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Monday 26 October 2020
L.A. Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Lottery Scam that Defrauded Elderly Victims out of Almost $200,000Read the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The final defendant in a federal fraud case was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for conning more than a dozen elderly victims out of nearly $200,000 in a scam involving fake lottery tickets.
Tito Lozada, 50, a Colombian national and Los Angeles resident, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered Lozada and his co-defendants to pay $190,422 in restitution. Lozada pleaded guilty on February 24 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
From March 2017 until September 2019, Lozada and his co-defendants rented vehicles under false names and then drove in search of elderly victims – primarily Hispanic women between the ages of 65 and 85 years old. Once a victim was located, a member of the scheme approached her and lied about having a winning lottery ticket that the co-conspirator needed help cashing.
The defendants preyed on their victims’ emotions by claiming the conspirators needed help finding their way home or to a church, or by claiming they were illegally in the United States and needed help finding a lawyer or immigration services. One victim identified Lozada as the thief who stole her money and co-defendant Maria Luisa Henao, 44, a dual citizen of Colombia and the United States, as the suspect who cried as a ploy to lure her into the scheme.
To further deceive the victims, one of the co-conspirators generally telephoned a purported lottery official – actually a cohort – who then “confirmed” the phony lottery ticket was a winner that only could be released by paying a fee or cash deposit.
The defendants general drove victims to their home or bank so they could retrieve jewelry or large sums of cash to pay for the sham lottery ticket deposit. Once the co-conspirator had the victim’s money or jewelry in hand, they used a ruse in order to flee.
Victims were targeted across Southern California, including in the cities of Maywood, Long Beach, Baldwin Park, Hawaiian Gardens, Fontana, Lakewood, San Pedro, Vallejo, Garden Grove, Ontario, Santa Ana and Chula Vista.
In total, Lozada and his co-defendants defrauded at least 16 victims and caused losses of at least $190,422. They also attempted to defraud one additional victim, resulting in a total intended loss of at least $206,422.
Co-defendants Henao; Mercedes Montanez, 76; and Luisa Camargo, 40, pleaded guilty and received prison sentences of 33 months, 27 months, and time served, respectively. Montanez and Camargo are Colombian nationals who were living in Los Angeles at the time of their arrest in this case.
The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Farias-Eisner of the General Crimes Section and Ian Yanniello of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section.
Kalamazoo Dealer Found Guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Anthony Ozomaro, of Kalamazoo Michigan of possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine.
On March 8, 2019, officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a call regarding a possible homicide at a home on Charles Avenue in Kalamazoo. When officers arrived at the residence, they found a woman, later identified as Nikkole Riojas, dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. After an initial investigation, detectives determined that the victim’s ex-boyfriend, Anthony Ozomaro, was a person of interest in the homicide. Detectives secured a warrant to search Ozomaro’s home. During their search of Ozomaro’s house, police located a large plastic bag containing approximately 250 grams of 91 percent pure crystal methamphetamine on a shelf in Ozomaro’s bedroom. Next to the methamphetamine, police also found Ozomaro’s U.S. passport, a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, and various rounds of live ammunition. A federal grand jury subsequently indicted Ozomaro for possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine.
On October 22, 2020, Ozomaro’s trial successfully commenced, with U.S. District Court Judge Hala Y. Jarbou presiding over her first federal trial as a federal judge. Ozomaro elected to act as his own lawyer throughout the entire three-day trial.
"We reserve federal charges for those who pose the most danger to our communities, and Ozomaro fits that bill," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. "Methamphetamine is a plague on our west Michigan communities, so we hold those who peddle it accountable."
Ozomaro now faces a mandatory minimum period of ten years up to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2021. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Lane and Stephen Baker.
Acting Executive Lt Michael Ferguson of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team said, "Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that has impacted our community in many ways. The conviction of this large-scale meth-dealer will certainly have a positive impact on our community."
The Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney’s office later charged Ozomaro with the murder of Nikkole Riojas. A preliminary hearing on the open murder charge is scheduled for early November in the Kalamazoo County District Court. He is presumed innocent of all murder charges unless and until proven guilty.
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Justice Department Settles Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuit Securing $342,500 for Two Female Firefighters and Changes to the Houston Fire Department's Training PracticesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the City of Houston resolving allegations that personnel at Houston Fire Department (HFD) Station 54 discriminated and retaliated against former firefighter Jane Draycott in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion.
The department also announced the April 28, 2020 settlement of the Title VII claims brought in its lawsuit on behalf of Houston firefighter Paula Keyes. Once the resolution announced today involving Draycott’s claims is entered by the court, all Title VII claims brought by the United States in its lawsuit will be resolved.
“There is no place in the workplace for the type of egregious sexual harassment that these two female Houston firefighters suffered in this case, and the retaliation one firefighter endured after she complained is intolerable and unlawful. Sexual harassment and retaliation of this kind artificially slam shut the doors of equal employment opportunity for women who work in jobs historically dominated by men,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband. “These two strong women and anyone else who is hardworking and courageous enough to serve as a first responder deserve the full protection of the Civil Rights Act. The Department of Justice is and will remain dedicated to enforcing these protections so that firefighters and other public safety officials can protect and serve the public free from illegal sex discrimination.”
“This settlement agreement exemplifies our commitment to civil rights and sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to protect all Americans, including public sector employees, from unlawful discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment in the workplace,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “The type of systematic discrimination suffered by HFD female firefighters can only be prevented when employers unequivocally promote a workplace free from discrimination.”
Draycott and Keyes each filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Houston Office investigated the charges and made reasonable cause findings. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts, the EEOC referred the charges to the Justice Department.
According to the department’s complaint, filed in the Southern District of Texas, female firefighters Jane Draycott and Paula Keyes were subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex when they were employed at the HFD’s Station 54, located at Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston. The complaint alleged that, during the time that both Draycott and Keyes worked at Station 54, they were subjected to the soiling of their bathroom by male co-workers who urinated against the walls, floors, and sinks of that space. That misconduct escalated over time to dangerous activities that jeopardized the personal safety of Keyes and Draycott and their ability to do their jobs, to include the disconnection of the cold water in their showers and the silencing of the public announcement speakers in their residential areas such that they could not respond to emergency fire calls. This conduct was persistent even though Draycott complained about it through her chain of command. Prior to Draycott’s and Keyes’ transfer to Station 54, other female firefighters who had previously worked at Station 54 made similar complaints to the HFD about the conduct. According to the complaint, the HFD did not take meaningful steps to stop the discrimination against these other women.
The complaint further alleged the harassing conduct culminated in death threats and vulgar race- and gender-based slurs written on the walls of their work and living spaces and on their personal possessions. Finally, the complaint also alleged that the HFD retaliated against Draycott for complaining about her working conditions by publicly disparaging her in a workplace meeting in order to force her to leave the station. Ultimately, Draycott left HFD’s employment earlier than anticipated due to the intolerable working conditions.
Under the terms of the Oct. 26, 2020 consent decree with the City of Houston concerning HFD’s Station 54, which is subject to court approval, the city must provide training to certain supervisory staff and provide proof of compliance for up to 12 months. The city also agreed to pay Draycott $275,000.00 to resolve the claims of sex-based harassment and retaliation stemming from her employment with the HFD. In a separate settlement agreement executed in April 2020, the city agreed to pay $67,500.00 to Keyes to resolve similar claims alleged by the United States in its complaint via a separate settlement agreement.
The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section brought and resolved the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. This matter was handled by Employment Litigation Section attorneys Karen Woodard, Jeremy Monteiro, Hector Ruiz, and Hillary Valderrama and Assistant United States Attorneys Keith Wyatt and Elizabeth Karpati of the Southern District of Texas.
The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division. More information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt and https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexually Exploiting A ChildRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Lonnie Lawrence Mercer, Jr. (42, Jacksonville) to 20 years in federal prison, and a 15-year term of supervised release, for possessing images of child sexual abuse. Mercer had pleaded guilty on July 5, 2020.
According to court records, Mercer possessed images of child sexual abuse on his cellular telephone depicting the lewd and lascivious display of the genitals of a child younger than 12 years of age. The child’s mother told law enforcement that she discovered 8-10 explicit photos on Mercer’s phone and confronted Mercer, after which a physical altercation ensued.
"This child predator took advantage of a young child at their most vulnerable time,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to HSI special agents and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, he will now be held accountable for his criminal actions.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Used in Fatal Shooting of His Minor Child and Unlawful Reentry into the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Argel Hernandez-Escobar, 33, last residing in Memphis, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for one count of possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and one count of illegally re-entering the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at approximately 3 p.m., Memphis Police officers responded to a 911 call from a woman who said her son had been accidentally shot by the son’s father (later identified as Mr. Hernandez-Escobar) at their residence in Memphis, Tennessee.
Responding officers found Hernandez-Escobar on the front porch with a gunshot wound to his leg. Officers also found a 3-year-old male victim on the porch with a gunshot wound to his chest. A Mini Draco 7.62X39mm caliber pistol and a high capacity magazine were located near the front porch. Officers determined that Hernandez-Escobar had accidentally shot himself in the leg and the bullet struck his 3-year-old son who was playing nearby.
The child was transported to LeBonheur but later succumbed to his injuries. Hernandez-Escobar was transported to Regional One Medical Center. Hernandez-Escobar later gave a statement and admitted to possessing the Draco firearm with 30 round clip on his lap and stated that it accidentally went off, hitting himself in the leg and also striking his son. He stated the reason he had his firearm outside on his porch was because he was concerned about some unknown individual walking up and down in front of his house. A witness stated that Hernandez-Escobar had been drinking alcohol prior to the shooting.
Further investigation revealed Hernandez-Escobar is a citizen of Mexico and he did not have lawful status to be or remain in the United States. Specifically, it was determined that Hernandez-Escobar had the following history:
• On October 15, 2009, he was apprehended by Border Patrol Agents and served with an order of Expedited Removal and removed to Mexico the same day.
• On March 28, 2013, Hernandez-Escobar was apprehended by ICE agents in Memphis, and served a Notice of Intent to Reinstate Prior Order of Removal.
• On April 13, 2013, he was again removed to Mexico.
• On July 11, 2013, Hernandez-Escobar was apprehended by Border Patrol Agents in Texas and again served with a Notice of Intent to Reinstate Prior Order of Removal and other documents, which advised him that he was prohibited from entering or being in the United States for a period of 20 years.
• On July 16, 2013, he was convicted of illegal entry in the Western District of Texas.
• On August 9, 2013, he was again removed to Mexico.
• On September 30, 2018, he was again found to be unlawfully present in the United States after deportation.
A search of the relevant immigration records reflect that the defendant never obtained the consent or permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter into the United States, and was therefore charged with violation of 8 U.S.C. 1326(a). As a result of his illegal alien status, Hernandez-Escobar is prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition, and was therefore charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5). In May 2020, Hernandez-Escobar pled guilty as charged to the federal charges.
On October 23, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Hernandez- Escobar to 60 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez-Escobar awaits trial in Shelby County Criminal Court for state charges of Reckless Homicide and Aggravated Child Abuse. Following his ultimate release from federal and state custody, Hernandez-Escobar will again be subject to deportation and removal from the United States.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation, but also threaten the safety of our communities. Keeping guns out of the hands of presumptively risky people who are difficult to track and who have an interest in eluding law enforcement serves the public safety objectives and Congressional intent of federal firearms laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized and renewed our commitment to immigration enforcement, and this case demonstrates our focus on those criminal aliens who continue to illegally reenter and violate our laws after deportation.
We will aggressively and unapologetically enforce U.S. immigration laws and federal firearms statutes, and seek stiff penalties against those who violate them."
The Department of Homeland Security - Border Enforcement Security Task Force in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Melvin Yovanni Maradiaga-Leinus a/k/a “Melvin Lainez,” 39, a native and citizen of Honduras, was sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Maradiaga-Leinus to 24 months in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Maradiaga-Leinus will be remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
The charges stem from a complaint received by the Lafayette Police Department on February 8, 2020 about two Hispanic males discharging a firearm. As a Lafayette Police Department officer was searching the area on foot, he observed another individual walking down the street and requested that the individual walk toward him. The suspect removed his shirt and a black handgun fell out. The law enforcement officer drew his weapon and the suspect picked up the firearm, at which point the officer discharged four shots at him, all of which missed. The suspect, who was later identified as Maradiaga-Leinus, was ordered to lie on the pavement and he complied. Officers approached Maradiaga-Leinus and he was found to be extremely intoxicated. He was arrested for possession of the firearm. Under federal law, it is unlawful for a person who is illegally in the United States to possess a firearm.
The Department of Homeland Security – Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
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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.
Holistic Wellness Business Founder Charged in Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 26, 2020 – The founder of a Nashville, Tennessee-based holistic wellness business was charged Friday with operating a Ponzi scheme, in which he duped dozens of patients, financial institutions and investors out of nearly $700,000, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Howard L. Young, 75, of Nashville, was charged in a criminal Information with four counts of bank fraud; six counts of wire fraud; and aggravated identity theft.
The charging documents allege that in 2015, Young founded Integrative Medical Services (IMS), purportedly a holistic wellness business. Young also held himself out to hold a Doctor of Naturopathy but did not hold a Medical Doctorate and did not have a medical license.
As early as 2017, Young began soliciting cancer patients, investors and employees, telling them that he had obtained a $2 million grant from Vanderbilt University to study cancer patients and other patients with chronic medical conditions. Young claimed he was awarded this grant because he had cured himself of cancer using naturopathic methods. Young also promised that, as part of the study, patients would receive nutritional supplements, blood testing, nutrition and exercise coaching, gym memberships, massages, and acupuncture.
In order to participate in the study, Young told patients that Vanderbilt required an up-front payment of $10,000 but the funds would be returned to them at the conclusion of one year. If patients could not afford to pay the upfront money, they were required to secure a CareCredit credit card or open a Health Credit Services account. Each of these products is designed to assist patients in paying for medical treatments and functions like a revolving line of credit or an unsecured installment loan and requires the patient to make monthly installment payments. Young promised patients that he would hold the initial funds withdrawn in escrow and would make all monthly payments and would pay off all existing balances at the conclusion of one year, so long as the patient continued to abide by all study protocols.
In fact, Vanderbilt had not awarded any grants to Young or IMS. Young’s representations that IMS had a grant from Vanderbilt were false and was intended to induce patients to apply for and obtain credit and loan accounts at Synchrony Bank, MetaBank, and Cross River Bank; to induce investors to give him funds for his fraudulent scheme; and to induce employees to help him solicit additional patients to participate in his fraudulent scheme.
Young did not hold the money in escrow as he promised and withdrew a portion of the funds for his own personal use, made payments to his personal credit cards, and made minimum payments on account holders’ credit accounts and loan accounts. Patients did not routinely receive the nutritional supplements promised by Young, nor did they receive nutrition and exercise coaching, gym memberships, massages, or acupuncture as promised. To further conceal his scheme, Young also changed the mailing addresses for patients’ accounts at CareCredit and HCS so that the monthly account statements went to a post office box he controlled. Young made minimum payments on the CareCredit and HCS accounts to conceal the fraud and to keep his scheme going so that he could recruit additional patients to participate in the fictitious grant study.
IMS generated little, if any, revenue. The vast majority of funds flowing into IMS were deposits from the CareCredit credit accounts and the HCS loan accounts. By July 2019, Young had received a total of approximately $669,470 from CareCredit and HCS.
If convicted, Young faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn W. Booth is prosecuting the case.
A criminal Information is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Hillsboro Oregon Resident Charged with Assaulting a Deputized Portland Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Hillsboro, Oregon, resident has been charged with assaulting a federally deputized Portland Police officer with the pointed end of an umbrella and interfering with law enforcement officers performing their official duties during a civil disorder event.
A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a two-count indictment charging Skyler Roy Rider, 18, with Civil Disorder and Assaulting a Federal Officer.
According to court documents, late on the evening of October 6, 2020 and into October 7, a crowd gathered and a march began at Elizabeth Caruthers Park located in the 3500 block of South Moody Avenue. The group walked to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on South Macadam Avenue. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers observed many in the crowd carrying shields, wearing helmets, gas masks, and body armor. As the group marched towards the ICE building, support vehicles followed them as they blocked streets.
As the crowd arrived at the ICE building, people in the crowd were observed flashing lights in the eyes of Federal Protection Service (FPS) officers as they stood outside the ICE building. People in the crowd were observed throwing rocks at the FPS officers and at one point, someone in the crowd threw a flaming object onto the roof of the ICE building. Due to the criminal acts, FPS officers moved the crowd back towards Elizabeth Caruthers Park.
Later, the crowd again began marching towards the ICE building, blocking the streets. The PPB incident commander declared the event an unlawful assembly and the crowd was given multiple warnings over a loudspeaker to leave the area or face possible arrest, use of crowd control munitions to include tear gas. The crowd did not leave the area, but remained in the middle of the street. A PPB officer assigned to the Rapid Response Team, deputized as a U.S. Marshal to protect federal personnel and property during civil disorder events, observed a subject later identified as Skyler Roy Rider, holding a distinct blue and white umbrella, in a line of others blocking the street holding shields. The PPB officer determined there was probable cause to arrest Rider for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer. As the officer approached Rider to arrest him, Rider lowered the umbrella with both hands and forcibly jabbed the officer in the chest with the pointed end of the umbrella. The force caused the officer to gasp and curl over in pain. Rider ran from the officer and other officers came to assist and placed Rider into custody for assaulting a public safety officer.
Following the arrest of Rider, he was found to be dressed in all black wearing a gas mask and body armor. In his pockets were two water bottles. Video was later viewed by the PPB officer showing Rider throwing a water bottle at FPS officers earlier in the evening.
Skyler Roy Rider, made an initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie Russo, was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 29, 2020.
The Portland Police Bureau and the FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gary Man Sentenced to 96 Months Imprisonment for Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Terrence Ballard, 60, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 96 months in prison following his guilty plea to distribution of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on April 24, 2019, and May 2, 2019, Ballard distributed heroin in Gary, Indiana, while on federal supervised release for a prior heroin distribution conviction. Ballard has four prior felony convictions, including two prior federal convictions for distribution of heroin, one prior conviction for dealing a controlled substance, and one prior conviction for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The 8 year sentencing of Mr. Ballard was just and necessary for the fine citizens of Gary and our surrounding communities. Individuals like Mr. Ballard must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they are dealing debilitating drugs, such as heroin, while on federal supervised release. The DEA Merrillville Resident Office is committed to working with our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest drug traffickers and keep our communities safe. The DEA appreciates the exceptional work, by all involved, to bring Mr. Ballard to justice.”
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration/HIDTA Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Fraudster Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment in Connection with Fraudulent Mortgage Debt Reduction SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii –Anthony T. Williams, 49, of Pineville, Louisiana was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 240 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and mail fraud in connection with a fraudulent mortgage relief scheme. A federal jury convicted Williams on March 3, 2020 of 32 counts of wire fraud and mail fraud after a four week trial.
Williams marketed a fraudulent mortgage debt reduction scheme to distressed homeowners, who were mostly non-native English speakers in the Filipino immigrant community in Hawaii. Williams created two companies, Mortgage Enterprise Investments (MEI) and Common Law Office of America (CLOA), neither of which was licensed to service or modify mortgages. Through MEI, Williams made conflicting promises to clients that he could eliminate their existing mortgage obligations to their lenders, or reduce their mortgage obligations by half. Through CLOA, Williams promised legal representation in mortgage-related litigation and foreclosure proceedings. To give himself the appearance of credibility, Williams told prospective clients he was a “private attorney general” and brandished an official-looking law enforcement badge and credentials, despite not having a law license or any affiliation with law enforcement.
Williams falsely promised victims that he could eliminate their existing home mortgage obligations by filing bogus documents with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances. These documents included new MEI mortgages and notes obligating homeowners to make monthly payments to MEI. Williams then advised homeowners to stop making their mortgage payments to their lenders and to pay him instead.
Between 2012 and 2015, Williams enlisted 112 victims in Hawaii into his MEI program and fraudulently obtained over $230,000 from his victims, without providing any legitimate services. Several victims testified at trial that they had relied upon Williams’s representations and went into foreclosure or bankruptcy. Two victims testified that they lost their homes as a result of Williams’s scheme.
“For several years, Anthony Williams actively preyed upon distressed homeowners within the Filipino community here in the State of Hawaii. His scheme financially devastated his victims, forcing some into bankruptcy and homelessness. As a result of this prosecution, Williams’s scheme has come to an end and Williams will be incarcerated for 20 years. My office will continue to protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“Williams knowingly targeted and preyed upon citizens of our Filipino community” said Eli Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Honolulu Division. “He took advantage of this vulnerable and in need population, delivering empty promises. He drained their finances leaving many penniless. The FBI cannot, and will not stand by. We will continue to maximize our efforts with partner agencies to bring these perpetrators to justice and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
In addition to a term of imprisonment, the Court also imposed three years of supervised release, and restitution. The Court’s sentence of imprisonment is to run consecutively to a fifteen-year sentence of imprisonment that another court had handed down earlier to Williams for similar fraudulent conduct in the State of Florida.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth M. Sorenson and Gregg Paris Yates handled the prosecution.
Four Individuals Charged in $200K Coast Guard Credentialing SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Four individuals have been charged for their respective roles in a conspiracy to sell phony Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials in Norfolk.
According to allegations in the unsealed indictment, Lamont Godfrey, 42, of Portsmouth, Eugene Johnson, 45, of Norfolk, Shunmanique Willis, 43, of Texas, and Alonzo Williams, 45, of Louisiana, acted in concert to create counterfeit certificates from the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) and sell them to merchant mariners for a profit. The MAMA is a private state-of-the-art maritime training center, offering mariners over 100 U.S. Coast Guard approved deck and engineering courses needed for merchant mariners to hold various positions on merchant vessels. Godfrey worked for the MAMA as the school’s Chief Administrator.
According to the indictment, Godfrey used this position to create fake MAMA course certificates for mariners who had never taken the MAMA courses, in exchange for thousands of dollars in payments. The mariners would receive the fake certificates along with instructions on how to load them in the Coast Guard systems and be credited with a fraudulent Coast Guard qualification. Johnson, Willis, and Williams worked with Godfrey as brokers to find additional mariners willing to buy the fake certificates. In exchange for their efforts, Johnson, Willis, and Williams all received a cut of the illicit proceeds from the scheme. In total, the conspiracy netted over $200,000 in profits from the production of these counterfeit MAMA certificates and involved over 150 mariners purchasing fraudulent qualifications.
Godfrey, Johnson, Willis, and Williams are charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Marty J. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-95.
Feds Charge Postal Employee for Destroying MailRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A United States Postal Service employee has been charged for willfully obstructing the passage of mail, announced U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
“Especially in these times, Americans depend on the reliability and integrity of those that deliver the U.S. Mail,” said United States Attorney Russell Coleman. “Conduct by Postal employees that violates that duty will result in swift federal prosecution.”
DeShawn Bojgere, 30, of, Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with the delay or destruction of mail, a federal crime under 18 United States Code 1703.
According to the criminal complaint, sometime between October 5 and October 15, 2020, Bojgere discarded a large quantity of mail. The mail, found in a construction dumpster on Galene Drive in Louisville, included approximately 111 general election absentee ballots from the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office being mailed to voters to be filled out. The dumped mail also included approximately 69 mixed class pieces of flat rate mail, 320 second class pieces of mail, and two national election campaign flyers from a political party in Florida. An analysis of the mail revealed it was from a single route for one scheduled delivery day.
Bojgere admitted to special agents with the U.S. Postal Service that he was responsible for discarding the mail in the construction dumpster. Bojgere is no longer employed by the postal service.
Copies of the mail were made to retain as evidence, while all of the recovered mail was placed back in the mail stream for delivery to its intended recipients.
If convicted at trial, he faces no more than 5 years in prison a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release after serving the sentence.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a United States Magistrate Judge. The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Tieke and Tom Dyke. The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to 15 More Months for Conspiring to Distribute K2 Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Brandon Massie was sentenced to 15 months in prison for conspiring to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids) while serving a federal prison sentence in 2017, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Massie, age 35, formerly of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the prison sentence Massie was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Massie serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Massie was incarcerated at the federal prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania, when he conspired to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids). He was serving a prison sentence at that time for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
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.
El Cajon “Pill Mill” Doctor Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Causing the Illegal Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Larry Casper (619) 546-6734 and Victor White (619) 546-8439
SAN DIEGO – Egisto Salerno, M.D., a San Diego resident, was sentenced to 18 months in custody by U.S. District Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant for causing the illegal distribution of an opioid pain medication commonly known as Norco or Vicodin.
Salerno, whose medical practice was located on El Cajon Boulevard, pleaded guilty in January, admitting that he signed prescriptions for 78,544 pills that lacked a legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional medical practice.
“This defendant ignored and defied his medical obligation to his patients, his duty to the practice of medicine and his duty to the community,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Casper said during today’s hearing. “The defendant committed this federal crime in the midst of an opioid crisis in this country. And he admittedly abused his position of trust.”
“Corrupt doctors who blatantly ignore their medical oath and the best interests of their patients to illegally distribute opioids in the midst of a nationwide opioid crisis will face severe consequences” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We will continue to battle this crisis on every front including zealously pursuing all who seek to profit from illegally distributing opioids whether or not they may have a medical degree.” Brewer praised prosecutors Larry Casper and Victor White and DEA agents for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.
“While the vast majority of doctors prescribe medications in compliance with federal laws, there will always be doctors like Egisto Salerno who seek profit over their patients’ best interests,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “DEA has a team dedicated to investigating those doctors who choose to violate their medical oath and illegally distribute opioids. DEA will bring these doctors to justice for their contribution to the growing opioid problem in our country.”
Through his plea agreement, Salerno also admitted that an undercover federal agent who visited Salerno’s office on six occasions received six hydrocodone prescriptions. In a separate instance, on a date when the undercover agent did not visit Salerno’s office and the doctor did not see him, Salerno acknowleged that a prescription was improperly issued by him in the name used by the undercover agent. After the prescription was issued, Salerno ginned up and signed a progress note in the “patient” chart for the purported visit that did not occur.
The prescription was then picked up by another as part of a larger scheme to divert these pills. That scheme involved two medical assistants in Salerno’s practice who falsified medical records and sold prescriptions that Salerno had pre-signed to a co-defendant though the “patients” identified on those prescriptions did not even see Salerno. In fact, as Salerno acknowledged, many of those in whose names these prescriptions were written were deceased or jailed at the time the prescriptions were written.
The pills were, in turn, diverted to the “capper” or patient recruiter, who also arranged to bring homeless and other individuals to Salerno’s office and paid them to secure these prescriptions from Salerno. Others assisted the patient recruiter by transporting the purported patients to Salerno’s office and then to pharmacies to pick up the pills. In turn, pills were sold in San Diego and delivered to a pharmacy in Mexico for cash.
As the plea documents show, the criminal activity occurred between November 2014 and February 2018. Seven other defendants have been convicted in this case including Salerno’s two medical assistants – April J. Cervantes and David D. Apple; the lead patient “recruiter” – Stephen Toney; and Toney’s associates – Shalina D. Latson, Lonnell Ligon, LaJuan D. Smith and Amber N. Grabau.
Defendant David D. Apple, one of Salerno’s medical assistants, will be sentenced on December 2, 2020.
DEFENDANT Case Number 18-cr-1405-BAS
Egisto Salerno, M.D. Age: 76 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CONVICTIONS
Egisto Salerno, M.D.
Distribution of Hydrocodone in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)
Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and $1 million fine.
Prior Sentences Imposed
Stephen Toney, Sr.: Seventy four months in custody - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone in violation of 18 U.S.C.,Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
Amber Nicole Grabau: Twenty months in custody - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
Lonell J. Ligon: Twenty four months custody - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
Shalina D. Latson: Five years probation - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
LaJuan D. Smith: Thirty seven months custody - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
April J. Cervantes: Twenty four months custody - Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
Remaining to be Sentenced
David D. Apple Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1) and 846.
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Department of Justice Awards $400,000 Grant to Support Gun Prosecutor in NashvilleRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 26, 2020 - U.S. Attorney Don Cochran today announced $400,000 in Department of Justice funding to hire a special prosecutor to try federal firearms cases originating in Nashville. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country.
“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”
Attorney General Barr announced last week that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross designated to try federal firearms cases originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”
“Adding yet another prosecutor to our gun crime unit will expand our ability to pursue more dangerous criminals in the middle District,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “We are grateful for the support of Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery, III and his willingness to become a partner in this violence reduction initiative.”
“We are pleased to partner with U.S. Attorney Don Cochran and the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the law abiding citizens of middle Tennessee. Many thanks to the U.S. Department of Justice for creating this opportunity and providing funding for an additional gun crimes prosecutor, said Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III.”
A grant to the Tennessee Office of Attorney General will support the hiring of a full-time local prosecutor who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court. Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Malcolm Straughter (35, Ocala) to four years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered Straughter to forfeit the firearm and any associated ammunition. Straughter had pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020.
According to court records, on March 19, 2020, an officer from the Ocala Police Department stopped Straughter in his vehicle for a traffic infraction. After the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search revealed six bags of marijuana, a scale, and a loaded 9mm firearm under Straughter’s seat. The firearm had an altered serial number and was later confirmed as stolen.
Straughter has prior state felony convictions for possession of a short-barreled shotgun, possession of cocaine, and robbery with a firearm and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Almost Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm/AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Curtis Duncan (30, Ocala) to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered Duncan to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. Duncan had pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020.
According to court records, on March 30, 2020, officers from the Ocala Police Department responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex. A victim told the officers that Duncan had brandished a firearm at her during an argument. The victim described the firearm and the vehicle that Duncan had been driving when he left the scene. A short time later, officers stopped Duncan in the same vehicle and recovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun from a bag that he had strapped around his torso.
Duncan has prior state felony convictions, including home invasion robbery, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Construction Company Executive Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the New York City School Construction AuthorityRead the Press Release
Rakesh Kumar, the owner of Orba Construction Company (Orba), a public school construction company, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) by failing to pay the prevailing wage to Orba’s construction workers. When sentenced, Kumar faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and, as part of the plea agreement, has agreed to pay $666,219 in restitution to six Orba employees and their unions. Kumar has already begun the process of making his victims whole. Additionally, Kumar has agreed to forfeit $510,000 and pay an additional $48,330 to the SCA. Today’s plea was entered before United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Margaret Garnett, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the guilty plea.
As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, Kumar submitted false certified payrolls to the SCA for work performed by Orba employees on SCA-funded projects. These payroll forms falsely stated that Orba had paid its employees the prevailing wage as required by New York State labor law and labor agreements with the SCA, when, in fact, the employees had been paid far less, often in cash or by checks issued by another company that Kumar owned.
“Kumar took advantage of hard-working people, exploiting their labor for his own financial gain,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “This Office and our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Department of Labor and the New York City Department of Investigation will continue to vigorously pursue criminals who cheat their own employees in order to enrich themselves.”
“Rakesh Kumar, through the company Orba Construction, submitted fraudulent certified payrolls on various publicly funded school projects in the New York City area. Orba Construction underpaid contributions to a union affiliated benefit plan by submitting false remittance reports. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure workers are paid proper wages and receive benefits that they are entitled to for the work they perform,” stated DOL-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Mikulka.
“For years the defendant cheated workers out of their rightful pay, stealing their livelihood through a series of falsified payroll records and underreported hours. DOI is proud to have worked with the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York to ensure Rakesh Kumar is held accountable for defrauding the New York City School Construction Authority and for taking advantage of the hardworking individuals on our City’s public works projects who deserve their fair prevailing wage,” stated DOI Commissioner Garnett.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Martin E. Coffey is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
RAKESH KUMAR (also known as “RIKKI”)
Age: 64
Basking Ridge, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-101 (DLI)
Communities Asked to Participate in State’s 19th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence This WeekRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) is asking community members, parents, and educators of South Carolina students to participate in South Carolina’s 19th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence. The year’s Pledge runs from October 26 through October 30.
In light of the current COVID pandemic preventing the USAO from providing speakers to engage in dialogues with students about the need for them to stand up against violence in their schools, the USAO is asking parents, community members, and schools to have a dialogue with children to make sure they know the steps to keep themselves and others safe. Sample pledges are attached to provide talking points for this dialogue depending upon the age of the child. With a focus on keeping schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school are asked to pledge that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes. Elementary school children are asked to pledge that if they see a gun they will not touch it, they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult, and they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded.
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. The program provides a means for beginning the conversation with young people about gun violence and encourages important conversation among students about gun safety and respectful ways to resolve disputes. For additional information concerning the pledge and other resources, visit the national Student Pledge website at www.pledge.org.
Additionally, parents are reminded that many local law enforcement agencies have access to free gunlocks available to community members. These are provided to law enforcement, upon their request, by Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program whose purpose is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices. For additional resources and information concerning gun safety, please visit https://projectchildsafe.org
This effort is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. More information about PSN is available at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
2020_gun_pledge_middle-high_school.pdf
2020_gun_pledge_elementary_school.pdf
Colorado Springs Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Timothy Hummel, age 26, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to time served, followed by 3 years on supervised release for threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers. Hummel appeared at the sentencing hearing remotely while free on bond. The Denver office of the FBI and the Federal Protective Service (FPS) joined in today’s announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in Hummel’s plea agreement, on August 14, 2019, Hummel repeatedly called the Denver Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO), which is the directorate within ICE focused on arrests and removals of individuals living in the United States without authorization. Hummel left two voicemails minutes apart and shortly thereafter sent an email to the Denver ERO Outreach mailbox. In the voicemail and email, Hummel threatened to murder ICE agents and members of their families.
During the investigation it was determined that Hummel made the threats in order to scare ICE agents and cause them to use their resources reacting to the threats rather than doing their jobs. There was no evidence that Hummel took any steps toward an act of violence.
“There is perhaps a misperception by some that people can say anything they want over the Internet or the telephone with impunity. When somebody makes threatening statements, whether directed to a federal officer or any other person, those words are not protected speech and they can be prosecuted in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Mr. Hummel became a felon today because he believed that he could amplify his opposition to certain immigration policies by sending vicious threats against officers and their families. Others should learn from his mistake and remember that the First Amendment isn’t a license to threaten others with harm.”
“Threatening federal law enforcement officers is a serious crime,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “Today's sentencing of Timothy Hummel illustrates the FBI will relentlessly work with our law enforcement partners to actively investigate and pursue prosecution of those individuals who pose a threat to the safety of federal law enforcement officers.”
U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson pronounced the sentence. Hummel had previously pleaded guilty on August 10, 2020, and was charged by indictment on March 11, 2020. This case was investigated by the Denver office of the FBI and the FPS. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Martinez.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 20-cr-087.
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.
Colorado Man Charged with Smuggling Cocaine into the United States through Newark AirportRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Colorado man will make his initial appearance today on charges that he smuggled approximately two kilograms of cocaine into the United States, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Leandre Kemont Jefferson, 23, of Denver, Colorado, was arrested on Oct. 23, 2020. He is charged by complaint with one count of importation of controlled substances and is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 23, 2020, Jefferson arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. During a screening, law enforcement officers discovered that Jefferson possessed approximately two kilograms of cocaine concealed inside of 12 vacuum packed bags, which were themselves wrapped in foil, and which was further concealed inside of clothing.
The count with which Jefferson is charged carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
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 officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Troy Miller, director of Field Operations, New York Field Office, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman of the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
20-381
Defense counsel: Peter Carter Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Bullitt Co. Woman Sentenced to 94 Months in Prison for Embezzlement, Identity Theft, and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Candi Fluhr, 44, has been sentenced to a total of 94 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings followed by a 3 year term of supervised release for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft from an employee benefit plan, and filing false tax returns, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman. She was also ordered to pay $838,804 in restitution between four victims.
“This is a clear-cut example of what happens when talented investigators from multiple agencies collaborate with talented prosecutors: thieves do real time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
“Criminal acts of this nature are detrimental to hardworking Americans and retirees who desperately need and rely upon their retirement benefits,” said Joe Rivers, Department of Labor Benefits Security Administration Regional Director, Cincinnati Regional Office.
“Candi Fluhr not only defrauded her employer in her scheme but defrauded the IRS through the filing of false tax returns resulting in a tax loss of over $150,000.” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Fluhr pled guilty to four counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of theft from an employee benefit plan, and two counts of filing a false tax return. She was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment on 7 of the counts plus 24 months’ consecutive on the aggravated identity theft conviction.
According to a sentencing memo before the Court, Fluhr personally engaged in a nearly two-year scheme to steal over $630,000 from Meyer Plumbing and its employees’ 401(k) plan. Between May 2016 and January 2018, Fluhr stole from Meyer Plumbing by forging signatures, including the signature of C.J., on company checks, creating fake checks with the company’s bank account information, making unauthorized cash withdrawals via company debit and ATM cards, and making unauthorized debit card and eTransactions using company funds for her personal benefit, including paying Court ordered restitution stemming from a prior state conviction. Fluhr also caused fraudulent payments to be made from Meyer Plumbing to Anthem Insurance company in order to obtain and maintain health care coverage for herself and her family, without actually paying any of the required employee premiums (to the tune of over $15,000 in loss to the company). By means of the fraudulent scheme, Fluhr attempted to obtain and obtained funds and services to which she knew she was not entitled totaling approximately $756,703. After her fraud was discovered, Fluhr repaid certain funds to Meyer Plumbing in 2017, in an amount of approximately $26,800, and some charges were reversed by the bank.
In addition to the straight embezzlements from the company, Fluhr also stole funds intended for Meyer Plumbing’s 401(k) Plan, an employee pension benefit plan covered by ERISA, by doctoring company bank account statements to make it appear that funds were withdrawn from the company account and moved to an American Fund account for deposits into the Plan on behalf of employees when, in fact, she left those funds in the company bank account in order to embezzle them for her own benefit. Through this method, Fluhr stole $31,882 of Plan assets intended for employees and submitted false and fraudulent documents to conceal her theft.
After her embezzlement was discovered and she was fired from Meyer Plumbing, Fluhr was hired at JLM Services (“JLM”) in mid-2019. As office manager at JLM, Fluhr had access to the company’s financial information. Using that access, Fluhr quickly began to steal again in much the same manner as she did at Meyer Plumbing. Among other methods, Fluhr embezzled funds from JLM by using the access she had to JLM’s Quickbook account to schedule payroll payments to former and fictitious employees and then rerouting the funds to a Green Dot prepaid debit card she accessed. Fluhr also stole from the company by making personal purchases on a JLM checking account and credit card and the credit card of the owner of JLM without authorization. In total, Fluhr stole $39,749 from JLM through these means before her scheme was detected.
During her time between work at Meyer Plumbing and JLM, Fluhr created and presented multiple fraudulent checks to PLS Check Cashing (“PLS”). Only one of those checks, presented in April 2018, ultimately resulted in a loss to PLS. Fluhr presented check numbered 706190201 to the customer service representative at PLS and negotiated the check for $7,741.84. The check was subsequently found to be fraudulently created by Fluhr and resulted in a loss of $7,741.84 to PLS Check Cashing.
Finally, Fluhr stole from the IRS when she filed false tax returns in 2016 and 2017 without reporting her embezzled funds. On December 6, 2017, Fluhr made and subscribed a joint U.S. Individual Tax Return, for the calendar year 2016, which was verified by a written declaration that it was made under the penalties of perjury. Fluhr did not believe the return to be true and correct as to every material matter in that the return failed to report approximately $210,678 in embezzled income on Form 1040A, reporting instead only $23,664 in income. On February 25, 2018, Fluhr made and subscribed a joint U.S. Individual Tax Return, for the calendar year 2017, which was verified by a written declaration that it was made under the penalties of perjury. Fluhr did not believe the return to be true and correct as to every material matter in that the return failed to report approximately $438,367 in embezzled income on Form 1040A, reporting instead only $23,723 in income. As a result of filing false tax returns for calendar years 2016 and 2017 in which she failed to report a total of $649,044 in embezzled funds she received, Fluhr admitted in the plea agreement that there is a total criminal tax loss of $158,270.
Fluhr has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to the Bureau of Prisons.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Tieke and Stephanie Zimdahl. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and United States Secret Service.
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Bakersfield Woman Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Amy Campos, 37, of Bakersfield, charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2019, Campos possessed a Glock 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Additionally, on Feb. 15, she possessed in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine. Campos suffered two prior convictions for possession for sale of a controlled substance, one prior conviction for possession for sale of a narcotic, two prior convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, one prior conviction for felon in possession of ammunition, and one prior conviction for second degree burglary. These prior convictions prohibited Campos from possessing either a firearm or ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Campos faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Albany Felon Sentenced to 46 Months for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luis Rivera, age 34, of Albany, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Rivera, who has three prior felony convictions, previously admitted that on January 31, 2019, he possessed a Taurus PT 738 .380 caliber pistol.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Rivera’s release from prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Akron Man Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Akron to West Virginia Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an Akron, Ohio man who participated in a conspiracy which saw large quantities of methamphetamine transported from Akron and distributed across the Southern District of West Virginia pled guilty today to a federal drug charge. Jordan Dewayne Jeffrey, 24, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“This is teamwork,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are shutting down drug conspiracies like this one as a result of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together, both within and beyond state lines. We will disrupt the flow of drugs into West Virginia from Akron and elsewhere.”
Jeffrey admitted that between the fall of 2018, and May of 2019, he participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. During the conspiracy, large quantities of methamphetamine were transported from Akron to the Huntington area for distribution. Jeffrey stayed at a residence located at 1235 25th Street in Huntington where the methamphetamine would be stored upon arrival in Huntington. Jeffrey admitted that when customers contacted members of the conspiracy, he would meet the customers at various locations in Huntington and Charleston to deliver the methamphetamine. For example, Jeffrey admitted that on May 20, 2019, he delivered approximately one pound of methamphetamine to a customer in Charleston after the customer contacted another member of the conspiracy and arranged the transaction.
Jeffrey faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 25, 2021.
This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00245.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Sunday 25 October 2020
Statement from United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling & FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. BonavolontaRead the Press Release
“Today the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office made us aware of the attempted ballot box arson that occurred overnight in Boston. Federal authorities are now investigating this matter. For the next several weeks, it is a top priority of our offices to help maintain the integrity of the election process in Massachusetts by aggressively enforcing federal election laws.
Voters in Massachusetts can feel confident in the success of the information sharing protocols that we have established with our local, state and federal election security partners in advance of the 2020 election.
We remain fully committed to working with these partners to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote. Help from the public is also vital to our effort. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious, election-related activity to us.”
Sioux Falls Man Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Reno Chadwick Roubideaux, age 46, was indicted on October 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Roubideaux was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in June 1994. As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. The Indictment alleges between August 8, 2020, and September 14, 2020, Roubideaux, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Roubideaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Roubideaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Charged with Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter.
Robert Stands And Looks Back, a/k/a Robert Stands, Jr., age 45, was indicted on October 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 25, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Stands And Looks Back killed a man by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
The charge is merely an accusation and Stands And Looks Back is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Stands And Looks Back was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Charged with Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter.
Emanuel Marcus Crow Dog-Luxon, age 22, was indicted on October 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 24, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Crow Dog-Luxon killed a woman by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
The charge is merely an accusation and Crow Dog-Luxon is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Crow Dog-Luxon was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Calvin Spotted Tail, age 30, was indicted on October 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Spotted Tail was convicted of Sexual Abuse in December 2005. As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. The Indictment alleges that between June 18, 2020, and September 25, 2020, Spotted Tail, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender.
The charge is merely an accusation and Spotted Tail is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Spotted Tail was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Woman Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.
Julia Larae Swift Hawk, age 25, was indicted on October 14, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 14, 2020, Swift Hawk assaulted two individuals with a sharp edged instrument following a verbal confrontation.
The charge is merely an accusation and Swift Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Swift Hawk was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on October 19, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Amos Talks, age 26, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Talks was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019. He pled guilty on July 27, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 21, 2018, in McLaughlin, when law enforcement was called to a residence where Talks was highly-intoxicated. When law enforcement arrived, Talks refused to comply with law enforcement, resisted arrest, and a physical altercation commenced, resulting in Talks kicking the officer in the thighs and groin, charging and hitting the officer, and biting the officer’s hand, arm, and knuckles.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper prosecuted the case.
Talks was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bullhead Man Sentenced for ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of Manslaughter was sentenced on October 19, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
William Brown Otter, a/k/a Arby, age 38, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Brown Otter was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019. He pled guilty on June 22, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 25, 2019, in McLaughlin, when Brown Otter struck an individual in the face with his fist, causing the victim to land on his head on the concrete sidewalk. The victim died as a result of the injuries sustained to his head.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper prosecuted the case.
Brown Otter was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Saturday 24 October 2020
Susanville Woman Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Related OffenseRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO– Generose Casiano Yambao was sentenced to 27 months in prison for bank fraud and making false statements on a loan application in connection with a scheme to defraud a Santa Rosa credit union, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.
Yambao, 41, of Susanville, California, pleaded guilty to the charges on October 21, 2020. According to her plea agreement, Yambao admitted that on March 27, 2017, she mailed a Member Business Loan Application to a credit union in Santa Rosa, Calif., attempting to obtain a $49,500 loan for an existing company. The application was made in the name of one company that purportedly was doing business under the name of another company. Yambao represented that she was the managing partner and co-owner of one of the companies, however, she did not have authorization or permission to act on behalf of either company. Documents filed in the case by the government establish that the credit union detected that the application was fraudulent after discovering that it was mailed from a county jail where Yambao was serving a sentence for a prior offense.
A federal grand jury indicted Yambao on August 29, 2019, charging her with one count each of bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1); making a false statement on a loan and credit application, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1014; and aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Yambao pleaded guilty to the first two counts.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer also ordered Yambao to serve three years of supervised release, to begin after the prison term ends. Judge Breyer ordered Yambao to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on or before February 15, 2021, to begin serving her prison term.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Pastor is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Justice Department Announces Global Resolution of Criminal and Civil Investigations with Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma and Civil Settlement with Members of the Sackler FamilyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – This week, the Department of Justice announced a global resolution of its criminal and civil investigations into the opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue), and a civil resolution of its civil investigation into individual shareholders from the Sackler family. The resolutions with Purdue are subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court.
“The abuse and diversion of prescription opioids has contributed to a national tragedy of addiction and deaths, in addition to those caused by illicit street opioids,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “With criminal guilty pleas, a federal settlement of more than $8 billion, and the dissolution of a company and repurposing its assets entirely for the public’s benefit, the resolution in this week’s announcement re-affirms that the Department of Justice will not relent in its multi-pronged efforts to combat the opioids crisis.”
“This resolution is the result of years of hard work by the FBI and its partners to combat the opioid crisis in the U.S.,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Purdue, through greed and violation of the law, prioritized money over the health and well-being of patients. The FBI remains committed to holding companies accountable for their illegal and inexcusable activity and to seeking justice, on behalf of the victims, for those who contributed to the opioid crisis.”
“The opioid epidemic remains a significant public health challenge that impacts the lives of men and women across the country,” said Gary L. Cantrell Deputy Inspector General for Investigations at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. “Unfortunately, Purdue’s reckless actions and violation of the law senselessly risked patients’ health and well-being. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to combat the opioid crisis, including holding the pharmaceutical industry and its executives accountable.”
“This resolution closes a particularly sad chapter in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Administrator Tim McDermott. “Purdue Pharma actively thwarted the United States’ efforts to ensure compliance and prevent diversion. The devastating ripple effect of Purdue’s actions left lives lost and others addicted. DEA will continue to work tirelessly with our partners and the pharmaceutical industry to address the damage that has been done, and bring an end to this epidemic that has gripped the nation for far too long.”
Purdue Pharma has agreed to plead guilty in federal court in New Jersey to a three-count felony information charging it with one count of dual-object conspiracy to defraud the United States and to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The criminal resolution includes the largest penalties ever levied against a pharmaceutical manufacturer, including a criminal fine of $3.544 billion and an additional $2 billion in criminal forfeiture. For the $2 billion forfeiture, the company will pay $225 million on the effective date of the bankruptcy, and, as further explained below, the department is willing to credit the value conferred by the company to State and local governments under the department’s anti-piling on and coordination policy. Purdue has also agreed to a civil settlement in the amount of $2.8 billion to resolve its civil liability under the False Claims Act. Separately, the Sackler family has agreed to pay $225 million in damages to resolve its civil False Claims Act liability.
The resolutions do not include the criminal release of any individuals, including members of the Sackler family, nor are any of the company’s executives or employees receiving civil releases.
While the global resolution with the company is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court in the Southern District of New York, one important condition in the resolution is that the company would cease to operate in its current form and would instead emerge from bankruptcy as a public benefit company (PBC) owned by a trust or similar entity designed for the benefit of the American public, to function entirely in the public interest. Indeed, not only will the PBC endeavor to deliver legitimate prescription drugs in a manner as safe as possible, but it will aim to donate, or provide steep discounts for, life-saving overdose rescue drugs and medically assisted treatment medications to communities, and the proceeds of the trust will be directed toward State and local opioid abatement programs. Based on the value that would be conferred to State and local governments through the PBC, the department is willing to credit up to $1.775 billion against the agreed $2 billion forfeiture amount. The department looks forward to working with the creditor groups in the bankruptcy in charting the path forward for this PBC so that its public health goals can be best accomplished.
The Criminal Pleas
As part of the plea, Purdue will admit that from May 2007 through at least March 2017, Purdue conspired to defraud the United States by impeding the lawful function of the DEA by representing to the DEA that Purdue maintained an effective anti-diversion program when, in fact, Purdue continued to market its opioid products to more than 100 health care providers whom the company had good reason to believe were diverting opioids and by reporting misleading information to the DEA to boost Purdue’s manufacturing quotas. The misleading information comprised prescription data that included prescriptions written by doctors that Purdue had good reason to believe were engaged in diversion. The conspiracy also involved aiding and abetting violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by facilitating the dispensing of its opioid products, including OxyContin, without a legitimate medical purpose, and thus without lawful prescriptions.
In addition, Purdue will admit to conspiring to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Between June 2009 and March 2017, Purdue made payments to two doctors through Purdue’s doctor speaker program to induce those doctors to write more prescriptions of Purdue’s opioid products. Similarly, from approximately April 2016 through December 2016, Purdue made payments to Practice Fusion Inc., an electronic health records company, in exchange for referring, recommending, and arranging for the ordering of Purdue’s extended release opioid products – OxyContin, Butrans, and Hysingla.
The Civil Settlements
The department’s civil settlements resolve the United States’ claims as to both Purdue and its individual shareholders, members of the Sackler family.
The civil settlement with Purdue provides the United States with an allowed, unsubordinated, general unsecured bankruptcy claim for recovery of $2.8 billion. This settlement resolves allegations that from 2010 to 2018, Purdue caused false claims to be submitted to federal health care programs, specifically Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and the Indian Health Service. The government alleged that Purdue promoted its opioid drugs to health care providers it knew were prescribing opioids for uses that were unsafe, ineffective, and medically unnecessary, and that often led to abuse and diversion. For example, Purdue learned that one doctor was known by patients as “the Candyman” and was prescribing “crazy dosing of OxyContin,” yet Purdue had sales representatives meet with the doctor more than 300 times. It also resolves the government’s allegations that Purdue engaged in three different kickback schemes to induce prescriptions of its opioids. First, Purdue paid certain doctors ostensibly to provide educational talks to other health care professionals and serve as consultants, but in reality to induce them to prescribe more OxyContin. Second, Purdue paid kickbacks to Practice Fusion, as described above. Third, Purdue entered into contracts with certain specialty pharmacies to fill prescriptions for Purdue’s opioid drugs that other pharmacies had rejected as potentially lacking medical necessity.
Under a separate civil settlement, individual members of the Sackler family will pay the United States $225 million arising from the alleged conduct of Dr. Richard Sackler, David Sackler, Mortimer D.A. Sackler, Dr. Kathe Sackler, and Jonathan Sackler (the Named Sacklers). This settlement resolves allegations that, in 2012, the Named Sacklers knew that the legitimate market for Purdue’s opioids had contracted. Nevertheless, they requested that Purdue executives recapture lost sales and increase Purdue’s share of the opioid market. The Named Sacklers then approved a new marketing program beginning in 2013 called “Evolve to Excellence,” through which Purdue sales representatives intensified their marketing of OxyContin to extreme, high-volume prescribers who were already writing “25 times as many OxyContin scripts” as their peers, causing health care providers to prescribe opioids for uses that were unsafe, ineffective, and medically unnecessary, and that often led to abuse and diversion.
The civil settlement also resolves the government’s allegations that from approximately 2008 to 2018, at the Named Sacklers’ request, Purdue transferred assets into Sackler family holding companies and trusts that were made to hinder future creditors, and/or were otherwise voidable as fraudulent transfers.
This week’s resolution does not resolve claims that states may have against Purdue or members of the Sackler family, nor does it impede the debtors’ ability to recover any fraudulent transfers.
This week’s announcement was made at a press conference with Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen; Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division Jeffrey Clark; U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont Christina Nolan; First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Rachael Honig; and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Stephen Cox. The criminal investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of New Jersey and Vermont, the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, and the FBI’s Washington, D.C. and Newark Field Offices, with assistance by the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The civil settlements were handled by the Fraud Section of the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of New Jersey and Vermont, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of General Counsel and Office of Counsel to the Inspector General; the Defense Health Agency; and the Office of Personnel Management. The Purdue bankruptcy matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Corporate/Finance Section.
Except to the extent of Purdue’s admissions as part of its criminal resolution, the claims resolved by the civil settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability in the civil matters.
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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.
Friday 23 October 2020
Woman Pleads Guilty to Cheating 1,700 Victims in $1.2 Million Loan ScamRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach woman pleaded guilty today to an internet-based loan scam that cheated approximately 1,700 victims out of over $1.2 million.
According to court documents, Terri Beth Miller, 53, and her husband and co-defendant Ronald A. Smith, 59, set up a company called Business Development Group, an internet-based business that offered, in exchange for an advance fee, to assist individuals in preparing loan applications to obtain SBA-guaranteed loans. They solicited potential customers on the basis of false, fraudulent, and misleading statements and representations, including, among others, that the company was headquartered at the Trump Building in New York and had assisted well-known large companies in obtaining SBA loans. They offered a money-back guarantee, but in fact employed various fraudulent methods to deny refunds. Miller and Smith solicited approximately 1,700 customers, who paid an aggregate sum of approximately $1,287,000 in advance fees. The vast majority of these customers did not receive an SBA guaranteed loan. In fact, Miller and Smith did virtually nothing to even attempt to obtain loans for their customers.
Miller pleaded guilty to wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on April 16, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Smith pleaded guilty to similar charges in October, and will be sentenced on April 2, 2021. He was convicted of nearly the identical loan scam in 2006 and received a sentence of seven years in prison.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan M. Salsbury is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-69.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Ibrahim Sesay, 45, of Wilmington, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark to 9 years in federal prison for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
According to court documents, Sesay sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant on a number of separate occasions. Based on that conduct, law enforcement obtained a warrant to search Sesay’s apartment. When executing that search warrant, law enforcement ultimately recovered over 159 grams of crack cocaine and over $12,000 in drug proceeds. This was Sesay’s tenth drug-related conviction, including his second federal felony conviction in this District.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “This case demonstrates our continued commitment to stop the flow of dangerous substances into our communities. Sesay made a career out of dealing drugs. The sentence imposed highlights the severe consequences individuals can expect to face when making the repeated choice to resort to a life of drug dealing.”
“Whether it’s a large-scale drug organization or an individual selling cocaine from an apartment, rest assured disrupting and dismantling criminal drug trafficking operations is a critical part of the FBI’s mission,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore field office. “Today’s sentence is a reminder to those who prey on our communities - your criminal activity will not be tolerated and you will be brought to justice.”
This case was investigated by FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Office’s Safe Streets Taskforce and the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 19-CR-73.
Wheeling woman admits to selling “crack” cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashly Phillips, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Phillips, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Phillips admitted to selling “crack” cocaine near Luau Manor in Wheeling in February 2020.
Phillips faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Voter Fraud and the Upcoming General ElectionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Laurie Kelly, will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Kelly has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Nebraska, 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.
United States Attorney Kelly 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 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 November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Kelly stated that his office will be taking calls while the polls are open (8 A.M. until 8 P.M. in the Central Time Zone, 7 A.M. until 7 P.M. in the Mountain Time Zone). The U. S. Attorney’s Office can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (402) 661-3700.
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 (402) 493-8688.
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 almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Nebraska Secretary of State Robert B. Evnen reminds voters that, should the need arise, the state’s Election Integrity Unit is on standby for Election Day concerns or complaints. Anyone may call his office to express concerns or file a formal complaint if necessary. Nebraskans who wish to contact the Election Integrity Unit may do so by calling (402) 471-2555, or toll-free at (888) 727-0007. If a voter is unsure about the location of their polling site, they should call their county election office or go online to https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov.
United States Attorney Kelly 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.”
Versailles Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Versailles, Ky., man, Kashajuan Kalil Lyvers 24, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on Wednesday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to Lyvers’ plea agreement, he admitted that, on October 2, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle and found him in possession of more than six grams of fentanyl that he planned to distribute. Furthermore, Lyvers was found with a stolen, loaded.40 caliber pistol. Lyvers admitted that he possessed the firearm unlawfully because he was a convicted felon.
Lyvers had previously been convicted of Fleeing or Evading Police First Degree, Wanton Endangerment First Degree, and Receiving Stolen Property in Fayette County in February 2015. Lyvers was also convicted of Trafficking a Controlled Substance First Degree in Fayette County in February 2015.
Lyvers pleaded guilty to the federal charges in June 2020.
Under federal law, Lyvers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, following his release
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Duncan coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Announces Healthcare Fraud Settlement for over $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart, along with Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Special Agent in Charge Derek Pickle, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), announced that his office has settled healthcare fraud claims against Great Lakes Medical Laboratory, Inc. (Great Lakes). Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Great Lakes will pay $1,200,737.64 to resolve allegations that the Michigan laboratory engaged in a billing scheme that defrauded Medicare and the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan, the 1993 Benefit Plan, and the Combined Benefit Fund (UMWA Funds) of $600,368.82. The settlement sum is twice the actual loss resulting from the scheme.
“$1.2 million. This settlement demonstrates my office’s commitment to protect critical Medicare dollars and union affiliated benefit plans from fraud and abuse,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to work with HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG and others to eradicate fraud from taxpayer funded federal programs.”
Great Lakes operated a medical reference laboratory in Michigan and routinely tested urine and blood samples referred by medical providers located in West Virginia and elsewhere. From in or about January 4, 2016 continuing into or about May 12, 2017, Great Lakes presented at least 21,732 claims to Medicare and the UMWA Funds which included separate claims for reimbursement for services which were already included in bills submitted for other laboratory services. Moreover, investigators learned that the fraudulent claims were for services that were not specifically ordered by the referring physicians, and determined that there was no indication that the services billed were actually performed. These false claims resulted in a loss to Medicare and the UMWA Funds in the amount of $600,368.82. As a result of the $1,200,737.64 settlement, which represents twice the actual loss suffered by Medicare and the UMWA Funds, both federal programs will be made whole.
As part of this settlement, Great Lakes entered into a three-year Integrity Agreement (IA) with HHS-OIG. The IA requires Great Lakes to maintain a compliance program, implement a risk assessment program, and hire an Independent Review Organization to review Medicare and UMWA Funds claims.
“Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is required of all health care providers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DOL-OIG and all our law enforcement partners to evaluate and pursue allegations of inaccurate Medicare billings.”
“One of the primary missions of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud relating to union affiliated benefit plans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor unions and safeguard the assets of union members,” said Derek Pickle, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
The investigation was conducted by HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG, and members of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST). ARREST is an innovative approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and health care fraud. Assistant United States Attorneys Alan McGonigal and Jennifer Mankins handled the matter on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the formation of ARREST in February 2019. This settlement is one of several significant results since the Team’s inception. All health care related cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, whether they are the subject of criminal or civil investigation or enforcement, are directed through ARREST. Included within the purview of the team are the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Task Force, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, and Asset Forfeiture efforts related to all healthcare matters.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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U.S. Navy Service Members Sentenced in Sweeping Corruption and Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily W. Allen (619) 546-9738 and Andrew Galvin (619) 546-9721
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 23, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Two U.S. Navy service members caught in a sweeping corruption case involving false claims to the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program were sentenced in federal court today.
Ronald Olmsted and Anthony Coco, who each entered guilty pleas earlier this year, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino. Olmsted was sentenced to four months in prison followed by four months of home detention to be served as part of three years of supervised release. Coco was sentenced to four months of home detention to be served as part of three years of probation.
The charges arise from a scheme led by co-defendant Christopher Toups, who according to plea agreements and an indictment, recruited Olmsted, Coco, and a number of other fellow service members he met through his work in the Navy. According to court documents, Toups helped these coworkers to create and file fraudulent claims to obtain unearned benefits from Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program, or TSGLI, an insurance program that compensates service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty. He had help from U.S. Navy Commander Dr. Michael Villarroel, the medical doctor for the unit where Toups worked, and from Kelene Meyer, a former nurse in the U.S. Navy who was married to Toups during the scheme.
According to the superseding indictment and other court records, including Olmsted’s and Coco’s plea agreements, the co-defendants were part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”), based in Coronado, California. Christopher Toups, a former Chief Petty Officer Construction Mechanic, filed his own fraudulent claims, and collected kickbacks from the participants he recruited once their fraudulent TSGLI benefits were paid. Dr. Villarroel knowingly signed off on false and fraudulent TSGLI applications on behalf of multiple service members that were part of or connected to EOD ESU One. To support their applications, each defendant submitted fabricated applications that included forged signatures and altered hospital records, which Meyer helped to create.
Relevant to today’s hearings, Ronald Olmsted admitted in his plea agreement to submitting two separate fraudulent claims, for which he received a total payout from TSGLI of $175,000. Olmsted’s claims falsely reported that he lost the ability to do basic tasks and care for himself for months after a rappelling accident in 2011 and a fall down a flight of stairs in 2012. Olmsted kicked back $55,000 to Toups, some in cash and some in cashier’s check. Coco, for his part, admitted that he was paid $100,000 after falsely reporting on medical forms that he suffered a fall from a piece of equipment that broke both his ankles and left him confined to a wheelchair. After he received the unwarranted payout from TSGLI, Coco kicked back $65,000 to Toups, paid all in cash.
To date, 11 individuals have been charged in connection with this scheme. Seven of those individuals – Richard Cote, Earnest Thompson, Kelene Meyer, Paul Craig, and Stephen Mulholland, as well as Olmsted and Coco – have pleaded guilty to fraud charges. According to court records, Toups, Villarroel, and Meyer were at the center of the scheme, and together the conspirators defrauded the TSGLI program of nearly $2 million. Toups, Villarroel, and Meyer received kickbacks for creating and filing the fraudulent TSGLI applications for other U.S. Navy service members.
DEFENDANTS AND CHARGES Case Number Age Hometown
Christopher Toups 18CR1674-JLS 43 Woodstock, GA
Kelene Meyer 18CR1674-JLS 44 Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Michael Villarroel 18CR1674-JLS 48 Coronado, CA
Paul Craig 18CR1674-JLS 47 Austin, TX
Richard Cote 18CR1674-JLS 45 Oceanside, CA
Earnest Thompson 18CR1674-JLS 46 Murrieta, CA
James Brown 18CR1674-JLS 46 San Diego, CA
David Hawley 18CR1674-JLS 51 San Diego, CA
Ronald Olmsted 20CR0659-JLS 48 Mobile, AL
Anthony Coco 20CR0197-JLS 43 San Diego, CA
Stephen Mulholland 20CR0052-JLS 51 Panama City Beach, FL
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Monitor Los Angeles County Vote Centers for Compliance with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States Attorney’s Office will deploy personnel to monitor Los Angeles County vote centers for their compliance with federal accessibility law for people with physical disabilities during the election period that begins October 24 and continues through November 3.
Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor Los Angeles County vote centers for their compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for people with mobility and vision disabilities.
The monitoring is part of the Justice Department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with local officials to increase accessibility at polling places. Through this initiative, the Justice Department has surveyed more than 2,200 polling places across the nation and has increased accessibility in more than three dozen jurisdictions.
Individuals who believe they might have been victims of discrimination in voting, including because of disability, may call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (213) 894-2879, email [email protected], or complete and submit this form.
This year marks the ADA’s 30th anniversary. The Department of Justice – including the U.S. Attorney’s Office – plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. The Justice Department will continue to use its enforcement and technical assistance tools to eliminate unlawful discrimination against people with disabilities.
For more information about the ADA, please call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov.
U.S. Attorney encourages participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Oct. 24Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores wants Oklahomans to know how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications. Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at 10 a.m., the public can take those prescriptions to a DEA National Drug Take Back location in northeastern Oklahoma.
The DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“Properly discarding old medications is not only smart, it can be lifesaving. Fortunately, the Drug Enforcement Administration is making it easier for all of us to safely dispose of these unused and expired medications, helping to protect friends and loved ones who may end up misusing them,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I appreciate the DEA and our law enforcement, business and community partners, who have teamed up to provide this important public service.”
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Collection sites in the Northern District of Oklahoma include:
- DEA Tulsa- MET Recycling Center, 3495 South Sheridan, Tulsa
- Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD)- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1438 N. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa
- OBNDD- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1438 N. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa
- OBNDD- Reasor’s, 4909 E. 41st Street, Tulsa
- OBNDD- Reasor’s 7114 S. Sheridan, Tulsa
- OBNDD- Reasor’s 3915 S. Peoria Ave, Tulsa
- Broken Arrow Police Department- Walmart Neighborhood Market, 1300 E. Albany St., Broken Arrow
- Sand Spring Police Department- 602 W. Morrow Road, Sand Springs
- Miami Police Department- 129 5th Avenue Northwest, Miami
- Miami Tribal Police Department, 3410 P. Street Northwest, Miami
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.
DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com
U.S. Attorney Nolan Appoints Election Officers for the District of VermontRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Michael Drescher and Barbara Masterson will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Drescher and Masterson have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the District of Vermont, 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.
United States Attorney Nolan stated, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud or intimidation. The Department of Justice will act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.” She added that her office has been working closely with the Vermont Secretary of State, Vermont’s Attorney General, the Vermont State Police and other state and local partners to ensure a quick and collaborative response in the event of election interference.
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 rights 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. United States Attorney Nolan stated that AUSAs/DEOs Drescher and Masterson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (802) 651-8249.
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 or email at [email protected]. On election day, members of the public wishing to report election-related concerns to the Secretary of State should call 1-800-438 VOTE (8683).
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, county and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and will respond quickly to emergency situations.
United States Attorney Nolan added, “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, intimidation, 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 Michael Bailey Announces $1.2 Million for Arizona Research that Supports Public Safety PracticesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced over $1.2 million in Department of Justice grants for Arizona, part of more than $43 million total awarded to more than 50 institutions, agencies, and organizations for research and evaluation projects that identify data-driven programs for reducing crime and promoting justice. The awards span research topic priorities such as prisoner reentry, terrorism prevention, human trafficking and police officer safety and wellness.
The awards are part of a strategic plan developed by OJP’s National Institute of Justice to advance technology, strengthen scientific research and translate knowledge to practice. They represent NIJ’s broader effort to include more diversity of disciplines, such as physical and social sciences, to link areas of research that have not previously been connected.
“The more we know about crime—the better we understand its causes and consequences—the greater our chances of finding sustainable solutions to the public safety problems confronting our communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The research supported by these awards will expand our knowledge about what works to reduce crime, curb reoffending and protect our criminal justice professionals, and this new knowledge will put us a step closer to achieving a more just and lawful society.”
The research addresses critical needs such as prisoner reentry, emphasizing innovative strategies to reintegrate offenders into communities and reduce recidivism. Today’s announcement includes three projects that will study reentry initiatives, including those in rural communities. The research will advance the body of knowledge on promising practices in the field of offender reentry.
In Arizona, the Board of Regents, on behalf of Arizona State University received two research awards:
- Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women – $203,939
- Research on the Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Elderly Individuals - $1,035,328
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-091_Research Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women – $203,939
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson appoints Election Officer for the District of New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – United States Attorney John C. Anderson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jeremy Peña will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Peña has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Mexico, 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.
“Our system of government rests on the premise that elections are decided by eligible American citizens exercising their right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “The federal government is committed to doing its part to ensure that our elections are both free and fair.”
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).
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, U.S. Attorney Anderson stated that AUSA/DEO Peña will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 505-224-1451 and 505-269-2038.
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 505-889-1300.
"The American people expect and deserve fair, open, and honest elections that are free of interference," said Special Agent in Charge James Langenberg. "The FBI has jurisdiction over federal election crimes like voter and ballot fraud, civil rights violations and campaign finance offenses, as well as computer intrusions. We are ready to quickly respond if required."
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, voters should 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.
“Citizens can help us protect the integrity of our elections by reporting illegal actions,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “I encourage those who have specific information about such activities to make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
This year 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 John C. Anderson announces $278,460 in Justice Department grants to support gun prosecutions in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced $278,460 in Department of Justice funding to hire a special prosecutor to try federal firearms cases. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country. An additional $500,000 is available to support a Real Time Crime Center that will provide police with rapid intelligence and instant information to help identify emerging crime patterns.
“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”
Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”
“Operation Legend affords us the additional resources we need to address the persistently high rate of violent crimes in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Time and again, we see cases involving guns used to commit crimes in communities across New Mexico. Having a prosecutor dedicated specifically to these cases is a key advancement in our efforts to reduce these crimes over the long term.”
A grant to the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office for the State of New Mexico will support the hiring of a full-time local prosecutor who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court.
“State prosecutors in New Mexico face significant challenges in both holding and obtaining adequate punishments against the most dangerous offenders in the state criminal justice system,” said 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel L. Martinez. “The prospect of increased federal prosecutions is a major incentive for our state and local law enforcement counterparts to work with the United States Attorney’s Office. The special prosecutor funded through this grant will help us prevent these offenders from continuing their criminal acts.”
Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
More information about OJP and its components is available at www.ojp.gov.
This year 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 Davis Encourages Idahoans to Partake in DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This SaturdayRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis wants to ensure that Idahoans are aware how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24, 2020, at locations across the country, including 38 here in Idaho. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“The availability of unused prescriptions is a significant contributor to opioids and other medications ending up in the wrong hands,” said Davis. “DEA is providing an important public service to our communities. I urge Idahoans to do their part by going to a collection site and safely disposing of unused, expired, and dangerous prescriptions. DEA is making it easier for all of us and I thank them for organizing this biannual event.”
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“Stop, drop, and roll, no questions asked,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. He further stated that, “With more people staying at home, we must remain vigilant, keeping our loved ones safe by cleaning out our medicine cabinets.”
Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: www.apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement agencies to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com
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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.
U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announces more than $1 million in grant funding for research on criminal justice topics at University of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today announced the University of Washington is receiving more than $1 million in a Department of Justice grant for a research and evaluation project that identifies data-driven programs for reducing crime and promoting justice. Nationwide, the $43 million in grant awards span research topic priorities such as prisoner reentry, terrorism prevention, human trafficking, and police officer safety and wellness.
The awards are part of a strategic plan developed by Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to advance technology, strengthen scientific research, and translate knowledge to practice. They represent NIJ’s broader effort to include more diversity of disciplines, such as physical and social sciences, to link areas of research that have not previously been connected.
“The more we know about crime—the better we understand its causes and consequences—the greater our chances of finding sustainable solutions to the public safety problems confronting our communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The research supported by these awards will expand our knowledge about what works to reduce crime, curb reoffending, and protect our criminal justice professionals, and this new knowledge will put us a step closer to achieving a more just and lawful society.”
The research addresses critical needs such as prisoner reentry, emphasizing innovative strategies to reintegrate offenders into communities, and reduce recidivism. Today’s announcement includes three projects that will study reentry initiatives, including those in rural communities. The research will advance the body of knowledge on promising practices in the field of offender reentry.
“The University of Washington is receiving the largest share of $2.2 million aimed at research and evaluation projects on violence against women,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “The projects receiving grant funding examine a broad range of topics including the crimes of homicide, intimate partner and dating violence, rape and sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking, along with criminal justice system responses, procedures, and policies.”
The total amount coming to the UW for this research is $1,022,215.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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