Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 15 October 2020
Dyer County Career Drug Offender Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – William Frank Perry, 49, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine and marijuana. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 11, 2018, when officers with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Dyersburg Police Department and the United States Marshals Service attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Perry at his residence, he was not home. Officers observed the defendant's sister in the driveway getting into a vehicle and instructed her to contact Perry. When he arrived to the residence, he was immediately placed into custody. While searching the vehicle, officers observed a black bag in the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. The defendant's sister denied ownership of the bag or knowledge of its contents.
Perry admitted to possessing the bag and provided a statement as to its contents. A search revealed 6.58 grams of crack cocaine, 5.57 grams of methamphetamine, 1.3 lbs. of marijuana and over $3,000 in U.S. currency on Perry’s person.
Perry has an extensive criminal history with prior convictions for multiple drug felonies, including possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of marijuana with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; attempt to distribute controlled substances; and possession with the intent to distribute and attempt to possess marijuana. As a result of these prior drug felony convictions, Perry is considered to be a career drug offender under federal law for purposes of sentencing.
On October 1, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Perry to 151 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This defendant has a long criminal history of felony drug convictions, yet continued his persistent pattern of drug trafficking. Mr. Perry has devoted his adult life to a career of repeated criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence removing him from the community for more than 12 years is well-deserved, and will make Dyersburg and West Tennessee a safer place."
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dyersburg Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
Dubuque Man Who Sold Opioids that Caused Fatal Overdose Sentenced to 20 Years’ Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold a fatal opioid cocktail was sentenced October 14, 2020, to 20 years in federal prison.
Carl Ravon Watkins, age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 17, 2020 guilty plea to one count of distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.
In a plea agreement, Watkins admitted that in August 2019, a woman called and texted him looking for heroin. Watkins met with the woman and her boyfriend in on Wilson Avenue in Dubuque. Watkins got into the woman’s car and sold her what was supposedly heroin. The woman took the mixture home, used it later that night, and lost consciousness. Her boyfriend found her hours later, unconscious and not breathing. Emergency responders arrived, but were unable to revive the woman and she was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined that the woman’s death was caused by mixed drug toxicity, specifically from fentanyl and an analogue of fentanyl called acetyl fentanyl. During a search of the woman’s bedroom, officers found a chunky white substance that tested positive for fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl.
Watkins also admitted that the day after the woman’s death, the Dubuque Drug Task Force set up a controlled meeting with Watkins to attempt to purchase $80 of purported heroin from him. When Watkins arrived at the location on Wilson Avenue in Dubuque, officers arrested him. During his arrest, Wilson dropped a baggie containing about a quarter gram of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl.
Watkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Watkins was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $7,233 in restitution to the victim’s family for funeral expenses. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Watkins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-01043-CJW-MAR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Possessing A Firearm and DrugsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Juan Daniel Martinez (38, Arcadia) to 15 years and 1 month in federal prison for possessing approximately six ounces of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and for possessing a loaded pistol and additional ammunition. Martinez, a previously convicted felon for armed kidnapping, had pleaded guilty on June 30, 2020.
According to information presented during the sentencing hearing, in July 2019, Martinez was arrested after a law enforcement officer pulled him over for a traffic infraction and discovered that Martinez was driving without a valid driver license, an offense Martinez has been convicted of seven times. A subsequent search of Martinez’s car revealed a loaded gun stashed under the driver’s seat and approximately six ounces of 98% pure methamphetamine in a bag, along with other items used for drug distribution.
During an interview with law enforcement, Martinez admitted that, prior to his arrest, he had sold approximately a pound of methamphetamine daily or every other day. Martinez acknowledged that while engaging in criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, he carried the pistol to protect himself, his drugs, and his money. Martinez confessed that he had been working to expand his drug trafficking territory and before he was arrested, he was on his way to Nokomis to sell drugs.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Driver from New Mexico Sentenced for 40 Pounds of Meth Hidden in Fuel TankRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A New Mexico man was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for concealing 40 pounds of methamphetamine in his fuel tank, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Miguel Angel Ramirez, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In his plea, Ramirez admitted he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol on Highway 54 in Liberal, Kan. Troopers found 40 pounds of methamphetamine in the fuel tank of the Dodge Challenger he was driving. Ramirez had driven from New Mexico with orders to deliver the drugs to Wichita. He kept other conspirators advised of his progress by telephone.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Department of Justice Is Combatting COVID-19 Fraud but Reminds the Public to Remain VigilantRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice is reminding members of the public to be vigilant against fraudsters who are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit American consumers and organizations and to cheat disaster relief programs. In particular, the department is warning the public about scams perpetrated through websites, social media, emails, robocalls, and other means that peddle fake COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments, and protective equipment, and also about criminals that fabricate businesses and steal identities in order to defraud federal relief programs and state unemployment programs.
“A pandemic is a time when people should come together to pursue the common good, but sadly there are some who instead use it as an opportunity to deceive and thieve,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “From the outset, the Justice Department has acted quickly to detect, investigate, and prosecute wrongdoing relating to this crisis. Pursuing these criminals and deterring would-be bad actors will remain a priority for the foreseeable future.”
At the direction of Attorney General William Barr on March 16, 2020, the Department of Justice mobilized to safeguard Americans from coronavirus-related fraud and other illegal activity. On March 18, Deputy Attorney General Rosen instructed the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) to take coronavirus-related complaints from the public and facilitate information sharing among law enforcement partners and regulators, like the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Drug Administration. The Deputy Attorney General also tasked U.S. Attorneys to appoint Coronavirus Fraud Coordinators in each judicial district, and many U.S. Attorneys also established state-wide and regional task forces to improve federal, state, and local law enforcement coordination. On March 24, following the President’s invocation of his authorities under the Defense Production Act, the Attorney General formed the DOJ Hoarding & Price Gouging Task Force, which is a nationwide effort to deter, detect, and prosecute hoarding and profiteering in the sale of health and medical resources essential to combatting the spread of COVID-19. Memoranda from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General prescribing these measures may be found at www.justice.gov/coronavirus/DOJresponse.
To date, the NCDF has received more than 76,000 tips concerning COVID-19-related wrongdoing. Similarly, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has also received more than 20,000 tips regarding suspicious websites and media postings. These tips, as well as reports made directly to the offices of U.S. Attorneys, FBI field offices, and other law enforcement agencies, have led to federal law enforcement opening hundreds of investigations.
The department charged its first COVID-19-related fraud case on March 25, and since then, the department has filed criminal charges in 33 cases across the country involving scam vaccines, treatments, or testing or price gouging in the sale of scarce medical supplies. Additionally, the department has initiated civil actions in 11 cases to enjoin fraudulent coronavirus schemes targeting consumers, including cases against defendants marketing ozone gas, silver-ion solution, and bleach-based solution as treatments.
The department has also focused on prosecuting bad actors who have exploited federal relief programs enacted on March 27 under the CARES Act that are intended to assist hard-hit Americans and businesses. In particular, the department has charged 65 defendants in 50 separate cases to date that relate to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The total intended loss to the PPP in those cases is more than $227 million. The defendants in these cases include those brazen enough to submit PPP loan applications for fabricated businesses named after “Game of Thrones” characters and to spend PPP loan proceeds on exotic cars, boats, and expensive jewelry.
The department has coordinated closely with the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) and various other federal law enforcement agencies to stand up the U.S. Department of Justice National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force.
(See /media/1093226/dl?inline.) This task force is charged with investigating numerous fraud schemes targeting the unemployment insurance programs of state workforce agencies, which have been distributing additional Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds provided for under the CARES Act. To date, the department has charged fraud or money laundering in 12 cases relating to unemployment insurance, and has also been supporting DOL-OIG’s efforts to mitigate the threats that transnational criminal organizations and other identity thieves continue to pose to the important benefits programs on which unemployed Americans rely. The department’s leadership has been crucial in organizing and focusing the whole of federal law enforcement on this important issue, including by leveraging the capabilities and resources of the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center and by hiring additional prosecutors to investigate and charge these schemes.
Moving forward, the department also is concerned about, and will aim to deter and prevent, attempts by wrongdoers to prey upon potential victims by leveraging news about anticipated approval of a COVID-19 vaccine or about the potential enactment of new disaster relief bills that extend or expand upon CARES Act relief.
The department encourages the public to continue to report wrongdoing relating to the pandemic to the NCDF and to remain vigilant against bad actors looking to exploit this national emergency. To report a scam relating to COVID-19, or if you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies necessary to respond to the spread of COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the NCDF Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form, available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Department of Justice and United States Attorney's Office to Oversee November 2020 ElectionsRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry H. Piper 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 elections. AUSA Piper has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Tennessee and, in that capacity, is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every United States citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. Aggressive and prompt action will be taken by the Department of Justice to protect the integrity of the election process. While the COVID-19 pandemic may alter the way we vote this November, we nonetheless must ensure that voter integrity is maintained, and the votes counted as cast by the citizens. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to make their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Overbey stated that AUSA/DEO Piper will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. AUSA Piper can be reached at (423) 385-1332.
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 (865) 544-0751.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-(855) 856-1247 or (202) 514 -3847, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
###
DOJ Establishes Local Contacts for November 2020 ElectionRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) JoAnna McFadden has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of North Carolina, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Fair and trustworthy elections are the cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and to have that vote counted,” said United States Attorney Martin. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process, but we need public involvement to ensure that elections are both free and fair. If you have specific information about election fraud, discrimination, or interference with voting, please call the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the FBI immediately.”
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO McFadden will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at (336) 333-5351. 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 office can be reached by the public at (704) 672-6800 and callers should ask to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator.
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 during the early voting period and on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law also protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted in voting by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws also 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, citizens should call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
###
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – This week, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Fighting violent crime and keeping our citizens safe continues to be a paramount priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida,” said United States Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Together with our dedicated and courageous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we hope to continue to remain laser-focused on holding violent criminals accountable, reducing gun violence, and protecting our communities.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, more than 200 cases have been brought by the Middle District of Florida, announced U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges result from the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Gun violence is a top priority for the Department and here in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Our office values the hard work of our partners, and we are proud of our work in protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms. Our office will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who use firearms to commit violent crimes within our communities,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if one falls into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses, and using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law-abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For examples of convictions of firearms related crimes within the Eastern District of Tennessee, please see the following press releases: Small and Johnson and Charles Edward Mason.
###
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendant with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY--The Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“In this District, we increased in the number of defendants charged with federal gun crimes during FY 2020 by over 50%,” stated James P. Kennedy, Jr., United States Attorney for the Western District of New York. “It has been more than a decade since that many defendants have been charged with federal gun crimes here in Western New York.”
Kennedy went on to explain, “the historic number of gun prosecutions being brought here this year is attributable to the historic number of shootings we have seen. The sad reality is that many residents in our District live in poor, violence–riddled neighborhoods in which the fear of gun violence is omnipresent. The leading cause of death for young black males in this country is homicide, and most often, those homicides involve illegal guns. Those of us working in law enforcement recognize that each of those lives lost—and the lives of all those living in these violent neighborhoods—matter. For that reason, we remain undeterred in our mission to hold accountable all those in our community who fail to meet societal expectations for behavior—as expressed in our Nation’s laws. But as we undertake that task with vigor, please remember, we are not focusing our policing efforts on the gun crimes because we are out to get anyone—rather, we are doing it because we are out to protect everyone.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
# # # #
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fy20Read the Press Release
BILLINGS – The Department of Justice announced this week it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, including 170 cases in Montana, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
"Keeping Montanans safe from violent crime is even more important since COVID-19 arrived. Domestic violence offenders with access to firearms are much more likely to commit homicide. Keeping guns out of the hands of offenders is critical to reducing violent crimes," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 170 cases have been brought in Montana, U.S. Attorney Alme said.
Recent Montana cases include:
- Charles Bailey, of West Yellowstone, was sentenced to 48 months in prison in May for possession of an unregistered device. During an investigation into a violation of a protective order, law enforcement found three unregistered improvised bombs in his vehicle.
- Carlyle Ray Wells, of Great Falls, pleaded guilty in October to theft of a firearm from a federal firearms dealer. Wells was accused of breaking into a Great Falls business and stealing 27 firearms. Wells faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
- Maxie Arthur, of Anaconda, was sentenced to 48 months in prison in March for possession of an unregistered device. Law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call and found firearms and a homemade bomb.
- Robert House, of East Helena, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance. Police officers responded to a call a man acting erratically and located House. House had a semi-automatic pistol in his backpack and a small amount of methamphetamine. House was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
Crockett County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Christopher Ethan Webb, 24, of Crockett County, TN has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 3, 2019, Webb was released from a five-year state sentence on two counts of aggravated assault where the defendant shot an individual during an altercation. On January 24, 2020, the West Tennessee Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force was executing a search warrant at Webb’s residence in rural Alamo, Tennessee, when they recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden in an air duct. The defendant admitted that he had been in possession of that firearm.
On October 7, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Webb to 57 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Less than 2 months after being released from state custody for a violent gun offense, Webb was again found with a gun. Clearly, he did not learn a lesson from his prior state convictions, and continues to be a danger to the community. Now, he will be rightly punished for his recidivism and incapacitated in federal prison, where there is no sentence discount or sanctuary of parole."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Tennessee Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
Conway Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gabriel Santos-Canales, 37, of Conway, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute the substances.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on October 31, 2019, the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) located Santos-Canales at a hotel in Conway. Upon leaving the hotel, Santos-Canales was arrested on outstanding warrants. DEU agents secured a search warrant for a room in the hotel, which was registered to Santos-Canales. A search of the room revealed 24.55 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 24.97 grams of methamphetamine, and several thousand dollars in cash.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Santos-Canales to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fifteenth Circuit DEU.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
#####
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime and Explosives Charges for Plotting to Blow up SynagogueRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that Richard Holzer, 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, U.S. Code, Section 247, and with attempting to maliciously damage and destroy, by means of fire and explosives, a building used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 844(i).
“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.”
“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 for the District of Colorado. “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 and the FBI.”
“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.”
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 Nov. 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, Nov. 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.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 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 U.S. 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.
Colombian National Sentenced for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine distribution.
Diego Sanchez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 27 months in prison. Sanchez pleaded guilty on May 15, 2020 to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Sanchez engaged in two sales of cocaine to a cooperating witness for the government on Sept. 10 and 27, 2019 in East Boston. Sanchez and his co-defendant, Ricardo Lopera-Arteaga, also conspired together to sell one kilogram of cocaine to the same cooperating witness. On Oct. 9, 2019, law enforcement agents observed both men walking towards the location for a planned drug transaction and arrested them near the pre-arranged meeting spot in East Boston. Lopera-Arteaga had one kilogram of cocaine in a bag he was carrying when arrested. Lopera-Arteaga pleaded guilty to similar charges on Aug. 12, 2020.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. 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. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Carlsbad man sentenced to five years on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kristopher Wade Parker, 36, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was sentenced on Oct. 14 in federal court to five-and-a-half years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Parker pleaded guilty on Oct. 25, 2019. In the plea agreement, Parker admitted that on May 13, 2019, he possessed approximately 279 pills, or 30.911 grams, of fentanyl with the intent to distribute the drug to others in exchange for money. Parker also admitted that he possessed a .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Upon release from prison, Parker will serve three years of supervised release.
Agents from the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force investigated this case in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley H. Bartlett prosecuted this case.
CEO of Multibillion-dollar Software Company Indicted for Decades-long Tax Evasion and Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in San Francisco, California, returned a 39 count indictment charging Robert T. Brockman, the Chief Executive Officer of an Ohio-based software company, with tax evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and other offenses, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Tax Division, U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson for the Northern District of California, and Chief of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Jim Lee. The charges stem from an alleged decades-long scheme to conceal approximately $2 billion in income from the IRS as well as a scheme to defraud investors in the software company’s debt securities.
“Today’s indictment reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to finding and prosecuting the costliest and most sophisticated tax crimes in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Tax Division Richard E. Zuckerman.
“Complexity will not hide crime from law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Sophistication is not a defense to federal criminal charges. We will not hesitate to prosecute the smartest guys in the room.”
“As alleged, Mr. Brockman is responsible for carrying out an approximately two billion dollar tax evasion scheme,” said Jim Lee, Chief of IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation aggressively pursues tax cheats domestically and abroad. No scheme is too complex or sophisticated for our investigators. Those hiding income or assets offshore are encouraged to come forward and voluntarily disclose their holdings.”
According to the indictment, Brockman, a resident of Houston, Texas, and Pitkin County, Colorado, used a web of offshore entities based in Bermuda and Nevis to hide from the IRS income earned on his investments in private equity funds which were managed by a San Francisco-based investment firm. As part of the alleged scheme, Brockman directed untaxed capital gains income to secret bank accounts in Bermuda and Switzerland. The indictment further alleges that to execute the fraud, between 1999 and 2019, Brockman took measures such as backdating records and using encrypted communications and code words to communicate with a co-conspirator, among other alleged actions.
In addition to the tax offenses, the indictment alleges that, between 2008 and 2010, Brockman engaged in a fraudulent scheme to obtain approximately $67.8 million in the software company’s debt securities. As CEO, Brockman was contractually restricted from purchasing any of the software company’s debt securities without prior notice, full disclosure, and amending the associated credit agreements. The indictment alleges that Brockman used a third-party to circumvent those requirements, to acquire the debt securities, and to conceal from the sellers valuable economic information. The indictment further alleges that Brockman used material, non-public information about the software company to make decisions about purchasing the debt. In addition, Brockman allegedly persuaded another individual to alter, destroy, and mutilate documents and computer evidence with the intent to impair the use of such evidence in a grand jury investigation.
Brockman is charged with conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; seven counts of tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201; six counts of failing to file foreign bank account reports, in violation of 31 U.S.C. §§ 5314 & 5322(b); 20 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; two counts of concealment money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)), and tax evasion money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(ii)); and one count each of international concealment money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(B)(i)); evidence tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(2)(B), and destruction of evidence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1).
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Brockman potentially faces a substantial period of incarceration, as well as restitution and criminal forfeiture. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Brockman is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins today.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Corey Smith of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman, and Trial Attorneys Lee Langston and Christopher Magnani of the Tax Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also provided extensive assistance in this matter.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
CEO of Multi-Billion-Dollar Software Company Indicted for Decades-Long Tax Evasion and Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in San Francisco, California, returned a thirty-nine count indictment charging Robert T. Brockman, the Chief Executive Officer of an Ohio-based software company, with tax evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and other offenses, announced U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson for the Northern District of California, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Tax Division, and Chief of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Jim Lee. The charges stem from an alleged decades-long scheme to conceal approximately $2 billion in income from the IRS as well as a scheme to defraud investors in the software company’s debt securities.
“Complexity will not hide crime from law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Sophistication is not a defense to federal criminal charges. We will not hesitate to prosecute the smartest guys in the room.”
“Today’s indictment reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to finding and prosecuting the costliest and most sophisticated tax crimes in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Tax Division Richard E. Zuckerman.
“As alleged, Mr. Brockman is responsible for carrying out an approximately two billion dollar tax evasion scheme,” said Jim Lee, Chief of IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation aggressively pursues tax cheats domestically and abroad. No scheme is too complex or sophisticated for our investigators. Those hiding income or assets offshore are encouraged to come forward and voluntarily disclose their holdings.”
According to the indictment, Brockman, a resident of Houston, Texas, and Pitkin County, Colorado, used a web of offshore entities based in Bermuda and Nevis to hide from the IRS income earned on his investments in private equity funds which were managed by a San Francisco-based investment firm. As part of the alleged scheme, Brockman directed untaxed capital gains income to secret bank accounts in Bermuda and Switzerland. The indictment further alleges that to execute the fraud, between 1999 and 2019, Brockman took measures such as backdating records and using encrypted communications and code words to communicate with a co-conspirator, among other alleged actions.
In addition to the tax offenses, the indictment alleges that, between 2008 and 2010, Brockman engaged in a fraudulent scheme to obtain approximately $67.8 million in the software company’s debt securities. As CEO, Brockman was contractually restricted from purchasing any of the software company’s debt securities without prior notice, full disclosure, and amending the associated credit agreements. The indictment alleges that Brockman used a third-party to circumvent those requirements, to acquire the debt securities, and to conceal from the sellers valuable economic information. The indictment further alleges that Brockman used material, non-public information about the software company to make decisions about purchasing the debt. In addition, Brockman allegedly persuaded another individual to alter, destroy, and mutilate documents and computer evidence with the intent to impair the use of such evidence in a grand jury investigation.
Brockman is charged with conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; seven counts of tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201; six counts of failing to file foreign bank account reports, in violation of 31 U.S.C. §§ 5314 & 5322(b); 20 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; two counts of concealment money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)), and tax evasion money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(ii)); and one count each of international concealment money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(B)(i)); evidence tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(2)(B), and destruction of evidence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1).An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Brockman potentially faces a substantial period of incarceration, as well as restitution and criminal forfeiture. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Brockman is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins this morning.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman, Senior Litigation Counsel Corey Smith of the Tax Division, and Trial Attorneys Lee Langston and Christopher Magnani of the Tax Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also provided extensive assistance in this matter.
Bristol, Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, a Silencer, and Other FirearmsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Virginia – A Bristol, Virginia man pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to three federal gun charges related to offenses occurring in both the Western District of Virginia and the Western District of North Carolina. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia, United States Attorney Andrew R. Murray of the Western District of North Carolina, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division made the announcement today.
Michel Andrew Houser, 48, pleaded guilty to two counts of an indictment filed in the Western District of Virginia charging him with possession of an unregistered machinegun and possession of an unregistered silencer. In addition, Houser pleaded guilty to a one-count Information filed in the Western District of North Carolina charging him with illegal possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.
“When felons possess firearms, it produces violence in our neighborhoods. As today’s plea agreement demonstrates, we will continue to prioritize these cases,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar said today. “I am grateful to our partners at the ATF and United States Attorney Murray in the Western District of North Carolina for continuing to keep out communities safe.”
“Guns do not belong in the hands of felons,” said Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “Removing illegal firearms from our streets and prosecuting repeat gun offenders is a critical step toward tackling gun violence and building stronger and safer communities.”
“Aside from the fact that this defendant is a convicted felon and unable to lawfully possess a firearm, the nature of the weapons recovered – to include a machinegun – is of serious concern not only to law enforcement, but to all residents of Washington County,” said ATF Washington Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict. “His plea today on all charges is a testament to the excellent investigative work by both ATF and our law enforcement partners in Western Virginia and North Carolina. Their efforts resulted in overwhelming evidence against this defendant and led to his admission of guilt.”
According to court documents, on December 4, 2019 Houser was arrested at his home in Bristol, Virginia on state charges. Following his arrest, Houser called a friend and asked him to retrieve certain firearms and ammunition from Houser’s home. At Houser’s request, the friend retrieved several firearms, and silencer, and ammunition.
During an investigation, ATF examined a receiver from one of the firearms and determined that it met the definition of a machine gun. Houser had not registered either the machinegun or the silencer, as required by federal statute.
On or about January 23, 2020, Houser was convicted of two felonies in Washington County, Virginia. After his July 2020 federal indictment relating to the machinegun and silencer, law enforcement located Houser in Avery County, North Carolina. At the time of his arrest, Houser was found to be in possession of three firearms and ammunition, after having been convicted of the two prior felonies.
At sentencing, Houser faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 23, 2020.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Avery County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Whit D. Pierce, of the Western District of Virginia, and David Thorneloe, of the Western District of North Carolina, are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Big Spring Restaurateur Sentenced to 15 Months for Illegally Employing Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
A Big Spring restaurateur who illegally employed undocumented immigrants was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
In March, Voum Chhuon, 45, owner of the Texas Cajun in Big Spring, Texas, pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens and unlawful employment of illegal aliens, both felonies. He was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from the Howard County Sherriff’s Office that Mr. Chhuon was illegally employing undocumented workers at the Texas Cajun restaurant. Agents obtained search warrants for Mr. Chuuon’s residence and the restaurant, where two illegal aliens were present.
During an interview conducted by law enforcement, Mr. Chhuon admitted that all his kitchen staff were undocumented workers, and that he had been unlawfully employing illegal aliens since he purchased the restaurant. To disguise the employment of unauthorized workers, Mr. Chhuon paid the kitchen staff in cash and others by paycheck.
In furtherance of the scheme, once Mr. Chhuon unlawfully hired the illegal aliens, he would then provide them with room and board at a Big Spring residence. Mr. Chhuon would also arrange transportation to and from the Texas Cajun restaurant for the illegal aliens living at the residence.
From March 2015 until his arrest, Mr. Chhuon’s restaurant made a total revenue of $2,985,631 with a monthly average of approximately $82,000 by operating with illegal labor. HSI forensic accountants determined Mr. Chhuon transferred approximately $140,000 from his business account to pay for personal expenses including to pay off a mortgage.
This investigation was conducted by HSI with assistance provided by the Big Spring Police Department and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt prosecuted this case.
Avon Man Allegedly Involved in Wide-Ranging Health Care Fraud Schemes ArrestedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that CORTNEY DUNLAP, 36, of Avon, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters.
As alleged in court documents and statements in court, Dunlap, a licensed professional counselor, engaged in a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid program by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy sessions that were never provided. Specifically, Dunlap billed Medicaid for having provided more than 24 hours of psychotherapy services on 67 different dates between January 1 and April 4, 2020. He also billed Medicaid for having provided 60-minute psychotherapy sessions to each of 44 patients every day from February 13 to March 19, 2020. In addition, he billed Medicaid for providing psychotherapy services while he was on a cruise to the Bahamas in July 2019.
It is also alleged that Dunlap billed Medicaid for fraudulent psychotherapy services for employees of Inspirational Care, Inc., a company Dunlap owns that has provided in-home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities. Through Inspirational Care and a subsidiary, KEYS Program, Inc., Dunlap has operated group homes in five locations in Connecticut, including residences for women and children who may be victims of domestic abuse or violence. Dunlap required residents of the group homes to provide copies of Medicaid identification cards for themselves and their children when they signed housing agreements. He then fraudulently billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided to residents of two group homes in Hartford, and their children.
It is further alleged that, in February 2020, Dunlap was employed as a guidance counselor at New Haven Adult and Continuing Education, a program administered by New Haven Public Schools. Dunlap accessed a computer database to obtain students’ dates of birth and Social Security numbers, then used that information to identify students who were insured by Medicaid. He then billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided to those students.
The complaint alleges that the Connecticut Medicaid program suspended Dunlap as a Medicaid provider on approximately April 28, 2020, and, on May 7, 2020, federal law enforcement agents executed a court-authorized search of Dunlap’s offices located on Brainard Road in Hartford. Dunlap subsequently hired a licensed clinical social worker and used that person’s Medicaid provider number to bill for psychotherapy services that were not provided.
Dunlap appeared yesterday via video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and was released on a $100,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Education, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and Avon Police Department for their assistance in arresting Dunlap.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Roger Mack Royal, 40, of North Wilkesboro, N.C., was sentenced to 188 months in prison today for drug and gun charges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell also ordered Royal to serve five years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, in January 2019, Royal, his co-conspirator April Renee Hicks, and another defendant, Joshua Allen McCloud, trafficked methamphetamine in Wilkes and Caldwell counties and elsewhere in Western North Carolina. Law enforcement arrested Royal and Hicks on January 29, 2019, following a drug transaction that took place in a Walmart parking lot. Over the course of their arrest, law enforcement recovered a stolen firearm from Royal’s vehicle.
On May 19, 2020, Royal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Court records indicate that Royal has over 40 state felony convictions in North and South Carolina. Due to his prior criminal convictions, Royal qualified for a sentencing enhancement as an armed career criminal.
Joshua McCloud was previously sentenced to 11 years in prison for drug and firearm offenses. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered from McCloud’s residence two firearms, a 60-round drum magazine, 39 rounds of assorted ammunition, narcotics and drug paraphernalia. April Hicks was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Wilkesboro Police Department, the North Wilkesboro Police Department, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone Police Department, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yadkin County Sheriff’s office for the investigation of this case, and thanked each agency for their cooperation and coordination.
Assistant United States Attorney David Kelly, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the cases.
* * *
On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the Justice Department announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. Of the more than 14,200 individuals charged in FY20, 267 defendants were charged in the Western District of North Carolina.
“Gun crimes are often committed by people prohibited from having guns in the first place,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to protecting our communities by keeping guns out of the wrong hands, taking violent criminals off our streets, and prosecuting those who violate federal gun laws.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
Angola Woman Sentenced to 200 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE-Lauren Grant, age 36, of Angola, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady after her plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Grant was sentenced to 200 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Grant entered a plea of guilty to distributing more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and in her plea agreement, she agreed to being involved in the distribution of 1.5 to 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. In August through October 2019, Grant supplied multiple ounce of methamphetamine to co-defendant Aric Starnes and others.
Co-defendant, Aric Starnes, age 47, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced October 9, 2020, to 130 months in prison.
“Keeping dangerous drugs off the streets helps reduce violence,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “We work in coordination with DEA and other law enforcement agencies to continue to fight drug distribution through enforcement.”
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The over 16 year sentence of Ms. Grant was just and necessary for the fine citizens of Fort Wayne and our surrounding communities. Individuals like Ms. Grant must be held accountable for their actions. The DEA Fort Wayne Post of Duty is committed to working with the Allen County Drug Task Force and our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest drug traffickers and keep our communities safe. The DEA appreciates the exceptional work, by all involved, to bring Ms. Grant to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Albany Man Sentenced in Connection with Romance ScamRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Y. Asiedu, age 27, of Albany, was sentenced today to time served (5 days in jail) and 3 years of supervised release, and to pay $445,333 in restitution, for his participation in a romance scam.
The announcement was made by 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).
In pleading guilty, Asiedu admitted that he agreed to receive the proceeds of a fraudulent scheme and to distribute the proceeds to his co-conspirators in Ghana in exchange for a 5 to 10 percent cut.
Between October 2018 and May 2019, two women, one from Arizona and the other from Switzerland, sent a total of $445,333 to bank accounts standing in the name of Community Youth Development Council Incorporated, an entity that Asiedu incorporated in New York. Asiedu’s co-conspirators falsely led each woman to believe that she was sending the money for the benefit of a man she met through an online dating web site. In fact, Asiedu’s co-conspirators posed as these fake paramours, and fraudulently induced the victims to send money to Asiedu. Asiedu sent most of the money to his co-conspirators in Ghana, keeping about 5 to 10 percent of it for himself.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered the forfeiture of $9,799 in U.S. currency seized from Asiedu, and that Asiedu perform 100 hours of community service.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Alabama Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Birmingham, Alabama, tax return preparer pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Prim F. Escalona.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Shuntan Rue owned and operated a tax return preparation business in the Birmingham, Alabama, area known as Rue Tax Service. Between 2013 and 2016, Rue prepared and filed false tax returns for her clients by claiming education credits and itemized deductions, among other items, to which her clients were not entitled. As a result of these false tax returns, Rue caused her clients to underpay their income taxes. In addition, Rue claimed similar false items on her own 2012 and 2013 federal income tax returns. Rue conduct caused a loss to the IRS of more than $250,000.
U.S. District Senior Judge Karon O. Bowdre scheduled sentencing for Feb. 3, 2021. Rue faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Escalona thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider, Jessica Kraft, and Michael Jones of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Posey, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Successful Conclusion of Agreement with Westchester County Jail to Remedy Constitutional Violations at the JailRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the successful conclusion of the United States’ long-running investigation into Westchester County Jail (the “Jail”) under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (“CRIPA”). After conducting an investigation and issuing a Findings Letter in January 2016, the United States entered into an agreement with Westchester County regarding the Jail’s use of force against inmates, its use of isolation as a method of discipline for minors incarcerated at the jail, and its provision of inadequate medical and mental health care to inmates. The Agreement required the appointment of an independent Monitor to ensure that the Jail complied with the agreement. The Monitor’s most recent compliance report concluded that the Jail is in full compliance with every provision of the Agreement, and recommends its termination. Today, the United States accepts the Monitor’s recommendation, agrees to terminate the Agreement, and commends the Jail on its achievement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Since the commencement of our investigation in 2007, Westchester County Jail has worked steadily and in good faith to implement sweeping reforms that have significantly improved the treatment of inmates at the facility. The Jail is a completely transformed institution, having implemented every provision of the agreement and even creating policies and programs that go beyond what the agreement requires. At every step along the way, the Jail’s leadership and staff have been a willing partner in creating lasting reforms that have significantly improved the quality of life for inmates and detainees within the facility. I commend Westchester County Jail for its efforts.”
The Jail, located in Valhalla, New York, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. The Jail also housed minors before the State of New York enacted “Raise the Age” in October 2018, prohibiting minors from being housed in adult corrections facilities. The final minor housed in the Jail was transferred to a juvenile facility on November 8, 2019.
The successful conclusion of the Agreement between the United States and the Jail resolves a long-running investigation into the Jail. In 2009, the United States issued a letter setting forth the Government’s findings regarding constitutional violations at the Jail. Key findings included that the Jail had failed to adequately protect inmates from physical harm caused by inappropriate and excessive force used by staff and failed to provide adequate medical and mental health care, particularly with respect to minors housed in isolation in the punitive segregation unit, all resulting in unconstitutional living conditions.
Following extensive negotiations between the Government and Westchester County, on November 24, 2015, the parties entered into an Agreement with an effective date of January 1, 2016. The Agreement contains 25 provisions with 82 sub-provisions relating to protection from harm, medical care, mental health care, and minors. The Agreement requires the Jail to take measures designed to ensure that its use of force is not excessive and consistent with the law; to implement appropriate policies and practices concerning review of all uses of force, training of staff, and supervision of inmates; and to improve the provision of medical and mental health care for both minors and adults. In addition, the Agreement mandates the appointment of an independent Monitor to assist the County in achieving compliance with the provisions of the Agreement, to make reports concerning the status and progress of compliance, and to provide the County with technical assistance to comply with the provisions of the Agreement. Finally, the Agreement provides for termination once the United States agrees that the County is in substantial compliance with all provisions and has maintained substantial compliance with all provisions for 24 months.
Since the Agreement was enacted, the United States and the Monitor have had full access to the Jail and its records, staff and inmates. The Monitor has issued nine bi-annual compliance reports, reviewing the Jail’s non-, partial-, or substantial-compliance with each of the provisions in the Agreement, noting where the Jail has succeeded and where the Jail must improve. In the ninth and most recent compliance report, the Monitor determined that the Jail had achieved substantial compliance with each and every provision, and had maintained such substantial compliance for at least a 24-month period. Accordingly, consistent with the terms of the Agreement, the Monitor recommended its full termination.
The Jail has been transformed since the initiation of the Government’s investigation. For example, use of force incidents have plummeted and continued to decrease significantly each reporting period. Indeed, potential use of force incidents are de-escalated and resolved without resorting to any use of force the vast majority of the time – recently, more than 80% of the time. Moreover, staff are now consistently and routinely trained in de-escalation tactics; use of force incidents are immediately reviewed; and staff are swiftly disciplined for any deviation from reporting requirements and de-escalation procedures. Mental health care and medical care has likewise improved dramatically, and the Jail has placed particular emphasis on rehabilitative care for inmates with mental health issues, instead of focusing on purely punitive measures.
The Jail has also implemented changes beyond what was required by the Agreement. For example, in a joint venture with Legal Aid of Westchester County, the Jail opened a Legal Aid office within the facility, allowing inmates frequent access to legal resources. In addition, the Jail partnered with Westchester County Social Services to embed staff in the jail for discharge planning, which allows inmates to plan for their lives after being released from custody. Indeed, the Jail has focused extensively on rehabilitation and reentry and provides a number of programming options to inmates, including culinary, civil engagement, and college programs, as well as a nationally-recognized parenting program, “Parenting, Prison and Pups,” which pairs female inmates with foster dogs and garnered a National Jefferson Award. And on November 18, 2018, The Obama Foundation announced that Westchester County Jail, in partnership with the Nepperhan Community Center of Yonkers and the City of Yonkers, was selected as one of only ten nationwide winners – and the only one with ties to a jail or prison population – of the Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Alliance Challenge as one of the National Impact Communities awardees for its job readiness program.
The Jail’s leadership has been instrumental in making these changes. Ms. Strauss praised the work of Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Westchester County Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Spano, Westchester County Department of Corrections First Deputy Commissioner Louis A. Molina, and the entire staff at Westchester County Jail. Acting U.S. Attorney Strauss also praised the work of the Monitor, David Bogard, and his team at Pulitzer/Bogard & Associates.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Blain is charge of the case.
30 Charged in Meth Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Thirty members of an alleged methamphetamine distribution ring have been charged with drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Following a painstaking investigation led by DEA Dallas’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Group, 21 of the 30 defendants were arrested Wednesday in “Operation Ice Tank.” Five were bonded over from state custody and four remain fugitives. All 30 were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
During this week’s arrests, investigators seized 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, 9 ounces of heroin, and nine firearms.
“A highly-addictive and dangerous stimulant, methamphetamine has plagued North Texas communities for far too long. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA are determined to root out large-scale distribution operations like this one,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
“Methamphetamine trafficking has no place in Tarrant County,” stated Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “Individuals and organizations who not only distribute this poison in our communities, but also endanger innocent lives by converting liquid meth to crystals in makeshift laboratories cannot be tolerated. The DEA and our partners from Fort Worth, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills, remain committed to neighborhoods free from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
According to a criminal complaint unsealed today, the ring was allegedly led by Johnny Ray Rodriguez, Jr., the 30-year-old owner of Funky Town Swag, a Fort Worth clothing store.
Mr. Rodriguez – aided by his cousin, 31-year-old Jonathan Rodriguez, Jonathan’s girlfriend, 31-year-old Chelsea Ann Pineiro, and 33-year-old Yvette Gonzalez – allegedly attempted to erect a meth conversion lab inside a residence in Fort Worth. Inside the kitchen of the home, agents discovered 27 igloo coolers, a bucket of methylsulfonylmethane (a horse vitamin often used as a cutting agent), three jugs of acetone, one container of liquid meth, and two containers of crystal meth. They also found several zip-top baggies of crystal meth stashed inside the washing machine and a loaded revolver in the master bedroom. Investigators collectively recovered 8 kilograms of methamphetamine from inside the residence.
Based on surveillance, multiple wiretaps, and interviews with cooperators, investigators determined that dealers working for Mr. Rodriguez allegedly distributed kilogram quantities of crystal meth out of Funky Town’s back office as well as several trap houses, a local motel, and a car wash.
Charged defendants include:
• Johnny Ray Rodriguez
• Jonathan Rodriguez, conversion lab operator
• Chelsea Ann Pineiro, conversion lab operator
• Yvette Gonzales, delivered equipment to conversion lab
• Norma Casio, meth courier for Jonny Ray Rodriguez
• Israel Rodriguez, meth courier for Jonny Ray Rodriguez
• Derrick Fannin, multi kilogram-customer and dealer
• Montreal Robinson, courier for Fannin
• Michael Johnson, multi kilogram-customer and dealer
• Nathan Cook, courier for Johnson
• Enrique Faz, multi-kilogram customer
• Roshua White, multi-kilogram customer
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Fort Worth Police Department, the Haltom City Police Department, and the North Richland Hills Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith is prosecuting the case.
28 Members of A Violent Gang Charged for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Guayama, Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On October 7, 2020, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 28 violent gang members with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Guayama Strike Force investigated the case.
The indictment alleges that from 2015 to the date of the return of the indictment, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, cocaine, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), marihuana, and Oxycodone (Percocet) within 1,000 feet of the Luis Pales Matos Public Housing Project and other areas in the municipality of Guayama, all for financial gain and profit. Ten defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of the conspiracy, the members of the drug trafficking gang established a drug point that would move within different areas inside the public housing project in order to avoid police detection. Some co-conspirators would travel to the municipality of Bayamón to pick up the narcotics that they would sell in Guayama and travel back to deliver the proceeds. The defendants had access to different vehicles in order to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. The leaders had final approval authority as to disciplinary action to be imposed upon members of rival drug trafficking gangs, and on the members of the conspiracy should they disobey the rules imposed by the drug trafficking organization. The members of the gang would use force, violence, and intimidation in order to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. The defendants indicted are:
Caleb Josué Toro-Negrón, a/k/a “Calembo”
Martín López-Torres, a/k/a “Barba”
David Nieves-Negrón, a/k/a “Frances”
Reinaldo Pérez-Marrero, a/k/a “Coco”
Luis G. Ortiz-Marrero, a/k/a “Muri”
Jesús E. González-Morales, a/k/a “Chino Monte Hatillo”
Jael G. Rodríguez-Colón
Pedro J. Rivera-Jiménez, a/k/a “Pedrito”
Hiram Pagán-Rabri, a/k/a “Pini”
Anthony O. Ramos-Sanabria, a/k/a “Lucero”
Elisaul Medina-La Santa, a/k/a “Panda”
Josniel M. Pérez-Ayala
Hilda E. Santell-Santiago
Michael A. Gutiérrez-Rodríguez
Ted William Rosario-Delgado
Miguel A. Santana-Negrón, a/k/a “Potro”
Anthony Morales-Vargas, a/k/a “Topo”
Richard Rodríguez-Figueroa, a/k/a “Bakery”
Kevin Contreras, a/k/a “NBA”
Héctor Omar Fontanez-Sanabria, a/k/a “Zombie/Omar”
Carlos J. Rodríguez-Vélez, a/k/a “Carlos Blunt”
Héctor H. Valentín-Pagán, a/k/a “Gaby Tatuaje”
José R. Vargas-Rivera
Angelica M. Santana-Negrón, a/k/a “Angie”
Jacqueline Álvarez-Rodríguez, a/k/a “Jacky”
Sheila Bonilla-Figueroa, a/k/a “La Gringa”
Jadiel Rodríguez-Colón, a/k/a “Checko”
Ángel Sánchez-Morales
“This indictment and arrests today are a reflection of our resolve to combat drug trafficking and violent crime,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to investigate these criminal organizations with our state and federal law enforcement partners, and send a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
A.J. Collazo, DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, stated that: “The dismantling of this violent organization known as “LOS MENORES,” allows the residents of the Luis Pales Matos Public Housing Project to live in a safe community, especially during these times in which the effects of the ongoing Pandemic have made life challenging and difficult for us all. DEA is certain that with today’s arrests we have saved many lives that would have ended in tragedy. We won’t let our guard down. We will prevail.”
Gang Section Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Cordero Romo and Enrique Silva Avilés are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # #
18-Month Multi-Agency Operation “Fury Road” Focused on Interstate 91 Results in 82 Federal Prosecutions; Seizure of 128 firearms, 1 Kilogram of Heroin, and 1 Kilogram of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Christina E. Nolan, announced today the results of an 18-month multi-agency enforcement operation targeting the illegal trafficking of firearms and drugs between Vermont and Western Massachusetts. “Operation Fury Road” was a sustained state-wide effort of numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from Vermont and Massachusetts spanning from October of 2018 to February of 2020. The operation specifically aimed to interdict and deter gun and drug trafficking on Interstate 91 and in surrounding communities. The agencies’ efforts resulted in the prosecution of 82 defendants in federal court for charges related to drug trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms, using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and other federal criminal violations. Photographs of the firearms seized during Operation Fury Road can be found below.
U.S. Attorney Nolan stated: “Today’s announcement of the results of Operation Fury Road represents the pinnacle of sustained multi-agency cooperation focused on the dual threat of deadly narcotics and firearms trafficking. With every seizure of illicit firearms and drugs over the course of 18 months, Vermont families and communities were made safer. All of our federal, state, and local partners brought important resources, expertise, and insights to this effort. It is a reflection of their dedication to the people of Vermont and to the causes of justice and public safety. We will continue to collaborate with our all of our law enforcement partners to stem the flood of deadly poisons into Vermont and prevent firearms from being trafficked to drug-source cities in our neighboring states where they are employed in homicides, shootings, and other forms of violence.”
U.S. Attorney Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, and the Vermont State Police. Multiple local police departments and sheriff’s offices throughout the state assisted throughout the operation.
During the operation, law enforcement seized 128 firearms and 7,511 rounds of ammunition. Of those firearms, 57 were handguns. Several firearms were AR-15 style rifles and multiple seized items were short-barreled weapons which were not registered as required by the National Firearms Act. Many of the firearms had been stolen from local Vermonters, purchased illegally at Vermont gun stores, or otherwise illegally possessed. In addition to the firearms, law enforcement also seized approximately 40,200 bags of heroin (which equates to approximately 870 grams), 141 grams of bulk heroin, 1,489 grams of cocaine base, and 78 grams of powder cocaine. Much of the heroin seized during the operation was laced with fentanyl.The operation included three law enforcement surges around the state during which federal, state, and local resources were flooded into hard-hit Vermont communities experiencing the effects of the drug crisis and opioid overdose epidemic. The surges targeted drug and firearm trafficking in the Brattleboro area in April of 2019; the Northeast Kingdom in November of 2019; and the Rutland area in January of 2020.
“The conclusion of this large-scale, multi-year investigation is a good day for Vermonters,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady of the ATF Boston Field Division. “I am especially proud of the partnerships with our local, state, and federal law enforcement counterparts. Collectively, we have arrested and charged numerous individuals and groups whose actions have had a prolonged negative impact on Vermont communities. The arrests in this investigation led to the seizure of 128 firearms, over 7,500 rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of illegal narcotics; many of the firearms recovered in this case were stolen from local Vermonters. As we all know, even one firearm in the wrong hands can destroy countless lives. The fact that well over 100 firearms – either unlawfully possessed or part of the illicit market – are no longer in the wrong hands is great news for public safety throughout the region. This investigation proves that collaboration works, and it further demonstrates our commitment to combat gun violence and firearm trafficking wherever it occurs to improve the quality of life for all citizens.”
“This case reflects the continuing impact federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships have on illegal drug trafficking organizations,” said Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Albany Field Office. “Several coordinated operations resulted in over 100 arrests-more than 80 federal-of individuals using Interstate 91 to run large quantities of dangerous drugs through our Vermont communities. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations that target our communities with their drug-related activity and ensure they are brought to justice.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Vermont,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this operation be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this operation, stated Major Dan Trudeau, Vermont State Police. “The combined law enforcement surge efforts resulted in substantial seizures of guns and drugs, which certainly makes Vermont a safer place to live.”
“Operation Fury Road is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the law enforcement community in this region,” added U.S. Marshal Bradley LaRose. “The success of this ongoing endeavor in multiple locations simultaneously was made possible due to the focus and collaboration of our local, state and federal partners. Our joint commitment to pursue and bring to justice those who endanger our neighborhoods with drugs and violence will undoubtedly continue to be a top priority.”This operation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Prosecutions arising from the operation were 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 enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting firearm use and possession crimes; prioritizes prosecuting persons who make false statements when attempting to obtain firearms; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concerning persons who attempt to obtain firearms illegally; coordinates responses to persons prevented from obtaining firearms for mental health reasons; and ensures the use of modern intelligence tools and technology to focus on the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Firearms seized during Operation Fury Road Firearms seized during Operation Fury RoadThe year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
10 Lubbock Cocaine Dealers ChargedRead the Press Release
Ten individuals in Lubbock have been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other related drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Nine members of a Lubbock drug trafficking organization were arrested on Wednesday, October 7 as part of Operation Los Perros De Nieve, a large-scale federal operation organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement partners. Operation Los Perros De Nieve targeted nine locations in Lubbock and resulted in the seizure of approximately $40,000 in cash; in excess of 5 kilograms of cocaine; and 13 firearms. One defendant remains at-large.
In a 19-count federal indictment unsealed today, five defendants were charged with gun crimes, including possession of a firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession ammunition, in addition to the drug charges.
“I am proud of the work of this Task Force and the collaborative effort of all the agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “We are committed to disrupting the supply of illegal narcotics and to prosecuting those responsible for spreading deadly poison into our communities.”
“With these latest arrests, DEA Lubbock and our Caprock law enforcement partners have made a significant impact to the violent, cocaine trafficking networks in the area,” said DEA Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez, who oversees DEA operations throughout the region. “Drugs and those who distribute them have no place in our neighborhoods. The DEA will never waver in our resolve to identify and hold those responsible for their actions.”
Those charged include:
• Ronnie Manuel Garcia, Jr., 28
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
• Jonathan Phillip Reyes, aka “J.P.,” 34
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
• Raul Perez, III, aka “Raw’lo” and “Raulo,” 34
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Krystal Lynn Ramos, 35
Charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
• Amy Shawn Rodriguez, 40
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
• Juan Moncada, 35
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Jacob Anthony Molina, 28
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
• Jeremy Wayne Beck, aka “Lil Jay,” 34
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and convicted felon in possession of firearms.
• Michael Paul Perez, 38
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants face maximum sentences of up to 40 years, or life in some instances, in federal prison for the drug-related offenses and up to 10 years, or up to life in some instances, for the firearm-related crimes.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lubbock Police Department with assistance from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Field Office, and the Texas Department of Safety. This investigation was carried out as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program with the coordination of the Lubbock HIDTA group and Texas Anti-Gang initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case.
Wednesday 14 October 2020
Utica Woman Charged with Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Cortny Biagini, age 28, of Utica, New York, was arraigned in federal court yesterday on an indictment charging her with federal fentanyl and methamphetamine charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.
The indictment charges Biagini in two counts: Count One alleges that she possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment, a maximum lifetime term of supervised release, a mandatory minimum term of four years’ supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. Count Two alleges that Biagini possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum lifetime term of supervised release, a mandatory minimum term of five years’ supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. 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. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Biagini was arraigned yesterday in Binghamton, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric, and detained pending a trial scheduled before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
This case is being investigated the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Beaty.
Union County Man Admits Making Corrupt Payments to City of Orange Public OfficialRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted making corrupt payments to a public official of the City of Orange Township, New Jersey, as a reward for that public official’s favorable treatment in connection with an Orange municipal project, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jeanmarie Zahore, 56, of Rahway, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to Count 1 of an indictment against him, charging Zahore with making corrupt payments to an agent of a local government receiving federal funds, whom Zahore identified as Willis Edwards III.
On Sept. 29, 2020, Edwards, the former acting business administrator for Orange, was charged in a superseding indictment in connection with payments allegedly made by Zahore, as well as other charges.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Zahore was the sole owner of JZ Nettech, a computer consulting business which he operated out of his residence in Rahway. On Sept. 15, 2015, the Orange City Council passed a resolution awarding JZ Nettech, without competitive bidding, a $350,000 emergency contract to install a computer networking system at a municipal complex that housed the Orange Municipal Court and the Orange Police Department (the “Municipal Complex Project”).
Edwards, as an Orange public official, assisted Zahore in obtaining the contract for the Municipal Complex Project and facilitated the payment of money from Orange to JZ Nettech in connection with the Municipal Complex Project.
Edwards agreed to arrange an advance on the money from Orange for Zahore because Zahore did not have the money to begin working on the Municipal Complex. At Edwards’s instruction, on Sept. 18, 2015, Zahore emailed an Orange employee an invoice for $115,000 in connection with Municipal Complex Project to obtain an advance payment for himself. Typically, vendors are not pre-paid by Orange to purchase supplies for a project.
On Sept. 18, 2015, Zahore received a check from Orange for $115,000 payable to JZ Nettech and deposited that check into JZ Nettech's bank account. Shortly after receiving the $115,000 Orange check, Zahore and Edwards went out together at night to celebrate the award of the $350,000 contract to JZ Nettech.
In October and November 2015, Zahore received two additional payments from Orange in connection with the Municipal Complex Project, one for $140,000 and the other for $95,000.
On more than one occasion Edwards told Zahore, in substance, that Edwards had taken care of Zahore and that Zahore should consider that and do something. Zahore understood those comments by Edwards to be solicitations and demands that Zahore pay Edwards to reward Edwards for Edwards’s assistance in connection with the Municipal Complex Project.
In November 2015, Zahore gave Edwards approximately $10,000 in cash. After accepting the cash payment, Edwards indicated that he was disappointed with the amount and expected more. Zahore made a second cash payment to Edwards for approximately $10,000. Zahore made those two cash payments with the intent to reward Edwards for his assistance.
The charge to which Zahore pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cari Fais and J Fortier Imbert of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
The charges and allegations against Edwards are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
US Attorney Announces Increase in Prosecution of Firearms-Related CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, today announced the results of his office’s emphasis on prosecuting violent crimes involving firearms. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants have been charged with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year 2020. In the Western District of Wisconsin, 56 defendants have been charged.
According to U.S. Attorney Blader, the number of gun crimes prosecuted by his office has risen by over 100% between 2017 and 2019. The types of gun crimes subject to federal prosecution include felons in possession of firearms or ammunition; business and bank robberies while armed; drug distribution while armed; false statements made to federal firearms licensees; those previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; those subject to domestic protection orders; and those prohibited from possessing a firearm such as illegal aliens, users of illegal drugs, and those with a prior mental health adjudication.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General William Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Those who commit crimes with firearms undermine the safety and security of Wisconsin communities,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “My office is committed to working with federal, state and local investigators, in cooperation with Wisconsin’s District Attorneys, to target offenders who use guns in crimes, felons who illegally possess firearms, and those who attempt to buy guns illegally.”
In addition to investigations by federal law enforcement agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with local and state law enforcement and prosecutors to identify the cases most appropriate for federal prosecution. Often felons in possession or firearms or ammunition come to light during a local investigation for domestic violence, drug distribution or use, battery, disorderly conduct, and other violations of state law.
Some recent examples of the types of cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office include:
- A man was found passed out behind the wheel of his car in Monona, Wisconsin, and a loaded 9mm pistol was found in the center console of the vehicle. The firearm was traced; it had been purchased by Lidia Molina. After further investigation, a total of six people were prosecuted: Molina was prosecuted for the “straw purchase” of several firearms. Molina lied on the required forms during the purchase of firearms, falsely claiming that she was the actual buyer of the firearms, when in fact she was purchasing them for her boyfriend, Francesco Anglin, a felon. Anglin turned over firearms to Jamohn Barney, the man found passed out in his car, and Sean Okray, who each had prior felony convictions. Barney was sentenced to 66 months and Okray was sentenced to 46 months. Anglin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 21. Molina received three years of probation. A sixth individual, Tahjmalyk Porter, who was a felon and went to an area gun store with Molina and Anglin where he was captured on store video handling a semiautomatic rifle, was sentenced to two years of probation.
- A hospital in Eau Claire came into contact with a minor who said Lamont Davis, who had prior felony convictions, was drunk, physically abusive to his children, and had a gun. Eau Claire police officers responded to Davis’s residence and arrested him after finding him in possession of a 9mm pistol. Davis reached for his weapon when the officers encountered him. At Davis’s sentencing, the judge said Davis caused domestic disturbances that terrorized his girlfriend and children, and sentenced him to 30 months.
- Curtis Green was a suspect in a shooting in West Salem, Wisconsin, and the execution of a search warrant at his home during that investigation resulted in the location of a firearm. Green was sentenced to 57 months for being a felon in possession of the firearm. At the time, he was on supervised release following his prison term for a 2006 conviction for the theft of 38 firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, and his sentenced was increased by an additional 12 months for the revocation of his supervised release.
- Martell Norris, a kilogram-level drug dealer in the Madison area, was sentenced to two concurrent 15-year prison terms for possessing crack cocaine for distribution and being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm. He was considered an armed career criminal under federal law because he previously had been convicted of three violent felonies.
- Robert J. Powell IV was captured on city cameras in La Crosse discharging a handgun into the air during an early morning fight on a street. Although the firearm Powell used was never recovered, a shell casing and a round of ammunition were recovered. Powell was sentenced to 30 months for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
- Steven Gillis was subject to a domestic order of protection issued in Minnesota. Two months after the order was issued, he attempted to purchase a firearm from a federal firearms dealer in Wisconsin and said he was not subject to such a restraining order. A criminal background check resulted in the purchase being denied due to the active protection order. He was convicted of making the false statement and served over nine months in federal custody.
- Nicholas K. Murn was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for committing armed robberies of five Rock County businesses during a two-week period of time in October 2019. Murn requested a sentence of seven years because of his lack of a prior criminal record, but the sentencing judge denied this request due to the trauma Murn inflicted on the victims, the employees of the businesses.
- Patrick Staton initiated a confrontation outside of his Douglas County home, arming himself with a firearm. Staton was subsequently was shot by another individual in self-defense. During a search of Staton’s residence, law enforcement officers found three firearms and ammunition, including an AR-15 style rifle. All three guns had been stolen in Minnesota. Staton, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony convictions, was sentenced to 72 months.
U.S. Attorneys Peter Deegan and Marc Krickbaum Announce $661,955 to Advance Forensic Science in IowaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan of the Northern District of Iowa and U.S. Attorney Marc Krickbaum of the Southern District of Iowa announced yesterday $661,955 in Department of Justice grants to the Iowa Department of Public Safety to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime- fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“Our offices are committed to prosecuting dangerous and violent offenders,” said Deegan and Krickbaum. “This investment in the Iowa Department of Public Safety will allow our state and local law enforcement partners to better investigate violent crime and bring justice to victims across the state.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and more information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces More Than $1.6 Million in Grants to Improve Services for Crime Victims in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich today announced $1,617,954 in Department of Justice grants to improve services for crime victims in the District of Nevada. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of over $144 million distributed to enhance the district's response to victims of crime throughout the United States.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
“These grants will help keep survivors safe and provide additional resources for victim service providers in Nevada,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “We appreciate the Department of Justice’s continued determination to assist victims and their families.”
“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”
The awards made to organizations in the District of Nevada will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.
The following organizations received funding:
Awardee
Award Amount
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
$397,309
State of Nevada Division of Child and Family Services
$334,389
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation
$390,575
Nevada Department of Public Safety
$345,681
Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone
$150,000
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Fort Yates, ND, Man for False Statement in Connection with Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Leoncio Amuia Bald Eagle, age 28, Fort Yates, ND, for False Statement in Connection with Acquisition of a Firearm. The Indictment was unsealed today alleging that on March 12, 2019, Bald Eagle unlawfully acquired a firearm by falsifying an ATF form 4473. The federal indictment alleges that Bald Eagle falsely claimed he had never been convicted of a crime of Domestic Violence, when in fact he had been convicted in tribal court of a Domestic Violence crime on November 4, 2017.
"Anyone convicted of domestic violence is barred from purchasing or possessing firearms, which is a wise public safety law," said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley, "and we are working collaboratively all across the state and region to keep firearms out of the hands of these violent individuals."
Grand jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Mobridge Police Department/NPSTDETF and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell assigned to the case.
On the very same day that the federal grand jury indicted Bald Eagle, they also indicted the following five additional cases alleging various federal firearms offenses:
• A 43 year old Bismarck, ND male was indicted for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2)
• A 25 year old Mandan, ND male was indicted for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number 922(k)
• A 32 Year old Mandan, ND male was indicted for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, USC 841(a)(1)
• A 34 year old Detroit, MI male was indicted for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2)
• A 36 year old Palermo, ND male was indicted for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2)
These defendants are all being prosecuted pursuant to the Department of Justice anti-violent priorities, and a renewed focus on gun crimes in North Dakota, as well as nationally. United States Attorney Wrigley credits the ATF, FBI, BIA, North Dakota Sheriffs and Police Departments, and BCI for their cooperative efforts to combat and deter violent crime across the region.
######
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow Announces $844,543 to Advance Forensic Science in the District of Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow today announced $844,543 in Department of Justice grants to the Puerto Rico Forensic Sciences Institute (Instituto de Ciencias Forenses) to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“The Department of Justice remains committed to advancing the use of forensic science and continues to make important recommendations in this integral component of our criminal justice system. Today’s announcement marks yet another step forward in the department’s efforts to strengthen the practice of forensic science in our nation’s laboratories and courtrooms,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We are continually looking at ways to ensure that forensic evidence is collected, analyzed and presented in a responsible and scientifically rigorous manner. This grant money provides additional resources to an important and valued partner in our ongoing efforts to reduce crime in Puerto Rico – the Puerto Rico Forensic Sciences Institute.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, amounts, and the jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Robert K Hur Announces More Than $3.6 Million in Federal Department of Justice Grants to MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur today announced $2,505,686 in Department of Justice grants to seven entities in Maryland to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons, as part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
In addition, U.S. Attorney Hur announced that Baltimore County received $1,129,288 in Department of Justice grants to help law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs in order to solve more crimes, including cold cases, as part of more than $45 million in funding to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).
The grants, totaling $3,634,974, were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
“These grants will be used by local jurisdictions in Maryland to advance evidence processing, fund crime labs, decrease backlogs in DNA and sexual assault kit processing, and help identify missing persons,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Hopefully, this will allow law enforcement to solve more crimes, including cold case sexual assaults, and bring justice to victims and their families.”
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received federal funding to advance forensic science:
- Baltimore County received $227,697
- Anne Arundel County received $228,151
- Montgomery County received $213,151
- Prince George’s County received $686,869
- Baltimore City received $389,256
- Maryland State Police received $434,484
- The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention received $326,078
OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance also made 36 grants to strengthen jurisdictions’ capacity to act on evidence resulting from rape kits, and three grants to the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence ‒ Inventory, Tracking and Reporting (SAFE-ITR) program.
The award of $1,129,288 made to Baltimore County will support law enforcement and prosecutorial activities related to the testing and use of evidence obtained in sexual assault investigations.“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, OJP’s 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.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces over $4 Million to Advance Forensic Science in the Eastern District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Today U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced $4,039,479 in Department of Justice grants to the Eastern District of North Carolina to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“These critical funds will help law enforcement all across the Eastern District of North Carolina as they work to solve crimes, bring offenders to justice and provide answers for victims of crime,” said Higdon. “And these funds will improve and enhance the work of law enforcement for years to come by strengthening our foundation in these areas.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- North Carolina Department of Justice, $1,696,313
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety, $565,683
- Raleigh-Wake City/County Bureau of Investigation, $237,279
- North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, $390,504
- City of Fayetteville, $1,000,000
- North Carolina State University, $150,000
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces $1,000,000 to Support Testing, Tracking of Sexual Assault Kits in the Eastern District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Today U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced a $1,000,000 Department of Justice grant to the City of Fayetteville to help its law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs in order to solve more crimes, including cold cases, in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $45 million in funding to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).
OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 36 grants to strengthen jurisdictions’ capacity to act on evidence resulting from rape kits, and three grants to the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence ‒ Inventory, Tracking and Reporting (SAFE-ITR) program.
“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, OJP’s 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.”
This award to the City of Fayetteville made to organization will support law enforcement and prosecutorial activities related to the testing and use of evidence obtained in a sexual assault investigation.
“One cannot imagine a more important goal than bringing justice to victims of sexual assault,” said Higdon. “These funds will help to ensure that we achieve that goal much more affectively.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Murray Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Highlighting Federal Law That Prohibits Domestic Abusers from Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray is commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an important reminder about the federal law that prohibits domestic abusers from possessing guns.
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. Those who possess firearms in violation of that prohibition face felony prosecution and the imposition of federal prison sentences.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of committing homicides. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners. Nearly half of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
In New Hampshire, homicides are often closely associated with domestic violence. Between 2009 and 2015, 58 percent of the homicides in the Granite State were linked with domestic violence. Keeping firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers can save lives. Prevention of domestic abuse is even more critical in light of the pressures placed upon families and individuals by COVID-19.
In an effort to raise awareness about these important laws and to improve coordination, the staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to meet with local police and prosecutors who handle domestic violence cases to provide them with additional information about federal firearms prohibitions. The office also will be sending information to local police departments to remind them about these important federal laws.
“Domestic violence destroys family life, scars victims and permanently damages the health and wellbeing of survivors.” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Domestic abusers often escalate the level of violence they direct at victims and the availability of firearms enhances the risk of fatal injury. In order to reduce this risk, we are working closely with the ATF and all of our law enforcement partners to ensure that those involved in domestic violence do not gain access to firearms. We will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against domestic abusers who violate federal law by possessing or seeking to obtain firearms.”
“Domestic violence, more than any other crime, represents a heightened risk for escalated and lethal violence,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “This is evident in the fact that domestic violence is the most deadly crime in New Hampshire. As experts we know that firearms are the most common weapon abusers use against their victims, and over the last two years firearms were the main cause of domestic violence homicides in our state. The data is undeniable; an abuser’s access to a firearm can be a death sentence for a victim.”
“Domestic violence with the threat or use of a firearm is something we take very seriously,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state and federal partners to arrest and prosecute the individuals who commit these violent acts.”
###
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More Than $2 Million to Advance Forensic Science in the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., today announced more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants to the District of South Carolina to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“Our state and local partners are critical in advancing our mission to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These grants allow those partners to further their great work in forensic science, which in turn protects communities across the state.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED);
- South Carolina Department of Public Safety;
- Clemson University;
- Richland County;
- York County;
- Beaufort County; and
- Greenville County.
A complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding is available here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
#####
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe Announces $3.9 Million in Awards to Fund Crime Laboratories and Forensic ResearchRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, today announced $3,908,850 in Department of Justice grants to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“I’m pleased to announce that close to $4 million dollars will be distributed throughout the state by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to increase laboratory capacity for processing DNA evidence, and to hire and train forensic experts,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “We rely heavily on the investigative and technical skills of our law enforcement partners to ensure we can successfully prosecute criminals in Northern Florida, and these grant dollars will help us to do just that. More importantly, these funds will enable victims to get answers and see justice done more quickly.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement received the following funding:
- DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Production Program - $2,750,432
- Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants - $1,158,418
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, 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.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Press Release - DOJ Forensic GrantsU.S. Attorney Duncan Announces $1.5 Million to Support Testing, Tracking of Sexual Assault Kits and an Additional $1.49 Million to Advance Forensic Science in KentuckyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr., announced on Monday two separate grants of Department of Justice funds that were awarded to recipients in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
U.S. Attorney Duncan announced $1.5 million in Department of Justice grants to the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, to help law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs in order to solve more crimes, including cold cases, in the Eastern District of Kentucky. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $45 million in funding to support the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).
OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 36 grants to strengthen jurisdictions’ capacity to act on evidence resulting from rape kits, and three grants to the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence ‒ Inventory, Tracking and Reporting (SAFE-ITR) program.
“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, OJP’s 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.”
“The grant funding provided to the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet helps further the interests of justice, by providing critical support to law enforcement and prosecutorial activities related to the testing and use of evidence in sexual assault investigations,” said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “With the additional funding, more sexual assault kits can be tested, potentially leading to evidence to assist in holding offenders accountable and providing justice to the victims of the crime.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Duncan also announced $993,018 was awarded to help fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. These grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“The award of these grant funds will help the Commonwealth utilize the tools necessary to further investigations, solve crimes, and bring justice to victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duncan.
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- Commonwealth of Kentucky- $993,018
- Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet- $264,698
- Eastern Kentucky University- $241,305
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
# # #
U.S. Attorney DeVillers announces federal firearm prosecution ‘hot zones’Read the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today, United States Attorney David M. DeVillers announced a surge in enforcement to address gun crimes in two Columbus neighborhoods.
As part of the “hot zone” firearms initiative, federal and local law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities will jointly identify dangerous offenders for federal prosecution in the Hilltop and Linden neighborhoods.
According to local crime statistics, 20 homicides were committed from January to mid-September 2020 in Columbus Division of Police zone 3, which includes the Hilltop. There were 11 homicides during that time in precinct 10 alone. Precinct 10 makes up a quarter of zone 3 and is located south of Broad Street, straddling I-270. The Hilltop police zone reported 35 non-fatal shootings this summer.
Columbus police zone 4 encompasses Linden. During the first eight and a half months of 2020, 24 homicides were committed in zone 4. There were 36 non-fatal shootings in zone 4 during summer 2020.
Linden precincts 2 and 5, located along Cleveland Ave. east of I-71 and north of I-670, accounted for 23 of the zone’s 24 homicides and 30 of the zone’s 36 non-fatal shootings.
City wide, the Columbus Division of Police seized more than 1,500 illegal firearms via search warrants and misdemeanor and felony investigations from January through September 2020. In September alone, 244 firearms were seized via the same means.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense or under a court authorized restraining order. These crimes can be punished by up to 10 years in federal prison.
Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. Defendants convicted of these crimes face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison.
DeVillers announced he is shifting resources within his office in order to handle the anticipated increase in federal firearms prosecutions. He plans to pivot some Assistant United States Attorneys from other types of cases to handle violent crime.
City and county prosecutors are also dedicating resources through Special Assistant United States Attorneys who will prosecute at the federal level.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien has assigned Assistant County Prosecutors James Lowe and Jason Manning, who are current Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA), to prosecute federal firearms offenses and has committed Assistant County Prosecutors John Gripshover and Amy Van Culin, to be designated SAUSAs.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein has dedicated current SASUAs Melanie Tobias and Joe Gibson to prosecute federal firearms offenses.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan; Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced the initiative today.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announced nearly $5 million in grants to advance forensic science in the Western District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Seattle — U.S. Attorney Brian Moran today announced $4.9 million in Department of Justice grants to the Western District of Washington to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“As a long-time state prosecutor, I have prosecuted cases where DNA and forensic science is what makes justice in a court of law possible,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “These grants from DOJ will not only help ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders, it will also help those who are wrongly accused or convicted get justice and reclaim their lives.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement, and forensic science research that provide knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- Washington State Patrol - $1,862,128 to address DNA processing
- Washington State Patrol - $410,715 to improve forensic equipment
- Skagit County Coroner - $250,000 to improve forensic equipment
- Washington State Patrol - $500,000 for post-conviction DNA analysis
- King County Medical Examiner - $125,000 to improve death investigations
- Washington Attorney General - $670,000 to expand the DNA database for sexual assault cases
- Jensen Hughes Inc. - $270,000 - research and development in forensic sciences
- University of Washington - $711,000 - research and development in forensic sciences
- University of Washington - $107,205 - graduate research fellow
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, see the attached fact sheet. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
final_wrap_fact_sheet_forensics.pdfU.S. Attorney Announces Update on Firearms Initiative in RichmondRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, 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 Richmond.
“We are committed to combating violent crime and firearms offenses in our Richmond Division,” 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.”
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.
During Fiscal Year 2020, from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, the Richmond Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged approximately 55 defendants with firearms-related offenses, including straw purchases, illegal possession of firearms by previously convicted felons and other prohibited persons, and carrying, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during a crime of violence or in relation to a drug trafficking offense. These defendants were involved in the unlawful purchase and/or possession of over 175 firearms, of which more than 100 firearms have been recovered and seized by law enforcement.
Recent Project Guardian cases in Richmond
U.S. v. Robert Graham and Rashad Fraierson
Fraierson and Graham robbed the Powhatan Drug Pharmacy, and the Bremo Pharmacy, in Henrico, in order to steal narcotics, including Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and other substances. In the first robbery, in July 2019, Graham placed a false 911 call regarding a threat of an armed person at a local high school. As law enforcement was diverted, which was Graham’s and Fraierson’s intention, Graham and Fraierson entered Powhatan Drug Pharmacy, brandished a firearm, forcibly tied up the pharmacist using zip-ties, and robbed the pharmacy of various narcotics. Before they fled, the two men stole more than $33,000 worth of drugs. The second robbery occurred in November 2019, when they used the same techniques to rob the Bremo Pharmacy, and stole more than $20,000 worth of drugs. Fraierson, who was previously convicted of three felony drug trafficking crimes in 2002, 2003, and 2015, was sentenced on October 1 to 26 years in prison. Graham was sentenced on October 9, 2020 to over 14 years in prison.
U.S. v. Travis Ball
On June 18, 2020, Ball was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his illegal possession of a firearm that was used to kill Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter in May 2017. Ball shot and killed Special Agent Walter during a traffic stop in the Mosby Court public housing community in Richmond. At the time of the murder, Ball possessed a FIE, model Titan, .25 caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Believing that he was wanted in Lancaster County for a probation violation, Ball resisted arrested and shot Special Agent Walter once in the head. Text messages found on Ball’s cellphone later revealed that two days prior to the murder he told his girlfriend he was not going back to jail and would “end up killing something.” The sentence imposed in this case runs consecutive to the 36-year sentence for capital murder that Ball received in the City of Richmond Circuit Court related to the murder of Special Agent Walter.
U.S. v. Antonio Smith
On October 6, 2020, Smith was sentenced to four years in prison for possession of a firearm by convicted felon. According to court documents, Smith was observed by Richmond Police with two firearms after several previous convictions for felonies. In September 2019, Richmond Police were called to the scene of a domestic assault, and observed Smith on the front porch of the residence. Smith then quickly ran inside, only to emerge from the back door of the residence a few seconds later. Police asked Smith to stop, but he continued around the building and ran up to an occupied vehicle that was parked on the street. At that time, the police officer observed Smith toss two firearms into the vehicle. Smith was arrested at the scene and the firearms were recovered. At sentencing, Smith received an enhancement for reckless endangerment to the occupants of the vehicle.
U.S. v. Shamel McLaughlin
On October 7, 2020, McLaughlin, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced to over 12 years in prison for his possession of a firearm and possession of distribution amounts of cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base following a vehicular pursuit in the City of Richmond. According to court documents, in October 2019, McLaughlin engaged Richmond Police Department (RPD) officers in a high-speed vehicular pursuit in a residential neighborhood in the City of Richmond. Upon stopping his vehicle, RPD officers apprehended McLaughlin after a brief foot pursuit. A search of McLaughlin revealed a baggie with 3.45 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and 15 grams of marijuana. Following McLaughlin’s arrest, RPD officers discovered inside his vehicle a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, 17 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, 2.49 grams of cocaine base, and small amounts of heroin and fentanyl. Based on his two prior drug distribution convictions, the Court sentenced McLaughlin as a career offender.
U.S. v. Vincent Rashad Gordon, et al.
On January 21, 2020, indictments were returned against Vincent Rashad Gordon, Davard Rasheed Anderson, Shaquinta Latoya Monroe, and Rahmer Raheem Scott for their respective roles in a conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. Each defendant allegedly entered into a conspiracy to assist Gordon with acquiring firearms he could not legally purchase. As a part of the conspiracy, Anderson, Monroe, and Scott would go into a licensed firearms dealership and purchase firearms at the direction of Gordon, who would tell them which firearms to buy and would provide them the money to purchase the firearms. To complete the purchase, the co-conspirators allegedly lied on ATF Form 4473, by affirming that they were purchasing the firearms for themselves when they were actually purchasing firearms for Gordon. Anderson purchased 54 firearms for Gordon; Monroe purchased 18 firearms for Gordon; and, Scott purchase 9 firearms for Gordon. Scott was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Monroe was sentenced to three years’ probation. Gordon is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2020. Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7.
More information on Project Guardian in EDVA can be found here.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Announces More than $1.2 Million in Grants to Bolster Forensic Capacity in San DiegoRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Cindy Cipriani (619) 546-9608
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 14, 2020
SAN DIEGO, CA – U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer today announced $1,222.116 in Department of Justice grants to San Diego agencies to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“DOJ’s significant investment in new technologies is an important piece of the puzzle posed by cold cases,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We must leave no stone unturned in our effort to increase public safety and deliver accountability and closure to victims.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
U.S. Attorney Brewer announced the following sizable grants to San Diego agencies:
- $376,004 to the City of San Diego and $376,112 to San Diego County funded by DOJ’s DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, which has provided funding to states and local jurisdictions since 2011. The funding is awarded to states, then divided among eligible crime labs within the state. The awards assist with increasing the capacity for DNA analysis and the number of DNA samples, thereby decreasing the backlog and turnaround time for DNA analysis. Recipients may use funding to upgrade laboratories and purchase equipment and supplies, such as DNA sample collection kits.
- $470,000 to the County of San Diego District Attorney for the prosecution of violent crime cold cases where DNA from a suspect has been identified. These funds are designed to decrease the number of unresolved violent crime cold cases, using advances in forensic technologies that are resulting in successful analysis of evidence once thought to be unsuitable for testing.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/forensics-factsheet-102020.pdf. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
# # #
Two registered sex offenders plead guilty in separate cases to possession of images of child rape and sexual abuseRead the Press Release
Seattle - In two separate cases, registered sex offenders have pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. JOHNATHON R. UMPHLETT, 31, of Arkansas, pleaded guilty today and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on January 13, 2021. MICHAEL DAVID MATHISEN, 68, of SeaTac, Washington, pleaded guilty on October 9, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on January 8, 2021. Because both men have prior convictions for sex offenses, each faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison.
According to records filed in the case, UMPHLETT was contacted by Seattle Police in June 2019, when a witness at a restaurant reported UMPHLETT was viewing what appeared to be child pornography on his smart phone. UMPHLETT provided his phone to the Seattle Police Detective for review, and the detective verified a number of images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. UMPHALETT has a 2014 conviction in Arkansas for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy.
MICHAEL DAVID MATHISEN was contacted by law enforcement in October 2019, following a referral from Microsoft to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the account later linked to MATHISEN was uploading images and searching on the internet for images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A search of MATHISEN’s electronic devices revealed nineteen files with images of children being sexually molested and abused. MATHISEN has convictions in 1984 and 1994 for sexually molesting children under the age of nine.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
The cases were investigated by the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force led by the Seattle Police Department. Specifically, Seattle Police and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case against UMPHLETT, and the King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations completed the MATHISEN investigation.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
Two Pittsburgh-Area Postal Carriers Charged with Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two separate federal criminal complaints were filed today charging employees of the United States Postal Service with delay or destruction of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
"During this election season, the integrity of the mails is more important than ever," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "When any public employee, including a mail carrier, violates the law, we will respond quickly. These carriers each attempted to destroy mail, including both political advertisements and an application for a mail-in ballot. Anyone who would obstruct or delay United States mail that includes election-related materials should know that the Department of Justice will take quick, efficient action against them."
"The vast majority of the Postal Service’s 630,000 employees are trustworthy, dedicated individuals working around the clock to deliver the nation’s mail," said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, of the Eastern Area Field Office. "However, when one of those employees decide to violate the trust placed in them, Special Agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will conduct a thorough investigation, and seek criminal prosecution and termination of employment when appropriate. USPS OIG Special Agents are committed to ensuring that all election and political mail is delivered without delay or disruption. To report delay or destruction of mail, or any other crimes committed by postal employees, contact our Special Agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG."
A one-count Criminal Complaint named Sean Troesch, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA 15236 (Baldwin), as the sole defendant.
According to the criminal complaint, Sean Troesch was a City Carrier for and employee of the United States Postal Service. He worked out of the Post Office in Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, and lived on Meadowcrest Road in Baldwin, Pennsylvania. On or about October 8, 2020, an employee of the Postal Service received an allegation about a mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road in Baldwin. According to the report received by the Postal Service, the mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road had previously been seen taking mail from the rear of his vehicle and placing it into trash bags. The mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road was later identified as Sean Troesch.
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, a Special Agent with the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General received a report that Troesch had placed nine trash bags at the street in front of his house. Trash pickup in Troesch’s neighborhood was scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2020.
Later on October 11, 2020, Special Agents went to Troesch’s residence to speak with him about the contents of the trash bags. When asked if the bags in front of his house contained mail, Troesch indicated that one of the bags did. An investigators opened that bag, which included only bundled mail. Although Troesch initially reported that only that single bag contained mail, he ultimately acknowledged that all of the trash bags did and told investigators to take them. Four mail items were also recovered from Troesch’s personal vehicle. Troesch told investigators that the mail had been intended for delivery on his route, and acknowledged that it was wrong to throw mail into the trash.
On October 13, 2020, at the Mount Oliver Post Office, agents inventoried the mail that had been recovered from Troesch’s vehicle and the trash bags in front of his residence. It included 314 items of First Class Mail, seven items of Certified Mail, one item of Priority Mail, and 1,311 items political advertisements or similar items of campaign mail. One application requesting the delivery of a mail-in ballot was included among the pieces of First Class Mail. The seized mail did not contain any mail-in ballots.
A second criminal complaint named James McLenigan, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA 15201, (Lawrenceville) as the sole defendant.
According to the criminal complaint, James McLenigan was a City Carrier for and employee of the United States Postal Service, working out of the Pittsburgh Post Office Bloomfield Station. His delivery route included parts of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.
On or about October 8, 2020, a Special Agent with the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General spoke with an employee of the Persad Center, located at 5301 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, who reported recovering mail from a trash bin outside of their office. The employee also reported that, on October 7, 2020 and October 8, 2020, the Persad Center’s video surveillance system had recorded a mail carrier throwing mail into a trash bin. The Special Agent took possession of the mail that had been collected by the Persad Center and the video surveillance.
The mail that had been collected by the Persad Center was subsequently inventoried by agents. It included 75 items of First Class Mail and 25 items of political advertisements or similar items of campaign mail. The seized mail did not contain any mail-in ballots, but it did contain one request for a mail-in ballot.. Agents also showed the video surveillance obtained from the Persad Center to the Postmaster of the Pittsburgh Post Office Bloomfield Station, who believed that the depicted carrier was James McLenigan.
On October 8, 2020, investigators interviewed McLenigan about the mail recovered from the trash bin outside of the Persad Center. During the interview, McLenigan acknowledged discarding mail intended for delivery into multiple trash cans along his route. He estimated that he discarded mail intended for delivery into a trash can that day, October 8, 2020, and acknowledged that it was wrong to do so.
The law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bengel is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.
Special Agents of the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General investigated these cases.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the defendant is guilty of an offense.