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1 December 2020
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced for RobberiesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for several robberies.
According to court documents, Antonio Devon Lynch, 34 of Rocky Mount, NC, was named in an Indictment, filed on June 3, 2020 charging him with four counts of interfering with commerce by robbery. On August 27, 2020, Lynch pled guilty to two of those counts.
According to the investigation, on September 27, 2019, Lynch robbed the Fuel Doc Citgo gas station located on Cokey Road in Rocky Mount using a knife to threaten the cashier. On September 30, 2019, Lynch robbed the Sheetz gas station located on Benvenue Road in Rocky Mount using a gun to threaten the cashier and Sheetz employees. Crime Stoppers tips from citizens and the investigation by law enforcement officers led to Lynch’s arrest for the crimes. Officers later determined that the gun used by Lynch was a pellet gun.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Rocky Mount Police Department conducted the investigation. The District Attorney’s Office for Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson Counties also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-00053-M.
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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.
Recording Artist Kintea McKenzie Sentenced to 4½ Years in Prison in Connection with 2018 Shooting in Times SquareRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KINTEA MCKENZIE, a/k/a “Kooda B,” was sentenced to 54 months in prison in connection with a shooting outside a hotel in Times Square on June 2, 2018, in furtherance of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”) criminal enterprise. MCKENZIE pled guilty on June 3, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Kintea McKenzie helped to orchestrate a brazen shooting in Times Square. Now, thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the NYPD, HSI, and ATF, McKenzie will spend 54 months in federal prison.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:
Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business. On or about June 2, 2018, MCKENZIE agreed to accept money from Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” to shoot at a rival gang member and rapper who was staying at a hotel in Times Square. MCKENZIE helped to organize the shooting in order to scare that rival gang member.
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In addition to the prison term, MCKENZIE, 22, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ms. Strauss also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Longyear, Jacob Warren, Jonathan Rebold, and Sebastian Swett are in charge of the prosecution.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Derrick Devon King, age 33, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for Conspiring to Commit Bank Fraud and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
According to court documents, from May 2015 through June 2017, King and others used synthetic identities to obtain credit cards and finance automobile purchases. King and others created new credit profiles by combining their names and dates of birth with nine-digit numbers resembling social security numbers, but which had not been issued to them by the Social Security Administration. In addition to using these new credit profiles, King and others misrepresented employment information in credit applications to make it appear they had the ability to repay loans. King and his co-conspirators, however, had no intention to pay.
On June 14, 2017, King was also found to be in possession of a firearm and a trafficking amount of marijuana. He also pled guilty to that offense.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan B. Menzer prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-00124-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Pittsburgh-area Copper-Processing Company Charged with Felony Violations of the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A copper-processing company headquartered in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, was charged in federal court with three counts under the Clean Water Act related to unlawful discharges into the Ohio River over a five-year period, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The guilty plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 15, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.
Libertas Copper, LLC d/b/a Hussey Copper ("Hussey"), was charged by criminal Information on November 30, 2020, with one count each of: (1) submitting a false discharge monitoring report, (2) discharging a quantity of oil that may be harmful to the environment, and (3) failing to make immediate, required notification of such discharge of oil.
"Protecting western Pennsylvania’s precious natural resources is a serious responsibility and a priority of this office," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "As the filing of this Criminal Information makes clear, polluting western Pennsylvania’s waterways and lying about it are crimes that will not be tolerated. If you pollute and try to cover it up, you will be investigated and prosecuted."
"In order to safeguard the environment, it is essential that the government receives accurate, honest and timely information," said Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Pennsylvania. "Today’s charges demonstrate that we will hold violators responsible for breaking our environmental laws."
According to the Information, Hussey operated a manufacturing facility on the Ohio River that produced flat-rolled copper products for the electrical distribution, industrial, and residential construction markets. Hussey managed wastewater generated as a result of its copper processing via a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP discharged wastewater via designated internal and external outfalls, including outfalls on the Ohio River. At all relevant times, Hussey operated pursuant to the terms of a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), as authorized by the federal Clean Water Act.
As alleged, Hussey’s NPDES permit set specific discharge limits for copper and oil, among other parameters. In addition, Hussey’s NPDES permit required the company to submit discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) on a monthly basis to PADEP, documenting the quantity and quality of the discharges authorized by its NPDES permit during the preceding month. Each DMR was required to be signed and certified as to its accuracy by a responsible corporate officer on behalf of Hussey. According to the Information, between at least June 2012 and continuing through at least May 2017, Hussey knowingly submitted numerous falsified DMRs to PADEP, indicating that various discharges from its outfalls were within applicable permit limits, when in truth and in fact Hussey’s own internal sampling data showed that such discharges had exceeded the relevant limits. The Information further alleges that during this time, Hussey reported false values in monthly DMR submissions to PADEP as to at least 140 parameters subject to discharge limits, including a substantial number of copper discharges. The false parameter values reported to PADEP allegedly concealed permit exceedances on at least 21 monthly DMRs.
Separate from the alleged DMR falsifications, the Information also alleges that Hussey engaged in a years-long pattern of discharging oil in a quantity sufficient to generate oil sheens on the Ohio River, in violation of the Clean Water Act. Between at least January 2012 and continuing until at least 2018, Hussey allegedly documented in internal logs hundreds of observed oil sheens at two of the company’s outfalls on the Ohio River. Notwithstanding these documented observations, Hussey failed to report any of the observed oil sheens to EPA or PADEP, as required by the Clean Water Act. After PADEP issued a notice of violation to Hussey in June 2015, following a citizen complaint of an oil sheen at the company’s outfall, a responsible corporate officer allegedly responded to the state agency that Hussey would report any future oil sheens. Later, in July 2016, a responsible corporate officer communicated to PADEP that there had been no observed oil sheens at Hussey’s outfalls for the prior thirteen months, when, in fact, as alleged, Hussey’s internal logs reflected dozens of sheen observations during that time. The Information further alleges that Hussey did not make an affirmative, required report to PADEP of the presence of oil sheens at its outfalls until June 2018—and even then its reporting was incomplete. According to the Information, Hussey’s oil-sheen reporting in June 2018 referenced sheens observed on three specific days, despite the fact that Hussey’s own internal logs documented observed sheens on fifteen additional days during the relevant month, including multiple sheens during the same week.
The maximum fine for submitting a false DMR (Count One) and failing to make immediate notification of the discharge of a quantity of oil that may be harmful (Count Three) is $500,000. The maximum fine for discharging a quantity of oil that may be harmful (Count Two) is (i) not less than $5,000 per day and not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or (ii) $500,000, whichever is greater. Each count carries a maximum term of probation of at least one year but not more than five years. The actual sentence imposed would be based upon the Court’s consideration of the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory sentencing factors.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with assistance from Martin Harrell, Associate Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation of Hussey Copper.
A criminal Information is an accusation.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The filing of an Information generally indicates that the defendant intends to enter a guilty plea.
Information- Information
Physician Sentenced to Prison for Extensive “Pill Mill” SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Fairfax doctor was sentenced today to seven years in prison for leading and organizing an extensive and illegal prescription distribution conspiracy and a related health care fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Dr. Felicia Lyn Donald, 65, of Great Falls, organized, led, and operated a prescription “pill mill” from at least April 2016 through April 2020. Donald practiced medicine at For Women OB/GYN Associates and NOVA Addiction Center. Donald distributed over 1.2 million milligrams (mg) of Schedule II opioids at or above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline for dosages that a practitioner should avoid, with a total street value of over $1.2 million, and illegally distributed at least 325,190 mg of oxycodone and other Schedule II controlled substances. Donald also committed health care fraud on numerous occasions in furtherance of her scheme.
“Donald flagrantly betrayed the public’s trust in the medical profession by unlawfully distributing highly addictive and potentially lethal drugs to patients and other individuals,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The Eastern District of Virginia will continue to prosecute doctors who abandon their medical oath and hold them accountable for choosing profits over patients’ lives.”
Donald admitted that she prescribed opioids to addicts and/or drug dealers who had traveled from out-of-state or long distances to her practice; individuals that informed Donald of their pending drug charges; individuals who Donald knew had failed urine toxicology screens; individuals who Donald knew were selling the pills that she prescribed to them; individuals who received from Donald opioids and alprazolam, which Donald admitted is a dangerous combination of drugs that could have killed or caused serious bodily injury to the ultimate users; paying certain employees, in part, with opioid prescriptions rather than through pay checks; and giving blank prescriptions to certain members of her medical office staff and other co-conspirators for their personal use.
Donald attempted to conceal her patterns of illegal prescribing by falsifying medical records to make it appear as though individuals who were never her patients received examinations and medical care, when in fact they had not, and engaging in Medicaid fraud. Donald fraudulently issued prescriptions to others in the names of at least nine unwitting individuals, none of whom were her patients. Donald also issued prescriptions for high doses of oxycodone to multiple women who were pregnant.
Following her guilty plea on May 4, the Court revoked Donald’s pretrial release on August 7 after the government learned and produced evidence indicating that Donald violated numerous conditions of her release pending sentencing, including: 1) Donald admitted that she “made it up” when informing the FBI and jail officials during her arrest that she was exposed to COVID-19; 2) Donald continued to practice medicine for profit; 3) Donald repeatedly communicated with co-conspirators following her guilty plea; 4) Donald made a false certification under penalty of perjury on May 16 to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain a loan in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, including failing to inform the SBA about her guilty plea; and 5) Donald fraudulently used SBA loan and/or Cares Act Paycheck Protection Program COVID-19 loans to fund her personal-related expenses, including thousands of dollars in legal fees related to this case.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monika Moore prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-100.
Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Tom Wynne (65, Pinellas Park) to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit tax evasion, one count of tax evasion, and seven counts of money laundering. The court also ordered Wynne to forfeit two real properties, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. In addition, he was ordered to repay the Internal Revenue Service $359,209, and pay a fine of $150,000.
Wynne had pleaded guilty on February 4, 2020.
According to court documents, Wynne owned and operated Pain and Wellness Clinic (“PWC”), a pain management clinic in Pinellas County. He hired medical doctors to prescribe for patients large quantities of Schedule II controlled substances, like oxycodone and hydromorphone, outside the usual course of professional practice. Wynne used the illegal proceeds generated from PWC to purchase real property in the Tampa Bay area.
For each tax year, beginning in 2014 and continuing through tax year 2017, Wynne underreported PWC’s gross receipts on his tax filings. He also conspired and agreed with PWC physicians to defraud the IRS by creating and preparing, among other false and fraudulent tax-related documents, false and fraudulent IRS Forms 1099 to pay the clinic’s two doctors.
“Abuse of prescription painkillers is truly a modern-day plague on society, and any health care provider who would support that activity violates their oath to do no harm,” stated Special in Charge Brian Payne of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. “Moreover, most of us were taught at a young age that lying makes whatever wrong we did even worse. As if procuring and distributing prescription painkillers were not bad enough, Mr. Wynne brazenly took his crimes a step further when he tried to cover up his ill-gotten gains by lying on his taxes.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration—Tampa District Office, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, and the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit was created by the Department of Justice to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud, using data to identify and prosecute individuals contributing to the prescription opioid epidemic. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Kelley Howard-Allen. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
Owner of Campos Market to Pay $600,000 in Restitution for Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – Aaron Campos, 47, owner of Campos Market, a retail and food convenience store in Boise, entered into a forfeiture agreement with the United States for unauthorized redemption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Campos has agreed to pay $600,000 in restitution for SNAP benefits unlawfully redeemed.
SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are a federal benefits program that provides food to needy persons. SNAP benefits can only be used for authorized food items. SNAP benefits cannot be exchanged for cash. Any other uses of SNAP benefits are unlawful.
According to court records, between January 1, 2013 and August 10, 2016, employees of Campos Market would repeatedly permit the sale of non-eligible items for SNAP benefits. Additionally, employees of Campos Market would exchange SNAP benefits for cash. Both practices are prohibited. Investigators with the United States Department of Agriculture investigated Campos Market. After investigation, Campos Market and the United States entered into an agreement where Campos Market would pay the United States $600,000 in restitution for violations of the SNAP program.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture.
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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.
Owner and Operator of India-Based Call Centers Sentenced to Prison for Scamming U.S. Victims Out of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Indian national was sentenced on November 30, 2020 to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release in the Southern District of Texas for his role in operating and funding India-based call centers that defrauded U.S. victims out of millions of dollars between 2013 and 2016.
Hitesh Madhubhai Patel, aka Hitesh Hinglaj, 44, of Ahmedabad, India, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Hittner for the charges of wire fraud conspiracy and general conspiracy to commit identification fraud, access device fraud, money laundering, and impersonation of a federal officer or employee. Patel was also ordered to pay restitution of $8, 970,396 to identified victims of his crimes.
“The defendant defrauded vulnerable U.S. victims out of tens of millions of dollars by spearheading a conspiracy whose members boldly impersonated federal government officials and preyed on victims’ fears of adverse government action,” said Acting Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the department’s commitment to prosecuting high-level perpetrators of such nefarious schemes. Even fraudsters operating scams from beyond our borders are not beyond the reach of the U.S. judicial system.”
“The long arm of federal law enforcement was key to bringing this con artist to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “Transnational call center scams are complex cases to investigate and prosecute but our agencies are up to the task. Many of these fraudsters prey on the most vulnerable from the perceived safety of foreign lands so there is no sorry in seeing him head to prison. His access to a phone is now greatly diminished. Across the globe, U.S. law enforcement is chasing and dismantling these schemes.”
“For years, this individual preyed on the fears of his victims to perpetuate a global scheme to manipulate U.S. institutions and taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark B. Dawson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. “Working with our law enforcement partners around the globe we have successfully executed the first ever large-scale, multi-jurisdictional investigation and prosecution targeting the India call center scam industry to hold him accountable for his illegal acts and deter similar scams in the future.”
“Since 2013, American taxpayers have been subjected to unprecedented attempts to fraudulently obtain money by individuals utilizing Indian call centers to impersonate IRS employees and scam American taxpayers,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We appreciate the support of our law enforcement partners.”
“The sentence imposed today provides a clear deterrent to those who would seek to enrich themselves by extorting the most vulnerable in our society through these types of scams,” said Special Agent in Charge David Green of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). “These foreign call center operators and their U.S. based affiliates should know that their actions carry real life consequences, both for their victims and for themselves, and that there are dedicated agents and prosecutors who will work tirelessly to identify them, find them and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
According to admissions in his plea agreement, Patel and his co-conspirators perpetrated a complex scheme in which employees from call centers in Ahmedabad, India, impersonated officials from the IRS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and engaged in other telephone call scams designed to defraud victims throughout the United States. U.S. victims were threatened with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay alleged monies owed to the government. Those who fell victim were instructed how to provide payment, including by purchasing general purpose reloadable (GPR) cards or wiring money. Upon payment, the call centers would immediately turn to a network of “runners” based in the United States to liquidate and launder the fraudulently obtained funds.
In his plea, Patel admitted to operating and funding several India-based call centers from which the fraud schemes were perpetrated, including the call center HGLOBAL. Patel corresponded by email and WhatsApp messaging frequently with his co-defendants to exchange credit card numbers, telephone scam scripts, and call center operations instructions. The scripts included IRS impersonation, USCIS impersonation, Canada Revenue Agency impersonation, Australian Tax Office impersonation, payday loan fraud, U.S. Government grant fraud, and debt collection fraud.
A co-defendant described Patel as “the top person in India and the boss for whom most of the other defendants worked,” and the owner of multiple call centers. Another co-defendant stated that Patel was arrested in India in 2016, but then paid a bribe and was released. Additionally, Patel admitted that a reasonably foreseeable loss of more than $25 million but less than $65 million was attributable to him, based on the government’s evidence against him.
Patel was prosecuted in the United States after being extradited from Singapore in April 2019 to face charges in this large-scale telefraud and money laundering scheme. Singapore authorities apprehended Patel at the request of the United States pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant in September 2018, after Patel flew there from India.
The indictment in this case, which was unsealed in October 2016, charged Patel and 60 other individuals and entities with general conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. A total of 24 domestic defendants associated with this transnational criminal scheme were previously convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years in the Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona and Northern District of Georgia. The defendants were also ordered to pay millions of dollars in victim restitution and money judgments and to forfeit seized assets. Some defendants were ordered to be deported based on their illegal immigration status, with another defendant having his U.S. citizenship revoked due to a separate conviction for immigration fraud. Charges remain pending for other India-based defendants. They are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
HSI, DHS-OIG and TIGTA led the investigation of this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI Singapore provided significant support in securing and coordinating Patel’s arrest and extradition, working in concert with their counterparts at the Singapore Attorney General’s-Chambers and the Singapore Police Force.
Also providing significant support during the course of the investigation and prosecutions related to this scheme were: the Ft. Bend, Texas, County Sheriff’s Department; the Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Police Department; the Leonia, New Jersey, Police Department; the Naperville, Illinois, Police Department; the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Family Protection/Elder Abuse Unit; the U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General; IOC-2; INTERPOL Washington; USCIS; U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Northern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, District of Colorado, Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Louisiana, District of Nevada, and the District of New Jersey. The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau provided assistance in TIGTA’s investigation. Additionally, the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Legal and Victim Programs, provided significant support to the prosecution.
Trial Attorney Mona Sahaf of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), former Trial Attorney Amanda S. Wick of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark McIntyre and Craig Feazel of the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Kaitlin Gonzalez of HRSP was the paralegal for this case.
A Department of Justice website has been established to provide information about the case to already identified and potential victims, and the public. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud or identity theft in relation to this investigation or other telefraud scam phone calls may contact the FTC via this website.
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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Ohio County man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Joseph Dobrzynski, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, is facing drug trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dobrzynski, 58, was indicted on three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Dobrzynski is accused of selling methamphetamine in December 2019 and October 2020 in Ohio County. He is also accused of having methamphetamine in November 2020 in Ohio County.
Dobrzynski faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York City Restaurateur Sentenced to Jail for Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
A New York City restaurateur was sentenced to prison for a tax evasion scheme.
Adel Kellel, 63, of New Hyde Park, New York, the owner of Raffles Bistro, formerly a restaurant located in New York City, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for tax evasion by U.S. District Court Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
“All taxpayers have an obligation to honestly report their income and pay their share of taxes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “For those who attempt to avoid these obligations and cheat the IRS, as this sentence shows, there are serious consequences.”
“Adel Kellel cooked his books to conceal income from the IRS and his own accountants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss for the Southern District of New York. “He spent the ill-gotten gains on personal luxuries like a Mercedes, a Porsche, and a Maserati. Now he will spend two years in federal prison.”
“The accurate reporting of income is an important responsibility of all business professionals,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen. “In this case, Adel Kellel attempted to evade his taxes by diverting funds for personal use and failing to report substantial gross receipts. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to serve the American taxpayer by investigating individuals who hide their true income from the IRS.”
According to the allegations contained in the information to which Kellel pled guilty, documents filed in court, and statements made in court:
In 2011, Kellel was the President and a 45 percent owner of K&H Restaurant Inc. (K&H), which operated Raffles Bistro (Raffles), a coffee-shop and full service restaurant then located in a Manhattan hotel (the Hotel). From 2012 through 2015, Kellel was the 100 percent owner of K&H. From 2011 to 2015, Kellel filed false personal returns and corporate returns for K&H, and evaded his taxes by diverting and failing to report substantial gross receipts to the IRS.
For example, as part of his tax evasion scheme, Kellel diverted over 150 hotel checks, totaling over $2.1 million or approximately 43 percent of the Hotel payments K&H received by check, and then hid the gross receipts from his accountants and the IRS by depositing the checks into more than a dozen undisclosed bank accounts. These included personal accounts that Kellel held either individually or jointly with his wife, as well as accounts held in the name of K&H, some of which were opened solely to have an additional place to deposit diverted checks. Kellel also diverted substantial cash income received from Raffles’ customers, a portion of which he deposited into personal bank accounts or spent directly on personal expenses, again, without disclosing to his accountants or paying taxes.
Kellel used the diverted income for personal expenses, including overseas transfers; condominium fees; rent for a high-end Manhattan apartment; college tuition payments for his children; luxury retailers, such as Hugo Boss and Saks Fifth Avenue; Mercedes, Porsche, and Maserati vehicles; and domestic and international travel.
On Jan. 24, 2020, Kellel pled guilty to one count of tax evasion relating to the 2011 to 2015 tax years.
In total, Kellel caused a combined tax loss of at least approximately $771,195 to the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF). In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, the court ordered Kellel to pay restitution of $613,478 to the IRS and $157,717 to NYSDTF. Kellel was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing his jail sentence.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Strauss praised the efforts of IRS-CI in the investigation. Trial Attorney Jorge Almonte of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich are in charge of the prosecution.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Terray Morrison, 31, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Morrison was one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to customers in the Nashua area. During an investigation that included the use of wiretaps, Morrison took orders from customers and sent other members of the conspiracy to make drug deliveries on his behalf. He and his co-conspirators operated two stash houses in Nashua and were responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of crack cocaine.
Morrison is one of eleven individuals charged with participating in this conspiracy. Nine have pleaded guilty and two are awaiting trial. Several members of the conspiracy have received substantial prison sentences. Melvin Nooks, Jr. was sentenced on April 2, 2020, to 120 months. George Cruz was sentenced on July 30, 2020, to 63 months. Mallory Nooks was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to 60 months. Marvin Morrison was sentenced on May 13, 2020, to 15 months. Don Johnson was sentenced on February 13, 2020, to 42 months. Isaiah Kinard pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019, Lawrence Fortenberry pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020, and William Greenleaf pleaded guilty on January 14, 2020. Kinard, Fortenberry and Greenleaf all await sentencing. Arnetta Harris and Melvin Stanford are scheduled for trial in January of 2021.
Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2021.
“The distribution of crack cocaine undermines public health and safety and endangers all of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I commend the FBI agents and Nashua police officers who worked so well together to end this harmful criminal conspiracy. Drug traffickers should know that law enforcement agencies at all levels of government are working together to bring them before the courts to face justice.”
“For years, Terray Morrison was a leader in a crack cocaine distribution ring that plagued the city of Nashua, endangering the health and safety of those around him, without any fear of repercussion. Now he has finally come to the realization that what he did was wrong,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent criminal enterprises like this one from inflicting more pain and damage to our community.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana MacDonald and Anna Krasinski.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Monongalia County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Aaric Murray, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is facing a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Murray, 31, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Murray, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol and a .357 magnum caliber revolver in April 2020 in Monongalia County.
Murray faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Issac Felix-Rivera, a/k/a “King Izzy,” 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2021.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Felix-Rivera admitted to his role in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford, where the gang ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute the narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from co-defendant, and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G.” Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Latin Kings members cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Felix-Rivera is the 23rd defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Marshall County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Gray, of Moundsville, West Virginia, is facing a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gray, 43, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Gray, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in October 2020 in Marshall County.
Gray faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 ,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marijuana User Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Johnathan J. Quarles, 26, of Gulfport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Quarles was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On December 26, 2019, Biloxi Police officers executed a search warrant on a Biloxi residence. Just outside the residence, they observed Johnathan Quarles, who was seated in his vehicle. Quarles saw officers and threw a bag of marijuana out of the car window. When the officers spoke with Quarles, they observed an unsheathed .9mm in his pocket. Quarles is an active user of narcotics and therefore not permitted to be in possession of a firearm.
Quarles was indicted on May 12, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on August 27, 2020.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $282,670 from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – William Robinson, 41, a former employee of a non-profit corporation that advocates for policies related to safe food, safe drinking water, and the climate, pled guilty to the interstate transportation of funds stolen from the non-profit corporation.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, and James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division.
Robinson pled guilty today via videoconference in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson to a one-count Information charging him with Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2021. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison. Robinson will also be required to pay restitution in the amount of $282,670 and a forfeiture money judgment.
According to the Statement of Offense, Robinson was initially hired by the non-profit corporation in 2012 as a web developer. After multiple promotions, he became its Chief Technology Officer in 2015. While working at the non-profit corporation, Robinson devised a scheme to defraud by creating Vulcan Network & Data Security, LLC (“Vulcan”) and arranging a contract for Vulcan to provide web security services to his non-profit corporation employer. Robinson then created false invoices on behalf of Vulcan and submitted them to his employer’s finance department, requesting payment for purported web security services, testing, and equipment. In reality, Vulcan never provided any services to the non-profit corporation, which was already paying a separate company for those services. From April 2017 to September 2019, Robinson submitted 13 false Vulcan invoices to his non-profit corporation employer. The non-profit corporation paid Vulcan a total of $282,670 for services never provided. Robinson received all of these funds and used them to pay for personal expenses.
For the last payment made to Vulcan in the course of this scheme, on October 11, 2019, Robinson asked the non-profit corporation’s finance department to issue a check to Vulcan, along with two other unrelated checks, and give them to a particular employee so that Robinson could hand deliver them. Robinson offered that employee $50 to deliver the checks to him from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Virginia. After the employee made the delivery, Robinson cashed the $22,500 check from Vulcan that same day.
In announcing the plea, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin and Special Agent in Charge Dawson commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They acknowledged the efforts of those who are handling the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Quiana Dunn-Gordon, Amanda Rohde, and Michon Tart.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Macey, of the Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who prosecuted the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors in Carbon Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Georgia man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a $1.7 million investment scheme.
According to court documents, Mark H. Loewen, 58, of Atlanta, was the President of World Wide Carbon, LLC (WWC), a business based in Atlanta that purported to sell investments related to carbon offset credits for profit. Loewen and his co-conspirators misled investors regarding WWC’s use of investor funds, return on investment, and risks of the carbon offset credit investment. In total, seven victims, including some in the Eastern District of Virginia and some who were elderly, invested $1,749,990 in WWC investments.
Loewen is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. It is a term used to describe five subtypes of elder abuse: physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting at least 10 percent of older Americans every year. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness. This holistic and robust response demonstrates the Department’s unwavering dedication to fighting for justice for older Americans.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-30.
Long Island Man Charged with Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging Mark Lisser with wire fraud for lying to investors and potential investors to induce them to invest in what they believed were shares of several companies prior to the companies’ initial public offerings. Lisser was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.
“As alleged, Lisser convinced investors to trust him with their money by lying about what he was selling and how much of it he would keep for himself,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “We and our law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who abuse the trust of investors in order to enrich themselves.” Mr. DuCharme thanked the New York Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance in this investigation.
“As an investment firm partner, Lisser encouraged his victims to purchase pre-IPO shares of companies that weren’t his to sell, as we allege today. He purportedly used this money to make illegitimate payments, fund salaries, and satisfy his monthly mortgage payments. Padding one’s pockets at the expense of others isn’t only a bad way to do business, it’s a federal crime,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
According to the complaint, between October 2018 and January 2019, Lisser was a partner in Knightsbridge Private Partners LLC (“Knightsbridge”), which operated a series of websites and call centers used to solicit investments in purported pre-IPO shares of companies. Lisser and employees of Knightsbridge solicited these investments by telling investors and potential investors that Knightsbridge owned the shares it was selling, that Knightsbridge was on the capitalization table of the pre-IPO companies and that Knightsbridge and its employees did not earn any commissions or fees until after the shares were issued to the public and the investor made money. In fact, as Lisser knew, Knightsbridge did not directly own any of these pre-IPO shares, was not on the capitalization table of any of the pre-IPO companies, and Lisser and Knightsbridge employees received money and commissions from the investments at the time they were made. As a result of this fraud scheme, Lisser misappropriated more than $700,000 in investors’ funds which he used to make payments to companies controlled by Knightsbridge employees, pay salaries and sales commissions, pay his personal credit card bill and make payments on a mortgage.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Lisser faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew S. Miller and David Gopstein are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Karin Orenstein is assisting with forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
MARK ALAN LISSER
Age: 40
Massapequa, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-MJ-1128
Lexington Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Josh Gregory Taylor, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for his conviction for distributing fentanyl.
According to his plea agreement, on August 26, 2019, law enforcement responded to a report of an unresponsive person and discovered a package that contained fentanyl at the scene. Taylor admitted to selling the unresponsive person what Taylor said was heroin on August 25. Testing of the substance confirmed that the substance contained fentanyl.
Taylor pleaded guilty in July 2020.
Under federal law, Taylor must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.
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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Leader of Boston Chapter of Latin Kings Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former leader of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Wilson Peguero, a/k/a “King Dubb,” 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2020, Peguero pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings, or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members who reported to Peguero, who served as “Inca” or the leader of the Chapter. The Devon Street Kings, in turn, reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state. As described in the court documents, Peguero produced various music videos touting his allegiance to the Latin Kings, distribution of controlled substances and threats against rival gang members. During the investigation, various meetings were covertly recorded in which Peguero and members of the Devon Street Kings discussed the business of the racketeering enterprise. Internally, Peguero was present during meetings where members were beaten and violence against rival gangs was discussed and decided upon.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Peguero is the fifth defendant to be sentenced in this case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Latwon M. James of Wilmington Receives 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC man was sentenced today to a total of 288 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). In addition, James was sentenced for the distribution of a quantity of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol, possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and more than twenty-eight (28) grams of cocaine base (crack). James was sentenced to 264 months imprisonment on the underlying convictions and an additional 24 months for a violation of the terms of his federal supervised release from a prior conviction.
According to court documents, Latwon M. James, 40, on multiple occasions, sold quantities of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of methamphetamine, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and methamphetamine and a quantity of a substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol to confidential informants in New Hanover County, NC. In addition, James possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). The conduct took place from July 2018 to July 2019.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This case is part of an FBI led OCDETF operation “Tiny Toon Adventures” with cooperation from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and Wilmington Police Department and law enforcement associated with the Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00152-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Ketchikan Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Juneau, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Herman Joseph Brown III, 27, of Ketchikan, Alaska, has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On July 16, 2020, Brown pleaded guilty to the federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Ketchikan Police Department received multiple reports alleging many postal parcels from different manufacturers of firearm parts being delivered to Brown. An investigation commenced in January 2020 and KPD confirmed that Brown had received out-of-state parts for an AR-15 and a Glock style handgun. Due to Brown’s previous conviction for misconduct involving a controlled substance, a search warrant was obtained and during the execution of the warrant, KPD located unregistered firearms such as a "Polymer 80" 9mm pistol, AR-15 rifle, and a Mossberg 12-gauge pump action shotgun. Additionally, a variety of ammunition was located, including 2,741 rounds of .223, 136 rounds of 9mm, 115 rounds of .45 ACP, and 117 rounds of 12-guage, and various materials to assemble pipe bombs and other explosive devices.
In imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Timothy M. Burgess emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for deterrence in justifying the sentence.
Ketchikan Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive (ATFE) conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
Justice Department Sues Northern Alabama Housing Authority and Property Owners for Housing Discrimination on the Basis of RaceRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority of Ashland, Alabama, which manages seven federally funded low-income housing complexes, violated the Fair Housing Act by intentionally discriminating on the basis of race or color against applicants for housing.
The department’s complaint alleges that the Housing Authority denied African-American applicants the opportunity to live in overwhelmingly White housing complexes, while steering White applicants away from properties whose residents were predominantly African-American.
The lawsuit also names as defendants Southern Development Company of Ashland Ltd., Southern Development Company of Ashland #2 Ltd., and Southern Development Company LLC, which are the private owners and managing agent of one of those housing complexes.
“On April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the United States enacted the Fair Housing Act to outlaw race, color, and other forms of discrimination in housing. Denying people housing opportunities because of their race or color is a shameful and blatant violation of the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The United States has made great strides toward Dr. King’s dream of a nation where we will be judged by content of our character and not by the color of our skin. The dream remains at least partially unfulfilled because we have not completely overcome the scourge of racial bias in housing. Discrimination by those who receive federal taxpayer dollars to provide housing to lower-income applicants is particularly odious because it comes with the support and authority of government. The U.S. Department of Justice will not stand for this kind of unlawful and intolerable discrimination. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of all Americans to rent and own their homes without regard to their race or color.”
“Individuals and families should not have their rights affected by their race or national origin,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to defending the civil rights of everyone.”
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleges that since at least 2012, the defendants have maintained segregated housing properties by denying African-American housing applicants the opportunity to live at three overwhelmingly White housing complexes, known as Ashland Heights, Clay Circle and East Side, and denying White applicants the opportunity to live at West Side and Pine View, two properties whose residents are predominantly African-American. All of these complexes are located in Ashland, Alabama.
The lawsuit seeks damages to compensate victims, civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring action to correct the effects of the defendants’ discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination at the defendants’ properties should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 9997, or by email at [email protected]. Individuals who have information about this or another matter involving alleged discrimination may submit a report online at civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
Justice Department Sues Northern Alabama Housing Authority and Property Owners for Housing Discrimination on the Basis of RaceRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority of Ashland, Alabama, which manages seven federally funded low-income housing complexes, violated the Fair Housing Act by intentionally discriminating on the basis of race or color against applicants for housing. The Department’s complaint alleges that the Housing Authority denied African-American applicants the opportunity to live in overwhelmingly White housing complexes, while steering White applicants away from properties whose residents were predominantly African-American.
The lawsuit also names as defendants Southern Development Company of Ashland, Ltd., Southern Development Company of Ashland #2, Ltd., and Southern Development Company, LLC, which are the private owners and managing agent of one of those housing complexes.
“On April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the United States enacted the Fair Housing Act to outlaw race, color, and other forms of discrimination in housing. Denying people housing opportunities because of their race or color is a shameful and blatant violation of the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The United States has made great strides toward Dr. King’s dream of a nation where we will be judged by content of our character and not by the color of our skin. The dream remains at least partially unfulfilled because we have not completely overcome the scourge of racial bias in housing. Discrimination by those who receive federal taxpayer dollars to provide housing to lower-income applicants is particularly odious because it comes with the support and authority of government. The United States Department of Justice will not stand for this kind of unlawful and intolerable discrimination. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of all Americans to rent and own their homes without regard to their race or color.”
“Individuals and families should not have their rights affected by their race or national origin,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to defending the civil rights of everyone.”
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleges that since at least 2012, the defendants have maintained segregated housing properties by denying African-American housing applicants the opportunity to live at three overwhelmingly White housing complexes, known as Ashland Heights, Clay Circle and East Side, and denying White applicants the opportunity to live at West Side and Pine View, two properties whose residents are predominantly African-American. All of these complexes are located in Ashland, Alabama.
The lawsuit seeks damages to compensate victims, civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring action to correct the effects of the defendants’ discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination at the defendants’ properties should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 9997, or by email at [email protected]. Individuals who have information about this or another matter involving alleged discrimination may submit a report online at civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. 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 complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Owners and Mangers of Housing Properties in Honolulu, Hawaii for Discriminating Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the owners and managers of housing in Honolulu, Hawaii, to resolve a lawsuit filed last year alleging that the defendants refused to rent to families with children at properties they owned and managed, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Today’s agreement, which is in the form a consent decree and still must be approved by the court, resolves a lawsuit alleging that Hawaii Student Suites Inc., Hawaii Student Residences LLC d/b/a Hawaii Student Suites, Savio Hauoli Street LLC, and 258-60 Beach Walk LLC engaged in unlawful familial status discrimination in connection with three properties in Honolulu: Beachwalk, Kalo Terrace, and Pacific Villa. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the defendants discriminated against families with children by: (1) refusing to rent to or negotiate for the rental of the three properties on the basis of familial status; (2) steering prospective renters with children who inquired about housing away from these properties to a separate property management company; and (3) making discouraging and other discriminatory statements to potential renters with children who inquired about housing, including that the housing was not “suitable” or the right “fit” for families with children.
“Many families across the country are struggling right now to find housing, and they should not also have to endure discrimination that makes finding a place to live even more difficult,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “It is illegal to refuse to rent to families with children, and the Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful discrimination.”
“The Fair Housing Act promotes the public interest in prohibiting discrimination on the basis of familial status,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji Price for the District of Hawaii. “This settlement advances society’s strong interest in ensuring equal access to private student housing in Hawaii by those who chose to enjoy the beauty of family life. My office is committed to protecting these families by enforcing the law.”
Under the consent decree, the defendants must:
- Pay a total monetary settlement of $80,000, consisting of a $70,000 settlement fund that will be used to compensate families that were harmed by defendants’ practices, as well as $10,000 to the United States as a civil penalty;
- Adopt non-discriminatory policies and practices that ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act;
- Conduct employee training to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act; and
- Submit to record keeping and monitoring requirements for the three-year period of the consent decree.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii brought this matter to the department’s attention after conducting testing which, as the complaint alleges, showed discrimination against families with children in connection with the defendants’ properties. Today’s settlement also resolves claims brought in a separate complaint by one of Legal Aid Society’s testers.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of familial status discrimination or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by the defendants, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, at 1-800-896-7743, and select mailbox 998 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report housing discrimination by submitting a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Johnson County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Sean Tharp, 36, of Hager Hill, Ky., pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins, for his role in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, between April 2020 and September 2020, Tharp conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tharp admitted that he developed a relationship with a supplier of methamphetamine outside of Kentucky, from whom he obtained pound quantities of methamphetamine on multiple occasions. Tharp admitted to traveling to Georgia to obtain the methamphetamine, which he brought back to the Johnson County area to sell. In his plea agreement, Tharp admitted that his conspiracy involved 1.5 to 5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Tharp was indicted in September 2020.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Doug Saylor, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
A date for Tharp’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Tharp faces a minimum sentence of ten years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
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Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Larry Bouknight (34, Jacksonville) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death.
Bouknight had pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020.
According to court documents, on September 6, 2018, Bouknight sold a Jacksonville woman and her friend a controlled substance that they believed to be heroin, but actually contained fentanyl. After the friend had ingested the narcotic, a relative found her dead in her home later that day. The Jacksonville Medical Examiner’s office subsequently determined that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl toxicity.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hackenberry.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jeffery Allen York, 50, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing a gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal Mark Shepard. York was also sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine.
On May 21, 2019, U.S. Marshals Service task force agents arrested York at an address in Jackson on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, a firearm was found in York’s possession. York has a 2017 felony conviction in Hinds County for possession of methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
York was charged in a criminal indictment on July 24, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Wingate on January 9, 2020.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Illegal Alien indicted for fourth reentryRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mario Casiero-Antonio, a citizen of Mexico, is facing an illegal reentry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Casiero-Antonio, also known as “Mario Antonio Cajero,” 33, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of Removed Aliens.” Casiero-Antonio, having been removed three times from illegal entry to the United States in October and December 2008, is accused of being in Berkeley County in September 2020 without approved admission to the U.S.
Casiero-Antonio faces up to two years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 ,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal Alien and Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to 4th Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An illegal alien who has been deported from the U.S. at taxpayer expense on four occasions, pleaded guilty yesterday to once again illegally entering the United States.
According to court documents, Oscar O. Cabrera, 47, an El Salvadoran citizen, has illegally entered the U.S. at least five times. On each occasion, Cabrera has only come to the attention of law enforcement after committing further crimes while in the U.S. illegally. Cabrera was most recently deported in January 2017, after a felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. Cabrera also has seven misdemeanor convictions for various crimes, including discharging a firearm in a public place, and driving under the influence.
On February 13, Cabrera was arrested in Hanover County on charges that included identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny. On November 9, he pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges. Thereafter, he was turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to face federal criminal immigration charges.
Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shawn Byers, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Maguire is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-128.
Heroin and Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced for Role in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Triangle man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for distributing heroin to a woman who fatally overdosed four days after she got out of substance abuse treatment.
According to court documents, Jeremy Bruce Jones, 31, was a prolific heroin and fentanyl dealer in Prince William County who for years sold dangerous narcotics to addicted persons in his community.
On March 15, 2019, law enforcement responded to Brianna Beatty’s residence and found her deceased. Detectives recovered heroin from the scene. A search of Beatty’s phone revealed that the day before, Beatty had met up with Jones and obtained drugs from him.
The investigation revealed that Beatty first bought heroin from Jones in January 2019 and was hospitalized after non-fatally overdosing. At the time, she was on probation, and she was sent to an in-patient substance abuse clinic in California for 30 days. She returned to Virginia on March 10, 2019. Four days later, Beatty bought heroine from Jones that contributed to her fatal overdose.
After law enforcement identified Jones, the ensuing investigation identified a network of heroin/fentanyl dealers extending from Woodbridge to the District of Columbia and Maryland. One such dealer was Darrell Pope, a former employee of the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Pope has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Jarad L. Phelps, Acting Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-30.
Greenville Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – A Greenville man was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Sherrod Farico Jones, Jr., 28 of Greenville, North Carolina was named in an Indictment filed on February 6, 2020 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On June 30, 2020, Jones pled guilty to that charge. Jones’ was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison to run consecutive to his state conviction for trafficking fentanyl.
In March of 2019, Greenville Police Officers responded to a call involving a suspicious person walking in the middle of the street while impaired. The officers found Jones impaired and disoriented while leaning against a car at the location. When officers attempted to pat down Jones for weapons, Jones began to resist and attempted to reach towards his pants. Officers restrained Jones and located a loaded revolver in his right pants pocket. Jones had previously been convicted of trafficking in Fentanyl in Pitt County Superior Court.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Greenville Police Department conducted the investigation. The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigated of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-00009-M.
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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.
Greenville Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge After Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jerome Little of Greenville was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Among other crimes, Little was previously convicted of armed bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the charge arose from a long-term investigation that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted using an undercover warehouse in Kinston, NC. During the investigation, agents used the location—outfitted with audio and video monitoring equipment—to make controlled purchases of firearms and drugs from multiple individuals.
In August 2018, a confidential informant notified ATF that the defendant Jerome Little was interested in selling a rifle that resembled an AR-15. Undercover officers and Little negotiated a price and arranged a meeting. On August 22, 2018, Little arrived at the warehouse carrying a suit bag. He contacted the undercover agent and unzipped the bag to reveal a loaded Mossberg .22 rifle and 325 rounds of ammunition. On a recorded video, Little sold the rifle to the agent.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-0005-M.
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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.
Georgia man sentenced for smuggling protected turtlesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - A federal judge sentenced Kuo Pin (“Kenny”) Cheng for illegally smuggling protected turtles from Asia, including at least two endangered species, in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Treaty (“CITES”), the Lacey Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
“Illegal trafficking in fish and wildlife is big business all over the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, “Laws protecting endangered species were enacted to preserve our treasures in the wild. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect endangered wildlife.”
“This arrest and conviction show what collaboration can achieve to protect threatened and endangered species,” said Aurelia Skipwith, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I applaud Service Regional Director Leo Miranda and the office of law enforcement for their collaborative work in leading this effort in conservation of our precious species. We take the business of protecting turtles and other species seriously.”
“This investigation involved inter-agency coordination to uncover an illegal trafficking operation,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors are charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the individuals responsible are brought to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The United States and approximately 180 other countries are signatories to CITES, a multilateral treaty that provides a mechanism for regulating the international trade of wildlife and plants whose continued survival is considered threatened by trade. The United States has implemented CITES as part of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it unlawful, among other things, for any person to import wildlife contrary to the provisions of CITES.
Between October 2018 and January 2019, Cheng received at least 28 shipments from Hong Kong containing more than 150 live turtles. Among the turtles Cheng received were multiple CITES-protected species, as well as two species of turtles—the Asian Spotted Pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii) and Three-Keeled Asian (Melanochelys tricarinata)—that are classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Cheng attempted to avoid detection by having the shipments labeled as “toys” or “truck” and addressed to fake names. After receiving the turtles, Cheng sold them to other collectors in the United States that he met online. Cheng admitted to earning approximately $40,000 from the sales of the illegally imported turtles.
Kuo Pin (“Kenny”) Cheng, 56, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg, to one year of probation and ordered to forfeit $10,000. On August 21, 2019, Cheng pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully smuggling turtles in violation of federal law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to Be Representatives of Cell Phone ProvidersRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – The United States Secret Service (Secret Service) has received multiple reports that individuals falsely claiming to be customer service representatives of local cell phone providers are calling members of the public as part of a scam to receive personal and financial information, announced United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information or access codes during these calls.
Reports received by the Secret Service indicate that these scammers falsely represent themselves as employees of the cell phone provider and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient by offering a discount to those that register for auto-pay with ATH Movil. The customer receives a call and is told that the cell phone provider is updating the network from 3G to 5G and also offering a discount off their cell phone bill if they pay using ATH-Movil. Customers are then told that in order to receive the discount, they need to confirm account information.
During the call, the scammer sends an authentication code from the cell phone provider’s website to the customer. The scammer then requests that the customer verbally confirm the code claiming that the scammer needs to confirm the identity of the customer before proceeding to discuss their account information. Once the customer provides the code, the scammer gains access to the customer’s account with the cell phone provider. The scammer now controls the customer’s account, and fraudulently requests that the customer provide their ATH Movil information. Customers are then told to turn off their phones for the changes in the account to take place. During this time, the scammers are able to transfer funds to different bank accounts in Puerto Rico and outside of the jurisdiction and/or make fraudulent purchases using the customer’s information.
Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information or access codes during these calls. The public can report these scams to the Secret Service by calling 787-277-1515.
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Former Honolulu Police Officers Sentenced for Framing an Innocent Man with a CrimeRead the Press Release
Special Attorneys Michael Wheat (619) 546-8437, Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951, Janaki Chopra (619) 546-8817, and Colin McDonald (619) 546-9144
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 1, 2020
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Two former Honolulu police officers, Derek Wayne Hahn and Minh-Hung “Bobby” Nguyen, were sentenced today for conspiring to obstruct justice by framing an innocent man with a crime he did not commit. Hahn and Nguyen were sentenced to 42 and 54 months in custody, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright. Each will also be subject to two years of supervised release following their sentence.
In imposing the sentences, Judge Seabright remarked that the conspiracy was “staggering in its breadth, its scope, and its audacity.” He stated further that “the impact on the community is clear: the conduct of the defendants has shaken the community and its trust in the Honolulu Police Department.”
The sentences imposed today mark the end of one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii. In June 2019, after six weeks of trial and one day of deliberation, a federal jury in Honolulu convicted Hahn, Nguyen, and their two co-conspirators, former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and former Honolulu Chief of Police Louis Kealoha, of conspiracy and attempted obstruction of justice pertaining to the false arrest and prosecution of Katherine’s uncle, Gerard Puana. The evidence at trial established that the conspirators used their considerable power, including commandeering the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), to frame Gerard with stealing the Kealohas’ mailbox. The Kealohas’ motive for framing Gerard was to discredit and intimidate him after he accused Katherine of extensive fraud, of which Gerard and his elderly mother—Katherine’s grandmother—Florence Puana were victims. Hahn and Nguyen were both members of CIU, which acted directly at the behest of Louis.
As Lieutenant of CIU, Hahn—who also had a business relationship with Katherine—played an integral role in the conspiracy to frame, arrest, and prosecute Gerard Puana. As Judge Seabright said at sentencing, Hahn “had his fingerprints all over the efforts the Kealohas were making to frame Gerard Puana for a crime he did not commit.” To accomplish the frame job, Hahn directed 20-30 police officers to conduct 24-hour surveillance of Gerard and initiate unnecessary law enforcement database searches of Gerard, his residence, and vehicle. Hahn also directed a CIU officer to selectively edit the surveillance video of the alleged mailbox “theft,” write false reports about the surveillance video, and destroy the original evidence so that the conspirators’ criminal acts could not be uncovered. Judge Seabright commented that Hahn “wanted to make it look as clean as possible. As sterile as possible. As by the book as possible.”
For his part, Nguyen—who was related by marriage to the Kealohas at the time—manipulated Florence into providing information about Gerard that would later be used to frame him. Nguyen also participated in an illegal search of Gerard’s residence, falsely identified Gerard as the “thief” in the surveillance video of the frame job, generated false police reports about Gerard, and conducted surveillance of Gerard leading to Gerard’s false arrest. Doubling down on all of his criminal actions, Nguyen then repeatedly lied with “ease and arrogance,” as noted by Judge Seabright, to the Honolulu Ethics Commission, federal agents, and the federal grand jury about the conspirators’ scheme and his extensive involvement in it. “Bobby Nguyen was a willing participant in all this. Happy to help. Happy to set up Gerard. Happy to leave this trail of destruction,” Judge Seabright said today.
“These officers shattered the victims’ lives and dishonored the Honolulu Police Department, said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This community deserved so much better from these officers. Today’s sentences, which bring this chapter to a close, will aid in restoring faith in a system that ultimately delivered justice.” Brewer praised FBI agents and Special Attorneys Michael Wheat, Joseph Orabona, Janaki Chopra, and Colin McDonald for achieving justice in this case after many years of tenacious investigation and skillful litigation.
Yesterday, Katherine Kealoha and Louis Kealoha were sentenced to 13 years and seven years, respectively. At the conclusion of their sentencing hearings, Hahn and Nguyen were ordered to report to prison on April 12, 2021.
DEFENDANTS Case Number: CR 17-00582-JMS-WRP
Derek Wayne Hahn Age: 48 Honolulu, Hawaii
Minh-Hung “Bobby” Nguyen Age: 46 Kaneohe, Hawaii
SUMMARY OF CONVICTIONS
Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Against the United States – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
Obstruction of Official Proceeding – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1512(c) (three counts)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Honolulu, Portland, and San Diego Divisions
Florida Attorney Admits Role in $7.5 Million Bank Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida attorney today admitted his role in a scheme to extort $7.5 million from a California bank, Attorney for the United States Rachael A. Honig announced.
Richard L. Williams, 73, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with conspiracy to transmit an interstate communication with the intent to extort.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in May 2020, Williams and his client (Client-1) conspired to extort $7.5 million from a commercial bank headquartered in California (Bank-1). Williams threatened Bank-1 that if it did not pay Client-1 $7.5 million, Client-1 would publicly disclose that Client-1 had accessed and obtained certain confidential data from the bank that did not belong to Client-1 and that Client-1 was not authorized to retain.
On June 18, 2020, Williams sent an email to an attorney for Bank-1 that attached a proposed agreement that Bank-1 had not requested. The agreement – titled “Settlement, Assistance, and Confidentiality Agreement” – provided for Bank-1 to pay Client-1 approximately $7.5 million as a “settlement, assistance and confidentiality fee” within 48 hours of signing the agreement. The payment was purportedly in exchange for Client-1 serving for one week as an “advisor” to Bank-1, a service that Bank-1 had not requested, and agreeing not to publicize confidential Bank-1 data that Client-1 had accessed and obtained. The agreement was designed to conceal that Williams and Client-1 were extorting Bank-1.
From July through August 2020, Williams also engaged in a series of telephone conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent (UC-1) who Williams believed was a representative of Bank-1 located in New Jersey, with authority to transfer funds to Williams. During a telephone call with UC-1 on July 24, 2020, Williams warned UC-1 that if Bank-1 did not pay Client-1 it should “fear” that Client-1 might reveal to various third parties that Client-1 had accessed and obtained the confidential data from Bank-1 or issue a press release disclosing that information. Williams also implied that if Bank-1 refused to accede to his demands and pay Client-1, there may be violent consequences from third parties unrelated to Williams. Williams warned UC-1 that “FBI agents were murdered a couple of blocks from where [he was] sitting,” and that if Williams were in Bank-1’s position, “what would scare the [expletive] out of [him] would be” the reaction of those third parties to the public revelation of Client-1’s access and retention of the data.
The charge to which Williams pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross grain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Williams’s sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2021.
Attorney for the United States Honig credited the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott Lampert; Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman and Bernard J. Cooney, Acting Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Federal Grand Jury Charges Dive Boat Captain with Seaman’s Manslaughter in Fire off Santa Barbara Coast that Killed 34 PeopleRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The captain of the P/V Conception, a Santa Barbara-based dive boat that caught fire last year near Santa Cruz Island, resulting in the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter.
Jerry Nehl Boylan, 67, of Santa Barbara, was named in the indictment returned this afternoon by a federal grand jury that alleges Boylan, as the captain and master of the vessel, “was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel, its crew, and its passengers.”
Federal prosecutors informed Boylan’s attorneys of the indictment after it was filed, and the defendant is expected to self-surrender to federal authorities in the coming weeks.
The indictment alleges that Boylan caused the deaths of 33 passengers and one crewmember “by his misconduct, negligence, and inattention to his duties.” The indictment cites three specific safety violations:
- failing to have a night watch or roving patrol, which was required by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and for over 20 years was a requirement in the Conception’s Certificate of Inspection issued by the United States Coast Guard;
- failing to conduct sufficient fire drills, which are mandated in the CFR; and
- failing to conduct sufficient crew training, which was also required by the CFR.
The Conception was a 75-foot, wood-and-fiberglass passenger vessel that docked in Santa Barbara Harbor. During a Labor Day weekend dive trip last year, the boat carried 33 passengers and six crew members, including Boylan. During the early morning hours of September 2, 2019, a fire broke out while the boat was anchored in Platt’s Harbor near Santa Cruz Island. The fire, which engulfed the boat and led to its sinking, resulted in the deaths of 34 people who had been sleeping below deck. Five crewmembers, including Boylan, were able to escape and survived.
“As a result of the alleged failures of Captain Boylan to follow well-established safety rules, a pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a hellish nightmare as passengers and one crew member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunkroom with no means of escape,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “The loss of life that day will forever impact the families of the 34 victims. With this indictment and our commitment to vigorously prosecute the case, we seek a small measure of justice for the victims and their loved ones.”
“Nothing will ever replace the 34 lives that were lost in the Conception tragedy,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly S. Hoyle of the Coast Guard Investigative Service – Pacific Region. “Our hearts remain with the families as the Coast Guard continues to work with our partners in the Department of Justice on this investigation.”
“This tragedy forever altered the lives of so many families and loved ones, and it deeply affected members of the public who watched in horror. We continue to grieve with them,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI provided extensive investigative and technical resources to the joint investigation, including expert divers and evidence recovery assets. Our hope is that this indictment leads to the prevention of boating accidents and the senseless destruction of lives through proper precautions and training.”
“This was a devastating and tragic loss of 34 lives,” said Monique Villegas, the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division. “Our condolences continue to go out to all the families that have suffered from this tragedy. ATF remains committed to working closely with our partners to investigate complex fire scenes such as this by providing our technical expertise in the area of fire investigation.”
Each charge of seaman’s manslaughter carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation in this matter is being conducted by the FBI; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Williams, Joseph O. Johns and Diana Kwok of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
Fairbanks Man Sentenced to Twelve and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Fairbanks, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that 40-year-old Sherman Kay Howard, of Fairbanks, Alaska, has been sentenced on charges of possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 100 grams of heroin.
Court records state that on February 11, 2019, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Howard’s vehicle and learned he had outstanding arrest warrants. Troopers later searched Howard’s vehicle and seized approximately 971.5 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and 198.5 grams of heroin, as well as other drugs and drug dealing paraphernalia. When questioned, Howard told Troopers that he sold over 50% of the methamphetamine available in the Fairbanks area. Howard committed these charged offenses while on parole from a 9-year sentence for drug trafficking and weapons misconduct.
In imposing the 150-month sentence, Senior District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline emphasized Howard’s extensive criminal history and his designation as a "career offender" as justifying the sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department and the North Pole Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey.
Elder Fraud Prevention Campaign during COVID-19Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. - The United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, and the Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF) announced today the launch of an elder fraud education and prevention campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public service campaign aims to raise awareness about the different types of fraud associated with the pandemic that have been prevalent during these past months; advise senior citizens and their caretakers on how to prevent becoming victims of these scams; and inform the different ways to report cases of fraud. The campaign encourages the public to provide information to the federal and state authorities in a confidential manner.
“This educational campaign seeks to provide the elderly and the general public with the tools to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the crisis we are living through. As I have stated in previous occasions, the well-being of our elderly citizens during this pandemic is one of our main priorities. I commend the efforts of the Elder Justice Task Force and those who have joined our mission during this emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.
The Acting Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, Inés del C. Carrau Martínez, urged Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to protect themselves, be cautious, and disregard any unsolicited calls or visits that offer COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or medical equipment, if they suspect anything is amiss. “We are dealing with a serious and complex health issue. We have to take care of our elderly so they don’t become a target for scams through false advertisement or offers,” stated Secretary Carrau.
“We have been very diligent in providing guidance to the population we serve and at senior centers so that they do not become victims of fraud. Today we are doubling our efforts with this excellent task force in order to raise awareness about these illegal practices,” said the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Family Affairs, Orlando López Belmonte.
“As part of this initiative, we call on the family caretakers who support the elderly to be alert, because they are a key part in detecting, avoiding, and reporting these new scams associated with COVID-19 that threaten their own and their loved ones’ financial safety,” warned José R. Acarón, local director of AARP PR.
“This educational campaign is part of a preventive approach geared towards protecting the rights of the elderly population in Puerto Rico, and fighting crimes that target them. There is a pressing need for education, particularly during the pandemic,” informed Dr. Carmen Delia Sánchez Salgado, Ombudsman for the Elderly.
Other entities that have joined forces in this campaign are the Postal Inspector Service; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This campaign stems from the Elder Justice Initiative. The EJTF’s mission is to support and coordinate the U.S. Department of Justice’s compliance efforts to combat abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target our nation’s seniors. The EJTF in Puerto Rico is coordinated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Novas. To report a suspected fraud, please call the following numbers: National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311; National Center for Disaster Fraud 1-866-720-5721; the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 1-800-225-5324; the FTC 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); and/or the HHS - 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477); or submit a report at the Federal Department of Justice’s website www.Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm or through the FTC’s website ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.
Learn more about these scams and how to protect yourself by visiting the fbi.gov/coronavirus and the FTC at ftc.gov/es/coronavirus
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage (https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice). Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
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Dominican Republic National Who Operated the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas Pleads Guilty to Bringing Illegal Aliens to the U.S. for Financial Gain and to Transporting Women in the TerritoryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Yohanna Gonzalez-McFarlane, 39, of the Dominican Republic, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in District Court and entered a guilty plea to four counts charging her with bringing illegal aliens to the United States for financial gain, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii), and to transportation for prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Gonzalez-McFarlane admitted to illegally bringing in and transporting women from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in 2018 and 2019 for the purpose of having the women perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas, USVI. As part of her plea agreement, Gonzalez-McFarlane admitted to profiting financially from employing twelve different undocumented female aliens to perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub, one of whom was just seventeen years old. Gonzalez-McFarlane acknowledged and agreed that many of the women were required to perform commercial sex acts at the Underground Nightclub to pay off their smuggling debt. She further admitted that the nightclub had three small rooms in the rear of the club, each having a bed which was used for commercial sex acts.
Gonzalez-McFarlane faces up to a maximum of 55 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison. She further faces possible deportation or removal from the United States, mandatory sex offender registration, and a minimum term of supervised release of five years and up to life. Her sentencing will be scheduled for a future date.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted and supported by the Virgin Islands Police Department, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Donna Rainwater.
Del Rio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In Del Rio this morning, 34-year-old Rodrigo Rodriguez was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On February 27, 2019, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the charge. By pleading guilty, Rodriguez admitted that from April 2017 through December 2018, he used his cell phone to produce child pornography that depicted the abuse and exploitation of a female child approximately 12 years old.
“Producing child pornography is a monstrous crime that cannot be tolerated. We must ensure that those who prey upon our vulnerable children are kept off of the streets. Thanks to the work of the Del Rio Police Department and the FBI, this defendant will be incapacitated for the better part of the next two decades,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.
Court records reflect that officers with the Del Rio Police Department (DRPD) arrested Rodriguez on January 7, 2018 after they discovered an image depicting child pornography on the defendant’s cell phone. DRPD officers forwarded the information to the FBI for further investigation into the transmission and storage of potential child pornography. Special agents from the FBI’s San Antonio Division obtained search warrants for the defendant’s cell phone and email account. Forensic evaluations of the seized phone and email account revealed the presence of approximately five images and three videos of child pornography produced using that phone and stored on the defendant’s email account from April 2017 through December 2018.
Rodriguez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 7, 2018.
The FBI, along with assistance from DRPD, conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Spears, John Kennedy and John Cooper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet; as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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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.
Dayton man sentenced to 19 years in prison for armed robberiesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A 22-year-old Dayton man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today for committing at least five armed robberies.
Marquice Murray was sentenced to 230 months in prison for robbing local cell phone stores and retail establishments at gunpoint.
According to court documents, in December 2019, Murray brandished a firearm while robbing the Boost Mobile store on West Third Street in Dayton. After committing the robbery, Murray fled the store and, as a security guard actively pursued him, discharged a 9mm handgun toward the security guard.
Murray brandished firearms on at least four other occasions while committing robbery. He robbed the Boost Mobile on North Main Street in Dayton twice, in October and November 2019. He committed armed robbery at two different Family Dollar Stores (on Salem and Siebenthaler avenues in Dayton) in December 2019.
Murray pleaded guilty in August 2020 to brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime and to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller is representing the United States in this case.
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Daughter of Former Union Officer Admits EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The daughter of a former secretary treasurer of a union at Jersey City Medical Center today admitted her role in helping her mother embezzle $40,455 from the union, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jennifer Rogers, 38, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to Count One of an indictment charging her with embezzling from Local 2254 of the American Federal State County and Municipal Amalgamated Transit Workers Union (AFSCME) in Hudson County.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Linda Rogers was employed at the Jersey City Medical Center and also held a part-time position at Local 2254 as its secretary treasurer. In that role, she had sole control over the union’s checkbook and savings account. From July 2016 through August 2017, Jennifer Rogers, also an employee at the hospital at that time, deposited 112 unauthorized checks totaling $35,267 from Local 2254’s account to joint checking and savings accounts she owned with her mother. From October 2016 through December 2016, Linda Rogers allegedly made six telephonic wire transfers from the Local 2254’s savings account, totaling $5,188, into her personal credit card account. None of the expenditures were authorized or for legitimate union purposes.
The count of embezzlement from a labor union carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the investigators of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of Adriana Vamvakas, Regional Director; and special agents of the Department of Labor (OIG), New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.
The pending charges against Linda Rogers are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cincinnati man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Elroy Bradshaw, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bradshaw, 36, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Bradshaw is accused of selling methamphetamine near Wheeling Central Catholic High School in October 2020 in Ohio County.
Bradshaw faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Campaña de prevención de estafas a adultos mayores durante la pandemia del COVID-19Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – El Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow y el Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy el lanzamiento de una campaña de educación y prevención de estafas a adultos mayores en tiempos de la pandemia del COVID-19.
La campaña de servicio público busca alertar sobre las nuevas modalidades de fraude que hemos visto durante los últimos meses relacionadas a la pandemia, además de dar consejos a los adultos mayores y sus cuidadores para evitar ser víctimas de éstas estafas, y dar a conocer las distintas maneras para reportar casos o sospechas de fraude. También invita al público a proveer información de manera confidencial a las autoridades de ley y orden, tanto a nivel federal como estatal.
“Esta campaña de educación busca proveer herramientas, tanto a los adultos mayores como al público en general, para evitar que los criminales se aprovechen de la crisis que estamos viviendo. Como he declarado en ocasiones anteriores, el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos de edad avanzada durante esta pandemia es una de nuestras principales prioridades. Elogio los esfuerzos del Elder Justice Task Force y aquellos que se han unido a nuestra misión durante esta emergencia”, dijo el Fiscal Federal Muldrow.
La Secretaria Interina del Departamento de Justicia, Inés del C. Carrau Martínez exhortó a los beneficiarios de Medicare y Medicaid a que se protejan, sean cautelosos y si sospechan de cualquier llamada inesperada o visitas a su hogar en las que le ofrecen pruebas de COVID-19, vacunas contra esta enfermedad o suplido de equipos médicos, hagan caso omiso. “Nos encontramos ante una situación de salud seria y compleja, debemos cuidar de nuestra población de edad avanzada para que no sean objeto de estafa mediante anuncios u ofrecimientos engañosos”, indicó la titular de Justicia.
“Hemos estado muy activos y orientando en los centros para adultos mayores y a la población a la que subvencionamos, para que no se conviertan en víctimas de estafas. Hoy redoblamos esfuerzos con este gran grupo de trabajo para prevenir y educar a toda la población sobre estas prácticas ilícitas,” señaló el Secretario de la Familia, Orlando López Belmonte.
“Como parte de esta iniciativa hacemos un llamado a los cuidadores familiares que apoyan personas mayores, ya que ellos son claves para detectar, evitar y denunciar las nuevas estafas relacionadas al COVID -19, que atentan contra la seguridad financiera de ellos y sus seres queridos”, alertó José R. Acarón, director estatal de AARP PR.
“Esta campaña educativa forma parte de un acercamiento preventivo dirigido a proteger los derechos de la población adulta mayor en Puerto Rico y combatir crímenes hacia ellos. La necesidad de educar en asuntos de fraude es urgente particularmente en estos tiempos de Pandemia”, informó la Dra. Carmen Delia Sánchez Salgado, Procuradora de las Personas de Edad Avanzada.
Otras entidades que han colaborado mano a mano con esta campaña son el Servicio de Inspectores Postales; Oficina del Inspector General del Departamento de Salud Federal; la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC, por sus siglas en inglés); y el FBI.
La campaña surge como parte de la Iniciativa de Justicia para los Ancianos, del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos. La misión del EJTF de Puerto Rico es apoyar y coordinar los esfuerzos programáticos y de cumplimiento del Departamento de Justicia Federal para combatir el abuso, la negligencia y el fraude financiero y las estafas que tienen como blanco a las personas de edad avanzada de nuestra nación. Los esfuerzos del Task Force en Puerto Rico están dirigidos por la Coordinadora de EJTF, la Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Jacqueline Novas. Para informar sobre casos sospechosos de fraude puede llamar a los siguientes números: National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311; National Center for Disaster Fraud 1-866-720-5721; al FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 1-800-225-5324; al FTC 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); y/o a HHS - 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477); o reportar a través del portal del Departamento de Justicia Federal www.Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm o a través del portal de la FTC ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.
Conozca más acerca de estas estafas y cómo puede protegerse, visitando fbi.gov/coronavirus y la FTC en ftc.gov/es/coronavirus
Desde que el presidente Trump promulgó la Ley bipartidista de Enjuiciamiento y Prevención del Abuso de Ancianos (EAPPA, por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Justicia ha participado en cientos de acciones para hacer cumplir la ley en casos criminales y civiles que afectaban desproporcionalmente o estaban dirigidos a las personas mayores.
Para mayor información acerca de los esfuerzos del departamento para ayudar a las personas mayores visite el portal de la Iniciativa de Justicia para los Ancianos (https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice-espanol). Para presentar una denuncia de fraude a personas mayores ante la FTC acceda a https://reportefraude.ftc.gov/#/ o llame al 877-FTC-HELP. El Departamento de Justicia proporciona una variedad de recursos relacionados a la victimización por fraude a personas mayores mediante su Oficina para Víctimas del Delito, a la cual se puede acceder en https://ovc.ojp.gov/library/recursos-en-espanol.
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California hacker who stole proprietary information from Nintendo sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 21-year-old Palmdale, California, man was sentenced to three years in prison today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for federal crimes related to his computer hacking scheme and his possession of child pornography found on his digital devices, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. RYAN S. HERNANDEZ, aka Ryan West, who used the online moniker “RyanRocks,” pleaded guilty to a two-count information in January 2020. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered HERNANDEZ to be on seven years of supervised release following prison. He will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to records filed in the case, in 2016, while still a minor, HERNANDEZ and an associate used a phishing technique to steal credentials of a Nintendo employee, which were exploited to gain access to and download confidential Nintendo files related to its consoles and games. That stolen information, including pre-release information about the anticipated Nintendo Switch console, was leaked to the public. In October 2017, following an investigation into the hack, FBI agents contacted HERNANDEZ and his parents at their California residence. HERNANDEZ promised to stop any further malicious activity and confirmed that he understood the consequences of any future hacking.
Nevertheless, from at least June 2018 to June 2019, HERNANDEZ returned to his malicious activities, hacking into multiple Nintendo servers and stealing confidential information about various popular video games, gaming consoles, and developer tools. HERNANDEZ boasted about his hacking exploits on several online and social media platforms, such as Twitter and Discord, and leaked some of the stolen information to others. HERNANDEZ further operated an online chat forum called “Ryan’s Underground Hangout” in which he and others discussed Nintendo products and shared information about possible Nintendo network vulnerabilities, and on which he shared some of the confidential information he had stolen.
In June 2019, FBI agents searched HERNANDEZ’s home and seized numerous electronic devices, including computers, hard drives, and circumvention devices used to access pirated video games and software. On those devices, they discovered thousands of confidential Nintendo files. Forensic analysis of his devices also revealed that HERNANDEZ had used the internet to collect more than one thousand videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, stored and sorted in a folder directory he labeled “Bad Stuff.”
Under the terms of the plea agreement, both prosecutors and defense attorneys recommended three years in prison. Judge Coughenour recommended HERNANDEZ be incarcerated at a Bureau of Prisons facility for inmates with cognitive challenges. HERNANDEZ has agreed to pay $259,323 in restitution to Nintendo for the remediation costs caused by his conduct.
The case was investigated by the FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Masada.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for his role in a conspiracy to traffic drugs from California to Western Massachusetts and launder the proceeds.
Victor Hugo Gonzalez, 27, of Perris, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 76 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2020, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
On July 26, 2016, as part of a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO), Gonzalez traveled from California to Western Massachusetts to oversee the arrival of 11 kilograms of cocaine and the subsequent laundering of the sale proceeds back to the DTO. On Aug. 2, 2016, in West Springfield, Gonzalez and a co-conspirator removed 11 kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle, which had arrived by car carrier from California, and transferred the cocaine into the co-conspirator’s apartment. These kilograms were subsequently broken down, repackaged, and distributed. On Aug. 6 and 8, 2016, Gonzalez made multiple structured cash deposits at banks in Hartford and Bloomfield, Conn., thus laundering the proceeds of the drug transactions into multiple bank accounts held by individuals in California.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. DEA’s Carlsbad Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Westfield Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches, Catherine Curley and Steven H. Breslow of Lelling’s Springfield Office prosecuted the case.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Demontra Tucker, 23, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Tucker was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On April 14, 2020, Biloxi police officers responded to the burglary of an unmarked police vehicle in Biloxi. They learned that two Glock pistols, a Taser, and a radio had been stolen from the vehicle. On April 15, 2020, an investigation led to information that Demontra Tucker had possession of the stolen Taser and had attempted to sell it.
Officers went to Tucker’s apartment and observed him walking away from a vehicle holding a small pistol bag in front of his chest. They gave him verbal commands to stop but Tucker fled on foot. The officers gave chase and Tucker ran through a thickly wooded area where the law enforcement officers lost sight of him. With assistance from witnesses, Tucker was soon apprehended. The wooded area was searched, and the pistol bag Tucker was seen carrying was located. Inside the bag, law enforcement located the stolen Taser as well as a silver and black Smith and Wesson. The firearm was loaded with one magazine holding ten .40 caliber cartridges of ammunition and one .40 caliber round in the chamber.
Tucker had previous convictions for burglary and robbery in the Circuit Court of Harrison County and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Tucker was charged in a federal indictment on May 12, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on September 2, 2020.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
Bend Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Phoning in a Hoax Threat of a Bomb in the Deschutes County CourthouseRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to federal prison today for crafting a hoax bomb and phoning in a threat to blow up the Deschutes County Courthouse on July 29, 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Kellie Kent Cameron, 32 was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. As part of his sentence, Cameron was also ordered to pay $43,620.18 in restitution to the Deschutes County Circuit Court, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, First Interstate Bank in Bend, and Bend Fire & Rescue.
“Constructing a hoax bomb and threatening to blow up a courthouse to interfere with a judicial proceeding, is beyond reprehensible” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Courthouses are the very symbol of justice, safety and fairness in a functioning society, and this unconscionable act not only caused fear, panic and disruption in this community, it jeopardized their sense of safety.”
"Hoax devices cause real-world damage. They cost money for first responders and businesses, and they create fear for those who live and work in the area. The device that Cameron built - and the 911 calls he made - did both. If you become aware of a potential threat, we encourage you to contact the FBI or local law enforcement right away," said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.*
According to court documents, on or about July 28 to July 29, 2019, Cameron and co-defendant Jonathan Tyler Allen, also of Bend, conspired with one another to shut down the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend by planting a fake bomb and calling in a bomb threat. Around the same time, Cameron constructed a realistic looking fake bomb using batteries, wiring, a circuit board, and a fuel filter, among other materials.
Early on the morning of July 29, 2019, Cameron and Allen drove to the courthouse and placed the hoax device on a ramp near the building. Cameron used a cell phone to call 911 and told the operator, “I just want to let you know that there are two bombs, one’s in the courthouse and good luck finding the other one.” Less than an hour later, Cameron called 911 and repeated his threat using more urgent and profanity-laden language. As a result of defendant’s threat, the Deschutes County Courthouse, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office, a bank, and other nearby businesses were shut down and evacuated while first responders rushed to the scene and investigated the threat. When the device was discovered, a bomb squad, used disabling techniques to prevent an explosion. The device was later dismantled and found to be a hoax.
On August 7, 2019, Cameron and Allen were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to make a threat to damage property and conveying false information and hoaxes. Cameron plead guilty in federal court on August 21, 2020 to using a telephone to make a threat to damage a building by means of an explosive.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Police Department, and was prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
*For more information on what to do if you become aware of a potential threat, check out the FBI's webpage on hoax threats. (https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518) Those wishing to report a tip to the FBI can do so by calling the nearest office or submitting information online at tips.fbi.gov
Components of the hoax bomb device