pena’s command, the teller put approximately $2,467 in a grocery bag, to include bait money.
FBI investigated the case along with the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. prosecuted the case.
Lordsburg man charged with producing and possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Gilbert Gallegos, 44, of Lordsburg, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on Sept. 24 on charges of production and possession of child pornography. Gallegos will remain detained pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on April 15, Gallegos allegedly was in possession of pornographic videos on his cellphone from July 2, 2019, depicting a minor victim who is nude from the waist down. Gallegos allegedly is identified as participating in the videos. Other videos recovered from Gallegos’ phone allegedly contain child pornography.
If convicted, Gallegos faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography and up to 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Lordsburg Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.
Lilburn Man Charged with Filing $165 Million in Fake Tax Returns, Collecting Millions in Undeserved RefundsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Lilburn, Georgia resident currently in custody was charged in a 20-count indictment for allegedly filing false tax returns totaling $165,212,271, collecting at least $2,897,192.74 in undeserved tax refunds, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney of the Middle District of Georgia.
Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox, AKA Marquet Antwain Burgess Mattox El, AKA Marquet Burgess Mattox, AKA Asim Ashunta El, AKA Asim El Bey, 48, of Lilburn, Georgia was charged by a federal grand jury on September 17 with nine counts of wire fraud, ten counts of false claims against the U.S. Government and one count of theft of government funds. The indictment was unsealed on October 16. Following a hearing on Friday, October 23, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle ordered Mattox remain in custody. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the indictment, Mattox is accused of filing fraudulent Form 1041 U.S. Income Tax Returns with the IRS for tax years 2015 through 2017 for at least twelve different trusts. The IRS relied upon information from submitted Forms 1041 in determining and issuing refunds. The indictment alleges that Mattox knew at the time he submitted the tax forms that none of the trusts had any business activities, that the trusts had not earned the income as claimed and that the withholding payments had in fact not been made to the IRS as claimed. Mattox is accused of falsely claiming tax refunds for these purported trusts in the amount of approximately $165,212,271. The IRS issued approximately $2,897,192.74 in federal income tax refunds from one of the alleged fraudulent trusts which the defendant was not entitled to receive.
IRS-CI’s Atlanta Division and Office of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndie M. Freeman of the Middle District of Georgia’s Complex Frauds Unit is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362. 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.