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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 21 October 2020
United States Attorney William M. McSwain Announces Preparations to Preserve the Integrity of the 2020 General Election in the Eastern District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Assistant United States Attorney Richard P. Barrett will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the general election on November 3, 2020. AUSA Barrett has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and any other voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring ballot 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 ballot 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 direction. 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).
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being impacted by fraud,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process, but it is imperative that anyone with specific information about voter interference or election fraud report it immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. The federal government 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. U.S. Attorney McSwain stated that AUSA Barrett will be on duty in this District while the polls are open 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. AUSA Barrett can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (215) 861-8420 and (215) 861-8200.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office 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 (215) 418-4000.
Finally, complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also 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, 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.
United States Attorney Murray Encourages Participation in DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2020Read the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray encourages the public to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2020. This event will be held at collection sites around the country, including many here in New Hampshire. This event is an important effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“One of the simplest ways that all citizens of the Granite State can help to combat the opioid crisis is to ensure that unwanted medications do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Far too many individuals started on the path to addiction by misusing prescription drugs. During the pandemic, individuals spending time at home may be tempted to misuse medication that they find in their medicine cabinets. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to dispose of any prescription drugs that they no longer need in order to help protect their families and their communities.”
“Our take-back events highlight the problems associated to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.”
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. 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.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, members of the public also should be 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.
During the Take Back Day, 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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U.S. Department of Justice’s Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
BISMARCK: United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced today that he has appointed Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick Volk to lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. As the District Election Officer for the District of North Dakota, AUSA Volk is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Wrigley 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 act promptly and aggressively 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 on 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 right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure the free exercise of lawful voting. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Volk will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 701-530-2420.
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 in North Dakota at 701-223-4875 or the FBI Field Office in Minneapolis, MN, at 763-569-8000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] , or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Wrigley said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. Those with specific information about discrimination or election fraud are asked to contact my office immediately."
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U.S. Attorney promotes National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Mark A. Klaassen wants to ensure that everyone knows how to rid their home of unused and unwanted medications.
The DEA is holding its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 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 public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“Many people don’t know how to properly dispose of old medications. They are either disposed of improperly, which damage the environment, or not discarded, which may allow medications to end up in the wrong hands,” said Klaassen. “I encourage everyone to get rid of their old and unused prescription medicine safely by taking advantage of the DEA-sponsored drug take back day”
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.”
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.
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
U.S. Attorney promotes 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell wants to ensure that everyone knows how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications.
The DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 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.
“Many people don’t know how to properly dispose of old medication. So, it is either disposed of improperly, which can seriously damage the environment, or not discarded, which can cause medications to all too often end up in the wrong hands,” said Powell. “DEA is providing an important public service. I encourage everyone to get rid of their old and unused prescription medicine in the proper way. DEA is making it easier for all of us and I thank them again for this yearly effort.”
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.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“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.”
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.
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
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Parshall, ND, Woman for Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Neglect and AbuseRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Paige Howling Wolf, age 26, Parshall, ND, for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country; and three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country. The Indictment was unsealed today, alleging that Paige Howling Wolf had custody of five young children and lived at a residence in Parshall, North Dakota, located on the Fort Berthold Reservation. On June 24, 2020, law enforcement and medical personnel responded to an emergency call of an unresponsive infant at the Parshall residence. One of the children, a nine-month-old infant, was found deceased. An autopsy of the deceased infant concluded that the child had died from chronic starvation. The remaining children were removed from Paige Howling Wolf’s custody and medical examinations of three of the children in the residence revealed they had methamphetamine in their system.
Grand jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Eric Lundberg assigned to the case.
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U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona Appoints Election Officer for the Northern District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. – United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jason R. Cheek 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. AUSA Cheek has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Alabama, 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.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our great democracy. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and the Department of Justice will always protect that right and act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
“The FBI is the primary investigative agency responsible for election-related crimes, like voter fraud and voter suppression,” said FBI SAC Johnnie Sharp, Jr. “We will not tolerate criminal activity that threatens the sanctity of your vote or undermines public confidence in the outcome of the election.”
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, AUSA/DEO Cheek will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at (205) 244-2001.
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 (205) 326-6166.
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.
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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 Lelling Hosts Project Guardian RoundtableRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew Lelling hosted a roundtable discussion today on reducing gun violence and enforcing firearms laws. As part of this effort, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently charged 21-gun related cases in support of local police departments across the state and their efforts to curb violence.
Project Guardian is a Department of Justice initiative that emphasizes close coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement to enforce federal firearms and background checks laws, including illegal possession of a firearm, straw purchasing (lie and buy), attempted straw purchasing (lie and try), firearms trafficking and dealing firearms without a license.
“Even amidst a global pandemic, our local law enforcement partners are working harder than ever in major cities like Boston, Brockton and Springfield. However, despite their best efforts, repeat offenders continue to mock the criminal justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “COVID has almost certainly emboldened violent offenders who think that the criminal justice system is closed. My office will be working closer than ever with our local and state partners to combat the surge in violent crime.”
“Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady. “Our focus is removing crime guns from our communities. The focus of Project Guardian is to enhance our crime gun intelligence. This enhancement will encompass identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
U.S. Attorney Lelling hosted today’s Project Guardian Roundtable to discuss law enforcement’s collective efforts to reduce gun crime in Massachusetts. Law enforcement leaders participating in the event included Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Brian Kyes, Chelsea Police Chief and President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police.
U.S. Attorney Lelling highlighted law enforcement’s ongoing commitment to focusing on individuals and groups who represent the greatest threat of violence to our communities, and announced that his office has charged 24 defendants on firearm-related charges:
- Kyle Evans, 34, of Everett, charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition;
- Herbert Palmer, 39, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Caio Costa, 25, of Tewksbury, charged with armed bank robbery/using a firearm during commission of a crime of violence;
- Victor Morales, 25, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Jose Montanez, 23, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Nicholas Mendes, 38, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Joseph McCarthy, 33, of Plymouth, charged with dealing firearms without a license;
- Jeffrey Ambroise, 34, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Ronney Fullard, 30, and Jerrod Lee, 27, both of Taunton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Jamaraeh Allen, 25, of New Bedford, charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Diamondez Pierre, 22, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Tevin Abercrombie, 25, of Boston; charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
- Daiquan Lucas, 28, of Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
- Tyrone Goforth, 40, of Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
- Kenji Ingram, 42, of Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Tykeam Jackson, 25, of Avon, charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer;
- Tevon Ngomba, 27, of Somerville, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute;
- Jason Valliere, 42; Orrin Guidry, 25; and Nyell Nascimento, 18, of New Bedford, charged with drug conspiracy;
- Ramon Martinez, 26, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
- Charles Baker, 44, of Charlestown, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and dealing in firearms without a license; and
- Tylor Szaljeski, 24, of Charlestown, charged with dealing in firearms without a license.
To learn more about Project Guardian, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian
U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe Appoints Election Officer for the Northern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA –Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Andrew J. Grogan 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 Grogan has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Florida, 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.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “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 right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote exercise it if they choose. 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 Keefe stated that AUSA/DEO Grogan will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the following telephone numbers:
850-942-8430
850-216-3845
850-216-3829
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 (904) 248-7000.
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.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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.
Press Release - 2020 Election SecurityU.S. Attorney Jason Dunn Announces over $11 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced awards of $11,281,830 in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in Colorado. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.
“The opioid crisis in Colorado is real and getting worse, and it is affecting too many Coloradans during these tough economic times,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Combining these grants with our efforts to target both local and transnational drug traffickers with criminal prosecution allows us to have a real impact on both the supply side and the demand side of the problem.”
“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”
Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”
Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
The following grants are being funded:
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will receive $6,000,000 to implement, enhance or evaluate responses to the opioid and stimulant crises.
- The Colorado Judicial Department will receive: $498,080 to enhance their existing fully operational veterans treatment courts; $750,000 to support their statewide efforts to enhance or expand adult drug court or veterans treatment court services; and $453,445 for the expansion of parental substance use disorder treatment services in existing family drug courts.
- The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice will receive $452,616 for their residential substance abuse treatment program for state prisoners.
- The City of Alamosa will receive $599,997 and Boulder County will receive $884,014 to expand access to supervision, treatment and recovery support services, support law enforcement and other first responder diversion programs for non-violent drug offenders, promote education and prevention activities; and address the needs of children impacted by the opioid and stimulant epidemics.
- The Boulder Municipal Court will receive $400,000 to develop effective responses to low-level and non-violent offenses involving opioids.
- Partners in Routt County will receive $1,243,678 to address opioid and other substance abuse by building a youth mentoring program.
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
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will receive $6,000,000 to implement, enhance or evaluate responses to the opioid and stimulant crises.
U.S. Attorney Brady Appoints Election Officers for the Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W, Brady announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Eric G. Olshan and Lee J. Karl 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. AUSAs Olshan and Karl have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western District of Pennsylvania, 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.
U.S. Attorney Brady said, "To maintain ordered liberty and the consent of the people, we must ensure that our elections are free and fair. 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 be active and vigilant this election season 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 Brady stated that AUSAs/DEOs Olshan and Karl will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Olshan can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 412-644-3500 or 412-894-7446. AUSA Karl can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 412-644-3500 or 412-894-7488.
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 412-432-4000.
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.
United States Attorney Brady 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 or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
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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 Announces 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank announced today that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at locations throughout the State of Maine. 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.
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.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“This is a great opportunity for Maine citizens to help ensure they are not contributing to the State’s drug addiction crisis,” U.S. Attorney Frank said. “The misuse of prescription drugs contributes greatly to the addiction problems we are seeing in this state. Disposing of them in a controlled environment is an excellent way to ensure they are not abused, so I encourage everyone to take part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”
“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.”
“Our take-back events highlight the problems associated to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.”
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 agency 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 in Maine, visit www.deatakeback.com.
Two Charged in Federal Court for Personal Protective Equipment Theft from Federal Law Enforcement Training CenterRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Frank Smail, Jr., 49, of Round O, and Mike Pellegrini, 58, of North Charleston, were charged in a multi-count federal indictment alleging conspiracy to steal personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston. Smail was also charged with PPE theft, obstruction of justice, and lying to federal agents. According to the indictment, both Smail and Pellegrini worked for FLETC. The case was brought as part of the District of South Carolina’s Hoarding and Price Gouging (HPG) Task Force, and led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“It is tragic that, at a time when PPE is most needed and in short supply, someone would steal this vital equipment from those who train our front-line federal law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This office will always stand up and protect our law enforcement partners. I appreciate the hard work of the FBI and our HPG Task Force, which worked tirelessly to investigate this case.”
"These charges reflect an alleged betrayal of colleagues and fellow citizens for selfish gain," said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Columbia. "The FBI and our partners within the HPG Task Force will not rest in our efforts to identify and hold accountable all those who seek to use this global pandemic to commit criminal acts."
“I thank U.S. Attorney McCoy for his diligence in bringing the charges forward. I am extremely disappointed in the allegations that individuals who are part of the FLETC community may have been involved in the theft of any item,” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters. “I am grateful that we discovered the items missing and that the FBI’s Task Force worked with FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility in the investigation.”
According to the indictment, FLETC – which provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals in more than 90 Federal agencies – had a student and instructor test positive for COVID-19 on March 20, 2020. Just three weeks later, the indictment alleges that Smail stole a large amount of FLETC’s PPE supply after he and Pellegrini developed a plan to do so. According to the indictment, the large number of boxes stolen would have required a vehicle to transport and numerous trips to load the boxes. The indictment further alleges that Smail lied to Federal investigators and obstructed the Federal investigation into the PPE theft.
Pellegrini and Smail face up to five years for the conspiracy charge, and Smail faces up to 10 years for the PPE theft charge, up to 20 years for the obstruction charge, and up to five years for the charge of lying to Federal investigators.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility as part of the District of South Carolina’s HPG Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Derek A. Shoemake.
U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force to investigate and prosecute illegal activity involving protective personal equipment. The Secretary of Health and Human Services issued a notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices.
Anyone wishing to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding, or price-gouging can do so by contacting the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline via phone: (866) 720-5721, or e-mail: [email protected].
U.S. Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations at this stage and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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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.
Three More Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced RODERICK HICKMAN (“HICKMAN”), age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; BERNELL GALE (“GALE”), age 43, of Raceland, Louisiana; and TROY SMITH (“SMITH”), age 56, also of Houma, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, HICKMAN along with four defendants who have also been charged by indictment, intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. HICKMAN intentionally struck the 18 wheeler and then fled the scene with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), who pled guilty to a previous indictment charging him and seven others with staging automobile accidents.
On May 17, 2020, Labeaud participated in another staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street. The participants in the Louisa Street staged accident were GALE, SMITH, Francois, and another passenger. Again, Labeaud fled the scene. Francois falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle.
According to documents filed in federal court, the passengers were referred to attorneys who paid HICKMAN and Labeaud to stage the accidents. In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $277,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.
HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH also face a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 10, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
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Three Men Charged with Drug Trafficking in Connection with Largest Seizure of Methamphetamine in the History of DEA’s Philadelphia DivisionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 20, 2020, Emmanuel Roman-Figueroa, age 38, of Hazleton, David Jusino Ramirez, age, 64, a New Jersey resident, and Julio Romero-Mancebo, age 28, also a resident of New Jersey, were indicted on October 20, 2020, for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment charges Roman-Figueroa, Jusino Ramirez, and Romero-Mancebo with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
On October 8, 2020, law enforcement agents seized 130 kilograms of methamphetamine, and three kilograms of fentanyl, and $28,000 in cash ($371,000 in cash was seized on a previous occasion during the investigation) during a drug transaction involving the men in Luzerne County. The wholesale value of the drugs seized is approximately $2.5 million and the estimated street value is between $8 million to $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Freed lauded the work of DEA agents and their state and local partners in taking huge quantities of potentially deadly illegal drugs off the streets. “There can be no more clear evidence of the efforts of transnational drug trafficking organizations to establish a market for methamphetamine in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States than the seizure of this massive amount of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Of course, the related seizure of a substantial amount of fentanyl is just as clear a reminder that we cannot let down our guard in the battle against opioids. Time and time again, we have noted that the transportation networks that make the Keystone state a national leader in the logistics industry lend themselves also to the movement of massive amounts of contraband through our Commonwealth. Thankfully our partners at the Pennsylvania State Police and the DEA clearly understand this dynamic and are on the job. It is impossible to calculate the number of lives saved by this outstanding investigation.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan A. Wilson stated that the October 8th seizure of drugs is the largest methamphetamine seizure on record for the DEA’s Philadelphia Division.
“This seizure of 300 pounds of methamphetamine clearly shows the prevalence of this highly addictive and extremely dangerous drug in the region” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “This seizure and arrests are the result of DEA’s partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Hazleton Police Department. The coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners undoubtedly saved countless lives across our region.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, and Hazleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Each charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Three Felons Appear in Federal Court for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that three felons appeared in federal court for gun crimes this week.
Jordan Kinney, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced to 100 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kinney previously admitted that on June 14, 2019, he was present at the Go-Mart on Washington Street, West, in Charleston, and possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm caliber handgun, which he used to shoot approximately six times at another individual. He then fled the location and discarded the handgun in the front yard of a residence a few blocks away. The following day officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to the residence and recovered the same handgun. Ballistics information provided by NIBIN was critical to the success of the prosecution. Kinney was not allowed to possess the firearm because he had previously been convicted of robbery in the second degree. The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich handled the prosecution.
Dakota Santonia, 24, of Marmet, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His federal prison sentence will be served consecutively to a previously imposed state sentence Santonia received in Kanawha County Circuit Court for a first degree robbery conviction. Santonia previously admitted that on January 20, 2019, he knowingly possessed a stolen loaded Smith and Wesson Model 60-7 .38 special revolver and 79 rounds of ammunition in Charleston, although he knew he had been previously convicted of a felony and therefore was prohibited from possessing that weapon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentenced. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.
A member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, John Brady Studenic, 33, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Studenic admitted that he was riding a motorcycle on 7th Street in Parkersburg when an officer with the Parkersburg Police Department attempted to perform a traffic stop on him for running a red light at the intersection of 7th Street and Park Avenue. Once the officer activated his overhead lights and siren, Studenic fled eastbound on 7th Street toward Core Road. In the process, he was travelling approximately 90 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Studenic passed multiple vehicles using either a turning lane or the oncoming lane, and ran an additional red light at the intersection of 7th Street and Fairview Avenue during the pursuit. Eventually, he wrecked the motorcycle on Core Road and was taken into custody. Upon being apprehended, his person was searched and a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol was located in his waistband. Additional ammunition as well as approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana were also found in Studenic’s possession. Studenic was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to a previous conviction for the felony offense of malicious assault on September 22, 2010, in the Circuit Court of Wood County. That prior conviction is the result of Studenic shooting another individual. Studenic faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced on February 4, 2021. The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners referenced above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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 Nos. 2:19-cr-00291 (Kinney), 2:19-cr-00165 (Santonia), and 2:20-cr-00165 (Studenic).
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Theryn Jones and Arius Hopkins Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2014 Murder in the BronxRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that THERYN JONES, a/k/a “Ty,” a/k/a “Old Man Ty,” a/k/a “Tyballa,” and ARIUS HOPKINS, a/k/a “Scrappy,” a/k/a “Scrap,” were sentenced today to life in prison following their conviction for the January 2, 2014 murder of Shaquille Malcolm. A jury convicted JONES and HOPKINS on December 18, 2019, following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who also imposed today’s sentences.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jones and Hopkins were responsible for the murder of 20-year-old Shaquille Malcolm over six years ago in a Bronx apartment lobby. Now they have been sentenced to serve the rest of their lives in federal prison for this heinous crime.”
According to the evidence presented during the trial:
THERYN JONES was a high-ranking leader within the Mac Balla gang and the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine out of a residential building in the Allerton section of the Bronx. Because Malcolm and others were encroaching on JONES’s drug territory, JONES directed HOPKINS and another person to murder Malcolm. On January 2, 2014, HOPKINS shot Shaquille Malcolm multiple times in the lobby of an apartment building located at 2818 Bronx Park East in the Bronx, New York. Malcolm died at the scene.
For their participation in the Malcolm murder, JONES, 43, and HOPKINS, 25, of the Bronx, New York were each convicted at trial of using a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and murder while engaged in a conspiracy to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine.
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Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael K. Krouse, Danielle R. Sassoon, Margaret Graham, and Jessica Fender are in charge of the prosecution.
Suwannee County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Submitting A False Claim for FEMA Benefits Related to Hurricane IrmaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger today sentenced Deannajo White (39, Suwannee County) to 24 months in federal prison for disaster assistance fraud. The Court also ordered White to pay $15,331.74 in restitution to FEMA. White, a 19-time convicted felon, had pleaded guilty on January 24, 2020.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2017, White, while in Suwannee County, made an application for disaster assistance benefits to FEMA over the internet. In the application, White falsely claimed that her primary residence in Branford, Florida had suffered storm damage due to Hurricane Irma, when a tree fell through the roof, forcing her to leave the residence and begin living at a rental property in Branford. White subsequently contacted FEMA and falsely stated that she had moved to a different rental property with a higher rent. White submitted multiple documents to FEMA in support of her application, including rent receipts, leases, and letters.
On August 13, 2019, law enforcement officers interviewed White about her disaster assistance application. During the interview, she repeatedly lied to agents. When confronted with evidence showing that she had lied on her disaster assistance application, White admitted to making false statements on her application. She also admitted to submitting multiple false documents to FEMA to include fraudulent rent receipts and leases.
“It is especially offensive for someone to commit disaster assistance fraud because so many in our communities were in desperate need of that relief,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “This case highlights the importance the Department of Homeland Security places on the integrity of disaster assistance programs.”
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at (866) 720-5721 or complete the online complaint form by visiting www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Clinton White, age 30, of Colorado Springs, and a member of the Sureno gang, was sentenced to serve a total of 53 months (just under 4.5 years) in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for violating the terms of his supervised release. Following his prison sentence, White was ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release. The defendant appeared in custody. The Denver Field Division of the ATF joined in this announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in White’s plea agreement, on December 7, 2019, a Colorado Springs police officer observed a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction between occupants of a black Chevrolet Suburban and a white motorcycle. An officer conducted a traffic stop of the Suburban which was being driven by White.
After a search of the vehicle driven by White, officers found a 12 gauge shotgun, 12 gauge shotgun shells, .40 caliber ammunition, firearm magazines containing ammunition, six bulletproof vests, suspected drugs, and drug paraphernalia. White was a multi-time felon, including a prior federal felony conviction for assault on an officer.
“This case is a perfect example of our ongoing effort to help local communities rid themselves of the worst violent offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Thanks to the great work of the ATF, the CSPD, and our team, an armed gang member is off the streets for years.”
“This investigation is another example of the strength of our law enforcement partnerships,” said David Booth, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division of the ATF. “ATF will continue to work with our local partners to keep our communities safe.”
White was under federal supervision for assaulting an officer when he was caught with the firearm and ammunition. He was sentenced to 48 months for the felon in possession of the firearm case, and was given an additional consecutive 5 months for the supervised release violation.
He was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Treaster. The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore. The case was investigated by the Denver Field Division of the ATF and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER. The defendant’s case number is 20-cr-29.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Bank Robbery and Shooting in Scotia Bank IncidentRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Melik Petersen pleaded guilty to first degree assault with the intent to commit robbery.
According to court documents filed in the case, on the morning of September 11, 2019, Ranger American Armored Services guards were attempting to pick up $951,000 from a Scotia Bank branch in the Altona area in St. Thomas. Petersen and another individual, both armed and masked, attempted to rob the guards and a gunfight ensued, during which one of the guards suffered a bullet wound in his leg. The two assailants and the getaway driver then fled the scene without the money.
Petersen faces up to 15 years in prison and will be sentenced at a later date. This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Sleeper and Nathan Brooks.
St. Louis man pleads guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey accepted a plea, today, from Richard Enloe, Jr. The 39-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 1, 2019, St. Louis County Police responded to a 911 call regarding a possible drug overdose at a gas station on Butler Hill Road. An officer arrived and found Enloe, Jr. and a woman asleep inside a running vehicle at a gas pump. The officer also noticed drug paraphernalia and controlled substances on the vehicle’s console.
After the officer knocked on the window, Enloe, Jr. and the woman woke up. The officer searched the vehicle and found three pistols, 223 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a scale, and multiple plastic bags. Enloe, Jr. admitted possessing the firearms and intending to distribute the drugs.
The charge of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of no more than 40 years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $5,000,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of ten years and a fine of no more than $250,000.
Judge Autrey has set sentencing for January 20, 2021.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Jen Szczucinski is handling the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative, which was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Eric Lauderdale, 37, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Lauderdale was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in October 2019, Lauderdale sold approximately ¼ pound of methamphetamine to another person in South Bend, Indiana. In December 2019, agents executed a search warrant on the house Lauderdale left during the October transaction. During the warrant, investigators found loaded firearms and other items that were indicative of drug dealing.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Smuggler imprisoned after rolling vehicle multiple timesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for knowingly conspiring to transport an undocumented alien resulting in serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Oziel Rodriguez pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a 72-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted this was one of the worst cases she has seen.
On Aug. 2, 2019, Rodriguez was driving a truck in Laredo near the Rio Grande River. Authorities observed several people trying to hide in the truck’s bed and attempted to stop the vehicle. However, Rodriguez attempted to flee and soon hit a curb which rolled the vehicle multiple times. He then fled the scene.
Law enforcement apprehended Rodriguez a short time later as well as a total of 11 undocumented aliens, eight of whom suffered injuries such as multiple fractures and head injuries.
Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez prosecuted the case.
Sherman, Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transport of Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Danny Mahurin, age 45, of Sherman, Texas entered a guilty plea to Interstate Transportation Of Stolen Goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2314, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about December 10, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, did unlawfully transport, transmit, and transfer in interstate commerce from the State of Oklahoma to the State of Texas, goods, wares, and merchandise, that is, a stolen Kubota vehicle, of the value of $5,000 or more, knowing the same to have been stolen and converted.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States at the plea hearing.
Schenectady Woman Charged with Supplemental Security Income FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jenelle L. Plumadore, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, was arraigned last week on an indictment charging her with concealing her assets and resources, and making false statements, in connection with obtaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for her and a relative.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
The indictment alleges that Plumadore failed to disclose her assets and resources to the SSA from March through September 2016, and that as a result she and a relative in her care were able to receive SSI benefit payments to which they were not entitled. SSI is a needs-based program, available to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals, that provides money to pay for living expenses. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Plumadore was arraigned on October 14 in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and ordered released pending trial.
The charges against Plumadore carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Santa Fe man pleads guilty to possession of firearms stolen from the Bureau of Indian AffairsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derek Padilla, 29, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Oct. 16 to a charge of possession of stolen firearms.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, Padilla committed the offense in Santa Fe County on or about May 20, 2020. Padilla stole firearms, drug evidence, Meals Ready-to-Eat, and a utility truck, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Padilla stole the property from a Bureau of Indian Affairs complex located on Nambe Pueblo.
Padilla faces up to 10 years in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Protective Service investigated this case with assistance from the Pojoaque Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.
Santa Fe man gets 85 years for multiple child pornography convictionsRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 40-year-old Houston-area man has been ordered to federal prison for the statutory maximum on all convictions for production, distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as attempted destruction of evidence, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Keith Prescott Gace had pleaded guilty to all but the production charges. He proceeded to trial on that allegation in November 2019. A jury sitting in Galveston returned a guilty verdict on that charge after a two-day trial and approximately one hour of deliberation.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown sentenced Gace to 360, 240, 240 and 120 months for the production, distribution, receipt and possession convictions, respectively. He also received 60 months for the attempted destruction of evidence. Each sentence is the statutory maximum for the crime of conviction. The sentences will all run consecutively for a total 1,020 months of imprisonment.
At the hearing, the court heard trial testimony and was given additional information including child victim interviews detailing Gace’s sexual abuse. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how Gace victimized one of the victims and that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense, provided just punishment, protects the public and hopefully sends a message of deterrence to such criminal conduct. Gace will serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
"This individual preyed on the innocence of our most vulnerable population," said Mark Dawson, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. "With today's sentencing we have removed this predator from the community and sent a resounding message that we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to exploit our nation's children."
During the trial, the jury heard testimony from multiple law enforcement officers and Gace’s ex-wife and her husband.
In October 2016, law enforcement learned that images and videos of child pornography had been posted to a file sharing network. Through investigation, the email and IP address of the account was associated with Gace.
When law enforcement arrived to search his home, Gace attempted to immerse his cell phone under water to prevent access to its contents. That failed and authorities were able to conduct a forensic analysis which revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. It also revealed that Gace used a messaging site to chat with others to receive and distribute images and videos of child pornography and that he had another file sharing account.
Gace’s second account revealed hundreds more images and videos of child pornography, including images that Gace produced of a minor girl under the age of 10. Gace first captured images of the victim fully clothed, but progressed to producing photographs of her sleeping nude, seated naked on the floor with a vibrator next to her leg and an adult hand on her shoulder then finally to posing while nude in Gace’s bathtub. Along with the bathtub photographs, there were also images of Gace naked, standing and seated in his bathtub on the same day.
At trial, the jury also heard Gace had sent a link to a child pornographic image to the cell phone the minor girl and two other children had used.
Gace attempted to convey that the images taken of the minor girl were not lewd and lascivious and, therefore, not child pornography. The jury was not convinced and convicted him for sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography.
Gace has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI- Galveston conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; police departments in Pearland, Galveston, Santa Fe, Webster and La Marque; and Jones Creek Marshals Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra Jivani Fenelon and Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Retired Administrative Law Judge Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Making a False Statement on a Firearms Purchase FormRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – On October 17, 2020, a resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to two years (24 months) in prison on his conviction of making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Karl Alexander, 79.
According to information provided to the court during the plea hearing, on Sept. 29, 2019, Alexander, an attorney and administrative law judge, knowingly made a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer when purchasing a Ruger AR556MPR AR-15 style rifle. Alexander admitted that he expressly lied on the ATF Form 4473 and answered "Yes" to the question: "Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm listed on this form?" In fact, Alexander was purchasing the firearm for a convicted felon, Dennis Alan Riggs. Alexander admitted that Riggs was with him for the purchase and that Riggs picked out the firearm and paid Alexander for the firearm. Alexander also admitted he agreed to purchase the weapon because of their personal relationship.
Riggs pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18, 2020.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that Mr. Alexander should have known better than to purchase the firearm for a known felon, especially in light of Mr. Alexander’s prior lengthy tenure as an Administrative Law Judge. In addition to 24 months in prison, Alexander was also sentenced to one year of supervised release and a fine of $10,000.00.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Brian M. Czarnecki prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in the case. Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Probation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
This case was brought as part of Project Guardian. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man is scheduled to make his initial appearance today after being charged with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Robert Klemt, 34, of Wayne, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2020, agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, approached Klemt at his residence after receiving information suggesting that Klemt had accessed a website containing child pornography. Law enforcement subsequently discovered over 70 images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children on Klemt’s laptop computer.
Klemt was previously convicted of endangering the welfare of a child/distribution of child pornography in Essex County in 2014. The charge of possession of child pornography, for a repeat offender, carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Puerto Rico CPA Indicted and Arrested on Wire Fraud Charges in Relation to Act 20 and Act 22 SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – On October 14, 2020, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Gabriel F. Hernández, with ten counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney, District of Puerto Rico and Tyler R. Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. The indictment was unsealed today after the arrest of the defendant by federal law enforcement officers from IRS-CI.
“As I have said in the past, persons who are involved in committing fraud are encouraged to come forward to authorities – that includes individuals that are fraudulently using Puerto Rico’s tax laws to evade federal taxes,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “This case should also serve as a warning to anyone considering seeking to evade taxes by illegally exploiting federal and Puerto Rico tax laws.”
“Federal and Puerto Rican tax laws have been put in place to invigorate the economy and provide financial relief to Puerto Rico. IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously pursue any individuals and professionals that fraudulently enrich themselves by abusing government tax incentive programs,” said Tyler R. Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Miami Field Office.
According to allegations in the indictment, Hernández, a CPA who served as Tax Manager and Partner-in-Charge of the Tax Division of a large public accounting, tax, consulting and business advisory firm, devised a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Department of the Treasury. The scheme involved the submission of false information to the government of Puerto Rico in an attempt to fraudulently provide Company A with federal tax relief via the provisions of Act 20.
Act 20, also known as the Export Services Act, offers tax incentives for Puerto Rican companies to export services to other jurisdictions. The tax benefits on income derived from customers outside Puerto Rico in relation to services rendered from Puerto Rico included a fixed income tax rate of 4% for eligible export services, a 100% tax-exemption on dividends from earning and profits, and a 60% tax-exemption on local municipal taxes.
In December 2018, Hernández formed Company A under Puerto Rico law for an undercover special agent of the IRS-CI posing as a wealthy United States taxpayer from Arizona. In December 2019, Hernández caused to be prepared and filed a fraudulent tax-exemption application with the Office of Industrial Development and fraudulently obtained Act 20 tax exemption status for Company A.
In December 2019, Hernández also determined that Company A would report $500,000 in business earned income in Puerto Rico, which would reduce Company A’s federal taxes. Then in July 2020, Hernández caused a Puerto Rico corporate tax return for Company to be prepared and filed with the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda), falsely claiming that $500,000 was earned in Puerto Rico by Company A.
Hernández also caused the preparation and filing of false 2020-2021 Business Volume Declarations with the Municipality of San Juan based on the false earnings. The defendant unjustly enriched himself and others by receiving fees in exchange for these false and fraudulent acts.
The indictment further alleges that, as part of the scheme, the defendant defrauded the IRS, and unlawfully evaded the assessment and payment of taxes, by engaging in financial transactions devoid of any economic substance (sham transactions). The transactions were intended to create the illusion of a consulting business earning income from services performed within Puerto Rico, rather than within the mainland United States. The defendant and others communicated by e-mail and telephone with undercover special agents of the IRS-CI in interstate and foreign commerce as part of the scheme. The defendant and others misrepresented, concealed, and hid, acts done in furtherance of the scheme.
If found guilty, the defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for charges relating to wire fraud. An indictment is a charging document containing allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI’s Miami Field Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe and Department of Justice Assistant Chief Gregory E. Tortella and Special Attorney Francesca L. Bartolomey.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Result in Arrest of Six Members of “Killas with Aggression” in TempleRead the Press Release
In Temple, Texas, this morning, federal, state and local law enforcement arrested six members and associates of Killas With Aggression (KWA), announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Kam, and Temple Police Chief Shawn Reynolds.
A federal grand jury indictment, unsealed today, charges three individuals who were arrested today, along with six other KWA members who were already in custody, with racketeering, Hobbs Act violations and federal drug trafficking charges. Those indicted defendants arrested today without incident include: Jason Mayse, age 39; Christopher Meyers (aka “CJ”), age 24; and, Reginald Williams (aka “Reggie”), age 27. The six indicted defendants already in custody prior to today include: Desmond Wilkerson (aka “Mookie”), age 27; Atorius Marquis Williams (“Lil Man”), age 23; Demonta Daniels (aka “Tado”, “Tato”), age 21; Trashawn Lamar Alexander (aka “Mad Max”), age 26; James Roy Whitfield, Jr. (aka “Snoop”, “Snoopy”), age 27; and, Jyraciel Whitfield (aka “Raci”), age 24. A seventh indicted defendant, 25-year-old Dominic Johnson (aka “Dumbway”). Johnson, is considered a fugitive.
Defendants Wilkerson, Atorius Williams, Daniels, Whitfield and Meyers are charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The indictment alleges that those five conspired with others to commit five murders, multiple violent assaults, extortion, drug trafficking and armed robberies in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. Specifically, the indictment alleges five overt acts to include murder—one committed on November 26, 2015, by Williams in Hearne, Texas; the second, committed by Williams and Daniels on September 30, 2017, in Belton, Texas; the third, committed by Williams and Alexander on December 10, 2017, in Temple; the fourth, committed by Williams and Daniels on January 16, 2018, in Temple; and the fifth, committed by Williams, Daniels and Alexander on January 31, 2018, in Temple. The RICO conspiracy charge also alleges the defendants committed multiple assaults resulting in serious bodily injury and armed robberies against various individuals for not using KWA as their source of supply for narcotics distribution.
The indictment also charges all of the defendants with the exception of Mayse, with conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act, or affect commerce by robbery. The indictment alleges that since September 2017, the nine defendants conspired to affect commerce by robbery, committing acts of physical violence and threatening to commit acts of physical violence to steal controlled substances and proceeds from persons engaged in illegal drug distribution. Several of the defendants, including Atorius Williams, Meyers, Reginald Williams, Daniels, Whitfield and Alexander are also charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of crime of violence, namely robbery. Atorius Williams and Whitfield are also charged with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The indictment further charges Johnson, Wilkerson and Mayse with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. According to the indictment, the three KWA gang members are responsible for trafficking over 100 kilograms of marijuana throughout Central Texas since 2014.
A related federal criminal complaint unsealed today, charges 25-year-old KWA affiliate and Temple resident Christopher Kelso (aka “Money Montana”), 21-year-old KWA associate and Temple resident Emanuel Padilla and 22-year-old KWA member and Temple resident Darius Hellums (aka “Bighomie Dlove”) with conspiring to violate the Hobbs Act. The criminal complaint alleges that on July 14, 2019, Kelso, Padilla, and Hellums, whom federal, state and local authorities arrested today, robbed a Temple residence which resulted in an occupant being shot by one of the defendants causing serious bodily injury. The complaint alleges that the defendants targeted the occupants of the house due to the sale of marijuana and firearms at that location.
“The unsealed indictment reveals a reign of terror, perpetrated by a violent enterprise, resulting in death and suffering on a frightening scale. We will use all of our federal resources and the full force of federal statutes like RICO to prevent violent criminals from running unchecked and undeterred throughout our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.
“The indictments and arrests announced today come after years of hard work,” said FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “These self-proclaimed ‘Killas With Aggression’ committed numerous violent acts to control the distribution of illegal drugs in East Temple through fear and intimidation. Families and children deserve to live peacefully in their neighborhoods and not be poisoned and victimized by violent groups. Our message is clear. The FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will find dangerous criminals and hold them accountable.”
“The City of Temple and central Texas area is a safer place with these violent offenders off the streets. Organized crime and crime that victimizes the community should not be tolerated and it is my hope that this operation sends a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated in the City of Temple,” stated Temple Police Chief Reynolds.
The defendants remain in federal custody. Upon conviction of the RICO conspiracy charge, the defendants face up to life in federal prison. Upon conviction of the Hobbs Act conspiracy, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison. Upon conviction of conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, the defendants faces between five and 40 years in federal prison. Upon conviction of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, the defendants face not less than seven years in federal prison consecutive to any other prison term. Upon conviction of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the defendants face a mandatory ten years in federal prison consecutive to any other prison term.
The FBI, Temple Police Department, Belton Police Department, Bell County Organized Crime Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Cameron Police Department, and Hearne Police Department are conducting this investigation. The Killeen Police Department and Bell County Sheriff’s Department provided valuable assistance with today’s arrests. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.
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.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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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.
Postal Supervisor in Middletown Admits Stealing PackagesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, announced that ZOHEB A. DEURA, 34, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and April 2020, while he was employed as a supervisor at the U.S. Post Office in Middletown, Deura stole numerous packages, including packages containing an Apple computer, PlayStation and Nintendo gaming devices, an iPhone, footwear, and clothing items.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2021, at which time Deura faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Deura is released pending sentencing. He has resigned from the U.S. Postal Service.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
Portland Man Accused of Civil DisorderRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland, Oregon man has been charged with Civil Disorder and Theft of Government Property during protest activities in Portland.
Jeffrey Richard Singer, 33, is charged in an two-count indictment with Civil Disorder in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 231(a)(3) and, in a separate incident, Theft of Government Property in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 641.
According to the court record, on the evening of October 4, 2020, Singer was one of a number of individuals protesting near the Portland City Hall in Downtown Portland. Singer charged at two officers with his shoulder lowered. He slammed into the officers, causing one of them to stagger backwards from the force of the impact and injuring that officer’s hands. After colliding with the officers, Singer was arrested.
In a separate incident on September 19, 2020, a group of individuals were protesting near the Gus Solomon Courthouse in downtown Portland. Singer is alleged to have stolen the U.S. flag from the Court’s flagpole.
Singer made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020. While on release, he must abide by strict conditions, including a curfew from 8:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office 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.
Plant City Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in Park, Next to Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Wilmer Rosales, a/k/a “DoubleU,” (22, Plant City) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic in controlled substances; conspiring to commit robbery; committing robbery; using a firearm and causing the first degree murder of Grant Urquhart in furtherance of the drug conspiracy; and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Rosales faces up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Rosales’s co-defendant, Joel Sierra, a/k/a “Jojo,” (25, Plant City) is scheduled to plead guilty on November 12, 2020.
According to court documents, Rosales and Sierra lured Urquhart to Springhead Park, adjacent to an elementary school, in Plant City. Rosales and Sierra claimed they wanted to purchase marijuana from Urquhart, but they in fact planned to rob him. Rosales and other co-conspirators waited in nearby vehicles, armed—Rosales with a 7.62 mm rifle—while Sierra got into Urquhart’s vehicle for the robbery. Sierra robbed Urquhart of marijuana and money and then fled. When Urquhart chased Sierra, Rosales drove by and repeatedly fired the weapon at Urquhart, hitting him multiple times. Rosales and the other co-conspirators then left the scene. Rosales returned to the scene shortly after the shooting and again fired at Urquhart, who was lying on the ground while others were attempting to help him. Urquhart died from his gunshot wounds.
Prior to the murder, Rosales was previously convicted of possessing methamphetamine and possessing 20 grams or more of marijuana. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Pennsylvania Biofuel Company and Owners Sentenced on Environmental and Tax Crime Convictions Arising Out of Renewable Fuels FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Two biofuel company owners were sentenced to prison for conspiracy and making false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and conspiracy to defraud the IRS and preparing a false tax claim announced U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Jessica Taylor, Director of the EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program, Chief Jim Lee, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office.
On October 20, 2020, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III sentenced Ben Wootton, 55 of Savannah, Georgia, to 70 months and Race Miner, 51, of Marco Island, Florida, to 66 months, after a jury convicted both defendants and their company, Keystone Biofuels Inc. (Keystone), in April 2019. The company was originally located in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, and later in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Miner was the founder and chief executive officer of Keystone. Wootton was president of Keystone, and a former member of the National Biodiesel Board. The court ordered both men to pay restitution of $4,149,383.41 to the IRS and restitution of $5,076,376.07 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Wootton and Miner will also have to serve a three-year term of supervised release after their term of imprisonment. Keystone was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $4,149,383.41 to the IRS and restitution of $5,076,376.07 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection criminal fine.
“The EPA and IRS renewable fuels incentive programs are important components of the Congressional program to increase the use of biofuels to benefit the environment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentences are a strong reminder that the federal government will not allow supposed “green” conmen to illegally take advantage of federal and state programs that are meant to offer financial incentives to enhance the environment and energy sustainability.”
“The complex fraud perpetrated by the defendants in this case struck directly at the heart of a government program that was specifically created to benefit the environment, business owners and the community at large,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Encouraging companies to develop and provide for sale clean renewable fuels is truly a win-win proposition for everyone. Unfortunately, the defendants used this program to benefit only themselves. Today’s sentences send a clear message that my office, our federal partners and the United States Department of Justice will not tolerate renewable fuels fraud and related offenses.”
“The defendants defrauded the IRS and sought to profit from a system intended to protect the environment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “The Tax Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute with our partners such tax crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates there are real penalties for those defrauding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program,” said Jessica Taylor, Director of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program. “With this action EPA and its enforcement partners are continuing to protect both the integrity of the RINs program and the American taxpayer.”
“Wootton and Miner actively engaged in a multimillion-dollar scheme designed to rob the government and line their own pockets. Today, they learned there is a steep price to be paid for such greed,” said Jim Lee, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “It is the partnerships between IRS-CI and other federal agencies like the EPA that allow cases like this to come to fruition, holding accountable those who seek to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.”
“The only green resource these two cared about was money, and they told lie after lie to perpetuate their fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office. “Fair warning to anyone else seeking to scam the U.S. government and taxpayers like this: the FBI and our partners stand ready to investigate and hold you accountable as well.”
Wootton, Miner, and Keystone falsely represented that they were able to produce a fuel meeting the requirements set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for biodiesel (a renewable fuel) and adopted by the EPA, and as such were entitled to create renewable fuel credits, known as RINs, based on each gallon of renewable fuel produced. The fuel and the RINs have financial value and could be sold and purchased by participants within the federal renewable fuels commercial system.
Wootton and Miner were also convicted of fraudulently claiming federal tax refunds based on IRS’s Biofuel Mixture Credit. The Biodiesel Mixture Credit is a type of “blender’s credit” for persons or businesses who mix biodiesel with diesel fuel and use or sell the mixture as a fuel. Wootton and Miner caused Keystone to fraudulently claim tax refunds based on non-qualifying fuel and, in at least some instances, non-existent or non-mixed fuel. In an attempt to hide their fraud scheme, the men created false corporate books and records and sham financial transactions to account for the nonexistent and non-qualifying fuel, and to create the appearance of legitimacy.
The prosecution of Wootton, Miner and Keystone is the first prosecution of a case under the federal renewable fuels program based on fuel that did not meet the program renewable fuel quality standards.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lastra, and Trial Attorneys Mark Kotila and Michael C. Vasiliadis of the Tax Division. EPA Region III Criminal Investigation Division, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI Philadelphia’s Harrisburg Resident Agency investigated the matter.
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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Pawtucket Man Indicted, Arraigned for Alleged Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man was arraigned in federal court in Providence today on an indictment charging him with attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor and attempting to engage in prohibited sexual activity with a minor.
It is alleged that Tomy J. Fitton, 40, engaged in sexually explicit online chatroom conversations with a person he believed to be a 14 year-old girl and sent the girl multiple sexually explicit photographs. It is alleged that during the online chats, Fitton arranged to meet the girl at a specified location in Providence and to engage in illicit sexual activity.
The person Fitton was allegedly communicating with online was actually a member of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Fitton was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force when he arrived at the Providence location.
It is alleged that a forensic examination of a cell phone belonging to Fitton revealed the chatroom conversations between Fitton and a member of the ICAC Task Force and the sexually explicit photographs he alleged sent to the person he believed to be a 14 year-old girl.
Fitton was ordered detained in federal custody following his arraignment today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. Shea.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted as charged in the indictment, Fitton faces statutory penalties of between 10 years and life imprisonment and 5 years to lifetime supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Newport Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Bristol Police Department, North Kingstown Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Pascagoula Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to being a Convicted Felon Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Lawrence Lavoy Jackson, 36, of Pascagoula, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On September 2, 2019, Moss Point Police officers encountered Jackson in a vehicle parked in front of a store in Jackson County. The vehicle was running, with the reverse lights on, and Jackson appeared to be asleep at the wheel of the vehicle. The police tapped on the window several times to get Jackson to respond. The officer had Jackson step out of the vehicle and found a 9 mm pistol in his waist band and 7 rounds of ammunition. Jackson had previous felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On September 2, 2019, Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury, charging him with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Jackson will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 21, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moss Point Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced for Role in Operating Pill Mills in Tennessee and FloridaRead the Press Release
A pain clinic owner was sentenced today to over 33 years in prison for her role in operating several pill mills in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Hollywood, Florida.
Sylvia Hofstetter, 56, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan. Judge Varlan also ordered the defendant to forfeit $3.6 million. Hofstetter was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 13, 2020, of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy, two counts of drug conspiracy, money laundering offenses, and maintaining drug-involved premises.
“This defendant reaped millions of dollars in personal profits by operating destructive opioid pill mills in multiple states, inflicting lasting harm on multiple communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to combatting the opioid crisis and holding responsible the unscrupulous individuals who seek to profit from it.”
“The Eastern District of Tennessee remains at the forefront in the battle against illegal pain clinics and the mass-prescribing of opioids,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Through the cooperation and hard work of our local, state, and federal agencies, we continue to pursue and prosecute those who seek to endanger our communities by illegally distributing prescription pain killers. Let this sentencing serve as a deterrent for those who seek to profit from fueling a tragic cycle of addiction and pain killer abuse.”
“The nation remains in the midst of a drug crisis that is often fueled by pill mills. Drug addiction destroys lives and devastates families,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office. “The FBI will work tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest and hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others.”
The evidence at trial proved that the pill mills owned and operated by Hofstetter and her co-defendants distributed over 11 million tablets of oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine that generated over $21 million in revenue, with a corresponding street value of $360 million. The conspiracy involved four separate clinics in Tennessee, each of which the jury determined were drug-involved premises, i.e., pill mills. Before coming to Tennessee, Hofstetter worked at a pill mill in Hollywood, Florida, owned by three of her co-defendants. The evidence at trial demonstrated that, as law enforcement shut down hundreds of pill mills in South Florida during that time-period, Hofstetter and her co-defendants planned the move to East Tennessee where a large percentage of these clinics’ opioid-addicted customers lived.
Hofstetter’s role in Tennessee was to run the pill mills and ensure that patient volume remained high, thus guaranteeing enormous profits for Hofstetter and her co-defendants. Once in Tennessee, however, Hofstetter opened her own pill mills in secret from her Florida employers and went into competition against them. Hofstetter personally reaped over $4 million from her role in these offenses.
This sweeping prosecution, which has resulted in approximately 140 convictions so far, is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS), and the FBI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), comprised of investigators assigned to the task force by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, and Clinton Police Department. Other agencies provided invaluable assistance, including the Rome Attaché of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, FBI’s liaison in Rome, FBI’s Miami Field Office, the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Knoxville Diversion Group.
The investigation that led to this prosecution, as described above, fall under the auspices of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Stone and Deputy Chief Attorney Kelly Pearson and Trial Attorney Damare Theriot of OCGS are prosecuting the case.
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.
Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced for Role in Operating Pill Mills in Tennessee and FloridaRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On October 21, 2020, defendant Sylvia Hofstetter, was sentenced today to 400 months in prison for her role in operating several pill mills in Knoxville, Tennessee and Hollywood, Florida.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico of the FBI’s Knoxville Field office made the announcement.
Sylvia Hofstetter, 56, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas A. Varlan. Judge Varlan also ordered the defendant to pay $3.6 million in forfeiture. Hofstetter was found guilty by a jury on February 13, 2020, of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy, two counts of drug conspiracy, money laundering offenses, and maintaining drug-involved premises.
The evidence at trial proved that the pill mills owned and operated by Hofstetter and her co-defendants distributed over 11 million tablets of oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine that generated over $21 million in revenue, with a corresponding street value of $360 million. The conspiracy involved four separate clinics in Tennessee, each of which the jury determined were drug-involved premises, i.e., pill mills. Before coming to Tennessee, Hofstetter worked at a pill mill in Hollywood, Florida owned by three of her co-defendants. The evidence at trial demonstrated that, as law enforcement shut down hundreds of pill mills in South Florida during that time-period, Hofstetter and her co-codefendants planned the move to East Tennessee where many of these clinics’ opioid-addicted customers lived.
Hofstetter’s role in Tennessee was to run the pill mills and ensure that patient volume remained high, thus guaranteeing enormous profits for Hofstetter and her co-defendants. Once in Tennessee, however, Hofstetter opened her own pill mills in secret from her Florida employers and went into competition against them. Hofstetter personally reaped over $4 million dollars from her role in these offenses.
“This defendant reaped millions of dollars in personal profits by operating destructive opioid pill mills in multiple states, inflicting lasting harm on multiple communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to combatting the opioid crisis and holding responsible the unscrupulous individuals who seek to profit from it.”
"The Eastern District of Tennessee remains at the forefront in the battle against illegal pain clinics and the mass-prescribing of opioids," said U.S. Attorney Overbey. "Through the cooperation and hard work of our local, state, and federal agencies, we continue to pursue and prosecute those who seek to endanger our communities by illegally distributing prescription pain killers. Let this sentencing serve as a deterrent for those who seek to profit from fueling a tragic cycle of addiction and pain killer abuse."
"The nation remains in the midst of a drug crisis that is often fueled by pill mills. Drug addiction destroys lives and devastates families. The FBI will work tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest and hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others," said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Joseph Carrico.
This sweeping prosecution, which has resulted in approximately 140 convictions so far, results from an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Organized Crime and Gang Section, U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), comprised of investigators assigned to the task force by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, and Clinton Police Department. Other agencies provided invaluable assistance, including the Rome attaché of the Office of International Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, FBI’s liaison in Rome, FBI’s Miami Field Office, the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Knoxville Diversion Group.
The investigation that led to this prosecution, as described above, fall under the auspices of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Stone, Deputy Chief Attorney Kelly Pearson, and Trial Attorney Damare Theriot, Organized Crime and Gang Section, U.S. Department of Justice, represented the United States in the prosecution of this case.
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Ohio woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bailey N. Robinson, of Belmont, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Robinson admitted to helping to distribute methamphetamine in April 2020 in Marshall County.
Robinson faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE-Julius Moore, age 37, of Van Wert, OH, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Moore was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Moore having a previous felony conviction for domestic violence, possessed a firearm in August 2019. Specifically, while being subject to a protective order, Moore appeared at the complainant’s place of work, and confronted the individual while having a firearm visible on his person. He was later found to have possessed a second firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
Norwich Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that, on October 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging WILLIAM MEIER, 38, of Norwich, with one count of use of the internet to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor.
The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2020, Meier transferred an obscene image to a person that he believed was under the age of 16, and that he used a cellphone and an internet-based messaging application in an attempt to solicit illicit sex with a minor.
Meier appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest by the New London Police Department on related state charges on August 6, 2020.
If convicted of the charges, Meier faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New London Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Nine Individuals Face Federal Drug Trafficking Charges, Involved in Network Distributing Methamphetamine, HeroinRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A status conference is set for Nov. 23, 2020, for nine individuals charged in what the indictment alleges were conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in the Salt Lake Valley and Idaho. A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment earlier this month. The investigation, led by DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation, started in March 2020.
The lead defendant in the case is Toulon Mattox, 41, of Taylorsville, who was arrested after a federal judge signed a complaint alleging the conspiracies. According to the indictment, Mattox has a previous conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in federal court in Idaho. He was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and 60 months of supervised release in that case. He started his supervised release in October 2015 and moved to Utah. He filed a motion for early termination of his supervised release in November 2017, which was granted, according to a complaint filed in the case.
Mattox, according to the complaint, owned a restoration company that repairs and restores homes contaminated by methamphetamine. Mattox provided drugs to employees of his business, specifically methamphetamine, the complaint alleges.
Mattox is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the first count of the indictment. Also charged in that count are Lupe Gene Sandoval, 41, of West Valley City, Jerod B. Meyer, 34, of South Salt Lake City, Kelly Ann Cockrell, 43, of Salt Lake City, Michael Kermitt Nugent, 46, and James Walker Taylor, 46, both of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Fred James Schaffer, 56, of West Valley City, and Whitney Carter, 31, of Provo.
Mattox is charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin in the second count of the indictment. Sandoval, Meyer, Cockrell and Jose Armenta-Sanchez, 30, a citizen of Mexico living in Salt Lake City, are also named in that count.
Mattox, Taylor, and Carter are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering in the third count of the indictment and Armenta-Sanchez is charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute in the final count of the indictment.
Acting on a tip, the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation of Mattox and others in March 2020 using court-authorized investigative tools. Information shows Mattox had a source for drugs who resided in California and that many of Mattox’s drug customers lived in Idaho. The investigation resulted in the charges in the federal indictment, including the conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. The charges allege that between April 2019 and September 28, 2020, the defendants conspired to distribute of up to 4 pounds of heroin and up to 17 pounds of methamphetamine.
Mattox has been detained pending resolution of the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg found that although he did well on supervision after his previous drug conviction, just 18 months after Mattox was released from supervision early, he apparently became involved in drug trafficking behavior as the ringleader of the conspiracy. Judge Oberg found him to be an unmanageable risk of danger to the community.
Magistrate Judge Oberg found Cockrell poses an unmanageable risk of danger to the community as well as a risk of nonappearance based on the significant number of times she has failed to appear in previous criminal cases.
Meyer did not contest detention at his initial appearance and Carter was released on conditions of supervised release. Sandoval had an initial appearance last week and Magistrate Judge Oberg found he posed a danger to the community and a risk of non-appearance and ordered him detained pending resolution of the case. Nugent, who was arrested in Idaho, has an initial appearance Thursday before Magistrate Judge Oberg. Armenta-Sanchez is scheduled for an arraignment and detention hearing on Oct. 28, 2020. Taylor and Schaffer have not appeared on the charges.
The potential maximum penalty for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine is life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum. The potential maximum penalty for conspiracy to distribute heroin is 20 years in prison. Conspiracy to commit money laundering has a potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Possession of heroin with intent to distribute heroin carries a potential 40-year sentence with a five-year mandatory minimum.
Indictments are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the case. Members of the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force and special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation.
Nine Defendants Face Federal Charges in Alleged Racketeering Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband into Maryland's Chesapeake Detention Facility in Exchange for BribesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging nine defendants with a racketeering conspiracy at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF), in Baltimore, Maryland. The indictment charges three correctional officers (COs), four detainees, and two outside “facilitators” for their roles in the conspiracy, which allegedly involved paying bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband, including narcotics, tobacco, and cell phones, into the prison. The indictment was returned on October 14, 2020, and made public today.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Secretary Robert Green of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
“Corrupt correctional officers endanger the lives of their co-workers and of the detainees entrusted to their care and supervision,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “They also endanger the entire community, as prisoners can use contraband cell phones to direct criminal activity outside prison walls. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out prison corruption and prosecute correctional officers who abuse their positions of trust to facilitate and engage in criminal behavior.”
“In a city like Baltimore where fighting crime is a top priority, we cannot and will not accept perpetuation of a cycle of illegal activity inside prison walls,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Today’s indictment shows that no one in a position of public trust who carries out a criminal conspiracy is beyond the reach of the dedicated agents, officers and detectives from our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
“The Department’s mission is to protect its employees, detainees and inmates, and the public. Any introduction of contraband or breach of integrity threatens that mission and will not be tolerated, which is precisely why we initiated the investigation and asked the U.S. Attorney to assist,” said Secretary Robert L. Green. “We are grateful for their partnership.”
According to the indictment, CDF is run by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and used solely for the housing of federal pretrial detainees. CDF is a maximum-security prison that houses approximately 500 male and female detainees. There are six housing areas, or “pods” in CDF and in 2020, the facility has 198 correctional officers and other employees.
The indictments alleges that from at least 2016 through the date of the indictment, the COs smuggled contraband into CDF, including narcotics, cell phones, and tobacco. The indictment alleges that the narcotics smuggled into CDF included marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids (otherwise known as “K2”), and buprenorphine, commonly referred to as “Suboxone.” Detainees allegedly acted as both wholesalers and retailers of contraband and in the process made profits that far exceeded the profits that could be made by selling similar drugs on the street. For example, defendant detainees could purchase Suboxone strips for $8 each and sell them inside CDF for $75 each, or for a profit of more than 800 percent.
According to the indictment, although COs and other CDF employees were required to pass through security screening at the entrance to CDF, defendant COs were able to hide contraband on their persons, in their clothing, and in bags or containers of food. Further, COs took breaks during their shifts and returned to their cars to retrieve contraband. In other cases, the defendant COs avoided passing through the metal detector in the main lobby at CDF, enabling them to enter the facility and leave contraband in the lockers or in the Officer’s Dining Room, among other locations. Once the COs had the smuggled contraband inside the facility, they delivered it to: detainees in their cells; in private offices where detainees and staff interacted; in the hallways of detainee housing pods; and pre-arranged “stash” locations like janitorial carts or the laundry or property rooms within the jail. Detainees who were assigned jobs that enable them to move throughout the jail, also known as “working men,” took orders from fellow detainees, provided such orders to corrupt COs, and delivered contraband to other detainees on behalf of corrupt COs.
According to the indictments, the defendant detainees and facilitators paid the defendant COs for smuggled contraband using cash and electronic payment platforms, including Cash App. Some COs also engaged in sexual relations with detainees in exchange for smuggling contraband into CDF. The defendant detainees received payments from other detainees for contraband transactions via Cash App and other methods, often with the assistance of facilitators.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, whose staff initiated the CDF investigation and have been full partners in this investigation.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Christina A. Hoffman, who are prosecuting the case.
CDF Indictment Defendants
Correctional Officers:
- Darren Parker, age 45, of Baltimore;
- Andre Davis, a/k/a 2Chainz, age 35, of Baltimore; and
- Talaia Youngblood, age 35, of Randallstown, Maryland.
Detainees:
- James Hair, a/k/a Mook, age 29;
- Donte Thomas, a/k/a Cruddy, age 33;
- Bernard Bey, a/k/a Tony Bey, age 50; and
- Andre Webb, a/k/a Arnie, age 33.
Facilitators:
- Lynette Carlest, age 48, of Baltimore; and
- Jasmine Coleman, age 28, of Baltimore.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that on October 20, 2020, MICHAEL HOLMES, age 40, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses.
Specifically, HOLMES previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court records, HOLMES and others conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere. Moreover, HOLMES possessed a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer P228 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
In total, Judge Fallon sentenced HOLMES to 180 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Transportation and Distribution of Files Depicting the Sexual Victimization of ChildrenRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MICHAEL PAUL PERRILLOUX, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was arrested on October 16, 2020 after previously being charged by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment with transportation and distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(1) and 2252(a)(2). PERRILLOUX is charged with uploading such files to an online storage account on at least three dates between 2017 and 2018 (Counts 1 through 3). He is also charged with distributing such files in September 2018 (Count 4).
PERRILLOUX faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years for each count. PERRILLOUX also faces a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and can be required to register as a sex offender.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with support from the Orleans Parish Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Jersey Man Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man made his initial appearance today on charges of engaging in fraud by illegally obtaining unemployment insurance benefits, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Jefferson Robert, 30, was arrested on Oct. 20, 2020, by inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. He is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud and appeared by videoconference for his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who were not eligible for other types of unemployment (e.g., self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers). The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUC) that provided an additional $600 weekly benefit to those eligible for PUA and regular unemployment insurance benefits. The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) administered and managed the regular unemployment and PUA programs in the State of Washington.
On Aug. 6, 2019, Robert opened a bank account at Bank 1 in the name of “Johny Eto” using a fake United Kingdom passport. On May 8, 2020, an application was made to ESD for unemployment benefits in the name of an individual (Victim 1) using Victim 1’s personal identification information. On May 12, 2020, pursuant to instructions by the individual purporting to be Victim 1, the State of Washington sent a wire transfer into a bank account in the amount of $7,930.
This bank account received additional funds from a Business Enterprise Compromise scheme as well as IRS payments resulting from fraudulent activity. Between March 11, 2020, and May 1, 2020, a debit card associated with the bank account was used to purchase approximately 57 U.S. Postal Service money orders totaling $52,000. The “from” information on most of the money orders listed the name “Jefferson Robert” and an address in Newark. Records from New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission reflect that Robert provided that address when obtaining a driver’s license.
Robert also used the fraudulent UK passport to open bank accounts at three other banks. These accounts were all frozen or closed due to suspicious activity. For example, on Sept. 19, 2019, a check payable to “Johny Eto” in the amount of $27,400 was deposited into one of those bank accounts. The check was drawn on an account in the name of an individual, who stated that he did not open the account and does not know either Johny Eto or Robert.
Robert and his conspirators caused losses of more than $500,000.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, in Newark; special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, in New York, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Please report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721, or e-mail: [email protected].
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nassau County Fire and Rescue Employee Arrested and Charged with Accessing with Intent to View Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Robert Arthur Ginder (34, Callahan) has been charged by federal criminal complaint with access with intent to view child exploitation material. Ginder faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Ginder has been detained pending a hearing scheduled for October 23, 2020.
According to the complaint, an investigation was initiated by law enforcement after they gained access to a cloud platform and a group chat where users were actively involved in the distribution of child exploitation material. Law enforcement observed that when one particular user joined the group chat, numerous image and video files depicting child exploitation material were shared between various members of the group.
Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations identified Ginder’s residence as the source of the IP addresses that had been used by the account on the cloud platform. On October 20, 2020, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Ginder’s residence, and he was subsequently arrested.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This is another case that was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Muscatine Woman Sentenced to Prison for False StatementsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa — On October 20, 2020, United States District Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Malinda Jean Sotelo, age 38, of Muscatine, to two months in prison for False Statements she made on tenant information forms for housing assistance announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Sotelo was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay $32,110.00 in restitution as well as $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On June 17, 2020, Sotelo pleaded guilty to one count of False Statements. From 2012 through 2017, Sotelo received housing assistance through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She also received food assistance (SNAP) and cash assistance through the Family Investment Program (FIP aka Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), which are benefit programs administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Sotelo falsified 15 forms used by the two agencies to determine her eligibility for benefits and the amounts she was entitled to receive. On these forms, Sotelo purposefully failed to include her significant other as a resident of her household, and she failed to report his income. Due to the false information provided on these forms, Sotelo received $32,110 in unentitled housing assistance, $11,017 in unentitled food assistance, and $15,022 in unentitled cash assistance.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Minneapolis Resident Accused of Engaging in Multiple Acts of Vandalism and Violence Including Throwing Rocks at Police During Civil Disorder in PortlandRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Minneapolis, Minnesota resident has been charged with engaging in multiple acts of vandalism and violence including throwing rocks at police officers engaged in lawful crowd dispersal during a civil disorder event.
A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a one-count indictment charging Adrian Ruben De Los Rios, 32, with Civil Disorder.
According to court documents, in the evening of August 5, 2020, a group of individuals blocked traffic on SE 106th Avenue outside of Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct. By 9:40 p.m., people began tearing off the boards that were protecting the glass windows of East Precinct. An unlawful assembly was declared shortly before 10:00 p.m. and PPB made public address announcements telling the group to leave the area.
A PPB officer inside the East Precinct witnessed an individual, later identified as De Los Rios, throw several chunks of concrete at the building’s glass, and strike the building’s glass with a hammer. Afterward, the same officer observed De Los Rios at a fire that was in a trash can approximately one foot away from the front door of the East Precinct. De Los Rios was seen placing a 2x4 piece of lumber into the fire and leaning it up against the building. Other PPB officers reported viewing videos on the internet that depicted De Los Rios engaging in the above-mentioned acts. A PPB officer also reported viewing a video that showed De Los Rios placing a 2x4 piece of wood through the exterior door handles of the East Precinct and ramming the doors with what appeared to be a 4x4 piece of wood.
Later in the evening, as PPB officers were dispersing the crowd, a PPB officer witnessed De Los Rios throw multiple baseball-size rocks at police officers. On one occasion, De Los Rios threw a rock at the officer while holding additional rocks in his opposite hand. The officer was able to continually observe De Los Rios while PPB officers were dispersing the crowd. De Los Rios was located later and taken into custody, wearing the same clothing as earlier in the evening. A search incident to arrest revealed two baseball-size rocks inside De Los Rios’s backpack.
Adrian Ruben De Los Rios made an initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You, was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020.
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.