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Friday 16 October 2020
CBL/BFL Member Going to Prison for More Than 15 Years for Racketeering Conspiracy and Other Charges; Buffalo Woman Also Going to Prison for Lying About A Murder by Another CBL/BFL Gang MemberRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Miquise Jones, a/k/a Scaife, 24, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of racketeering and narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. In addition, Shanna Smith, 25, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of making false declarations before a federal grand jury and obstruction of justice, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth T. Molisani and Paul C. Parisi, who handled the cases, stated that defendant Jones was a member of the CBL/BFL Gang, which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operates primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The Towne Gardens served as a central hub for the gang with many members living within the housing complex, and many housing units used to store firearms and narcotics. Parking lots and business fronts adjacent to the Towne Gardens were utilized by members of the gang to distribute street level quantities of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs. The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang.
The proof against Jones established that on August 21, 2015, the defendant drove a vehicle on Dodge Street Buffalo with two co-defendants who shot at Victim J, a rival gang member, in retaliation for the shooting of Larell Watkins. On August 30, 2015, Jones drove a vehicle to Genesee and Crossman Streets in Buffalo, with two co-defendants who shot at Victim K, a rival gang member. On September 21, 2015, at East Ferry Street in Buffalo, the defendant drove a vehicle with three co-defendants, and one of those co-defendants exited the vehicle, fired a gun numerous times at Victim L, a rival gang member. Victim L sought refuge in a store and the co-defendant then opened up the door to the store and began to shoot inside of the store. Victim L was struck in his arm and sustained injuries. Approximately 20 minutes later, Jones drove the vehicle in the area of Genesee and Crossman Streets in Buffalo. Another co-defendant in the car fired shots and struck Victim K, a rival gang member.
On April 4, 2016, the defendant appeared in a video on Snapchat and displayed three firearms. On June 4, 2016, Jones was in a vehicle stopped by the Buffalo Police Department and possessed a Beretta semi-automatic pistol with ammunition. On December 11, 2016, the defendant was at Skyzone in Cheektowaga, NY when rival gang members shot at members of CBL/BFL. Jones and others agreed to retaliate. The defendant drove to the bar called The Groove in Buffalo where a co-defendant fired gunshots at Victim L, a rival gang member. On June 2, 2017, in the Towne Gardens, Jones possessed marijuana packaged for distribution.
On July 31, 2018, defendant Smith, while under oath, lied to a federal grand jury regarding the murder of Xavier Wimes on January 1, 2017, and the role of her cousin, Dalvon Curry, in that murder. Curry was also a member of the CBL/BFL Gang. Smith testified that she was with Curry the night that Wimes was shot dead outside the Towne Gardens Apartments. The defendant stated that there were approximately 20 guys around Wimes at the time he was shot: “Zave was fighting them, but I didn't - then I heard gunshots, but I didn't see who shot him. I just heard gunshots.” Smith also testified that as police officers arrived, she saw the gun on the ground in the grass near the sidewalk. Smith denied seeing someone throw it. Smith stated: “Dal picked it up. I mean, he was probably trying to take it, but he threw it in the bushes when he saw the cops.” In February 2020, a federal jury convicted Dalvon Curry, of murder in aid of racketeering for the death of Xavier Wimes. He is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
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Bozeman bookkeeper who embezzled more than $400,000 sentenced to probationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA–A Bozeman woman who admitted embezzling more than $400,000 while working as a bookkeeper for several businesses today was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $423,245 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anna Michelle Niles, 47, pleaded guilty on June 3 to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In a sentencing memo filed in the case, the prosecution recommended a sentence within the guideline range, which was 27 months to 33 months.
The prosecution said in court documents that from 2009 until 2018, Niles embezzled from Cresent Cross, LLP, Clair W. Daines, Inc., Genesis Partners, LLC, Bitterroot Turf Farm, Inc., and other related business entities while performing bookkeeping and accounting services. Niles defrauded the firms by diverting funds through checks, stealing cash, claiming leave she was not entitled to obtain, receiving unauthorized 401(k) loan payments and using business credit cards on personal expenses, none of which was authorized. The investigation found that Niles embezzled about $433,018 from the businesses. When interviewed by the FBI, Niles admitted to stealing from Cresent Cross, LLP, and writing checks from other businesses to cover up the fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – David Eugene Bangs, 56, of Biloxi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to escape from federal custody, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Mark Shepard, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi.
On January 27, 2020, Bangs was being transported by bus from a federal facility in Jesup, Georgia, to Dismas Charities Community Corrections Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he would have completed the last months of his incarceration there. However, on January 28, 2020, when the bus made a stop in Biloxi, Bangs escaped from custody. He was subsequently arrested on January 29, 2020 by the U. S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Bangs was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on February 25, 2020. He will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 14, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the U. S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Armed Carjackings Result in Arrest and Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 29, and MARC DALTON, age 30, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a five-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119, 924, and 922.
According to court documents, FOSTER and DALTON were the offenders in two separate armed carjacking incidents in New Orleans. On April 10, 2020, the two men used firearms to forcefully take a Chevrolet Envoy. On April 12, 2020, they committed a second armed carjacking of a Mercedes C230. Both have prior felony criminal convictions. If convicted of carjacking and the firearms offenses, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Armed Carjackings Result in Arrest and Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 29, and MARC DALTON, age 30, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a five-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119, 924, and 922.
According to court documents, FOSTER and DALTON were the offenders in two separate armed carjacking incidents in New Orleans. On April 10, 2020, the two men used firearms to forcefully take a Chevrolet Envoy. On April 12, 2020, they committed a second armed carjacking of a Mercedes C230. Both have prior felony criminal convictions. If convicted of carjacking and the firearms offenses, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Arlington Man Sentenced for Coercion and Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An Arlington man was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor in the Richmond area.
“We must do everything possible to protect our children from dangerous sexual predators like Jose Parra-Camargo,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Child sexual abuse is a horrific and abhorrent crime. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for ensuring that Parra-Camargo will now be in a place where he cannot prey on our most vulnerable victims.”
According to court documents, Parra-Camargo, 45, solicited a 14 year-old female in the Richmond area for sex on numerous occasions in 2016 and 2017 over the Internet application “Kik.” As part of this conduct, he directed her to send him pornographic images of herself. On two occasions, Camargo drove to Richmond from his residence in Arlington and had sex with the minor victim after convincing her to sneak out of her house.
“Child predators often use the Internet to gain the trust of vulnerable children and exploit it for their own gratification. They are a true danger to our children, communities, and society,” said David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners and the men and women of the Richmond Child Exploitation Task Force this predator has been taken off the streets and can no longer victimize our children.”
Around the same time, Parra-Camargo was additionally chatting with an undercover officer from the Loudoun County, Virginia Police Department who was posing as a 14 year-old girl. After also soliciting the undercover officer for sex, Loudoun County officers arrested Parra-Camargo. He pled guilty in 2017 in a separate state prosecution in Loudoun County Circuit Court to use of a communications system to solicit a minor and received a five-year term of imprisonment, which he will continue to serve out prior to beginning his term of federal imprisonment.
“A strong sentence like this sends an important message that individuals who try to exploit children and rob them of their innocence will be brought to justice,” said Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia. “I want to thank my team for their hard work on this case, as well as our state and federal partners for their continued partnership in working to bring justice to those who would harm or take advantage of children.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: www.justice.gov/psc.
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 Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexaundra Williams and Gene Fishel 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. 3:20-cr-4.
Albany Felon Admits Possessing a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jahmeek Croley a/k/a “Meeker,” age 33, of Albany, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department (APD).
Croley, who has prior felony convictions for drug and weapons offenses, admitted that in November 2019 he possessed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol at his residence in Albany. Croley admitted to purchasing the pistol, which had been stolen from a Vermont residence in 2015, from an unknown individual in the city of Albany in October 2019.
Croley was arrested on November 14, 2019, as part of an operation targeting the Yard Boys criminal street gang, undertaken by the Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and has been in custody since his arrest. Croley has additional charges pending in Albany County Court.
Croley faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years, when he is sentenced on February 11, 2021 by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF and Albany Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
Alabama Cattle Broker Guilty of Livestock Theft, Loss to Farmers exceeds $400kRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – An Alabama livestock broker admitted he conducted cattle deals but never paid farmers money they were due, instead diverting the profits for his personal use, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Tommy W. Baxley, 72, of Slocumb, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, October 14 to one count theft of livestock before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Baxley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
Baxley was a registered livestock dealer doing business as Tri State Cattle Marketing. From September 2017 to February 2018, he brokered five separate feeder cattle deals with farmers in North Carolina, Mississippi and Moultrie, Georgia. Baxley never paid the farmers who sold him the cattle, stealing $414,265.45. Baxley admitted to investigators that he failed to pay the farmers for the cattle, and instead used the money in the hopes of making more money so he might ultimately pay for the cattle.
“Cattle rustlers and others who steal from our hardworking farmers and ranchers will face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, the Colquitt County Sherriff’s Office, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their combined investigative work in this case.”
“Mr. Baxley violated the trust of livestock farmers throughout the Southeastern United Sates. Mr. Baxley knowingly brokered livestock transactions without having any intentions of paying the farmers for their cattle. The actions by Mr. Baxley caused emotional and financial hardships to the innocent livestock farmers that cannot be repaired,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany, Georgia Resident Office. “The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit this and other types of fraud in our community and around the nation.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Fair Trade Practices Program, Packers and Stockyards Division (USDA PSD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Additional Members of 59 Brims Gang Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging three members of the 59 Brims gang with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, Robert Baley, Augustus Ingram, and Quaveon Ross participated in the activities of a violent gang, conspired to sell significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine, and unlawfully possessed firearms. Now they face significant charges in federal court. We commend our partners at the NYPD and HSI for their outstanding work on this ongoing investigation. This Office, working with our law enforcement partners, continues its efforts to prosecute gun violence in New York City.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Gang violence puts all of us in peril – not simply the vicious gang members. I commend our NYPD detectives and our law enforcement partners for using all of our lawful tools to ensure that the New Yorkers we serve can live free from the threat of it.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “HSI and NYPD continue to relentlessly dismantle violent gangs in the New York Metro area. The gangsters we take off the street are responsible for numerous murders, deadly drug distribution, and senseless violence throughout our communities. As alleged, we cut the 59 Brims at their roots, arresting the ‘Godfather’ of New York. This was the culmination of the systematic and successful indictment of the entire 59 Brims’ top leadership across all 5 boroughs. Our agents and officers have done outstanding work during the course of this investigation and I applaud their tireless commitment to public safety.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
ROBERT BALEY, a/k/a “Dead Eye,” AUGUSTUS INGRAM, a/k/a “Elevator,” and QUAVEON ROSS, a/k/a “Bullet,” are members of the 59 Brims gang, a criminal organization whose members engaged in, among other activities, acts involving murder, robbery, fraud, and the distribution of controlled substances.
The 59 Brims operate in and around Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York. Members of the 59 Brims engaged in a series of violent disputes with rivals of the 59 Brims, including those within the 59 Brims who were deemed disloyal. During these disputes, members and associates of the 59 Brims committed multiple murders, shootings, robberies, and assaults against their rivals and against fellow members of the 59 Brims. Members of the 59 Brims sold heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana, and committed, or attempted to commit, acts of violence to protect and expand their narcotics business.
Today’s Superseding Indictment follows initial charges brought in February 2020 against 18 members and associates of the 59 Brims gang, who were charged with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including murder and attempted murder.
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BALEY, 43, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on October 15, 2020, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. INGRAM, 49, of New York, New York, was arrested on October 14, 2020, in New York, New York. ROSS, 23, of New York, New York, remains at large. This case is assigned to United States District Judge George B. Daniels.
A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and HSI. Ms. Strauss also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation. Ms. Strauss also thanked the Pennsylvania State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigations - North East and South Central Drug Enforcement Divisions and Blooming Grove Barracks for their assistance in the arrest of Baley.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Longyear, Jacob Warren, Adam S. Hobson, and Peter J. Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
DEFENDANT(S)
MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1962(d))
All Defendants
Life imprisonment
Count Two: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 846)
All Defendants
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years
Count Three: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2)
All Defendants
Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
8 individuals convicted of conspiring to launder $44M in drug proceeds to Mexico through local cell phone store frontsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The final two of eight defendants in a $44 million money-laundering case were convicted today when they pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court. Another co-conspirator was sentenced today in federal court as well. Local and federal law enforcement, working in conjunction, spent years investigating large-scale narcotics traffickers in an effort that ultimately brought down the money-laundering ring.
According to court documents, beginning around 2013 and continuing until September 2019, the defendants conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl and marijuana and commit large-scale money laundering.
The schemes relied on the use of small businesses that held themselves out as cell phone stores. The stores sold few, if any, cell phones, and they conducted little, if any, legitimate business otherwise. Rather, the stores were merely front businesses for drug traffickers to send large amounts of money related to their drug trafficking from Columbus to Mexico.
Jose Luis Rosales-Ocampo, 57, of Columbus, and his family members ran the so-called cell phone stores: Los Rosales on Shady Lane Road, Los Rosales 2 on East Main Street and Express Cellular on Eastland Square Drive.
The storefronts principally served as a place for individuals to wire illicit drug proceeds to Mexico. Thousands of illicit wire transfers were completed per year. Drug dealers from multiple narcotics-trafficking cells would drop large amounts of narcotics money at the stores, after which the store owners would falsify money sender names, addresses and phone numbers on the wire transfers to Mexico in order to conceal the nature of the proceeds.
In total, the joint state–federal efforts led to the prosecution of eight defendants federally and 35 defendants by the office of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien. The investigation and prosecution of these defendants removed approximately 34 kilograms of heroin, 516 grams of cocaine, 76 grams of fentanyl and 250 pounds of marijuana from Central Ohio streets. Additionally, investigators seized $458,500 in U.S. currency as part of the investigation and prosecution of these cases.
“The agents and officers on these cases dedicated thousands of hours of good investigative work to expose a massive money-laundering scheme that was benefiting drug lords in Mexico,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, at least 40 defendants are no longer doing business in Central Ohio and a significant amount of illegal drugs have been removed from our community.”
One of the lead drug distributors, Julio Angel Homer Gonzalez, 43, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.
Eliezar Mendoza-Nava, 36, and Rodrigo Esqueda-Vazquez, 33, each pleaded guilty today.
“IRS Criminal Investigation followed the money and discovered that the cell phone stores were operating primarily for the purpose of laundering drug proceeds,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle and disrupt money laundering organizations.”
Five of the other five defendants – Jose Rosales-Ocampo, Thania Rosales-Guadarrama, Josue Gama-Perez, Dulce Rosales-Guadarrama and Rodolfo Franco-Valdez – also previously pleaded guilty and currently await sentencing.
Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing defendants is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Division; Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien; Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan and officials with the Ohio HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Commission announced the plea agreements and sentences imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Jessica W. Knight and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. Stanley from Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien’s office are representing the United States in this case.
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5 charged in kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in death of victimRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A federal grand jury has charged five Dayton individuals in the summer 2019 kidnapping and subsequent death of Kwasi Casey, whose body was later found in a detached garage on Fountain Ave. in Dayton.
According to the indictment that was returned yesterday and unsealed today, co-conspirators kidnapped and abducted the victim at gunpoint on July 7, 2019.
Mr. Casey was taken to one of the defendant’s homes, where he was held against his will and beaten with a baseball bat. Another defendant made ransom demands of the victim’s family.
The indictment details that Casey escaped on July 8, 2019, but was recaptured and forced into a co-conspirator’s minivan, where the victim was again physically assaulted. It is alleged Mr. Casey ultimately died as a result of the defendants’ actions.
Those charged include: Eric Blackshear, 40; Markale Thomas, 26; Devon Love, 27; Ryan Reese, 25; and Antoine Dye, 35.
Each of the defendants is charged with conspiring to kidnap the victim, a federal crime punishable by up to life in prison.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck, Jr. announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith and OCDETF Deputy Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Thursday 15 October 2020
Wood County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling from Labor UnionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that a Wood County man was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for embezzling from a labor union. Rick Drain, 56, of Vienna, previously pled guilty to one count of embezzling from a labor union. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Drain will also pay restitution.
“Drain was “draining” the Union. Drain took advantage of his position with the local union and took collected union dues and fees for himself,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Not only will Drain be returning the money, but he’ll also be spending a year of his life behind bars for his crime. Crime doesn’t pay.”
Drain was the business manager of a local union and used his position to defraud the union. Law enforcement learned that Drain had defrauded the union of approximately $50,000 by collecting dues and other fees from union members and keeping the money for himself, not depositing it into the union’s bank account. The Department of Labor, through its Office of Labor Management Standards, conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00045.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Woman Who Drove Kilograms of Methamphetamine from Texas to Dubuque Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who drove over five kilograms of ice methamphetamine from Texas to Dubuque was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Veronica Marie Hinkle, age 34, from Dallas, Texas, received the prison term after a September 2, 2020 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Information disclosed at the sentencing hearing showed that in about June 2017, Hinkle was recruited by her boyfriend, Jose Roberto Vazquez, to drive one kilogram of ice methamphetamine from Dallas to deliver to Jeremy Kieffer in Dubuque. Over the next six months, Hinkle made multiple similar trips to Dubuque, each time delivering at least a kilogram of ice methamphetamine to Kieffer and his associates. In January 2018, Hinkle helped package nearly a kilogram of 98% pure methamphetamine for her co‑conspirators, but the package was intercepted by law enforcement in Iowa. Kieffer and Vazquez were previously sentenced to 165 months’ imprisonment and 259 months’ imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy.
Hinkle was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hinkle was sentenced to 81 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hinkle is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-01027‑CJW‑MAR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Woman Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Gun Used in Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk woman was sentenced today to six and a half years in prison for being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Jaclyn Amanda Inge, 41, purchased two handguns from federally licensed gun dealers at gun shows. Before buying each gun, Inge completed a form 4473. On the form, she checked the box indicating that she was not addicted to drugs or a drug user, when in fact, as several witnesses would testify, she has used marijuana daily for years. And she illegally possessed those guns while being a drug user.
In October 2017, Inge and two conspirators, including Desmond Littlejohn, plotted to rob Mac’s Reloads, a Federal Firearm Licensee and ammunition-reloading business located in Virginia Beach where Inge was employed. During the robbery, Inge and Littlejohn used at least one of the guns Inge had purchased just weeks earlier. Inge provided the robbers with inside information about Mac’s Reloads to help them commit the crime.
In February 2019, Littlejohn was convicted by a federal jury of charges stemming from the armed robbery and was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William B. Jackson and Bill Muhr prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-90.
Wichita Woman Sentenced for False Statements When Buying GunsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman was sentenced today to serve three years on federal probation for making false statements when she purchased guns from a pawnshop, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Kristi S. Praseuth, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of providing false information in order to purchase firearms. In her plea, she admitted she bought two 9 mm pistols and a .357 caliber revolver from Loan at Last, a pawnshop at 3375 E. 47th South in Wichita. She was required to fill out an ATF form 4473, in which she falsely stated that she was buying the guns for herself. In fact, she turned the guns over to other people who were the real buyers.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, see https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
West Des Moines Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing from Local BusinessRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On October 14, 2020, Gregory Michael Press, age 46, of West Des Moines, was sentenced to two years in prison by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose for wire fraud announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Press was ordered by the Court to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Additionally, he must pay $450,000 to the victim.
The defendant pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July of 2019. According to court documents, while Press was employed as the director of operations at L&C Billing Services Inc. in West Des Moines, he stole money from the company over a number of years. Press accessed the company payroll and issued himself unauthorized salary raises and bonuses; he paid for personal credit card debit with company funds; he issued company checks and cash to himself; and he placed two women, with whom he had personal relationships with, on the company payroll and insurance plan – although they did not work for L&C Billing Services Inc.
The West Des Moines Police Department and United States Postal Service – Criminal Investigations investigated this matter. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Waffle House robbers, felons, straw purchasers and many more charged with firearms-related crimes districtwideRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Nearly two dozen people have been charged with various violations related to firearms in all five Southern District of Texas (SDTX) divisions in the last two weeks alone, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
As the nation recognizes Firearms Related Criminal Offenses Week, the SDTX has charged several people in 15 separate cases in the Houston, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and Corpus Christi Divisions. The charges include straw purchasing of firearms, felons in possession of firearms, carjacking, interference with interstate commerce by robbery or by threats of violence, brandishing a firearm and aiding and abetting brandishing a firearm.
“Bottom line, we have great law enforcement relationships throughout the SDTX,” said Patrick. “From the smallest city police department to the biggest federal agencies, officers, agents, deputies and troopers are all working together to get dangerous criminals off the streets. These cases are a small representation of the record-setting violent crime and gun cases prosecuted by my office over the past three years. Criminals who carry a gun, rob with a gun or run guns are going to see the inside of a federal courtroom.”
In the Houston Division this week, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against two Houston men for their roles in the violent robbery of two Waffle House restaurants, a Shipley Donuts and a local gas station. Fabian Bradley, 19, and Deonta Brown, 29, allegedly aided and abetted brandishing a firearm and interfered with interstate commerce by robbery at the Star Stop gas station on McKay Road Oct. 24, 2019. On the same date, Brown allegedly did same at the Waffle House on Wilson Road in Humble. Bradley faces the same charges in relation to the Oct. 21, 2o19, robbery of the Waffle House on Rankin Road and again at the Shipley Donuts on North Freeway Nov. 11, 2019.
Also indicted yesterday was Justin Mouton, 31, Houston. The charges allege he is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law. However, he allegedly possessed a Taurus, Magnum .357 pistol on Feb. 21.
Just last week, another grand jury charged Jordan Stewart, 28, Houston, with two counts each of interstate commerce by robbery and illegally brandishing a firearm. The charges allege he was involved in the Dec. 4, 2019, robbery of 1% Check Cashing on Briar Forest Road in SDTX while brandishing a firearm. He allegedly did the same on Dec. 21, 2018, and June 13, 2019, when he interfered with interstate commerce by robbing Senor Check Cashing and A-1 Check Cashing on Beechnut Drive, respectively.
“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) continues to work with our partners to focus our efforts on violent criminals who are using firearms to commit crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “This focus is critical, now more than ever, as violent crimes involving firearms are increasing in many areas throughout the United States.”
In Laredo, a 39-year-old felon is set to appear in federal court on allegations of carjacking and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Joaquin Joel Montemayor is expected to make his appearance in Laredo in the near future.
According to the indictment, Montemayor allegedly carjacked a vehicle that had traveled in interstate commerce on Aug. 11, 2018. He allegedly took that vehicle by force, violence and intimidation with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. At that time, Montemayor allegedly had possession of a pistol and four rounds of ammunition.
Also today, the fifth defendant charged with multiple counts of false statements and smuggling firearms from the United States is set to make his initial appearance in Laredo federal court. Authorities arrested Leopoldo Martinez, 23, yesterday. He will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 1:30 p.m. Also charged and previously in custody are Irving Navarro, 32, Javier Chapa, 22, Cynthia Navarro, 27, and Heriberto Castillo, 23.
The indictment charges all individuals with making false statements during the purchase of firearms and smuggling goods outside of the United States. The indictment alleges that from July 17, 2019, to Aug. 22, 2020, they made false statements in connection with the purchase of 26 guns from four different federal firearms licensees in Laredo.
The Laredo grand jury also charged more defendants last week with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms and straw purchasing of firearms. Authorities arrested Jose Sanchez Jr., 37, Laredo, yesterday. He will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Dos Santos today. The indictment remains sealed as to those charged but not as yet in custody.
The Laredo grand jury also returned an indictment against Juan Antonio Cepeda, 47, Laredo, and Abraham Canela, 19, Houston, for attempting to illegally export firearms and ammunition to Mexico. Cepeda is also charged with possession of ammunition as a felon. They are both expected to appear for their arraignments before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Dos Santos tomorrow at 3 p.m.
On Sept. 14, Cepeda and Canela allegedly appeared to be traveling together as they rode in tandem along Interstate Highway 35 near Laredo, according to the charges. Authorities took them into custody, at which time they allegedly discovered 14 firearms - primarily semi-automatic rifles - and over 20,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers in Cepeda’s vehicle.
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) possesses the broadest investigative authorities of any U.S. government agency in the areas of smuggling and illegal exports, including the illegal export of munitions, small arms and weapon sanctions violations,” announced Special Agents in Charge Shane Folden and Mark Dawson of the San Antonio and Houston Division, respectively. “HSI leverages its expansive authorities to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in weapons smuggling which often fuels the violence committed by cartels.”
The Rio Grande Valley also saw the return of indictments charging seven people on firearms-related offenses. Earlier this week, a grand jury sitting in Brownsville charged three Cameron County residents for being felons in possession of firearms. Clifford Wayne Moody, 44, Harlingen; and Damian De Los Reyes, 28, and Juan Carlos Sanchez, 26, both of Brownsville, are all convicted felons, according to the charges. They now face federal firearms charges for allegedly possessing a Howa 6.5 Creedmor Rifle, a Kimber .45 and Beretta .40 caliber pistols as well as a Springfield 9 mm pistol and a Ruger AR multi caliber rifle, respectively.
In another case indicted this week, a 26-year-old Brownsville man wearing a Hello Kitty bandana is charged with the robbery of two local Stripes convenience stores. Ruben Arredondo was allegedly a felon in possession of a firearm, interfered with commerce by robbery and brandished a firearm during a crime of violence. On Jan. 17, he allegedly entered the Stripes Convenience Store on Boca Chica after which he pointed a black gun with pink colored grips at the employee and demanded beer. The charges allege a store employee heard Arredondo rack the slide making him think there was a chambered round in the weapon.
Soon after, the indictment alleges Arredondo went to another Stripes on East University Boulevard and again brandished the black and pink weapon at the store employee, demanding beer. After allegedly taking the beer and some cigarettes, Arredondo then got into a station wagon and sped away, according to the charges.
In another Brownsville case, a Harlingen man has just made his appearance in federal court on allegations he shot a bank teller in the head during a violent bank robbery earlier this year. Muhamed Pathe Bah, 27, is charged with bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. On June 26, Bah allegedly entered a Texas Regional Bank on Sunshine Strip in Harlingen and made his way to a bank teller. The indictment alleges he pulled a pistol from his bag and shot the teller in the head, after which he took money from the bank and fled the area.
In McAllen, two alleged felons are charged in relation to an attempted burglary that occurred Sept. 16. Eugene Brimzey, 28, Baytown, and Luther Remon Jones, 27, Houston, had allegedly fled the area. The charges allege authorities eventually stopped them near El Campo, at which time they found two firearms. They have made their appearances and are in custody pending further criminal proceedings. They are charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
“Criminal organizations and their affiliates are habitually engaged in extensive violence, intimidation and drug distribution, which poses an immediate, dangerous and serious threat to the safety of our communities,” said FBI Special Agents in Charge Perrye K. Turner and Christopher Combs of the Houston and San Antonio offices, respectively. “We are committed to partnering with our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to dismantle these criminal organizations and prosecute the most dangerous violent offenders.”
Charges have also been filed against Corpus Christi felons. Two indictments name Vernal Williams, 33, and Daniel Pulido, 28, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. They are expected to appear for their arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in Corpus Christi in the near future.
According to William’s indictment, on April 30, he knowingly possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and four rounds of ammunition. Williams was previously convicted of numerous felonies, including injury to an elderly individual and delivery of a controlled substance.
Similarly, Pulido has multiple drug-related felony convictions - possession and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance - and is prohibited per federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition. However, on June 25, Pulido knowingly possessed .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.
Those charged with Hobbs Act robbery could be sentenced to a maximum of 2o years in federal prison. Related firearms charges carry additional sentences of seven years or more and must be served consecutively to any underlying charges.
Those convicted of being felons in possession of firearms and making false statements face penalties up to 10 years in prison, while carjacking carries a 15-year maximum sentence.
These cases are not all-inclusive of all similar cases in the SDTX but are being announced as part of Firearms Related Criminal Offenses Week and Project Guardian. They are an example of the coordination between law enforcement which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies to proactively fight and reduce violent crime and offenses involving firearms across the SDTX. The focus is on robberies, felons/aliens in possession of firearms and straw purchasers to protect local communities from violent offenders and those illegally in possession of guns.
ATF, HSI and/or FBI conducted the aforementioned investigations. Several other federal, state and local agencies also routinely provide substantial cooperation and assistance in these violent crime and firearms initiatives. Those recognized for their efforts leading to these charges include Harris County Sheriff’s Office, police departments in Houston, Humble, Laredo and Brownsville; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations; Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, Cameron County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Nationwide Money Laundering NetworkRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The United States has unsealed a superseding indictment charging six individuals with participating in a conspiracy to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds on behalf of foreign cartels. This superseding indictment is the result of a nearly four-year investigation into the relationship between foreign drug trafficking organizations and Asian money laundering networks in the United States, China, and elsewhere.
“The successful work in uncovering and halting this scheme is due to years of collaboration and cooperation by multiple Department of Justice units and our law enforcement partners who are all committed to combating transnational criminal organizations,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We would not have been able to achieve this result without our investigative partners and agencies around the world helping contribute to this case. My thanks to all of you for your continued commitment to this important work.”
“The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that distribute contraband, launder illicit proceeds, and attempt to corrupt our society,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt for the Criminal Division. “I would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and our federal law enforcement partners for taking down a criminal organization that laundered drug proceeds for the Mexican cartels. Drug traffickers and money launderers operate globally, but this investigation demonstrates that they will be brought to justice wherever they are found.”
According to the superseding indictment, Xizhi Li, Jianxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Eric Yong Woo, Jingyuan Li, Tao Liu, and others participated in a years’ long conspiracy to use casinos, front companies, foreign and domestic bank accounts, and bulk cash smuggling to launder money on behalf of drug trafficking organizations.
“These individuals went to great lengths to conceal their alleged criminal activities and further schemes that enabled drug cartels to push their poisons on our communities and launder their illicit proceeds,” said Wendy Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Special Operations Division. “Despite these efforts, they could not evade detection by U.S. law enforcement. DEA, along with our partners, will continue to arrest and bring to justice transnational criminals like these, who facilitate and profit from the vicious global drug trade.”
The superseding indictment also alleges that Tao Liu planned to bribe a U.S. Department of State official using wire transfers and cryptocurrency to create U.S. passports that he and his associates would use to enter the United States and engage in additional crimes, including money laundering. In fact, this State Department official was an undercover law enforcement agent, and these allegations stem from a seven-month undercover investigation.
“The defendants in this case are alleged to have gone to great lengths to carry out their sophisticated money laundering conspiracy,” said James M. Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Chicago. “HSI will continue to collaborate with our partner agencies to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the country that is facilitated through the laundering of funds out of the U.S.”
“This is a perfect illustration of DSS’ global reach and our ability to partner with U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies on complex international, multi-jurisdictional cases,” said Jeffrey A. Thomas, Deputy Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Investigations Division. “DSS and our counterparts are conducting investigations like these on a daily basis around the world.”
Below is information related to each defendant charged in the superseding indictment:
Name, Age
Charges
Xizhi Li, 45
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Jianxing Chen, 40
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Jiayu Chen, 46
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Eric Yong Woo, 43
Counts 3 (money laundering)
Jingyuan Li, 47
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Tao Liu, 45
Counts 1-14 (drug trafficking, money laundering, attempted identity fraud, and bribery)
Five of the six defendants are in custody (Jianxing Chen is a fugitive).
Xizhi Li, Jiaxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Jingyuan Li, and Tao Liu are all charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine knowing and intending that it will be unlawfully imported into the United States. If convicted, these defendants faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Xizhi Li, Jiaxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Jingyuan Li, Eric Yong Woo, and Tao Liu are also charged with conspiracy to launder money. If convicted of this offense, the defendants will face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, Tao Liu is charged with four counts of attempted identity fraud, four counts of bribery, one count of conspiracy to launder money, and two counts of international promotional money laundering. If convicted of attempted identity fraud and/or bribery, he faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment per count. If convicted of money laundering, he faces up to 20 years’ of imprisonment per count.
The case was investigated as part of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Dark Castle and Operation Taishan Triangle. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wendy C. Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA-Louisville; Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA-New York; Jessica Moore, Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); and James M. Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Peters and Michael P. Ben’Ary, along with Trial Attorneys Kerry Blackburn, Mary Daly, and Stephen A. Sola of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, are prosecuting the case.
Significant assistance was provided by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Federal Police, the Mexican Federal Police, Australia Department of Home Affairs, the Guatemalan National Civil Police (PNC), and the New Zealand Police.
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. 1:19-cr-334.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Nationwide Money Laundering NetworkRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging six individuals with participating in a conspiracy to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds on behalf of foreign cartels. This superseding indictment is the result of a nearly four-year investigation into the relationship between foreign drug trafficking organizations and Asian money laundering networks in the United States, China, and elsewhere.
“The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that distribute contraband, launder illicit proceeds, and attempt to corrupt our society,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt for the Criminal Division. “I would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and our federal law enforcement partners for taking down a criminal organization that laundered drug proceeds for the Mexican cartels. Drug traffickers and money launderers operate globally, but this investigation demonstrates that they will be brought to justice wherever they are found.”
“The successful work in uncovering and halting this scheme is due to years of collaboration and cooperation by multiple Department of Justice units and our law enforcement partners who are all committed to combating transnational criminal organizations,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We would not have been able to achieve this result without our investigative partners and agencies around the world helping contribute to this case. My thanks to all of you for your continued commitment to this important work.”
“These individuals went to great lengths to conceal their alleged criminal activities and further schemes that enabled drug cartels to push their poisons on our communities and launder their illicit proceeds,” said Wendy Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Operations Division. “Despite these efforts, they could not evade detection by U.S. law enforcement. DEA, along with our partners, will continue to arrest and bring to justice transnational criminals like these, who facilitate and profit from the vicious global drug trade.”
“The defendants in this case are alleged to have gone to great lengths to carry out their sophisticated money laundering conspiracy,” said James M. Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago. “HSI will continue to collaborate with our partner agencies to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the country that is facilitated through the laundering of funds out of the U.S.”
“This is a perfect illustration of DSS’ global reach and our ability to partner with U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies on complex international, multi-jurisdictional cases,” said Jeffrey A. Thomas, Deputy Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Investigations Division. “DSS and our counterparts are conducting investigations like these on a daily basis around the world.”
According to the superseding indictment, Xizhi Li, Jianxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Eric Yong Woo, Jingyuan Li, Tao Liu, and others participated in a years’ long conspiracy to use casinos, front companies, foreign and domestic bank accounts, and bulk cash smuggling to launder money on behalf of drug trafficking organizations.
The superseding indictment also alleges that Tao Liu planned to bribe a U.S. Department of State official using wire transfers and cryptocurrency to create U.S. passports that he and his associates would use to enter the United States and engage in additional crimes, including money laundering. In fact, this State Department official was an undercover law enforcement agent, and these allegations stem from a seven-month undercover investigation.
Below is information related to each defendant charged in the superseding indictment:
Name, Age
Charges
Xizhi Li, 45
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Jianxing Chen, 40
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Jiayu Chen, 46
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Eric Yong Woo, 43
Counts 3 (money laundering)
Jingyuan Li, 47
Counts 1-3 (drug trafficking and money laundering)
Tao Liu, 45
Counts 1-14 (drug trafficking, money laundering, attempted identity fraud, and bribery)
Five of the six defendants are in custody, Jianxing Chen is a fugitive.
Xizhi Li, Jiaxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Jingyuan Li, and Tao Liu are all charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine knowing and intending that it will be unlawfully imported into the United States. If convicted, these defendants faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Xizhi Li, Jiaxing Chen, Jiayu Chen, Jingyuan Li, Eric Yong Woo, and Tao Liu are also charged with conspiracy to launder money. If convicted of this offense, the defendants will face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, Tao Liu is charged with four counts of attempted identity fraud, four counts of bribery, one count of conspiracy to launder money, and two counts of international promotional money laundering. If convicted of attempted identity fraud and/or bribery, he faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment per count. If convicted of money laundering, he faces up to 20 years’ of imprisonment per count.
The case was investigated as part of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wendy C. Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Special Operations Division; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA-Louisville; Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA-New York; Jessica Moore, Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division of the U.S. Department of State’s DSS; and James M. Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge of HSI made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Peters and Michael P. Ben’Ary, along with Trial Attorneys Kerry Blackburn, Mary Daly, and Stephen A. Sola of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance. Significant assistance was also provided by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Federal Police, the Mexican Federal Police, Australia Department of Home Affairs, the Guatemalan National Civil Police (PNC), and the New Zealand Police.
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. 1:19-cr-334.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Settles Fair Housing Act Lawsuits Against Affordable Housing Developer for Failure to Construct Apartments with Features Accessible to Persons with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has settled two related federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) lawsuits against ATLANTIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC (“ATLANTIC”). Under the settlement, ATLANTIC has agreed to make retrofits at 71 rental buildings in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester County, which together contain more than 6,000 affordable units as well as several hundred market-rate apartments. ATLANTIC also agreed to provide $600,000 to compensate aggrieved persons and pay a $30,000 civil penalty. Additionally, ATLANTIC agreed to establish procedures to ensure that its future residential development projects will comply with the accessibility requirements of the FHA. The settlement was approved today by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “The Fair Housing Act protects people with disabilities from being treated as second-class citizens when it comes to housing. This right applies equally to residents in affordable housing as to those living in luxury high-rises. Today’s settlement is part of this Office’s long-standing effort to fulfill the FHA’s promise of accessibility for people with disabilities and a reminder to real estate developers that we will continue to enforce the FHA’s accessibility requirements vigorously.”
The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1991 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. The settlement with ATLANTIC is the 17th settlement reached by this Office with developers and architects to remedy inaccessible housing in this District. It was reached after the Court denied in its entirety ATLANTIC’s motion to dismiss.
According to the allegations in the complaints in the two FHA cases, a recurring pattern of inaccessible conditions exists at ATLANTIC’s rental buildings, including excessively high thresholds at building entrances and entrances to common use areas, ramps that lack handrails on both sides, common use bathrooms that lack grab bars and pipe insulation, excessively high thresholds at entrances to individual apartments and within the apartments, and bathrooms in individual apartments that lack sufficient clear floor space for people who use wheelchairs. ATLANTIC admitted in the court-ordered settlement stipulation that features in the common use areas of their buildings, as well as in their buildings’ apartment interiors, did not meet the specifications set forth in the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, Design Guidelines for Accessible/Adaptable Dwellings.
Under the settlement, ATLANTIC agreed to make retrofits to the public and common use areas as well as the individual units at its 71 rental buildings to improve accessibility at those buildings. The settlement also requires ATLANTIC to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at its future development projects, including to retain an FHA compliance consultant to assess the design documents and conduct site visits to identify non-compliant conditions. In addition, ATLANTIC agreed to institute policies and training to ensure that its employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements.
Finally, the settlement requires ATLANTIC to provide $600,000 to compensate aggrieved persons. Aggrieved persons may be entitled to monetary compensation from the fund created through today’s settlement. Aggrieved individuals may include those who:
- Were discouraged from living at one of Atlantic’s rental buildings because of the lack of accessible features;
- Have been hurt in any way by the lack of accessible features at one of Atlantic’s rental buildings;
- Paid to have an apartment at one of Atlantic’s rental buildings made more accessible to persons with disabilities; or
- Otherwise were discriminated against on the basis of disability at one of Atlantic’s rental buildings as a result of inaccessible design and construction.
Any individual who may be entitled to compensation can file a claim by using the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/civilrights.html, or by sending a written claim to:
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
- 86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor
- New York, New York 10007
- Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit
Finally, ATLANTIC agreed to pay a civil penalty of $30,000.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Li Yu, Jacob Lillywhite, Steven Kochevar, and David J. Kennedy are in charge of the case.
United States Secures Return of Artwork 87 Years After Nazis Looted it from Jewish Family in BerlinRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - A painting looted by the Nazis in 1933 from a Jewish family in Berlin, Germany, was returned to the family’s heirs, represented by the Mosse Foundation, on October 15, 2020, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Rudolf Mosse was a prominent publisher and philanthropist in the early twentieth century in Berlin, Germany. He and his family published newspapers including the Berliner Tageblatt, which criticized the Nazi party. When the Nazis came to power in 1933, the Mosse family, who were Jewish, became subject to Aryanization measures, which sought to remove them from the German economy. When the Mosses fled Germany, the Nazis seized their assets, including an extensive art collection.
The Mosse art collection included a painting known as “Winter,” by American artist Gari Melchers (a photograph of the painting is attached). After the Nazis seized “Winter,” it went through a series of intermediaries, ultimately purchased by Bartlett Arkell, co-founder and president of Imperial Packing Company, which became Beech-Nut Packing Company. Bartlett Arkell’s art collection is now housed at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, New York. In September 2019, the FBI recovered “Winter” from the Arkell Museum on the basis that it is stolen property that travelled in interstate commerce. There is no evidence suggesting that Bartlett Arkell knew that “Winter” had been unlawfully taken and the Arkell Museum has relinquished all rights to the painting. “Winter” was returned to the Mosse Foundation, which operates internationally to recover works of art expropriated from the Mosse family by the Nazi regime, and represents the lawful heirs’ interest in “Winter.”
“We can never ease the horrors of Nazi Germany from history, but we can, and should, take every opportunity to deliver any justice we can including the return of property to rightful heirs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon. “The Department of Justice will continue to do just that.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford stated: “While it’s believed there were hundreds of thousands of pieces of art stolen by the Nazis, our office is immensely proud to help right even just one wrong done during this evil period of world history. We may have played a small role in a massive effort, but we will forever recognize the magnitude of this work and we’re truly honored to be able to return this painting to its rightful owners.”
The FBI transferred the painting to the heirs’ representatives at the FBI’s Field Office in Albany, with remarks from the United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Mosse Foundation, and the Arkell Museum. A media outlet interested in a video recording of the event may contact FBI Public Affairs Specialist Sarah Ruane at [email protected].
Countless pieces of artwork stolen by the Nazi regime remain at large. Anyone with information regarding stolen artwork can reach the FBI’s art crime team at: [email protected].
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran.
United States Attorney Announces Update on Initiative to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Today U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank provided an update on the status of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Project Guardian is a complement to the Department’s longstanding Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) anti-violence program, and focuses on investigating, prosecuting and preventing gun crimes.
“Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws through PSN have always been among the highest priorities for the Department, but federal law enforcement represents only about 15 percent of all law enforcement resources nationwide,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Our ability to combat gun violence in Maine depends on our partnerships with state and local stakeholders, and Project Guardian enhances those partnerships.”
The Project Guardian initiative, launched in November 2019, promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing gun violence involving those dealing with domestic violence and mental health issues. One of the initiative’s principles is regular consultation with relevant agencies and organizations to assess the feasibility of adopting disruption and early engagement programs. These programs focus on individuals prohibited from possessing firearms because of mental health issues and domestic abusers who attempt to acquire firearms.
“The strength of PSN Maine continues to be the involvement of dedicated and informed stakeholders who serve on a Task Force with representatives from throughout the State,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “This year we welcomed an additional number of dedicated professionals from a variety of agencies and organizations to serve on our Project Guardian Working Group.” The working group will assist law enforcement in pursuit of a holistic response to potential gun violence involving individuals struggling with mental illness and/or domestic violence in Maine communities.
Representative agency/organizations serving on the Working Group include: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office; Cumberland County Violence Intervention Partnership; FBI; Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services; Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence; Maine Department of Education, Maine School Safety Center; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Maine State Forensic Service; Maine State Police; Muskie School of Public Service; National Alliance on Mental Illness; Northern Light, Acadia Hospital Community & Pediatric Services; Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office; Penobscot & Piscataquis County District Attorney; and United States Secret Service.
As part of the Project Guardian initiative, U.S. Attorney Frank is hosting a virtual meeting of the Working Group today. The meeting will focus on the preparation of a statewide list of mental health and domestic violence-related community resources that Maine law enforcement agencies can reference.
US Attorneys Announce Election Day Program & District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – United States Attorneys Scott C. Blader and Matthew D. Krueger announced today the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) who will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Daniel Graber and Meredith Duchemin have been appointed as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Wisconsin, and AUSAs Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor have been appointed as the DEOs for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In this capacity, they are responsible for overseeing their respective District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Krueger said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
United States Attorney Blader said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorneys Blader and Krueger stated that AUSAs/DEOs Graber, Duchemin, Ladwig and Kovoor will be on duty in their Districts while the polls are open. AUSAs/DEOs Graber and Duchemin can be reached by the public at (608) 264-5158 and AUSAs/DEOs Ladwig and Kovoor can be reached by the public at (414) 297-4103
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Milwaukee FBI field office can be reached by the public at (414) 276-4684.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at (800) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorneys Announce Election Day Program & District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Scott C. Blader and Matthew D. Krueger announced today the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) who will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Daniel Graber and Meredith Duchemin have been appointed as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Wisconsin, and AUSAs Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor have been appointed as the DEOs for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In this capacity, they are responsible for overseeing their respective District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Krueger said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
United States Attorney Blader said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.
For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorneys Blader and Krueger stated that AUSAs/DEOs Graber, Duchemin, Ladwig and Kovoor will be on duty in their Districts while the polls are open. AUSAs/DEOs Graber and Duchemin can be reached by the public at (608) 264-5158 and AUSAs/DEOs Ladwig and Kovoor can be reached by the public at (414) 297-4103
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Milwaukee FBI field office can be reached by the public at (414) 276-4684.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at (800) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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.
# # #
For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
(414) 297-1700
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U.S. Attorney Will Monitor Federal Election Complaints in KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal prosecutor will be on duty on Election Day to respond to complaints of possible election fraud or voting rights violations in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
McAllister said he has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag to serve as the District Election Officer for Kansas. Maag will be responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department officials in Washington.
Maag will be available to the public at 785-295-2858 while the polls are open on Nov. 3.
“I don’t expect any problems during voting,” McAllister said. “However, I want to remind Kansans that there are penalties under federal law for any efforts to influence the outcome of an election through fraud or to improperly prevent another person from exercising the right to vote. The Department of Justice has the authority to monitor polling places or take other measures to protect Kansans’ right to vote in free and fair elections.”
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and may have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” McAllister said. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing Highlights the Justice Department’s Nationwide Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, highlighted the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. Each U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for handling complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Downing said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process. The Department’s nationwide effort is important to give our nation peace of mind and confidence in each district. It is also a great reminder to be thankful as Oklahomans that we have a safe and secure election process in our state."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
To respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office can be reached by the public at 405-290-7770.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Downing said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my office through the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
**END**
U.S. Attorney Schroder Appoints District of Alaska Election OfficerRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Schroder announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Kelly Cavanaugh will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Cavanaugh has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Alaska, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Schroder said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Schroder stated that AUSA/DEO Cavanaugh will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Cavanaugh can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (907) 271-5071.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (907) 276-4441.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Schroder said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces more than 3.3 million in DOJ grants to address violence against children and support youth mentoringRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded more than 3.3 million in grant funding for fund programs that address violence against children and support youth mentoring in the Northern District of Ohio.
The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of more than $300 million made available to bolster school security, support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident, conduct research on school safety, support mentoring services for youth and protect children from abuse, exploitation and threats, such as sex trafficking.
“As the school year gets under full swing, it is important that funding is made available for law enforcement agencies and organizations that play a critical role in ensuring the safety of students on and off campus,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “By removing barriers to education, such as violence, we can help our students achieve their full potential.”
“Only by removing the threat of violence from our schools can we expect our kids to reap the full benefits of their education, and only after making our places of learning safe can we ask our teachers to instruct and inspire as they are trained to do,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Department of Justice is committed to securing our schools from danger and giving our kids the support they need to learn, grow and thrive.”
STOP School Violence Program
- Digitalc, Cleveland, Ohio - $750,000
- Bowling Green State University - $749,993
These organizations received funding under the Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Program. This initiative seeks to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to and help prevent acts of violence. In addition to STOP School Violence Act funding, OJP’s National Institute of Justice is investing in research on school violence.
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
- Northern Ohio Recovery Association, Cleveland, Ohio -- $600,000
This initiative seeks to support the implementation and delivery of mentoring services to youth populations that are at risk for juvenile delinquency, victimization and juvenile justice system involvement.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).
- Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces -- $612,392
The ICAC Task Force Program consists of 61 task forces, each led by a single law enforcement agency. Every state has at least one task force, with the more populated states having multiple task forces. Each lead agency receives an annual award from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and then serves as the primary entity responsible for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of their state or regional task force. These task forces conduct forensic examinations and investigate and prosecute technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation throughout the country.
Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking- Advocating Opportunity, Inc. Toledo, Ohio – $664,932
The Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking program awarded funding to organizations to develop, expand, or strengthen victim service programs for victims of labor trafficking whose victimization occurred when they were under the age of 18.
Additional information about Fiscal Year 2020 grant awards made by the Office of Justice Programs can be found online at the OJP Awards Data webpage.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces more than $2.1 million in DOJ grants to support forensic science and testing, tracking of sexual assault kits in the Northern DistrictRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded more than $2.1 million in grant funding to support crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons.
Grant funding was also made available to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which helps law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs.
“Funding crucial sciences and programs such as the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative will have a significant positive impact on the number of active criminal and cold cases that law enforcement agencies can process and solve,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Not only do these research sciences and kits go a long way to support law enforcement, but they also bring much-needed hope to victims and their families that they will one day see justice.”
“Far too many people endure the physical and emotional trauma of a sexual assault only to have evidence of the crime remain unanalyzed,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General. “These grants will help investigators get these kits to labs, where they can be tested, used to solve crimes and ultimately bring justice to victims.”
Since 2004, the DOJ Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science. The following organizations have received funding under this program:
- Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office – $492,041
- Lake County – $256,361
- City of Mansfield – $250,000
In addition, the OJP BJA has made grant funding available to strengthen an individual jurisdictions’ capacity to act on evidence resulting from rape kits and to support the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence ‒ Inventory, Tracking and Reporting (SAFE-ITR) program. These awards will assist law enforcement and prosecutorial activities related to the testing and use of evidence obtained in a sexual assault investigation. The following organizations have received funding under this program:
- Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office – $1,000,000
- City of Akron – $150,000
More information about the programs and awards announced today is available here: OJP Awards Data webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Appointment of the District Election Officer for the Western District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Scott Smith will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Dunavant stated that AUSA Smith will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 901-544-4231.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 901-747-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Update on Firearms Initiative in Hampton RoadsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Today U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger provided an update on the status of Project Guardian, our strategic effort to reduce violent crime and further enforce federal firearms laws across the Eastern District of Virginia, including here in Hampton Roads.
“We are committed to combating violent crime and firearms offenses in our Tidewater Divisions,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The prosecutors of the Eastern District, in conjunction with ATF and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are doubling down on illegal firearms offenses through Project Guardian.”
During Fiscal Year 2020, from Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020, the Norfolk and Newport News Divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office have charged over 85 defendants with firearms-related offenses, including straw purchases, illegal possession of firearms by previously convicted felons and other prohibited persons, and carrying, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during a crime of violence or in relation to a drug trafficking offense. One such collaborative effort was Operation High Tide, which resulted in 23 convictions and combined sentences of over 187 years for previously convicted felons who illegally possessed firearms and many of whom sold narcotics while in possession of firearms.
Project Guardian is the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
Project Guardian in EDVA localizes the Justice Department’s national effort, and expands upon the current partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Columbia and the Eastern District of Virginia, the ATF, and Metro Police Department, and now also includes the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Maryland and the Western District of Virginia, and the Virginia State Police.
Recent Project Guardian cases in Hampton Roads
United States v. Vernon Evander Green II
On July 6, 2020, Green made his initial appearance in federal court on gun charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a January traffic stop that led to the death of Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne. Green is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana. He is scheduled to plead guilty tomorrow.
United States v. Paul Eric Sherrod Parham
In September 2019, Paul Eric Sherrod Parham, a seven-time prior convicted felon, was walking in the area of 36th Street and Chestnut Avenue in Newport News. Parham had outstanding warrants at the time for abduction, larceny, assault and battery, and withholding a credit card belonging to another individual. An individual who knew Parham, and who was aware of Parham’s outstanding warrants, notified Newport News Police of Parham’s precise location. When officers encountered Parham, confirmed his identity and felony status, and began to take him into custody, Parham notified the officers that he was unlawfully carrying a loaded SCCY, CPX-1, 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Parham pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 4, 2021.
United States v. Tamarrea Deyon Walker
In April 2019, Walker, who is a member of the Suffolk-based criminal street gang “YNGI”, and a fellow gang member, brandished firearms and shot at two rival gang members, who fled to their vehicle and drove away while brandishing rifles. Walker and four other YNGI members got into their own car and gave chase. The two groups shot at each other while driving. The driver of Walker’s car was shot in the chest, which caused him to slam on the gas, speed through an intersection, and crash head-on into another vehicle. Police officers arrived at the accident scene soon after and saw Walker rummaging around the vehicle and an extended 9mm magazine lying on the ground by his feet. This extended magazine was capable of holding more than double the ammunition in a standard handgun clip. The officers also recovered from the wreckage more than 30 grams of heroin and four firearms, including a Masterpiece Arms 9mm handgun. A photo of Walker holding the Masterpiece Arms handgun, loaded with that same extended magazine, was posted on his Instagram account just days earlier. Walker had a prior conviction for felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and a lengthy history of participating in gang activity and brandishing firearms at his enemies. Furthermore, Walker was on state probation for the felony when he committed this offense. On September 10, Walker was sentenced to 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and his sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to his state sentence for violating probation.
United States v. Demetrius McGregor
On September 24, a federal jury convicted McGregor, who is an 11-time convicted felon with a long history of committing violent gun crimes in Hampton Roads, on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On Oct. 6, 2017, McGregor was arrested on a warrant in front of his apartment by members of the Norfolk Police Department Fugitive Unit and a Deputy U.S. Marshal. They recovered a loaded Sig Sauer handgun from his waistband. Investigators obtained a search warrant for McGregor’s apartment, where he was staying with his mother, and found in the bedroom closet 18 bags of cocaine, two assault rifles, one of which was loaded and had been reported stolen, four additional large-capacity magazines, dozens of rounds of .45 and 9mm caliber ammunition, and two digital scales. The investigators also recovered from under the bedroom mattress a Sig Saur .45 caliber magazine designed for the gun taken from his waistband, two additional digital scales sitting out in the open on top of a cabinet, and shoes that McGregor had previously photographed himself wearing and had posted on his Facebook page along with multiple photos of himself standing in front of his residence months before the arrest and search. The .45 caliber ammunition from the closet and in the magazine under the mattress matched the brand of the ammunition in the handgun recovered from McGregor. McGregor faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on Feb. 4, 2021.
United States v. Keith Earl Redman
Redman was a member of a Portsmouth-based cocaine and crack-trafficking conspiracy led by Charles Boomer (who was recently sentenced to sixteen years in federal prison) that was responsible for distributing kilogram amounts of the substances throughout Hampton Roads. Redman was the armed security for Boomer’s drug premises. In September 2018, Redman engaged in a shootout with at least two masked gunmen trying to rob one of Boomer’s drug premises—a residence across the street from a Portsmouth elementary school. Redman shot both gunmen in the legs and thwarted the robbery, while sustaining minor injuries. Police officers arrived at the scene and stopped Boomer, Redman, and another co-conspirator as they were trying to flee in Redman’s girlfriend’s car. During the police encounter, the officers saw that the co-conspirators were sitting on multiple bags of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, thousands of dollars in cash, and the handgun Redman used to shoot at the masked gunmen. The officers recovered even more drugs and drug-manufacturing materials, as well as dozens of spent shell casings, from inside and in front of the residence. On October 1, Redman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for discharging a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.
More information on Project Guardian in EDVA can be found here.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Two Individuals and Two Companies Sentenced in Scheme to Fraudulently Sell Popular Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
A federal court in Texas sentenced two former dietary supplement company executives to prison and ordered two companies to pay a combined $10.7 million in criminal forfeiture for their roles in fraudulently selling popular workout supplements, the Justice Department announced today.
On Oct. 13, 2020, U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay sentenced former USPlabs CEO Jacobo Geissler, 44, of University Park, Texas, to 60 months’ imprisonment. On October 15, Judge Lindsay sentenced former USPLabs president Jonathan Doyle, 41, of Dallas, to 24 months’ imprisonment. In addition, the Court ordered each defendant to pay a criminal fine of $250,000. The Court previously sentenced USPlabs to pay $4.7 million in criminal forfeiture, and sentenced another company, SK Laboratories Inc., to forfeit $6 million in connection with the case. All of the defendants were charged in a 2015 indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Texas.
“Consumers rely on dietary supplement manufacturers to accurately represent the ingredients in their products and ensure that they are safe to consume,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will tirelessly investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that place profits before the safety of consumers.”
“Dietary supplement companies cannot be allowed to deceive their consumers and hide the fact that they are including untested ingredients in their products,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox. “We are committed to holding people who harm consumers accountable for their unconscionable behavior.”
“Consumers of dietary supplements do not expect the products they purchase to put their health at risk. Distributing supplements that jeopardize consumer health by being falsely or misleadingly labeled will not be tolerated. The FDA will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who endanger the public’s health and violate the law,” said Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“The defendants in this case thought they could profit off the boom in dietary supplements, while blatantly concealing the true nature of the products they were peddling,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Caramucci, Dallas Field Office. “IRS-CI is proud to stand with our federal partners in investigating financial crimes that bilk millions of dollars from our honest taxpayers, especially when products such as those distributed by Mr. Geissler and Mr. Doyle caused so much harm.”
The defendants each played roles in developing, manufacturing, or marketing the popular workout and weight loss supplements known as Jack3d and OxyElite Pro, which were distributed by USPlabs. In pleading guilty last year to conspiracy to introduce misbranded food into interstate commerce, Doyle and Geissler admitted that they imported substances with false and misleading labeling to avoid law enforcement and regulatory agency attention. SK Laboratories pleaded guilty to introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce, and USPlabs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce misbranded food into interstate commerce. The misbranding charges relate in part to OxyElite Pro, which was recalled in 2013 in the wake of an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration into whether the supplement caused liver injuries in consumers. The indictment alleged that the defendants sold some of their products without determining whether they would be safe to use.
Three other individuals also pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced in the coming months. Cyril Willson, 39, of Ralston, Nebraska, and Matthew Hebert, 42, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Sitesh Patel, 37, of Irvine, California, the vice president of S.K. Laboratories, a California dietary supplement manufacturer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce misbranded food into interstate commerce and to the introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce.
According to the indictment, sales of USPlabs products related to the conspiracy brought the company hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. The indictment alleged that the defendants participated in a conspiracy to import dietary supplement ingredients from China, including the stimulant known as “DMAA,” using false certificates of analysis and false labeling, and then lied about the source and nature of those ingredients. According to the indictment, the defendants told some of their retailers and wholesalers that USPlabs products contained natural plant extracts, when in fact they contained a synthetic stimulant manufactured in a Chinese chemical factory.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Chad Medaris and former Special Agent Liam Gimon of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and Special Agent Larissa Wilson of the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys David Sullivan, Patrick Runkle, and Raquel Toledo with the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, and Assistant United States Attorneys Errin Martin and John DelaGarza of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx.
Two Defendants Charged Following Armed Robberies of Miami-Dade Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Two South Florida residents have been charged with federal conspiracy, armed robbery, and firearms offenses in connection with a series of convenience store robberies in Miami-Dade, Florida.
The criminal complaint charges Floyd Ellis Wyche, 53, of Lauderhill, Florida and Willie Lee Smith, 48, of Hialeah, Florida, with conspiring to rob several convenience stores at gunpoint. According to the affidavit, on August 29, September 2, September 12, and October 13, robbers used firearms to steal approximately $8,000 in total from four convenience stores. During one of the robberies, a firearm was stolen from a store clerk.
As to the October 13 robbery, in addition to conspiracy, the complaint charges Wyche and Smith with substantive armed robbery and firearms counts. The complaint affidavit alleges the following against Wyche and Smith: On October 13, Wyche and Smith drove to a gas station in Miami, Florida. Wyche was behind the wheel. Once there, Smith exited the vehicle and entered the gas station. He pointed a firearm at the gas station clerk and demanded money. Smith then grabbed money from the cash register, left the store, and returned to the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Wyche refused to pull over, leading law enforcement on a vehicle chase into Broward County. It is alleged that during the pursuit, Smith exited the vehicle. Law enforcement ultimately stopped the vehicle and arrested Wyche. Officers located and arrested Smith. They also located the firearm stolen from a store clerk during one of the robberies.
Wyche and Smith had their initial appearances in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan. Smith’s detention hearing is set for October 15. Wyche’s detention hearing is set for October 19. Both hearings will occur in federal magistrate court in Miami.
U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Director Alfredo Ramirez III of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Chief of Police Jorge R. Colina of the City of Miami Police Department, and Chief of Police Sergio Velazquez of the Hialeah Police Department, made the announcement.
ATF, MDPD, City of Miami PD, and City of Hialeah PD investigated this case, with assistance from Florida Highway Patrol and Miramar Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Smukler is prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case 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 to address when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation that contains allegations. A defendant is innocent unless and until found guilty in a court of law.
You may find a copy of this press release on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-mj-03812.
Twenty-Four Defendants, Including Alleged Aryan Circle Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Firearms, and Drug Chrges in Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - Five indictments in three different states were unsealed today indicting a total of twenty-four defendants, including alleged Aryan Circle (AC) gang members and associates, on charges of racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug conspiracy, and unlawful firearms trafficking.
The indictments were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox of the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. of the Eastern District of Kentucky, and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi. These indictments are part of a larger investigation into the AC, Operation Noble Virtue, that has targeted AC leadership and has resulted in seventeen federal convictions in six jurisdictions to date.
One of the indictments in the Eastern District of Texas charges six alleged AC members and associates with a racketeering conspiracy that includes acts involving murder, five alleged AC members with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, and two alleged AC members with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Among those charged are alleged current and former high-ranking gang leaders including William Glenn Chunn, aka “Big Head,” 38, of Texas; Michael Martin, aka “Aryan Prodigy,” aka “AP,” 37, of Texas; Kevin Kent, aka “Big Kev,” 35, of Indiana; and Malachi David Wren, 51, of Texas. Other alleged AC members charged include Jesse Paul Blankenship, aka “JP,” 39, of Missouri; Timothy Long, aka “Timmy,” 41, of Arkansas; Jeremy Chad Dennis, aka “JD,” 43, of Texas; Becky Westbrook, 49, of Mississippi; Rodney Holt, aka “Turbo,” 48, of Texas; Bobby Dayle Boney, aka “Bear,” 50, of Texas; and Glynnwood Derrick, 46, of Texas. One additional defendant remains at large.
Another indictment in the Eastern District of Texas charges Rodney Holt, aka “Turbo”; as well as his associate who is not known to be an AC member, Eric Hoccheim, 39, of Texas, with five counts including firearms trafficking and conspiracy. Operation Noble Virtue also resulted in a third indictment in the Eastern District of Texas, which charges Jeremy Klintman, aka “Shamrock,” 37, of Texas; Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, aka “Yayo,” 43, of Mexico; Shane Louque, 45, of Louisiana; and Breanna Beckley, 39, of Texas, with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. These defendants are not known to be affiliated with the AC.
The indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi charges William Glenn Chunn, aka “Big Head”; Aaron Matthew Rentfrow, aka “Mongo,” 40, of Indiana; Jeremy Chad Dennis, aka “JD”; and Johnathon Aaron Reynolds, 38, of Tennessee with violent crimes in aid of racketeering relating to the stabbing of an inmate at USP Yazoo. That indictment also charges Daniel Wade Holler, aka “Knucklehead,” 34, of Texas, with accessory after the fact relating to the same attack.
The indictment in the Eastern District of Kentucky charges Mitchell Leon Farkas, aka “Lifter,” 51, of Louisiana; Jonathan Tucker Gober, aka “Tucker,” 36, of Texas; James Matthew Poole, aka “Redwood,” 35, of Texas; and Andrew Dwayne Tinlin, aka “Tin,” 39, of Iowa, with violent crimes in aid of racketeering relating to the stabbing of an inmate at USP Big Sandy.
According to court documents, the AC is a violent, race‑based organization that operates inside federal prisons across the country and outside prisons in states including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The AC was established in the mid‑1980s within the Texas state prison system (TDCJ) after a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) resulted in rejected and ex-ABT members creating the AC. The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison‑based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike. In recent years, the AC’s structure and influence expanded outside of prisons to rural and suburban areas in numerous states.
Court records further indicate that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Members, and oftentimes associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question. The criminal acts charged in the indictments described above include shootings, stabbings, beatings, and “patch-burnings,” which are violent attacks that result in removal of a victim’s gang tattoo.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Montgomery County (TX) Precinct One Constable’s Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey Department of Corrections-Special Investigations Division; Indiana State Police; Fort Smith (AR) Police Department; Arkansas Department of Corrections; Arnold (MO) Police Department; Jefferson County (MO) Sheriff’s Department; St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; St. Louis County (MO) Police Department; Indiana Department of Corrections; Carrollton (TX) Police Department; Waller (TX) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish (LA) Sheriff’s Office; Smith County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; McCurtain County (OK) Sheriff’s Office; Montgomery County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Liberty County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Harris County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Mercer County (NJ) District Attorney’s Office; Evangeline Parish (LA) District Attorney’s Office; and the Sebastian County (AR) District Attorney’s Office.
The cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Bethany Lipman, Rebecca Dunnan, Lakeita Rox-Love, and Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Rapp of the Eastern District of Texas, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah Johnson of the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Figgs Ganter of the Southern District of Mississippi, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Three local men charged for unlawfully possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Three Dayton men were charged today with gun-related crimes.
Davonte Hall, 27, and Demarque Demons, 27, were each charged by a federal grand jury in separate indictments. Hall was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Demons was charged with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense and possessing heroin with intent to distribute.
Edward Clark, 33, was also charged by criminal information with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
They are among more than 20 area men charged federally with gun crimes in Dayton in the past 90 days.
“We’ve recently seen historic levels of gun violence in our cities,” said David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “The year has also brought unique challenges to police and prosecutors who combat this violence. It is vital that we work together and with the community to target the extremely small population of violent offenders who create such a huge and horrific impact on our communities.”
Hall allegedly caused a high-speed chase with local law enforcement after striking a Montgomery County deputy cruiser on Sept. 16, 2020. Prior to being disabled by marked police cruisers, Hall drove on a rim of a tire for several miles into oncoming traffic in an attempt to elude law enforcement. Hall’s vehicle was eventually boxed in by law enforcement, and Hall was found to be in custody of pistol with an extended magazine. Hall was previously convicted in Montgomery County of assaulting a police officer.
A criminal complaint details that Demons allegedly fled from law enforcement at a high rate of speed after an attempted traffic stop. When subsequently arrested, officers recovered a firearm, as well as heroinand a digital scale.
According to court documents in Clark’s case, investigators with the Regional Agencies Narcotics and Gun Enforcement (RANGE) Task Force found a handgun between a mattress and box spring in Clark’s bedroom while executing a search warrant. The handgun, which had been previously reported stolen, had an extended magazine and was loaded with 22 rounds. Clark has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and kidnapping.
Others charged federally in Dayton in the past 90 days for gun crimes include:
Defendant
Age
From
Date Charged
Offense(s)
Lemanuel Booker
32
Dayton
7/14/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Possession of fentanyl and heroin with intent to distribute
Dustin VanWey
32
Dayton
7/28/2020
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Jack Clarence Elson II
42
Dayton
7/28/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Kalani Grier
21
Dayton
7/28/2020
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Anthony McGlothan
40
Dayton
8/11/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Diondray Beal
35
Springfield
8/11/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Use and Carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Joshua Payne
36
Dayton
8/25/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute
Joshua Ryan Fuller
31
Dayton
8/26/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Antwaun Smith
43
Dayton
9/8/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Possession of valeryl fentanyl with intent to distribute
Robert Gilmore
40
Dayton
9/8/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; Receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment; Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Samuel Hayes
61
Dayton
9/8/2020
Armed bank robbery; Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Brent Shropshire Jr.
36
Dayton
9/10/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Charles Scott Cooper
53
Moraine
9/21/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Stephon Jones
23
Dayton
9/22/2020
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Brandon Harrison
31
Dayton
9/22/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
George Lail
26
Dayton
10/1/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Ronald Howe, Jr.
42
Dayton
10/1/2020
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Tevin D. Brown
25
Dayton
10/2/2020
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a user of, or person addicted to, a controlled substance
Indictments, criminal complaints and bills of information merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Texas Man Sentenced on Cyberstalking, Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Virginia – Adrian Raul O’Dell, an Odessa, Texas man, who had an online relationship with a juvenile female in the Western District of Virginia and later cyberstalked and made online threats to the girl’s family following her suicide, was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar and David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today.
O’Dell, 20, was charged in October of 2019 and arrested the following month at his home in Texas. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of cyberstalking and one count of making interstate threats.
“In today’s increasingly virtual world, where we live, work and learn online, this sentence demonstrates that if anyone uses these platforms to cyberstalk, harass and threaten others, we will hold them accountable,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar said today. “The FBI and Warren County Sheriff’s Office did an outstanding job in finding Mr. O’Dell and bringing him to justice in Virginia for his abhorrent actions. My office sends its deepest condolences to the family in this case, who lost a loved one, and hope they find some solace knowing justice was served.”
“The FBI is fully committed to investigating all forms of child exploitation, cyberstalking and online threats. We will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the family through these difficult times. “
According to court documents, between September 2017 and around March 2018, O’Dell had an online relationship with a 16-year-old girl who lived in Linden, Virginia. In May 2018, following an investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that the girl died by suicide in a wooded area near her home.
From June 2018 through June 2019, O’Dell, using a variety of false email and online personas, took credit for her suicide. The defendant then sent threatening and intimidating messages to her family members and friends that placed them in reasonable fear of death and serious bodily harm. In addition, these messages attempted to cause friends and family members substantial emotional distress. The defendant sent certain of these messages in violation of a protective order.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Warren County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kate Rumsey is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Ten Defendants Charged for Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Ten individuals have been charged in the District of Nevada for their alleged roles in unemployment insurance fraud schemes, including charges for conspiracy, mail fraud, identity theft, and unlawful possession and use of fraudulently obtained unemployment debit cards.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada; Special Agent-in-Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region; Executive Special Agent-in-Charge John D. Masters of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Office of Investigations, Western Area Field Office; Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service, Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI, Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
“On behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we’re grateful for our law enforcement partners’ hard work and coordination in bringing to justice those who have taken unemployment funds —intended to help Nevadans who lost their jobs due to the pandemic — for their own illegal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “We will continue devoting the resources and skills to investigating and stopping fraudsters from stealing taxpayer dollars meant for out-of-work Nevadans.”
“These charges demonstrate the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to combating fraud against the Unemployment Insurance program, which has become increasingly prevalent amid the pandemic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement and state workforce agency partners to pursue individuals who seek to undermine the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Los Angeles Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“Today’s indictment of Ms. Jasmine Black sends a clear message that Mail Fraud, Identity Theft, and Obstruction of U.S. Mail, committed by a Postal Service employee, carries very serious consequences. The public we serve can rest assured that the Postal Service OIG, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our partner law enforcement agencies remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees,” said John Masters, Executive Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Office of Investigations, Western Area Field Office.
“The US Secret Service will continue to work with law enforcement and private partners to prioritize the investigative work required to combat a new wave of COVID-19 related fraud,” said Brian Spellacy, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Las Vegas Field Office.
"Unfortunately the victims of these crimes are the unemployed citizens who are relying on these benefits to take care of their families; feeding them and keeping a roof over their heads. The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to stop those who gain financially at the expense of taxpayers," said Aaron C. Rouse, Special Agent-in-Charge, FBI, Las Vegas Field Office.
According to the six federal criminal complaints announced today:
- Jasmine-Royshell Kanisha Black (32, of Las Vegas, Nevada) is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of obstruction of mail. As alleged in the complaint, Black was employed as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier and assisted Vincent Okoye — previously charged in a federal indictment — with his scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) and the Arizona Department of Employment Services (DES). Black used her position as a mail carrier to help Okoye find straw addresses to which fraudulently obtained debit cards could be sent. She then intercepted and delivered those cards to Okoye in person. Debit cards recovered from a search of Okoye’s residence, car, and person had been approved for at least $460,000 in benefits by DETR and DES.
- Delashaun Dean (31, of Austin, Texas) is charged with one count of possession of counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of identity theft. As alleged in the complaint, on October 3 and 5, 2020, Dean possessed at least 15 California Employment Development Department (EDD) debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits issued in other people’s names. The debit cards in Dean’s possession had been approved for at least $220,000 in benefits by EDD.
- Kenneth Greenland (39, of Northridge, California) Brittany Griesel (37, of Santa Cruz, California), and Paul Naeger (37, of Spring, Texas) are each charged with one count of conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition, Greenland and Griesel are charged with one count of illegal transactions with access devices. As alleged in the complaint, during a traffic stop in Las Vegas on August 8, 2020, law enforcement officers recovered eight EDD debit cards in other peoples’ names and $45,000 in cash in a car driven by Greenland in which Griesel was a passenger. According to bank records, Greenland and Griesel used those EDD debit cards at ATMs in Las Vegas and California, while Naeger used one of the debit cards found in the car to make calls while he was incarcerated in Texas. The debit cards recovered during the traffic stop had been approved for at least $250,000 in benefits by EDD.
- Joseph Holmes (21, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and Emelio Rochester (24, of Tallahassee, Florida) are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. As alleged in the complaint, during a traffic stop in Las Vegas on September 28, 2020, Holmes and Rochester possessed at least 17 EDD debit cards issued in the names of other people. During a search of a car Rochester was driving in which Holmes was a passenger, officers recovered almost $90,000 in cash. The debit cards recovered during the traffic stop had been approved for at least $385,000 in benefits by EDD.
- Antwine D. Hunter (33, of Las Vegas, Nevada) is charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. As alleged in the complaint, on September 28, 2020, while executing a search warrant at Hunter’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered at least eight DETR debit cards and at least 15 identification cards in other people’s names. The debit cards recovered during the search had been approved for at least $215,000 in benefits by DETR.
- Keheir Jordan Parker (24, of Victorville, California) and Robert Barber (24, of Lawrenceville, Georgia) are each charged with one count of conspiracy to effectuate illegal transaction with an access device and one count of aggravated identity theft. As alleged in the complaint, during a traffic stop in Las Vegas on September 11, 2020, law enforcement officers recovered 12 EDD debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, along with ATM receipts showing use of the debit cards in Las Vegas and California to make withdrawals totaling $6,400. Officers also located more than $10,000 in cash on Parker, on Barber, and in the car. The debit cards recovered during the traffic stop had been approved for at least $150,000 in benefits by EDD.
A total of five of these defendants are in custody, three of which are currently in state custody at Clark County Detention Center on state charges. Two other defendants have made arrangements through their attorneys to self-surrender tomorrow morning. Black, Greenland, and Griesel are expected to make their initial court appearances in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas on October 16, 2020, all before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. Naeger made his initial court appearance today in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas. Dean, Rochester, and Hunter are currently in custody at Clark County Detention Center and will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas at a date to be determined later.
The minimum statutory penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison. The maximum statutory penalty for mail fraud is 20 years in prison; for possession of counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, 10 years in prison; for illegal transactions with an access device, 15 years in prison; and for obstruction of mail, five years in prison. The maximum fine for each of these charges is $250,000. The minimum and maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are the products of investigations by the DOL-OIG, USPS-OIG, and U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 should please report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For information about COVID-19 fraud, visit the Department of Justice’s website at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and the National Unemployment Fraud Consumer Protection Guide at /media/1093226/dl?inline for prevention tips.
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Tax Preparer Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Conspiring to File False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A former employee of Tax Pro’s and Tax Solutions & Associates, tax preparation businesses located in Essex and Union counties, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Angelo Thompson, 39, of Reistertown, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to Count 1 of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least 2009 to April 2015, Joseph Kenny Batts was co-owner, along with Damien Askew, of Tax Pro’s, a tax return preparation and payroll business in Essex County, where Thompson, Tony V. Russell, Rudolph Sanders, Batts, and Askew prepared tax returns. In order to boost their business, Thompson and these others conspired to falsify their clients’ federal income tax returns for the purpose of generating refunds from the IRS in amounts that their clients were not entitled to receive. The fraudulent practices that Thompson, Russell, Sanders, Batts, and Askew used to inflate tax refunds included fabricating and inflating credits for education and child care; deductions, such as charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses; and Schedule C business losses.
Thompson and other members of the conspiracy also permitted Batts to use their Paid Taxpayer Identification Numbers (PTIN) – the identification number that paid tax preparers are required to place on tax returns that they have prepared – when preparing tax returns to conceal Batts’ identity as the actual tax return preparer, due to, among other things, Batts’ prior federal tax fraud conviction.
After law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tax Pro’s in or about April 2015, Batts discontinued Tax Pro’s and opened Tax Solutions and Associates in Union, where Thompson, Russell, and Batts continued preparing false federal income tax returns.
By fraudulently inflating the amounts of the tax refunds, Thompson and his co-conspirators caused a total tax loss to the IRS in excess of $1.6 million.
Askew, Sanders, and Russell, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme. Batts was convicted at trial in September 2019 of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and five counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false federal income tax returns. Russell has been sentenced to four years in prison; Askew, Sanders and Batts are awaiting sentencing.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Thompson to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $103,320.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cari Fais and Jihee Suh of the Special Prosecutions Division.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Discharging a .45 Handgun into a BusinessRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – The United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Arnold Malone, 44, of St. Thomas, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 22, 2019, Virgin Islands Police Department officers responded to a call that an individual had discharged a firearm on St. Thomas.
When the officers arrived, they were unable to locate the man. Moments later, Central Dispatch advised the officers that the man had returned and discharged his firearm inside of a business establishment after he was denied entry by the manager. The officers traveled to the business establishment, and the manager advised them that the man was in the alley.
Officers made contact with the man, who was later identified as the defendant, Arnold Malone, and asked to speak with him in reference to the shooting. Officers asked the defendant if he had a license to possess a firearm in the United States Virgin Islands. The defendant responded that he did not. Officers conducted a pat down of the defendant and discovered a Lallamar Minimax X45 .45 caliber, with an extended magazine containing nine (9) rounds.
Prior to August 22, 2019, the defendant had been convicted of attempted first degree murder and carrying/use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He was not authorized to carry a firearm under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan A. Albino.
Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Elana Suttenberg Delivers Testimony before the D.C. Council regarding Policing Reform and Proposed Amendment of Rioting StatuteRead the Press Release
Chairman Allen and Members of the Council:
My name is Elana Suttenberg, and I am the Special Counsel for Legislative Affairs at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. I thank you for the opportunity to appear today to share the Office’s views regarding the proposed legislation.
As members of this community, we remain deeply disturbed by the death of George Floyd, and the circumstances surrounding his death. We support the fair and equitable treatment of individuals, regardless of race. In this time, we recommit ourselves to our duty as prosecutors—that is, to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the District of Columbia, and to serve justice for all. We support many of the goals of these bills, which include ensuring accountability for police misconduct, and we commend the Council for its role in furthering this goal.
Bill 23-0882, the “Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2020”
As to Bill 23-0882, the “Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2020,” we have several concerns regarding proposals in this bill relating to body-worn camera (BWC) footage. First, the bill proposes prohibiting MPD members from reviewing their BWC recording or BWC recordings that have been shared with them to assist in initial report writing. It bears emphasizing that, before this same change was implemented by the Council’s emergency legislation, MPD members were generally permitted to review their BWC recording or BWC recordings that had been shared with them to assist in initial report writing, but were precluded from reviewing their own BWC recording before writing an initial report where a police shooting was involved. As detailed in our June 8, 2020 letter to the Council regarding the emergency legislation, we support expanding that exception (that is, the preclusion of review) to encompass cases involving officer conduct that results in serious bodily injury or death, even where there is no firearm involved.
Our concerns, therefore, only apply to cases that do not involve a police shooting, or officer-involved death or serious bodily injury. These include homicides, sexual abuse, domestic violence, robberies, burglaries, assaults, and other violent crimes committed by civilians against other civilians.
Our primary objective is to ensure the accuracy of the initial police report. Particularly in less serious cases, where a detective may not be assigned, the initial police report is a crucial way to inform prosecutors, the defense, and judges about the facts of the case. Officer accuracy in report writing is paramount, and we are concerned about any change in law that could infringe on accuracy. Frequently, the language in the initial police report is the same language used in a Gerstein affidavit filed in court or in an arrest or search warrant, upon which judges rely when making decisions that affect a person’s liberty and privacy.[1]
Further, BWC footage may contain exculpatory material that is favorable to a defendant. This could include exculpatory statements made by civilian witnesses, exculpatory evidence captured on video, exculpatory suspects that could exonerate the accused, and misidentification of an arrestee. The law should encourage police to discover and capture exculpatory material at the earliest opportunity, and should not prohibit police from reviewing BWC footage where exculpatory material may exist.
Moreover, if officers are not permitted—outside of the context of officer conduct that results in serious bodily injury or death—to review BWC footage before writing a report, officers may be incentivized to write very brief initial reports that do not contain meaningful details, to the detriment of prosecutors seeking to make just charging decisions, defense counsel arguing probable cause and release conditions, and judges making probable cause and hold determinations.
Finally, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) clarified in a letter to this Committee that it continues to recommend that officers be allowed to view BWC recordings before writing an initial police report. We agree with PERF on this issue, and appreciate PERF resolving any ambiguity as to their current position.
Second, the bill proposes requiring the Mayor, within 5 business days after an officer- involved death or the serious use of force, to publicly release the names and BWC recordings of all officers who committed the officer-involved death or serious use of force, with certain exceptions. The Mayor would retain discretion to release other BWC recordings in matters of significant public interest.
We are concerned that this modification would, in fact, make it more difficult to investigate a serious officer-involved death or serious use of force. Such a result, of course, would be contrary to our shared goal of ensuring officer accountability for misconduct. Once the BWC footage is public, both the officer involved and any civilians involved would be able to watch it. The early publication of BWC could, in certain situations, create a narrative that makes it difficult to conduct an investigation, as it may lead witnesses to a conclusion that affects their testimony, or otherwise influence witness testimony. In our June 8, 2020 letter to the Council, we expressed concern about the initial proposal that BWC footage must be released 72 hours following an incident. This proposal has now been modified to mandate release after 5 business days, rather than 72 hours. Although 5 business days could allow for more investigation than 72 hours, it would still be very difficult for our office to conduct a full investigation within 5 business days, as a full investigation could include all relevant parties, including involved civilians, testifying before the grand jury.
Because there are situations where it could be appropriate for the Mayor, in consultation with the relevant agencies, to release BWC footage, the Mayor should have discretion to release BWC footage at an appropriate time, balancing the needs of the community to see the footage with the needs of prosecutors to accurately investigate what happened, and the security and privacy rights of civilian witnesses who may be depicted in the footage.
Bill 23-0723, the “Rioting Modernization Amendment Act of 2020”
As to Bill 23-0723, the “Rioting Modernization Amendment Act of 2020,” we agree in principle with what we understand the Judiciary Committee Chairman’s goal to be in proposing an amendment to the rioting statute: to clarify the current statute so that it is clear to all and to ensure that it provides for public safety by appropriately capturing rioting versus otherwise protected conduct. We have several concerns, however, with this amended offense as drafted.
Under current law, a “riot” is “a public disturbance involving an assemblage of 5 or more persons which by tumultuous and violent conduct or the threat thereof creates grave danger or injury to property or persons.” D.C. Code § 22-1322(a). A person can be liable for the offense of rioting either for “willfully engag[ing] in a riot” or for “willfully incit[ing] or urg[ing] other persons to engage in a riot.” D.C. Code §§ 22-1322(b) and (c).
Further, under current law, a riot is a group activity, and the presence of a “riot” must first be established. The subsequent question of whether a particular person is “engaging” in a riot is an individualized determination. Courts have upheld a wide range of behavior as “engaging” in a riot. In Matthews v. United States, 419 F.2d 1177 (D.C. Cir. 1969), the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held that a defendant who took liquor from a liquor store during a riot was deemed to have engaged in the riot. In Carr v. District of Columbia, 587 F.3d 401, 406 (D.C. Cir. 2009), the D.C. Circuit stated that “if members of the crowd were cheering acts of violence committed by other marchers, they would be engaging in criminal conduct” under the rioting statute.
The proposed bill would modify the rioting statute to create liability for rioting where 10 or more people are each committing or attempting to commit a specified criminal offense in the area perceptible to one another. By changing the law in this manner, it would be more difficult to establish both that a riot exists and that an individual is engaging in a riot—even under circumstances where most members of our community would agree that the conduct at issue constituted rioting.
This is the case because the bill would change the offense of rioting by making rioting liability contingent upon each individual’s criminal or attempted criminal conduct, rather than contingent upon each individual’s willful participation in the group activity. In other words, to prove rioting under this bill, we would first have to prove that the defendant engaged in the underlying criminal conduct (for example, an assault, destruction of property, etc.), and then also prove that nine (9) other individuals engaged in underlying criminal conduct in the area perceptible to one another. Because this rioting bill provides the same maximum penalty as the penalty for much of the underlying criminal conduct on which the amended offense would rely, and creates additional elements to prove, there would be little incentive for prosecutors to charge a defendant with the offense of rioting. Rather, where appropriate, prosecutors likely would charge the defendant only with the underlying criminal conduct, such as assault or destruction of property.
Further, this proposal would remove liability for inciting or urging others to engage in a riot. This means that a person who organizes and coordinates a violent riot, but does not physically participate in it, would have no liability under this provision. Although other theories of accomplice liability could potentially apply, we believe that specific provisions for inciting a riot are warranted. Dispensing with specifically enumerated criminal liability for inciting others to riot will create gaps in the ability of law enforcement to address situations where a person or persons are actively encouraging others toward criminal behavior, and may reduce law enforcement’s ability to thwart such rioting behavior before it even begins.
Moreover, this proposal limits rioting to a misdemeanor offense, and eliminates a felony gradation of rioting. Under current law, felony liability attaches where, “in the course and as a result of a riot[,] a person suffers serious bodily harm or there is property damage in excess of $5,000.” D.C. Code § 22-1322(d). We recommend that the rioting statute maintain felony liability based on the level of bodily harm or the amount of property damage incurred.
Finally, the bill appears to use some language from the draft recommendations of the Criminal Code Reform Commission (CCRC). Without the context of the CCRC’s full recommendations, however, this language creates gaps in liability. For example, the bill references “a criminal offense that causes or would cause . . . [b]odily injury.” Under the CCRC’s recommendations, the corollary offense to simple assault would require “bodily injury.” Under current law, by contrast, simple assault does not require bodily injury as an element of the offense, see D.C. Code § 22-404(a)(1), although felony versions of assault do require various levels of bodily injury, see D.C. Code § 22-404(a)(2) (assault with significant bodily injury); D.C. Code § 22-404.10 (aggravated assault, which requires serious bodily injury). Because simple assault under current law does not require “bodily injury” as an element of the offense, simple assault would not constitute “a criminal offense that causes or would cause . . . bodily injury” under this bill. Thus, under this bill as drafted, a defendant who commits simple assault would not be liable for rioting—a result that we do not believe would be intended by the drafters.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia looks forward to continuing to work with the Council, the community, and other stakeholders to ensure that our laws are just and equitable.
[1] A Gerstein affidavit, which is sworn to by a law enforcement officer, is a document filed in court setting forth the facts of a cases that provides a basis for the judicial finding of probable cause. A judicial finding of probable cause is required for pretrial detention.
Southern District Assistant U.S. Attorneys chosen to conduct national training session on human traffickingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of Georgia were chosen to provide training on human trafficking to a nationwide audience of leaders and law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Tania D. Groover served as subject matter experts on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s (FLETC) virtual Human Trafficking Awareness Training (HTAT), said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. Wednesday’s training session, part of a program that members of Congress have sponsored across the country, was sponsored by U.S. Sen. David Purdue and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, along with Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.
“AUSAs Greg Gilluly and Tania Groover have prosecuted some of the largest international and domestic human trafficking cases in the United States, and bring unparalleled expertise to this vital training program,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our office is honored that they were chosen to share their expertise, and we hope their presentation delivers a higher level of awareness to legislative leaders and law enforcement professionals as they participate in the fight against modern slavery.”
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in serving on a panel of experts to answer questions from class participants, including nearly 200 state and local law enforcement officers from Georgia and neighboring states. The session, facilitated by FLETC instructors in Brunswick, Ga., also identified local resources in the fight against human trafficking.
As they have in previous years, Gilluly and Groover are scheduled to provide similar training to law enforcement officers during the Sixth Annual Savannah Traffick Jam, planned for virtual delivery in January 2021.
About the AUSAs:
- AUSA Tania Groover is the point of contact for all human trafficking cases in the Southern District of Georgia, and coordinator for the Federal Human Trafficking Task Force in the Southern District. She has more than 18 years of experience as a state and federal prosecutor working victim cases involving sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child exploitation, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, and homicide. Groover also works with law enforcement, victim-witness services providers, government agencies, and non-government agencies to help identify victims and provide victim services in human trafficking cases.
- AUSA Greg Gilluly serves as the Deputy Criminal Chief and formerly served as the Organized Crime Drug Task Force Coordinator, and in two decades as a prosecutor primarily handles complex organized crime cases including dismantling violent criminal enterprises involved in international drug trafficking, international human trafficking and international money laundering. Gilluly has received multiple OCDETF national awards, a U.S. Department of Justice Director’s Award, and national awards from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and various Offices of Inspector General. Gilluly has given presentations on human trafficking and organized crime throughout the United States.
If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous. Interpreters are available. The information you provide will be reviewed by the National Hotline and forwarded to specialized law enforcement and/or service providers where appropriate.
Southern Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime and Explosives Charges for Plotting to Blow up SynagogueRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn, in conjunction with the Justice Department announced that Richard Holzer, age 28, pleaded guilty today to federal hate crime and explosives charges for plotting to blow up the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado.
Holzer pleaded guilty to intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 247, and to attempting to maliciously damage and destroy, by means of fire and explosives, a building used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 844(i).
In the plea agreement, Holzer admitted that he planned to destroy Temple Emanuel, a synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Holzer, who self-identifies as a Neo-Nazi and a white supremacist, used social media accounts to promote white supremacy ideology and acts of violence and visited Temple Emanuel to observe Jewish congregants. After one such visit, Holzer told undercover FBI agents that he wanted to do something that would tell Jewish people in the community that they are not welcome in Pueblo, and they should leave or they will die. Holzer sent an undercover FBI agent pictures of himself holding automatic weapons and said he was “getting ready for RAHOWA,” shorthand for a racial holy war.
During a meeting with undercover agents to discuss his plans, Holzer repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and suggested using explosive devices to destroy the Synagogue. Holzer told the undercover agents that he wanted to “get that place off the map.” Holzer further admitted that he coordinated with the undercover agents to obtain explosives, including pipe bombs.
On the evening of November 1, 2019, Holzer met with undercover agents, who provided Holzer with inert explosive devices that had been fabricated by the FBI, including two pipe bombs and 14 sticks of dynamite. Before taking custody of the explosives, Holzer removed a copy of “Mein Kampf” from his bag and told the undercover agents that “this is a move for our race.” Holzer admitted that he planned to detonate the explosives several hours later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, November 2, 2019. The actions Holzer admitted in the plea agreement meet the federal definition of domestic terrorism, as they involved criminal acts dangerous to human life that were intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.
“This is the most important work that we can do – protecting our communities by stopping an attack before it occurred,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “The people of Pueblo and the State of Colorado are safer as a result of today’s guilty plea and the outstanding work of prosecutors, the FBI, and our other law enforcement partners.”
“The defendant attempted to bomb the Temple Emanuel Synagogue to drive people of Jewish faith out of his community,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Violence motivated by religious intolerance strikes at the heart of a free society, and the Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute these violent acts of hate.”
“Today Richard Holzer pled guilty for plotting to harm members of a religious organization in Pueblo, Colorado,” said FBI Denver Special Agent Charge Michael Schneider. "We remain committed to working with our partners to protect Colorado's citizens from those who plan to commit acts of violence, including that which constitutes a hate crime or domestic terrorism, and hold those individuals accountable. We would like to thank the Southern Colorado Joint Terrorism Task Force, Pueblo Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their dedication and perseverance in this investigation.”
Sentencing is set for January 20, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Raymond P. Moore. Holzer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the hate crime charge and 20 years for the explosives charge, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Julia Martinez and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER. The case number is 19-cr-488.
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.
South Bend, Indiana Man Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Lamont Jamerson, age 34, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Jamerson was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in August 2019, Jamerson was in an ongoing dispute with another individual about money. Jamerson called and texted that person multiple times, then went to the individual’s home and pointed a gun at the window where they were standing. The individual called 911 and police officers located Jamerson shortly thereafter outside the home with a loaded 9mm handgun that had an extended magazine. Jamerson has multiple prior convictions, including three for burglary as well as carrying a handgun without a license, residential entry, and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Shamo Sentenced to Life in Prison After Conviction for Organizing, Directing Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Aaron Michael Shamo, the CEO of a nationwide dark net drug trafficking organization that distributed more than a half million counterfeit pills throughout the country, will serve life in federal prison after engaging in, and being convicted of, the most serious offense in the Controlled Substance Act. U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball imposed the sentence Thursday morning in Salt Lake City.
A federal jury found Shamo guilty of organizing and directing a drug trafficking organization that imported fentanyl and alprazolam from China and used the drugs to manufacture fake oxycodone pills made with fentanyl and counterfeit Xanax tablets following a trial in August 2019. Forty-seven witnesses testified at trial and hundreds of exhibits were received into evidence.
The jury convicted Shamo, 30, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, three counts of aiding and abetting the importation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, manufacture of a controlled substance, and two counts of knowing and intentional adulteration of drugs while held for sale. The jury also found Shamo guilty of aiding and abetting the use of the U.S. Mail in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering promotion and concealment, and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Shamo was found guilty on 12 of the 13 counts in the indictment. The jury did not make a decision on the aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death count.
The nation’s opioid crisis was in full effect by the end of 2016, when Shamo was distributing his fentanyl-laced oxycodone around the country. Shamo distributed the controlled substances to other individuals for distribution in all 50 states using their storefront, PHARMA-MASTER, on the Dark Net marketplace AlphaBay and the U.S. mail. Federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors say an undercover purchase of 100 oxycodone pills is a substantial step in a drug investigation. Shamo sold more than half a million fentanyl-laced pills on the dark net. He also sold hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills locally. Prosecutors told the jury that Shamo became the person he set out to be – the Pharma Master.
Evidence at trial showed Shamo did the things leader and organizers do. He was in control of the majority of the functions of the enterprise. He established the dark web store front, hired employees, took charge of marketing and product placement. He was a drug dealer to other drug dealers. He had the contacts in China and ordered the fentanyl. Most significantly, investigators were led to Shamo as they followed the proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. He had sole access to incoming bitcoin payments from customers. Shamo referred to the organization as his baby and his empire, prosecutors argued at trial.
Shamo developed the fentanyl product through a dangerous “trial and error” process as he distributed it to individuals across the country, evidence showed. Experts say 1 milligram of fentanyl in a pill can have dangerous consequences up to and including death. Shamo received messages from customers that they were getting sick. His response, prosecutors said, was to send more pills to the complaining customers. There was no shortage of fake pain pills. Co-defendants in the case, who were responsible for packaging and shipping, used a vacuum to clean up pills from the floor because they believed it was not worth their time to pick them up because of the volume of pills they were manufacturing.
“Aaron Shamo knew the nation was on fire with opioids and he poured fuel on the flames, over and over and over, never getting burned himself, but causing pain and misery wherever his fire spread. Aaron Shamo could be considered the face of the opioid epidemic. He was a profiteer, callously making millions of dollars and living a life of leisure while exploiting those suffering through opioid addiction,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Vernon Stejskal said in closing argument during the trial.
In their sentencing memorandum, federal prosecutors told the Court that the true scope of the defendant’s victims cannot be calculated. Since Shamo sold the fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills in bulk to redistributors, the end users of the pills could not always be located by investigators. Evidence shows that more than 90 individuals died from subsequent overdoses.
“The defendant’s history and characteristics support the imposition of a life sentence. The defendant dedicated himself to building his drug trafficking empire and becoming rich. The defendant also new about the acute dangers of fentanyl but continued to produce fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills at an ever-increasing rate prior to his arrest,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “Dark net drug traffickers falsely operate under the assumption that they are anonymous and untouchable. Dark net drug traffickers see the immense profit potential for the highest-volume sellers of opioids online – sellers like Shamo. A life sentence would deter current and future dark net drug traffickers,” they wrote.
“Shamo’s drug trafficking organization is a graphic example of the dangers in drug trafficking and the harm it causes individuals, families, and communities. At least 90 of Shamo’s retail customers have died. Because Shamo’s organization supplied pills to other drug distributors on a wholesale basis, it is impossible to know for sure how many have perished in this illicit drug network. Most of Shamo’s profit hinged on fentanyl-laced fake pain pills, and fentanyl is an extraordinarily poisonous substance,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said. “Congress mandated the life sentence imposed today, which implies that a bi-partisan majority of our nation’s policymakers agreed on this significant sentence for circumstances like those found in Shamo’s conduct,” Huber said.
"In 2016, Shamo sold 1 million fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills to unsuspecting buyers in every state in the union. While the total harm he caused can never be measured, at least 90 of his known customers have died from overdoses. The Court’s sentence today—life imprisonment—brings justice to the families of his deceased customers and everyone else affected by his crimes. The Attorney General’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased, recognizing that not even a just sentence can restore what was lost. We remain fully engaged in our effort to combat the opioid epidemic by aggressively investigating and prosecuting drug dealers who prey on the addicted," Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes said.
“The tragedy of the opioid crisis continues to this day, fueled in large part by those who use every method available, including the Dark Web, to sell their illicit goods to those with substance abuse addictions," said Catherine Hermsen, Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations- FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. “The FDA will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to protect the public health and disrupt and dismantle illegal prescription drug manufacturing and distribution.”
“Aaron Shamo profited off of the pain and suffering of others in the hopes of becoming rich and famous. Shamo deserves to be held accountable for his actions. This investigation highlights the on-going struggle that our country faces with opioid addiction and the cooperative efforts needed to successfully dismantle criminal organizations targeting our neighborhoods,” Michael J. Tinkler, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Utah District Office, said.
“Today’s sentence is the result of a collaborative investigation between federal, state and local partners and exemplifies our commitment to dismantle major narcotics and money laundering operations in Utah,” said Eric Balliet, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Denver. “As this case shows, you can’t hide on the dark net. HSI will continue to use its considerable technological expertise to investigate criminals like Shamo who push dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods and contribute to the epidemic of opioid addiction in our country.”
“Mr. Shamo put at risk countless individuals addicted to opioids, through the sale of dangerous counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills. His drug empire affected the entire nation and today Mr. Shamo and the United States people received their justice,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Tara Sullivan. “We will continue to work together with our law-enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises like Mr. Shamo’s, who intend to financially profit from the exploitation and suffering of our communities and Americans as a whole.”
“The conviction and sentencing of Aaron Shamo is an excellent example of multiple law enforcement agencies combining their expertise and resources to work on the common goal of taking down dark web vendors. These vendors work under the belief they are anonymous, selling dangerous narcotics such as the deadly fentanyl uncovered in this investigation. U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to continuing our work to dismantle drug trafficking operations to keep USPS customers and employees safe from greedy drug traffickers who favor profit over human lives,” stated Inspector in Charge Melisa Llosa of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Phoenix Division.”
A restitution hearing in the case will be held in November.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vernon Stejskal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gadd and Kent A. Burggraaf prosecuted the case. Gadd and Burggraaf are Assistant Attorneys General in the Utah Attorney General’s Office. Special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and Postal Inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Seventeen Tobacco Farmers Settle Civil Claims in Widespread Crop Insurance Fraud InvestigationRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.—Seventeen tobacco farmers throughout eastern Kentucky have agreed to resolve civil allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, a federal law that prohibits submitting false or fraudulent claims for payment to the government. As part of their civil settlement agreements, all of the defendants admitted that they submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims to a federally-backed crop insurance program.
The United States Department of Agriculture administers its crop insurance program through approved private insurance companies, who sell federally-backed multi-peril crop insurance (“MPCI”) policies to farmers. MPCI policies provide insurance coverage for harvests that are at risk from inclement weather or other naturally occurring events. Under the crop insurance program, eligible farmers are paid benefits based, in part, on factual representations as to the amount of crop harvested and sold and the cause of loss.
As part of their civil settlement agreements, all 17 defendants admitted that they submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims for MPCI indemnity payments to federally-funded approved crop insurance providers. Several defendants submitted claims for damaged tobacco crop in order to receive indemnity payments, but in fact sold the same tobacco for cash under fictitious names at Clay’s Tobacco Warehouse. Other defendants claimed ownership of the crops on their insurance applications, despite having partial or no ownership, in order to hide the identity of the crop owner and receive a cut of the indemnity payment. With assistance from crop insurance agents and adjusters, the defendants also inflated crop loss amounts and submitted falsified documentation about the quality of the tobacco crop to the insurance company. The 17 defendants acknowledged that they made these false statements and false claims in order to secure indemnity payments to which they were not otherwise entitled.
Collectively, these defendants received nearly $900,000 in indemnity payments as a result of their false claims. The defendants all have agreed to pay the United States as part of their settlement agreements. Several of the defendants also have agreed to sell farmland, vehicles, and other property and remit the net sale proceeds to the federal government.
The government’s work in this investigation illustrates its commitment to combatting crop insurance fraud through civil enforcement under the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud can be reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General at http://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jason Williams, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and Juan Garrett, Director, Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division, jointly announced the civil settlements.
These investigations are conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and Kentucky Department of Insurance. The United States is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Stubblebine and Christine Corndorf.
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Seattle man charged with stealing police rifle, setting patrol car on fire during May 30 riot in downtown SeattleRead the Press Release
Seattle - A felon from Georgia, with a domestic violence conviction and no contact order in Washington State, was arrested yesterday charged with arson and weapons crimes for his conduct during civil unrest on May 30, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. TYRE WAYNE MEANS JR will make his initial appearance in federal court at 2:00 today on a criminal complaint charging him with four federal felonies: arson, possession of a stolen firearm, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.
“This is just the latest in a series of cases where our office has brought federal criminal charges related to civil disorder, and should be a wake-up call for those who think they can commit crimes hidden by a crowd,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “Federal law enforcement and local police are piecing together publicly available video and photographic evidence to identify and ultimately prosecute those who thought they could escape accountability for their actions. In this case it means a felon, who is legally barred from possessing firearms, now faces tough federal sanctions.”
According to the criminal complaint, just after 4:00 p.m. on May 30, 2020, MEANS JR was captured on video lighting a paper towel and placing it in the back of a Seattle Police patrol car parked outside of Nordstrom on 6th Avenue in downtown. Other persons in the crowd fed the fire with lighter fluid and other accelerants and the vehicle was destroyed by fire. After he lit one patrol car on fire, MEANS JR is observed on video reaching through the destroyed rear window of a different patrol car and removing a rifle bag. MEANS JR opens the bag, and looks inside. MEANS JR is seen fighting with an unidentified man who tries to retrieve the rifle bag before MEANS JR runs from the scene. A subsequent surveillance video on Pine Street, around the corner from where the rifle was stolen, shows MEANS JR in a fight with another man. While MEANS JR and the man are throwing punches, an unidentified man picks up the rifle bag and ultimately walks away. Later that day the rifle was anonymously returned to the Seattle Police West Precinct.
MEANS JR was identified as the suspect in the video by his distinctive clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and association with a female who also had distinctive tattoos and a significant social media presence. MEANS JR was arrested in Bremerton, Washington, where he was meeting with his Washington State Department of Corrections probation officer.
MEANS JR is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two felony convictions in the state of Georgia: serious injury by vehicle and obstructing law enforcement by use of threats or violence. In Washington, MEANS JR has a felony conviction for domestic violence that includes a no-contact order–that order also prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Arson is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. All three firearms charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the FBI and the Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
means_complaint.pdfSaint Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Using Online Marketplaces to Rob Victims of iPhonesRead the Press Release
Clyde Jefferson, 28, of St. Louis, appeared before United States District Judge E. Richard Webber and pled guilty to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Webber set the case for sentencing on January 14, 2021.
Jefferson admitted that he used online marketplaces including Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Letgo to arrange for victims to sell him their iPhones at locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. When meeting the victims, Jefferson would offer them counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones. Jefferson brandished a firearm during several of the transactions, which occurred on August 3, September 21, and October 8, 2018, and on January 8 and 29, 2019.
The United States alleges that Jefferson shot one of his victims, a fact which Jefferson disputes and the Court will resolve at the sentencing hearing.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Rocky Mount Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount woman pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Adrienne Jeanine Williams, 48, owned and operated Ultimate Tax Service, a return preparation business, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. For tax years 2011 through 2016, six other return preparers worked for Williams. Clients’ returns included an array of false items to include education credits, itemized deductions, wages, and Schedule C businesses, but the primary false item was making it appear the clients had already paid taxes when they had not. This created a dollar-for-dollar enlarged refund. In all, the false returns prepared and filed by Williams and her employees on behalf of clients claimed approximately $4.4 million federal income tax withholdings for which the IRS never received a corresponding Form 1099 corroborating the claimed withholding. The loss to the United States exceeded $3.5 million.
Williams also filed false returns in her own name for tax years 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017, similarly claiming she paid additional 1099 withholding when she had not.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Menzer and Tax Division Trial Attorney Michael Jones are prosecuting the case. Chief Judge Boyle will sentence Williams during the January 2021 term of court.
The maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
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-00079-BO.
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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.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 23 Months for Fraudulently Acquiring Firearms from a Licensed DealerRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: A Rhode Island man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Portland for providing false information in connection with the acquisition of firearms from a licensed dealer, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Salvador Rodrigues, 23, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to 23 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Rodrigues pleaded guilty on November 21, 2019.
According to court records, on five separate occasions between April 2018 and August 2018, Rodrigues purchased firearms from Kittery Trading Post. During each of the five purchases, Rodrigues presented an invalid Maine driver’s license and/or falsely claimed in writing that he had not been convicted of a felony offense. In fact, he had been convicted in Rhode Island of felony possession of a pistol without a license and a felony drug offense in May 2018.
The Pawtucket Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud by Using Synthetic IdentitiesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud.
According to court documents and information presented in open court, Jacques Maurico Anderson, 32, conspired with others to defraud financial institutions of approximately $393,875. Anderson and a close friend purchased synthetic identities from an individual they met on Craig’s List. Anderson used this nine-digit-number, commonly referred to as a CPN, on credit applications instead of the social security number issued to him by the Social Security Administration because his credit was poor. Anderson and his friend enhanced the credit worthiness of their new credit profiles by adding the CPN coupled with their names as authorized users to credit cards issued to individuals with high credit scores. As a result, lenders and credit card issuers were scammed in believing Anderson and his friend had good credit and the ability to pay off indebtedness.
Between February 17, 2017 and March 8, 2017, Anderson and his friend went on a month long shopping spree with their new synthetic identities. They also substantially inflated their income and provided false residential addresses. In total, they purchased or attempted to purchase five automobiles, eight All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), one covered wagon trailer and obtained seven credit cards. Anderson and his friend attempted to sell some of the ATVs that they fraudulently obtained to others.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Menzer is prosecuting the case.
U.S District Judge James C. Dever, III will sentence Anderson during the January 2021 term of court. The maximum penalties are thirty years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. Restitution is mandatory.
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. 5:20-cr-00266-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.