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Friday 16 October 2020
William Jeffery of Raleigh Indicted on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Raleigh man with possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, William Jeffery, 59, was found on June 16, 2020, to be in possession of digital media containing images involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further notes that Jeffery has a prior federal conviction for interstate travel for purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a juvenile and a prior North Carolina state conviction for indecent liberties with a child.
If convicted, Jeffery would face a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for $1.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEON C. VACCARELLI, 43, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of approximately $1.5 million.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during his trial last year, Vaccarelli was a registered representative of The Investment Center (“TIC”), a brokerage company, and was an investment adviser associated with IC Advisory Services, Inc. (“IC Advisory”). He also was the owner and only member of LWLVACC, LLC, and conducted business through an entity named Lux Financial Services (“Lux Financial”). Using these various entities, Vaccarelli operated a financial advisory and brokerage service through which he offered investment advice and sold investments and securities to individuals and families in the Waterbury area.
Between approximately 2011 and 2017, Vaccarelli defrauded approximately 15 victim investors of approximately $1.5 million by falsely representing that he would invest his clients’ money in IRA rollover accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (“CDs”), or other types of interest-earning investments. However, instead of investing customers’ funds as he had represented, Vaccarelli deposited customer funds into his own personal account and business bank accounts, commingled those funds with his own money, and used the funds to pay both business and personal expenses, including tuition and mortgage payments. In some instances, he also used customer funds to make bogus “interest payments” to other victim-investors.
Vaccarelli’s victims include an elderly woman who Vaccarelli coerced into transferring approximately $300,000 in funds from a safe investment portfolio into a bank account that Vaccarelli controlled. Vaccarelli subsequently spent the money on personal expenses and to pay off another investor who threatened to sue him. Vaccarelli also stole nearly $500,000 from a trust, which was established in 1991 to care for a woman with diminished capacity. Other victims include a retired schoolteacher, a retired construction worker, and medical professionals.
Vaccarelli is required to pay full restitution, and Judge Arterton will issue a restitution order after additional court proceedings.
On May 2, 2018, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Vaccarelli with three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. On March 5, 2019, a superseding indictment against Vaccarelli added three counts of wire fraud and six counts of securities fraud.
On May 29, 2019, a jury found Vaccarelli guilty of all counts of the superseding indictment.
Vaccarelli, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 5, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Washington, PA Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to ten years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Romone Barnes, age 34, formerly of the City of Washington, Washington County, PA.
According to information presented to the Court, on June 26, 2017, investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into fentanyl distribution by Mr. Barnes. The Court was advised that on that date, Mr. Barnes distributed five "bricks" – the equivalent to 400 dosage units – containing fentanyl, which is a scheduled controlled substance under federal law, to an informant working on behalf of law enforcement. Thereafter, Mr. Barnes was charged in a one-count Indictment with distribution of fentanyl. On September 25, 2017, in connection with his arrest for that offense, agents seized approximately ten grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl. In connection with his plea, Mr. Barnes admitted to possessing that controlled substance intending to redistribute it.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Barnes.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of ten districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.
Wakonda Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wakonda, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 13, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Ricky Bryan Giedd, age 51, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Giedd was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 6, 2020. He pled guilty on July 16, 2020.
During his involvement, Giedd and co-conspirators distributed methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere. They were aware that the methamphetamine supplied would be distributed to drug customers in South Dakota. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Giedd was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
United States Attorney and Office of Justice Programs announce site-based and research awards to advance forensic science in Eastern District of MissouriRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Jeff Jensen and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan announced substantial grants to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons in the Eastern District of Missouri. The funding is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Institute of Justice, both part of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.
Through the BJA DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, the following funds are being provided to process, record, screen and analyze DNA evidence and to enhance the ability of crime labs to process evidence. The funding helps reduce the number of forensic DNA database samples awaiting analysis, prevents additional DNA backlogs and helps solve crimes.St. Charles County $75,000
St. Louis County $174,698
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department $280,057
Missouri State Highway Patrol $483,798
Complementing these efforts, BJA’s Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program is making the following awards. The awards help states and local governments improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services provided by crime laboratories and medical examiner and coroners' offices. Funding will go toward eliminating backlogs and employing and training laboratory personnel and death investigators.
Missouri Department of Public Safety $331,027
St. Louis County $244,275
In addition, BJA is making the following substantial award through the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The funding supports the documentation of unanalyzed sexual assault kits, and the efficient processing, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault kits as well as victim advocacy to support effective resolution of sexual assault cases ‒ steps that are effective in reducing violent crime.
Missouri Attorney General’s Office $2,000,000
United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “These grants further strengthen the ability of our state and local partners to use powerful forensic tools in a timely manner. This increased forensic capacity will further the pursuit of justice in relation to violent crime and sexual assaults within the Eastern District of Missouri.”
#####United States Attorney Statement Related to November, 2020 General ElectionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— United States Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Austin Rice-Stitt will lead local efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020 general election. AUSA Rice-Stitt has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Oregon and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Williams said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations 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. 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 Williams stated that AUSA/DEO Rice-Stitt will be on duty in this District through election day. He can be reached by the public at 503-789-4928
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of federal election fraud and other election abuses through election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (503) 224-4181.
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 ballot drop off sites, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Williams said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office has Charged 86 Federal Gun Possession Cases in Maryland to Date in 2020Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 55 federal gun possession cases in Baltimore and 31 in Greenbelt so far during the 2020 calendar year, and the office continues to investigate and charge defendants who illegally possess and use firearms. These gun possession cases are just one component of the District’s larger Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which specifically targets violent crime by combining local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts; community action and revitalization; and public awareness. The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment—in federal prisons far from Maryland, with no suspended sentences, and no parole—is especially helpful in prosecuting repeat violent offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.
“Reducing violent crime in Maryland is job one. We are proud of the work we have done to date, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. In Baltimore, our relentless focus on reducing the gun crime that plagues the City has resulted in more federal gun possession cases charged to date this year than during the entirety of last year,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We and our partners will continue together to focus on prosecuting the repeat violent offenders who wreak havoc in and terrorize our communities.”
“The application of federal charges against individuals who illegally possess or use firearms to commit a crime has been a game changer in our efforts to reduce gun violence and successfully prosecute criminal offenders throughout Maryland,” said ATF Baltimore Field Division Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “The ATF Baltimore Field Division and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who criminally possess or use a firearm in the commission of a crime, and we are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued commitment to ensuring that these unlawful offenders answer for their crimes.”
The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are continuing our efforts to address gun violence by using federal statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These types of reactive gun cases are one part of Maryland’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), our violent-crime reduction strategy. The United States Attorney’s Office, through the use of Project Safe Neighborhoods, will continue to pursue felons with guns who constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Maryland.
One of the reasons for the success of the program in Baltimore is the use of Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) provided by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City and funded through grants from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth & Victim Services. These SAUSAs, who almost exclusively handle federal gun and violent crime cases, are force multipliers in the fight against violent crime.
The Department of Justice announced on October 13, 2020, that it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes nationwide during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law-abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Michael Savage in Charlotte, and Richard Edwards in Asheville, will lead the efforts of their Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
AUSAs Savage and Edwards have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western of North Carolina, and in that capacity they 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 Murray said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Murray stated that AUSAs/DEOs Savage and Edwards will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers:
In Charlotte: 704-344-6222, and in Asheville: 828-271-4661.
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 704-672-6100.
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.
U.S. Attorney Murray said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Appoints Election Officer for the Eastern District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Robin Pendergraft 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 Pendergraft has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of North Carolina and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Higdon said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Higdon stated that AUSA/DEO Pendergraft will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 919-856-4530.
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 704-672-6100.
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 Higdon 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.”
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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 Reminds Kansans to Beware COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister is reminding Kansans to be vigilant against fraudsters who are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit American consumers and organizations and to cheat disaster relief programs.
In particular, McAllister urges Kansans to be aware of scams perpetrated through websites, social media, emails and robocalls peddling fake COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments and protective equipment. Criminals who fabricate businesses and steal identities in order to defraud federal relief programs and state unemployment programs are another threat.
“Thieves are trying to use the very real dangers of the pandemic to promote fear and confusion in an effort to fleece victims,” McAllister said. “I urge Kansans to review solicitations carefully. Be skeptical. If it sounds almost too good to be true, that is a red flag.”
“A pandemic is a time when people should come together to pursue the common good, but sadly there are some who instead use it as an opportunity to deceive and thieve,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “From the outset, the Justice Department has acted quickly to detect, investigate, and prosecute wrongdoing relating to this crisis. Pursuing these criminals and deterring would-be bad actors will remain a priority for the foreseeable future.”
To date, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has received more than 76,000 tips concerning COVID-19-related wrongdoing. Similarly, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has also received more than 20,000 tips regarding suspicious websites and media postings. These tips, as well as reports made directly to the offices of U.S. Attorneys, FBI field offices, and other law enforcement agencies, have led to federal law enforcement opening hundreds of investigations.
The department charged its first COVID-19-related fraud case on March 25. Since then, the department has filed criminal charges in 33 cases across the country involving scam vaccines, treatments, or testing or price gouging in the sale of scarce medical supplies. Additionally, the department has initiated civil actions in 11 cases to enjoin fraudulent coronavirus schemes targeting consumers, including cases against defendants marketing ozone gas, silver-ion solution, and bleach-based solution as treatments.
The department has also focused on prosecuting bad actors who have exploited federal relief programs enacted on March 27 under the CARES Act that are intended to assist hard-hit Americans and businesses. In particular, the department has charged 65 defendants in 50 separate cases to date that relate to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The total intended loss to the PPP in those cases is more than $227 million. The defendants in these cases include those brazen enough to submit PPP loan applications for fabricated businesses named after “Game of Thrones” characters and to spend PPP loan proceeds on exotic cars, boats, and expensive jewelry.
The department encourages the public to continue to report wrongdoing relating to the pandemic to the NCDF and to remain vigilant against bad actors looking to exploit this national emergency. To report a scam relating to COVID-19, or if you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies necessary to respond to the spread of COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the NCDF Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form, available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser Announces Approximately 3 Million Dollars to Advance Forensic Science in the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced $2,913,487 in Department of Justice grants to the Eastern District of Louisiana to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“Forensic technology is an integral component of law enforcement and the judicial system,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “These awards will significantly increase the capacity for DNA analysis, decrease the backlog and turnaround time for DNA analysis and assists law enforcement agencies and crime labs in efficiently processing evidence to solve a greater number of crimes, including cold cases.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- St. Tammany Parrish Coroner’s Office $200,000
- Jefferson Parrish Sheriff’s Office $200,000
- Orleans Parish District Attorney $1,949,672
- Louisiana State Police $299,117
- Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement $264,698
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.
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U.S. Attorney Murray Announces $326,150 Federal Grant to Support Mental Health Programs for Those in Contact with Justice Systems in New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray today announced a $326,150 Department of Justice grant to Carroll County to support adult and juvenile justice initiatives to reduce crime and recidivism associated with mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
“More and more people with mental illness are coming into contact with the criminal justice system, straining law enforcement resources and placing exceptional demands on our jails and prisons,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “By supporting partnerships between justice system professionals and treatment providers, we are making substantial investments in addressing the link between mental health and public safety.”
Provided through the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, the funding supports efforts that establish collaborative anti-recidivism comprehensive care before, during and after incarceration for persons with serious mental illness. The funding also supports training and technical assistance to law enforcement, other criminal justice agencies and their partner mental health and substance abuse authorities to improve outcomes for youth with mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.
“Many individuals who enter the criminal justice system are suffering from mental health issues,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is imperative that these individuals be given access to appropriate treatment. By addressing and treating the underlying mental health issues, we can reduce recurring contacts with police, decrease incarceration levels and promote public safety.”
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
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U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces over $8.6 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst today announced awards of over $8.6 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the Southern District of Mississippi. 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 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.”
“I am grateful to the Department of Justice for investing in our communities to help address addiction has adversely affected so many Mississippians and their families. These groups should be commended for stepping up to address these problems in their communities. We have achieved so much in the last three years and we will continue to fight the epidemic of illegal narcotics on multiple fronts in order to make our neighborhoods safer,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
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 organizations received funding:
- The Mississippi State Department of Health - $6,000,000 under Category 2 of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program.
- The Harrison County Board of Supervisors - $827,963 under the Family Drug Court Program.
- The County Court of Hancock County - $742,462 under the Family Drug Court Program.
- The Lamar County Board of Supervisors - $599,981 under Category 1 of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program.
- Mississippi Division of Public Safety Planning - $434,114 under the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program
- Jackson County, Mississippi - $94,328 under the Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Courts Discretionary Grant 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 Mississippi State Department of Health - $6,000,000 under Category 2 of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces Nearly $500,000 in Carry-Over Grant Funds to Lancaster County School District to Address School ViolenceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. today announced a $495,323 Department of Justice carry-over grant to the Lancaster County School District to address violence occurring at our nation’s schools. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $87 million to bolster school security, support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident, and conduct research on school safety.
STOP School Violence, a program of OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, improves school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to and help prevent acts of violence. In addition to STOP School Violence Act funding, OJP’s National Institute of Justice is investing in research on school violence.
“Only by removing the threat of violence from our schools can we expect our kids to reap the full benefits of their education, and only after making our places of learning safe can we ask our teachers to instruct and inspire as they are trained to do,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Department of Justice is committed to securing our schools from danger and giving our kids the support they need to learn, grow and thrive.”
“This office is committed to stopping school violence,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These funds go a long way to those ends, and I look forward to seeing these grant programs grow across South Carolina.”
The carry-over funds awarded to the Lancaster County School District specifically provides funds to develop and implement threat assessment and intervention teams, and to operate technology solutions such as anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites.
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.
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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 Maria Chapa Lopez Appoints Election Officer for the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Robert Mosakowski 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 Mosakowski has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Florida, and in that capacity 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 Chapa Lopez said, “Every citizen should be free to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote count, without the fear that it will be stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the electoral process. 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 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 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 abuses on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Chapa Lopez stated that AUSA/DEO Mosakowski will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (813) 274-6129.
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. Local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (813) 253-1000 (Tampa Division) or (904) 248-7000 (Jacksonville Division).
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.
U.S. Attorney Lelling Announces the Creation of Civil Rights Task ForceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew Lelling announces the creation of a statewide Civil Rights Task Force, which will coordinate with, and support, local and state law enforcement in preventing, investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations in Massachusetts. The Task Force will enhance collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement to better identify and deter threats, work to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and community members, and provide training and support to local police departments confronting civil rights issues.
“The current intensity of public concern with issues of racial equity, persecution of minorities, and relations between minority communities and law enforcement, demands a coordinated law enforcement response,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “In short, we need to do something and, in the interest of bolstering the public’s trust, the public needs to see that we take these issues seriously and will be accountable for our success or failure. I want to thank the state and local officials joining me today to launch this effort.”
Today, U.S. Attorney Lelling hosted the Task Force’s initial leadership meeting. The leadership team is charged with choosing representatives for the Task Force’s primary working group and will set priorities for the group. The leadership members in attendance at today’s meeting included: Terrence Reidy, Undersecretary for Law Enforcement, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; William Gross, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department; Jeff W. Farnsworth, the Chief of Police for the Hampden Police Department and the President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association; and Gina Kwon, Chief of the Criminal Bureau, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and the leadership team outlined the importance of a statewide collective focused on providing support and resources to local and state law enforcement on civil rights issues. They also provided details surrounding the structure of the new Civil Rights Task Force, and the selection process for appointing members. The general Task Force membership is expected to meet and begin providing resources to local police departments, community organizations and police chiefs in January 2021.
U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe Announces $1.7 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, today announced $1,754,128 in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction. 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.
“Although we are making progress, too many lives are still being destroyed due to the opioid addiction crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting public health and safety, and these grants provide needed funds to do just that. I’m pleased to announce that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was awarded more than $1.7 million to help develop and implement residential substance abuse treatment programs within our state and local correctional facilities.”
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. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“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.”
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 Florida Department of Law Enforcement received $1,754,128 through the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program. The Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded a total of $28 million to support this program, which helps states develop and implement residential substance abuse treatment programs within state and local correctional facilities.
“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.”
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 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.
Press Release - DOJ Opioid GrantsU.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announces district election officerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – United States Attorney Kurt Alme today announced that Assistant U. S. Attorney (AUSA) Brendan McCarthy will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 3, 2020 general election. AUSA McCarthy has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Montana, 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.
U. S. Attorney Alme said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Alme said that AUSA/DEO McCarthy will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 406-247-4656 or 406-702-5033.
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. For Montana, the FBI can be reached by the public at 801-579-1400.
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.
U. S. Attorney Alme 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.”
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U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman appoints District Election Officers for November General ElectionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Ava R. Dustin and Megan R. Miller have been appointed as District Election Officers (DEO) to lead the District’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
AUSA Ava R. Dustin will serve as the District Election Officer for the Western Division of the Northern District of Ohio, and AUSA Megan R. Miller will serve as the District Election Officer for the Eastern Division. AUSAs Dustin and Miller 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 D.C.
“The right to vote without interference or discrimination is part of the foundation of our democracy, and The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect that right and the integrity of the election process,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “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 contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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, the public may reach the District Election Officers at the following telephone numbers:
- Assistant United States Attorney Ava R. Dustin, 419-241-0767
- Assistant United States Attorney Megan R. Miller, 216-622-3855
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 216-522-1400.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that the public can vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment. 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).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. 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.
U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank Announces More than $1 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank today announced awards of more than $1 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in Maine. 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.
Cumberland County will receive $899,824 in funding, and the Maine Department of Public Safety will receive $149,915.
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.
“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.”
“Maine has been particularly hard hit by the opioid crisis,” U.S. Attorney Frank said. “Last year, the state saw 380 overdose deaths—a seven percent increase over the previous year—and statistics indicate the numbers have been on the rise again during the pandemic. What the statistics don’t tell is the individual tragedies each of one these deaths represents: the loss of a Mainer’s father, mother, son, daughter, friend or neighbor. Our law enforcement partners and treatment facilities need all the resources at their disposal to fight this crisis, so I am pleased to announce this federal funding.”
“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.
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
U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank Announces $750,000 to Support Mental Health Programs for Those in Contact with Justice Systems in Penobscot CountyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank today announced that the Department of Justice is providing Penobscot County with $750,000 in grants to support adult and juvenile justice initiatives designed to reduce crime and recidivism associated with mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Provided through the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the funding supports efforts that establish collaborative anti-recidivism comprehensive care before, during, and after incarceration for persons with serious mental illness. The funding also supports training and technical assistance to law enforcement, other criminal justice agencies and their partner mental health and substance abuse authorities to improve outcomes for youth with mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.
“I believe this funding will be of tremendous value to law enforcement in Penobscot County, the judicial system, and those who are coping with mental illness,” U.S. Attorney Frank said. “Too often, those who could have been helped with early mental health treatment find themselves intertwined with our legal system. Hopefully, this funding will make a difference.”
“More and more people with mental illness are coming into contact with the criminal justice system, straining law enforcement resources and placing exceptional demands on our jails and prisons,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “By supporting partnerships between justice system professionals and treatment providers, we are making substantial investments in addressing the link between mental health and public safety.”
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
U.S. Attorney Garrison Appoints Election OfficerRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United States Attorney Tim Garrison announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Alan T. Simpson will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Simpson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Western District of Missouri, 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.
“We will protect the right of every citizen to vote in a free and fair election, and preserve the integrity of the election process,” Garrison said. “I invite any citizen with concerns or information about election interference or election fraud to contact my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division. Our District Election Officer will be on duty as long as the polls are open on election day to receive and respond to those concerns.”
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).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on Nov. 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Simpson will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 816-426-3122.
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 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at https://www.tips.fbi.gov.
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.
U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announces more than $6.5 million in grants to fight drug abuse and addictionRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today announced awards of more than $6.5 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the Western District of Washington. 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 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.”
“As U.S. Attorney one of my most searing memories is meeting with the families who have lost loved ones to opioids – especially deadly fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “As we work to interdict shipments of these drugs, I also welcome DOJ support in enhancing the tools to help those gripped by addiction.”
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 organizations received funding:
- Seattle-King County Health Department - $1,200,000 to expand access to treatment
- Makah Tribe - $591,768 to expand access to treatment
- Confederated Tribes of Chehalis - $339,519 to expand access to treatment
- Puyallup Tribe - $600,000 to expand access to treatment
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services - $438,297 for residential substance about treatment in prisons
- Skagit County District Court - $399,368 to support community courts
- City of Olympia - $400,000 to support community courts
- Lummi Indian Business Council - $827,972 to support family drug courts
- Judiciary of the Courts of the State of Washington -$1,750,000 to support family drug courts
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.
U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin Appoints Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Jones as Election Officer for the Middle District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Patricia Jones 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 Jones has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Louisiana, 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, DC.
United States Attorney Fremin said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Fremin stated that AUSA/DEO Jones will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (225) 389-0443.
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 (225) 291-5159.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, by telephone 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 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 Fremin 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.”
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 Update on Firearms Initiative in DMVRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger provided an update on the status of Project Guardian-DMV, our strategic effort to reduce violent crime and further enforce federal firearms laws across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV).
“Criminals in the DMV have been on notice that we are federally serious about illegal firearms offenses,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The prosecutors of the Eastern District, in conjunction with ATF and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, have redoubled our efforts to combat straw purchasing, firearms trafficking, and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking or violent crime offense, pursuant to Project Guardian-DMV.”
During Fiscal Year 2020, from Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020, the Alexandria Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged over 60 defendants with firearms-related offenses, including straw purchases, illegal possession of firearms by previously convicted felons and other prohibited persons, and carrying, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during a crime of violence or in relation to a drug trafficking offense. These defendants were involved in the unlawful purchase and/or possession of over 200 firearms, of which more than 85 firearms have been recovered and seized by law enforcement.
Project Guardian is the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
Project Guardian-DMV localizes the Justice Department’s national effort, and expands upon the current partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Columbia and the Eastern District of Virginia, the ATF, and Metro Police Department, and now also includes the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Maryland and the Western District of Virginia, and the Virginia State Police.
Recent Project Guardian-DMV cases
U.S. v. Emmanuel Ndjongo and Alexus Jordan
Ndjongo, of Bowie, Maryland, and his then-girlfriend, Jordon, of Alexandria, conspired to straw purchase 31 firearms from Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) in Virginia. Jordon purchased six of the firearms at FFLs in Virginia. Ndjongo used Jordon’s name to order the remaining firearms online from an FFL located in North Carolina, and had these firearms shipped to various FFLs in Virginia. Once the firearms arrived in Virginia, Jordon picked up the firearms and gave them to Ndjongo, who sought to sell the firearms to other individuals. Local law enforcement in Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland have recovered two of the firearms unlawfully purchased during this conspiracy, both of which had altered or destroyed serial numbers. The whereabouts of the remaining 29 firearms are unknown.
U.S. v. Reginald Tolliver
In July 2019, Tolliver, of Woodbridge, a previously convicted felon, unlawfully possessed and fired a SigSauer semi-automatic pistol during a gang-related shootout at a recording studio in Alexandria. Surveillance video footage captured two masked individuals exit a vehicle and fire at a vehicle occupied by Tolliver and his associates. Video captured Tolliver fire his pistol at the masked individuals before police responded to the scene to find Tolliver and an associate wounded by gunfire. On August 13, Tolliver was sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in the shootout.
U.S. v. Chad Thomas Lamph
Lamph, of Fredericksburg, pleaded guilty on September 25 to lying on an ATF form in the course of straw-purchasing seven firearms for a convicted felon and criminal street gang member. Following the recovery of a firearm by the Metropolitan Police Department that had been purchased just one week prior, ATF agents reviewed firearm transaction records and determined that Lamph, 22, had purchased that firearm and numerous others from federal firearms licensees in December 2019. For each firearm that he purchased, Lamph certified on ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual transferee / buyer. However, the ATF’s investigation revealed that Lamph had in fact purchased seven of those firearms on behalf of another individual he knew to be a convicted felon and criminal street gang member in exchange for money. Lamph pleaded guilty to making a false statement with respect to information required to be kept in the records of a federal firearms licensee. Lamph faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on December 11.
U.S. v. David Sungur
On September 29, Sungur, of Fairfax, pleaded guilty today to dealing in firearms without a license. Beginning around March 2019 through March 2020, Sungur engaged in the business of dealing in firearms through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Among the firearms that he sold and advertised for sale were homemade pistols devoid of serial numbers or other unique identifiers, commonly known as “ghost guns.” Sungur explained to prospective customers that he charged a premium for such pistols because he made them, because they lacked serial numbers, and because they could not be linked to any previous criminal activities. Sungur also sold weapons on multiple occasions to undercover detectives with the Fairfax County Police Department’s Organized Crime & Intelligence Bureau, who had learned he was selling firearms. Over the course of four separate transactions, he sold detectives more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and numerous firearms – some of which were "ghost guns" – in exchange for cash. On two of these occasions, Sungur also sold detectives 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices that, after installation, enabled semi-automatic firearms to fire fully-automatically. Following his arrest, Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at his residence and discovered that he was in possession of additional materials and kits used to manufacture ghost guns, additional ammunition, additional magazines, a 3D printer, and an additional firearm. Sungus faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on December 16.
More information on Project Guardian in EDVA can be found here.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Announces Results of Fiscal Year 2020 Firearms ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the results of firearms prosecutions for fiscal year 2020 (FY20). In FY20, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) has charged more than 200 individuals with violations of federal firearms laws. Charges arose from armed robberies, possession of firearms and ammunition by convicted felons, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking and violent crimes, and false statements in relation to gun purchases.
“Fighting violent crime and keeping our citizens safe continues to be a paramount priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida,” said United States Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Despite some recent changes in priorities in some of our local law enforcement agencies, we hope to continue to work together with our dedicated and courageous law enforcement partners to remain laser-focused on holding violent criminals accountable, reducing gun violence, and protecting our communities.” Several firearms cases have resulted in significant sentences in FY20, throughout all five divisions of the MDFL. Highlights from each division are summarized below.
United States vs. Jimmy Ray Lightsey
On September 17, 2020, in Jacksonville, Jimmy Ray Lightsey (40, Jacksonville) was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to testimony presented at trial, on June 24, 2018, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Lightsey for driving without a valid license. A 9mm pistol and a bag of marijuana were observed, in plain view, inside Lightsey’s car. A search of the vehicle revealed additional marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and empty baggies used for packaging narcotics. The pistol was later determined to have been stolen from a home in Jacksonville approximately two weeks earlier. At the time of the incident, Lightsey had multiple prior felony convictions, including for the sale or delivery of cocaine and attempted armed robbery with a weapon. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David B. Mesrobian and Beatriz Gonzalez. For additional details, see press release.
United States vs. Anthony Kenty Soto-Lopez et al
In Orlando, on September 29, 2020, Anthony Kenty Soto-Lopes was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for charges arising from the straw purchase of firearms. Soto-Lopes’s co-defendants, Misael Adorno-Ortega, Ivan Jomar Melendez-Ortiz, and Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez were sentenced to federal prison – 84 months, 37 months, and 8 months, respectively. According to court records, between October 2018 and July 2019, Adorno-Ortega and Soto-Lopes employed Gonzalez-Rodriguez and Melendez-Ortiz as straw purchasers to purchase 52 firearms. The straw purchasers falsely indicated on ATF forms that they were the actual transferees/buyers of the firearms, when in fact, they were purchasing the firearms for Adorno-Ortega and Soto-Lopes, who were prior convicted felons on supervised release. This case was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chauncey Bratt and Amanda Daniels. For additional details, please see press release.
United States vs. Charlie Lee Wright, Jr.
In Ocala, on August 28, 2020, Charlie Lee Wright, Jr. (52, Summerfield) was sentenced to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to the evidence presented at the trial, Wright has 28 prior felony convictions. On January 16, 2019, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Wright’s home looking for stolen jewelry. During the search, detectives located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. One of the recovered firearms was a mini-14 rifle, a semi-automatic firearm capable of accepting a high-capacity magazine. This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr. For additional details, please see press release.
United States vs. Jarquel Jenkins
In Fort Myers, on February 20, 2020, Jarquel Jenkins (28, Fort Myers) was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in prison for drug distribution and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on three separate occasions in January and February 2019, Jenkins sold heroin and cocaine to confidential informants. In February 2019, following a controlled purchase of narcotics from Jenkins, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Jenkins, who fled from a parked vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized various quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as a loaded firearm from the vehicle’s cup holder. The case was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Reichling. For additional details, please see press release.
United States vs. Jordan Rodriguez et al
In Tampa, on February 5, 2020, Jordan Rodriguez (Bradenton, 26) was sentenced to three life terms of imprisonment for gang racketeering and murder. His co-defendants, Alfonzo Churchwell (Bradenton, 32) and Andrew Thompson (Bradenton, 25), were also sentenced to multiple life terms. According to evidence presented during the three and half week jury trial, the defendants had engaged in a violent and deadly rivalry with others in Oneco, a community in Bradenton. The individuals worked together to traffic in controlled substances and to control and protect their drug business with violence and murder. Rodriguez, Churchwell, and Thompson were responsible for at least four murders. Their racketeering enterprise maintained a “trap house” that was used to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs. This case was investigated by ATF, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Attorney’s Office (Twelfth Judicial Circuit). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natalie Hirt Adams and Christopher F. Murray. For additional details, please see press release.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws are amongst the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department has reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
The USAO-MDFL works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to vigorously enforce federal laws related to violent crime and the illegal possession of firearms. Recently charged cases are summarized in the table below.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Name
Charges
AUSA/Division
Kermon Williams (42, St. Petersburg),
Jahphre Higgs (36, St. Petersburg),
James Higgs (40, St. Petersburg)
See press release.
1. Conspiring to commit a murder for hire, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958 (All)
2. Committing a murder for hire, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1958 and 2 (All)
3. Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 (All)
4. Attempting to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 (The Higgs)
5. Felons in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Both Higgs)
6. Use and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes , in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and (j), and 2 (All)
7. Use and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and (j), and 2 (All)
8 .Felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Jhaphre Higgs)
9. Felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Jhaphre Higgs)
Natalie Adams, Tampa
Wilmer Rosales (23, Plant City),
Joel Sierra (25, Plant City)
See press release.
1. Drug conspiracy, 21 U.S.C. § 846 (both defendants)
2. Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (both defendants).
3. Hobbs Act robbery, 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (both defendants)
4. Discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, causing the death of Grant Urquhart, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and (j) (Rosales).
5. Felon-in-possession of a firearm and ammunition, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Rosales).
6. Possession of a firearm in a school zone, 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2) (Rosales)
Natalie Adams, Tampa
Jullian Williams (28, Tampa),
Torie Daniels (33, Tampa)
1. Conspiring to distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 846 (both defendants)
2. Conspiring to commit money laundering, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) (both defendants)
3. Possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(D) (both defendants)
4. Possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) (both defendants)
5. Possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(D) (Williams)
6. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Williams)
Natalie Adams, Tampa
Michler Gabriel (28, Brandon)
See press release.
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Callan Albritton, Tampa
Steven Sinadinoa (32, Tampa)
1. Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
2. Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Callan Albritton, Tampa
Tavares Speaight (24, Tampa)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Callan Albritton, Tampa
Deveon Jenkins (27, Ocala)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Robert Bodnar, Ocala
Cory Lamar Cohen, Jr. (22, Ocala)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Robert Bodnar, Ocala
Vladimir Isidor St. Louis (38, Orlando)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
E. Jackson Boggs, Orlando
Xavier Youvark Sims (35, Ocala)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Tyrie Boyer, Ocala
David Stephen Shaw (36, Ocala)
See press release.
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Tyrie Boyer, Ocala
Darrell Pete (31, Ocala)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Tyrie Boyer, Ocala
Justin Ruth (28, New Port Richey)
See press release.
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Charlie Connally, Tampa
Lorenzo Johnson (29, St. Petersburg)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Charlie Connally, Tampa
Brandon Clark (34, Sarasota)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Charlie Connally, Tampa
Max Bennett Chambers (21, Sarasota)
Possession of a machinegun, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o)
Amanda Daniels, Orlando
Omar Lupian Barajas (40, Groveland)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Michael Felicetta, Ocala
Michael Kendrick (34, Ocala)
1. Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
2. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Michael Felicetta, Ocala
James Johnson (31, Summerfield),
Brittany Johnson (28, Summerfield)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Michael Felicetta, Ocala
Joshua Sams (19, Orange Park)
See press release.
1. Hobbs Act Robbery, 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
2. Possession of a firearm in relation to crime of violence, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
Kevin Frein, Jacksonville
Brandy Rayburn (40, Jacksonville)
Duane McCray (42, Jacksonville)
1-2. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
3. Distribution of Crack Cocaine & Heroin, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Betty Gonzalez, Jacksonville
John Hurley (33, St. Augustine)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Betty Gonzalez, Jacksonville
Lamar Curtis (34, Jacksonville)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Betty Gonzalez, Jacksonville
Recardo Clark (38, Winter Haven)
Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Michael Gordon, Tampa
Frank Eiland (43, Tampa)
1. Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
2. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Michael Gordon, Tampa
Keon Moore (28, Tampa)
1. Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
2. Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
3. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Michael Gordon, Tampa
Spencer Walker (40, Palatka)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Julie Hackenberry, Jacksonville
Corey Carnegie (33, Ocala),
Nishera Johnson (39, Ocala)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
William Hamilton, Ocala
Matthew Zachariah Humphrey (26, Daytona Beach
See press release.
1. Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Dana E. Hill, Orlando
Janee Reve Najee Kelly (31, Daytona Beach)
See press release.
1. Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Dana E. Hill, Orlando
Gregory Baker (32, Jacksonville Beach)
1. Possession with intent to distribute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2. Distribution of steroids, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
3. Possession of a firearm by a convicted Felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
4. Sale of firearms to a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)
Kelly Karase, Jacksonville
Deangelo Howard (36)
1. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
2. Theft of Government Funds, 18 U.S.C. § 641
Kelly Karase, Jacksonville
Samuel Davis, Jr. (38, Bradenton)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Randall Leonard, Tampa
Alphonso Woodie (38, Bradenton)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Randall Leonard, Tampa
Wilmer Eduardo Mejia-Palacios (36, Orlando)
See press release.
Four counts of making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A)
Terry Livanos, Orlando
Frederick Aaron (38, Jacksonville)
1. Distribution of a Controlled Substance, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2. Possession of a firearm by a convicted Felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
David Mesrobian, Jacksonville
Demarcus Daniels (24)
1. Bank Robbery, 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a)
2. Carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
David Mesrobian, Jacksonville
Christopher Dozier (39, Jacksonville)
1,3. Hobbs Act Robbery, 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
2,4. Possession of a firearm in relation to crime of violence, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
David Mesrobian, Jacksonville
Gabriel Thompkins (25, Tampa)
False Statement to a federally licensed firearms dealers, 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A).
Christopher Murray, Tampa
Kevin Speights (26, Tampa)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
James C. Preston, Jr., Tampa
Davion Rivers (25, Bradenton)
Felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Michael Sinacore, Tampa
Jarrod Austin (33, Orange Park)
False statements to an FFL, records, 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A)
Frank Talbot, Jacksonville
Kelly Villalobos (50, Ponte Vedra)
See press release.
False Statements to an FFL, records, 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A)
Frank Talbot, Jacksonville
Vonshea Hartley (37)
1,3,5. Distribution of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2,4,6. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
7,8. Distribution of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Laura Taylor, Jacksonville
Bruce Jefferson (46, Jacksonville)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Laura Taylor, Jacksonville
Elizabeth Rivera (52, Jacksonville)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Laura Taylor, Jacksonville
Raekwon Cannon (24, Jacksonville)
1-3. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Ashley Washington, Jacksonville
Christopher Carter (32, Jacksonville)
Sale of Cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
2-3. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Ashley Washington, Jacksonville
Derrick Ivory (48, Jacksonville)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Ashley Washington, Jacksonville
U.s. Attorney Kurt Alme Announces $6 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today announced awards of $6,059,331 in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the Montana. 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 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.”
"Methamphetamine is a significant reason why Montana has the highest violent crime rate in the northwest. Drug courts, treatment and prevention programs, like Yellowstone Substance Abuse Connect, and treatment for state and local prisoners make our state safer and healthier. I am pleased to announce this help for Montanans," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
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 Montana organizations received funding:
- City of Billings, $900,000
- Lewis and Clark County, $600,000
- Montana 13th Judicial District, $485,736
- Montana 12th Judicial District, $500,000
- Judiciary Courts of the State of Montana, $366,836
- Eighth Judicial District, $498,105
- Missoula County, $403,039
- Chippewa Cree Tribe, Rocky Boy's Reservation, $434,332
- Northern Cheyenne Tribe, $484,314
- Montana Board of Crime Control, $172,516
- Judiciary Courts of the State of Montana, $614,453
- Chippewa Cree Tribe, Rocky Boy's Reservation, $600,000
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
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Two New Jersey Men Charged with Roles in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two alleged ranking members off the Bloods street gang have been charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin in Newark, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Leonard Wade, a/k/a “Clap,” 49, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Ezra A. Strong, a/k/a “Doonka,” 30, of Brick, New Jersey, are charged in separate complaints with conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of heroin. Wade is also charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Wade appeared for an initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer. Strong appeared for an initial appearance by videoconference on Oct. 14, 2020, before Judge Hammer. Both men are currently detained.
According documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement officials have seized 831 grams of suspected fentanyl and 612 grams of suspected heroin, as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.
The investigation has revealed that Wade, allegedly a ranking member of the Sex Money Murder (SMM) subset of the Bloods street gang, is a leader of the DTO. Strong, allegedly a ranking member of the Fruit Town Brims, also a subset of the Bloods street gang, distributes fentanyl and heroin on behalf of the DTO.
On Oct. 1, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of Wade’s residence and recovered a 9mm caliber semi-automatic polymer “privately made” handgun, along with 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition and five rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.
The count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine. The ammunition offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Monmouth/Ocean HIDTA Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, with the assistance of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Gang and Criminal Enterprise Unit, with the investigation leading to the arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office 4OCDETF/Narcotics Unit.
The charges and allegations in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Arrested for Federal Firearms Violations Under Project GuardianRead the Press Release
Under Project Guardian, Patrick Rene Vega, 26 of San Antonio, and Juanita Cisneros Garcia, 44 of Devine, TX, face federal firearms charges in connection with a June 2019 murder-suicide in Devine, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, Houston Field Office.
A four-count federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges Garcia and Vega with one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm by a prohibited person under a family violence protective order. The indictment also charges Garcia with two substantive counts of aiding and abetting possession of firearm by a prohibited person—an individual under a family violence protective order; and, a convicted felon. The indictment also charges Vega with one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that in June 2019, the defendants conspired to knowingly obtain a firearm for Garcia’s former spouse and convicted felon, Jorge Jaramillo. On June 28, 2019, Vega provided false written information while allegedly straw purchasing a .22 caliber pistol on behalf of Jaramillo from a pawn shop in San Antonio. At that time, Jaramillo, a convicted felon and subject to a protective order issued following a family violence incident, was prohibited from possessing a firearm. The protective order, issued in May 2019 after Jaramillo stabbed his intimate partner, Jessica Sanchez, prohibited him from contact or attempted use or threat of physical force against Sanchez. According to the indictment, Jaramillo, aided by Garcia, shot and killed Sanchez on June 30, 2019, using the firearm illegally acquired by Vega. After killing Sanchez, Jaramillo turned the firearm on himself and committed suicide.
The conspiracy charge calls for up to five years in federal prison upon conviction. Each of the remaining charges call for up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction. Federal authorities arrested Vega this morning; Garcia, yesterday afternoon. Both defendants remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing anticipated for next week in U.S. Magistrate Court in San Antonio.
This Project Guardian case is among approximately 350 pending firearms cases in the Western District of Texas. The ATF, Texas Rangers and Devine Police Department are conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bettina J. Richardson and Matthew W. Kinskey are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Project Guardian is the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and, ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
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.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Seven RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to seven robberies at local businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said Friday.
Joshua Alexander Musgraves, 27, Topeka, pleaded guilty to seven counts of robbery including:
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- Jan. 6, 2017, Plato’s Closet, 1580 SW Wanamaker, Topeka.
- Jan. 20, 2017, Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1812 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka.
- March 23, 2017, Burger King, 2817 SE California Ave., Topeka.
- March 30, 2017, McDonald’s, 1100 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka.
- April 3, 2017, Subway, 1601 W. 23rd, Lawrence, Kan.
- April 4, 2017, Wing Stop, 2233 Louisiana St., Lawrence, Kan.
- Dec. 10, 2016, Denison State Bank, 3640 SW Fairlawn, Topeka.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 25, 2021. Both parties have agree to recommend a sentence of no less than nine years and no more than 12 years in federal prison.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
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Three Members of Houston County Drug Trafficking Organization Receive Lengthy Federal Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Over the past several months, three members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Houston County were sentenced to prison, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell. The most recent sentencing occurred this week.
On February 12, 2020, Rudyver Garcia, a 33 year old from Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Later, on May 27, 2020, Kevin Steven Whitely, a 33 year old from Madera, California, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Finally, on October 14, 2020, Johnny Jose Martinez, a 29 year old from Madera, California, was sentenced to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Martinez was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case began in July 2015 when the FBI began to monitor a suspected drug organization operating in Houston County that was responsible for obtaining wholesale amounts of methamphetamine and heroin for distribution in the local communities. Using a variety of investigative techniques, agents learned that Rudyver Garcia led the organization and that he utilized his co-conspirators, Martinez and Whitely, to assist with matters such as handling smaller transactions with buyers and transportation. According to the indictment, the drug conspiracy continued until sometime in January 2018. It is difficult to know precisely how much methamphetamine and heroin the organization was responsible for distributing during its operation. However, at Garcia’s sentencing hearing, at least five kilograms of methamphetamine and one kilogram of heroin were attributed to the organization.
The federal guidelines called for a significant sentence for Garcia in this case due to a number of factors, including the offense level of the drug charges, Garcia’s prior criminal history, and his leadership role in the drug trafficking organization. In addition, his sentence was enhanced because of the purity of the methamphetamine that he and his co-defendants were distributing. Lab reports indicate that much of the methamphetamine tested was 96 percent pure. This more potent form of methamphetamine is often called “ice” and resulted in a substantial enhancement being applied to Garcia’s sentence.
“Despite what some may believe, drug trafficking is not a victimless crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “Not only do the drugs themselves create and feed addiction and destroy lives, but the violent behavior that inevitably accompanies the drug trade also devastates communities. Far too many innocent people are terrorized because of the actions of criminals like Garcia, Whitely, and Martinez, who have a long history in the criminal justice system. These men are dangerous and I believe the sentences imposed in each of their cases were justified. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify drug traffickers and bring them to justice.”
“The court imposed sentences in this case should sound the alarm to those who choose to sell this poison in our communities,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jewell. “Methamphetamine continues to wreck lives all over this country and the efforts put forward by the FBI and our state, local, and federal partners in this case is nothing short of exceptional."
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dothan Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Bates, Kevin Davidson, and Brett Talley, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Ivy, prosecuted the cases.
Three Brazilian Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Participation in A Debit Card Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Di Santi, age 39, Angell Hungaro, age 46, and Benedicto Correia, age 58, all Brazilian nationals, were sentenced on October 15, 2020, by Chief Judge John E. Jones III for their participation in a debit card skimming scheme that caused a total loss of $14,971 to dozens of victims. Di Santi was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment. Hungaro was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment. Correia was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Di Santi and Hungaro previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Correia previously pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. The three men admitted that in April 2019, they placed skimming devices and cameras on multiple ATMs in Cumberland and York Counties. They further admitted that they then used the information obtained from the skimming devices and cameras to withdraw money from the bank accounts of dozens of victims.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Silver Spring Township Police Department, the Springettsbury Township Police Department, and the Spring Garden Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas is Committed to Protecting the Fairness and Integrity of the Electoral ProcessRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) have been appointed to 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 Michelle Englade has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Texas, and in that capacity 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. While AUSA Englade will operate out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office headquarters in Beaumont, Texas, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX) has also appointed regional officers to oversee election integrity issues in other areas of the district, with AUSA Allen Hurst serving in Tyler, Texas, AUSA Andrew Stover serving in Plano, Texas, and AUSA Will Tatum serving in Sherman, Texas. Working together with the FBI, and state and local partners, these AUSAs will be collectively responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Stephen Cox said, “The right of every citizen to vote is a cherished hallmark of what it means to be an American. Whether it is the fraudulent obtaining of dozens of illegal ballots as has recently been alleged in the northern part of our District, or the intimidation of citizens intending to cast their vote, EDTX will act swiftly, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, to protect the fairness and integrity of the democratic 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 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 abuses on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, citizens can reach out directly with reports of fraud or intimidation. AUSA Englade can be reached by the public in Beaumont at (409) 839-2538, AUSA Hurst can be reached in Tyler, Texas, at (903) 590-1400, AUSA Stover can be reached in Plano, Texas, at (972) 509-1201, and AUSA Tatum can be reached in Sherman at (903) 868-9454.
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 FBI can be reached by the public in the Eastern District of Texas at the following telephone numbers:
Beaumont – (409) 832-8571
Frisco – (214) 705-7000
Lufkin – (936) 637-3834
Sherman – (903) 892-8754
Texarkana – (870) 773-3382
Tyler – (903) 592-4301
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/.
U.S. Attorney Cox said, “Public cooperation is essential to guaranteeing an open and fair election. If citizens have specific information regarding election fraud, discrimination, or voter intimidation, we urge them to make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Southern District of Illinois U.S.Attorney Announces Point of Contact for Election Fraud ComplaintsRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today that Assistant
United States Attorney (AUSA) Norman R. Smith 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 Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for
the Southern District of Illinois, 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, D.C.U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or
discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The
Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election
process.”The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at
the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s
long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence
in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department
for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are
open through Election Day.Federal law protects against crimes such 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 laws. 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 tho e
who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt itare brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights
concerns during the voting period that ends on Nov. 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are
directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Weinhoeft stated that AUSA/DEO
Norman
R. Smith will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public
at the following telephone number: (618) 628-3700.In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency
throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on
Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (618) 397-4401.Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the
Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., 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.U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft 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.Sioux Falls Men Charged with Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Johnathan David Hackett, age 39, was indicted on October 6, 2020, and was also charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm. He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on October 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
Allen Vincent Shropshire, age 59, was indicted on October 6, 2020. He also appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on October 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
On or about May 23, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Hackett, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and then knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly and intentionally possessed, sold, and disposed of a stolen firearm, knowing it was stolen, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
On or about September 20, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Shropshire, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and then knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly and intentionally possess a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations and Hackett and Shropshire are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting both cases.
Hackett was returned to state custody, and Shropshire was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set for either matter.
Sioux Falls Man and Arizona Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and a Phoenix, Arizona, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on May 18, 2020, and August 26, 2020 respectively, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Marcus Anthony Durrani, age 21, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Steven Wayne Knecht, age 47, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Durrani and Knecht were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. Durrani pled guilty on February 24, 2020, and Knecht pled guilty on June 3, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until approximately May 5, 2019, when both Durrani and Knecht reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota. Methamphetamine is a Scheduled II controlled substance. They voluntarily joined in the agreement and knew the purpose of the understanding.
Durrani would receive methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in South Dakota and he would then re-distribute it to other co-conspirators for sale to their own customers. Durrani was aware that that methamphetamine would be resold.
Knecht drove a vehicle that contained approximately 50 pounds to methamphetamine to a co-conspirator in Sioux Falls at the direction of others. Knecht did not ask, but was aware that he was assisting co-conspirators in the distribution of a controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Iowa State Patrol, and the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Durrani and Knecht were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 13, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Pierre Patrick LeClaire, a/k/a “Uncle,” age 47, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
LeClaire was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pled guilty on July 16, 2020.
During his involvement, LeClaire and co-conspirators transported and distributed methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere. They were aware that the methamphetamine supplied would be distributed to drug customers in South Dakota. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Iowa State Patrol, and the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
LeClaire was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with 16 Counts of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud.
Dallas Harkness, age 63, was indicted on October 7, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 8, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $1,600 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on beginning on or about January 2010 and continuing through September 25, 2018, Harkness, who was a sales manager for Curry Seed Company located in Elk Point, South Dakota, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from others by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, using electronic wire communications.
Harkness would receive checks from Curry Seed customers as payment or pre-payment for seed, but instead of sending the checks to Curry Seed for deposit, Harkness would falsely and fraudulently deposit some of those checks from customers into checking account he controlled. Harkness then used the funds for his own purposes.
The charges are merely accusations and Harkness is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Harkness was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine pled guilty October 14, 2020, in federal court in Sioux City.
Silas Bui, 24, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of distributing methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Bui admitted that on July 8, 2019, he distributed 27.37 grams of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Bui was previously convicted of the following crimes: Harassment – 1st Degree and Domestic Abuse Assault Display or Use of a Weapon – 1st Offense, on or about September 12, 2018; Theft 2nd, on or about April 11, 2019; Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense, on or about September 3, 2019, all in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bui was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Bui faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4053. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Rapper Who Bragged about Unemployment Benefits Scam in Music Video Arrested for Allegedly Bilking COVID-19 Jobless Relief ProgramRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A rapper who boasted in a YouTube music video about getting rich from committing unemployment benefits fraud was arrested today on federal charges of carrying out that very scheme by fraudulently applying for more than $1.2 million in jobless benefits, including by using stolen identities.
Fontrell Antonio Baines, 31, who uses the stage name “Nuke Bizzle,” of Memphis, Tennessee and who currently resides in the Hollywood Hills, was arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint alleging a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Baines is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Baines allegedly exploited the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provision of the CARES Act, which is designed to expand access to unemployment benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who would not otherwise be eligible.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Baines possessed and used debit cards pre-loaded with unemployment benefits administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The debit cards were issued in the names of third-parties, including identity theft victims. The applications for these debit cards listed addresses to which Baines had access in Beverly Hills and Koreatown.
Evidence gathered during the investigation established that at least 92 debit cards that had been pre-loaded with more than $1.2 million in fraudulently obtained benefits were mailed to these addresses, according to the affidavit. Baines and his co-schemers allegedly accessed more than $704,000 of these benefits through cash withdrawals, including in Las Vegas, as well as purchases of merchandise and services.
The affidavit further alleges that Baines bragged about his ability to defraud the EDD in a music video posted on YouTube and in postings to his Instagram account, under the handles “nukebizzle1” and “nukebizzle23.” For example, Baines appears in a music video called “EDD” in which he boasts about doing “my swagger for EDD” and, holding up a stack of envelopes from EDD, getting rich by “go[ing] to the bank with a stack of these” – presumably a reference to the debit cards that come in the mail. A second rapper in the video intones, “You gotta sell cocaine, I just file a claim….”
On September 23, Las Vegas police arrested Baines, who had in his possession eight debit cards, seven of which were in the names of other persons, the affidavit states.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The criminal complaint alleges three felony offenses – access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted of all of these charges, Baines would face a statutory maximum sentence of 22 years in federal prison.
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the California Employment Development Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein, Chief of the Major Frauds Section.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking was sentenced on October 6, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Troy Fairbanks, age 57, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, and was ordered to pay $15,816 in restitution to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fairbanks was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2017. The charge related to Fairbanks conspiring with his sons and other individuals to traffic in wildlife—specifically, bald and golden eagles, various species of hawks, and fifteen other bird species—and parts of those birds. Fairbanks, the owner/operator of a Native American dance business called Buffalo Dreamers, bought, sold, traded, and bartered eagles and hawks and their parts on numerous occasions between July 17, 2014, and February 11, 2016. Fairbanks sold and traded hundreds of eagle feathers, as well as eagle wings, eagle heads, eagle claws, raptor claws, hawk feathers, and parts from other CITES I protected birds. The National Fish and Wildlife Forensic lab conducted DNA testing of the carcasses, parts, and feathers recovered through these purchases and after a search warrant conducted at Fairbanks’s home. The DNA testing revealed at least 112 eagles passed through his home during the investigation.
Fairbanks is one of the last defendants of the Project Dakota Flyer investigation to be sentenced. To date, 29 defendants have been sentenced, resulting in $56,000 in fines and $196,546 in restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Kelderman and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse at Ellsworth Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact.
Anthony Joseph Terentino, Jr., age 44, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of imprisonment up to life in a federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Terentino engaging in nonconsensual sexual acts with a female at Ellsworth Air Force Base between December 2018 and May 2019.
The charges are merely accusations and Terentino is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Terentino was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 15, 2020.
Previously Convicted Felon, Who Allegedly Killed Newport News Police Officer, Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and felony possession of marijuana. Both charges stem from the defendant’s alleged involvement in a January traffic stop that led to the death of Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 23, Vernon Evander Green II, 38, encountered Newport News Police at the Monitor Merrimac Overlook. Police responded to the area after reports of a vehicle with two occupants who appeared to be smoking marijuana. The officers found Green in the driver’s seat and asked him to exit the vehicle. He failed to comply with the officers’ requests and instead fled the scene.
A later search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of marijuana in different places of the vehicle. Officers found a soft cooler bag near Green’s vehicle that had the word “BrightView” written on the front. The bag contained Green’s picture and a Kel-Tec CNC Industries firearm with Green’s fingerprint on the magazine. The BrightView cooler bag had been in the defendant’s vehicle during the encounter with the Newport News police officers at the Monitor Merrimac Overlook. The defendant admitted he had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Green pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana, a felony due to Green’s prior felony drug conviction. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 18, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick and Lisa R. McKeel are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-35.
Press Release Relating to November 2020 General ElectionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Jamie Mickelson will lead the efforts of their Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020 general election. AUSA Mickelson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Nevada 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.
U.S. Attorney Trutanich said: “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Trutanich stated that AUSA/DEO Mickelson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at (702) 388-6336.
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 (702) 385-1281.
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.
U.S. Attorney Trutanich 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 the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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Pass Christian Man Sentenced to over 4 Years for Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Carter Tranh Tran, 42, of Pass Christian, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 50 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling fentanyl, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerly with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Starting in February 2018, Tran sold narcotics on numerous occasions, including fentanyl that he represented as Adderall. In February 2020, following additional sales of marijuana at Tran’s convenience store, Gulfport Police Department officers executed search warrants on Tran’s store and home. Law enforcement recovered 14 pounds of marijuana from Tran’s home and an additional 13 pounds from the convenience store on Pass Road in Gulfport.
The Gulfport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Palmyra Man Going to Prison for 15 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Gfeller, 35, of Palmyra, NY, who was convicted of producing child pornography, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison and 15 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that on February 12, 2019, Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo received information, from an international law enforcement network, that child pornography, which potentially originated in Western New York, had been recovered by authorities in various countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and France. The child pornography depicted a prepubescent minor.
With assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Homeland Security Investigation Special Agents used data associated with the images to locate the residence at which the images had been produced. The victim was located. On March 1, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and arrested Gfeller for producing the child pornography.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the New York State Police.
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Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Edison Denizard (40, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Denizard faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between March 2016 and June 2017, Denizard raised millions of dollars from dozens of victims who believed that they were investing in specific music concerts through legitimate businesses owned by Denizard and a co-conspirator, Andres Fernandez. Fernandez and Denizard lured investors by guaranteeing them large returns and promising that all of the funds that they provided would be invested in events by top artists, including Drake, Garth Brooks, Pitbull, The Weeknd, and Maná. In fact, neither Denizard nor Fernandez was involved in most of the events.
Denizard used most of the funds that he had received from investors to pay fraudulent “investment returns” to earlier investors and for his own personal use, including to purchase a new lakefront residence and luxury hotel stays. The total amount of victims’ losses attributable to Denizard are $7,479,453.
Fernandez previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud and was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Ontario Woman Charged with Stealing MailRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jenna Vandemortel, 29, of Ontario, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with theft of mail. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March and April 2020, the defendant was observed on several occasions stealing outgoing mail from various mailboxes. Vandemortel was also captured on surveillance video cashing stolen and altered checks at Wegmans stores. To date, 38 checks with an aggregate value of $2,557.57 have been identified as stolen and cashed by the defendant.
Vandemortel made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Barry Virts; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Ocean Springs Woman Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Knowingly Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Lisa Gordon-Scruggs, 53, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 36 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. Thornton of IRS Criminal Investigation. Gordon-Scruggs was also ordered to pay restitution of $593,379.42 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Gordon-Scruggs was the Chief Operating Officer and office manager of Highside Chemicals, Inc. (“Highside”) in Gulfport, Mississippi during the investigative period, from 2013 through 2018. Based on her position and access to the bank account of Highside, Gordon-Scruggs embezzled over $2 million, which she funneled into accounts she owned, and used to pay off credit cards in her name and a family member.
Gordon-Scruggs pled guilty to one count of knowingly filing a false income tax report for tax year 2014 when she reported taxable income of $34,907, but did not include the $446,423 she had embezzled from Highside that year.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
North Carolina man sentenced for destruction and trespassing on restricted naval installationRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A North Carolina man convicted of the April 2018 illegal entry and vandalism of Submarine Base Kings Bay has been sentenced to federal prison.
Patrick O’Neill, 63, of Garner, N.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $33,503.51 in restitution, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. O’Neill, along with six other defendants, was found guilty after a four-day jury trial in October 2019 on charges of Conspiracy, Destruction of Property on a Naval Installation, Depredation of Government Property, and Trespass. He was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison sentence.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Patrick O’Neill willingly broke into and vandalized a restricted military installation, and brazenly filmed himself and others doing so,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “None of this group’s actions is defensible as peaceful protest, and in fact represents wanton destruction of government property and callous disregard for their safety and the safety of all the personnel at Kings Bay.”
As admitted by the defendants during the trial, including O’Neill’s body-worn camera video recording of the activities shown to jurors, the seven entered an outer security fence at the naval installation in St. Marys, Ga., after cutting a padlock from a gate during the late hours of April 4, 2018. Once through the security fence, the trespassers split into two groups and then damaged and vandalized property inside the facility before being taken into custody by naval security personnel.
O’Neill, a freelance journalist, has a long history of arrests including those related to trespassing and damaging government property.
Stephen Michael Kelly, 71, of Massachusetts, previously was sentenced to 33 months in prison in the case, and Elizabeth McAlister, 80, of New London, Conn., was sentenced to the 17 months, nine days of time already served in the case. The remaining defendants – Mark Peter Colville, 59, of New Haven, Conn.; Clare Therese Grady, 62, of Ithaca, N.Y.; Martha Hennessy, 65, of Perkinsville, Vt.; and Carmen Trotta, 57, of New York, N.Y. – are scheduled for sentencing in November.
The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche, E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Channell Singh, with assistance from Litigation Technologist Dean Athanasopoulos. Special Agents Thomas Kenney and Barry Clinedinst led the investigation for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.