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Tuesday 13 October 2020
South Royalton Man Charged with Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that last week a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeremy Digby, 40, of South Royalton, with possession of an unregistered firearm, specifically, a multi-caliber, AR-style rifle with a barrel of less than 16 inches in length. Digby was arrested for the offense on October 12, 2020 and arraigned today in Burlington before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy. Digby pleaded not guilty to the charge and was ordered held in custody pending a hearing on his detention or release pending trial, which was set for October 16, 2020.
According to a court filing, on October 2, 2020, the Vermont State Police, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at Digby’s residence in South Royalton. During the search, law enforcement recovered evidence of drug use and 43 firearms, including the high powered weapon charged in the indictment. On October 12, 2020, law enforcement went back to Digby’s residence to arrest him on the federal indictment. At that time, investigators recovered two additional firearms. In a post-arrest statement, Digby told law enforcement that for the past couple of years, he had regularly used methamphetamine. Law enforcement also indicated that in recent months, they have received regular complaints from citizens about Digby’s drug use and about gunshots coming from the area of Digby’s residence.
If convicted of this offense, Digby faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller. Jeremy Digby is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian 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.
Second Charlotte Man Involved in Two Separate Identity Theft Schemes Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – David Clarke, 30, of Charlotte, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today, and pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in two separate schemes involving identity theft, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Clarke’s co-conspirator, Jamel Johnson, previously pleaded guilty for his involvement in the schemes.
Clarke and Johnson were initially indicted on June 19, 2020, on bank and wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft charges, for orchestrating a scheme in which they used stolen personal information of identity theft victims to obtain fraudulent bank loans. On October 7, 2020, new federal wire fraud charges were filed against Clarke, for using stolen identities to file for, and receive, COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.
According filed court documents and statements made at Clarke’s plea hearing today, from August 2019 to June 2020, Clarke, Johnson and their co-conspirators engaged in a bank loan scheme involving the use of stolen information of identity theft victims. Court documents show that, after acquiring the victims’ stolen identities on the internet and elsewhere, the co-conspirators used them to attempt to obtain more than $1,000,000 in fraudulent bank loans and goods.
According to court records, over the course of the investigation into the bank loan scheme, law enforcement discovered that Clarke was also executing a separate scheme involving COVID-19 UI benefits. In this scheme, court records show that, from May through July 2020, Clarke defrauded the U.S. Department of Labor, the State of Wisconsin, and the State of Arizona, by submitting fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits in the names of identity theft victims. During the relevant time-period, Clarke fraudulently obtained over $82,500 in fraudulent UI benefits using the compromised identities of more than 60 victims. According to court records, Clarke directed that payments of the fraudulent UI benefits be made to Green Dot cards, or to bank accounts under Clarke’s control.
Clarke is currently in federal custody. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a $1 million fine. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a minimum prison term of two years, consecutive to any other prison term imposed, and a $250,000 fine. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Clarke’s co-defendant, Johnson, has also pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud for his role in both schemes. A third co-defendant involved in the bank loan scheme, Justin Parks, has pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. A sentencing date for Clarke, Johnson and Parks has not been set.
The charges against Mikael Roberts, for his alleged involvement in the loan scheme, are still pending, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their investigative efforts, and thanked the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
The prosecution for the government is handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
Santa Monica Woman Admits Price Gouging in Sale of Scarce N95 Masks She Sold at Huge Markups over List Price During PandemicRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Monica day spa owner was charged today in federal court with accumulating N95 respirators in anticipation of the COVID-19 pandemic and then price gouging by selling the scarce masks at vastly inflated prices – sometimes nearly 1,100 percent over list price.
Niki Schwarz, 55, of Santa Monica, the owner of Tikkun Holistic Spa, was named in a criminal information charging her with one count of hoarding and price gouging. In a plea agreement also filed today, Schwarz agreed to plead guilty to the misdemeanor offense.
In the plea agreement, Schwarz admitted that in February she began accumulating N95 respirators in anticipation of a shortage that would be caused by a global pandemic resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus. From the beginning of February until the end of June, Schwarz accumulated nearly 20,000 N95 masks that had been manufactured by 3M (list price ranging from $1.02 to $1.27) and Alpha Pro (list price of 86 cents).
In March, the United States government designated N95 respirators as “scarce materials” under the Defense Production Act of 1950 due to the overwhelming need of health care providers dealing with COVID-19 patients to use personal protective equipment.
Schwarz admitted that she obtained the N95 respirators for the purpose of reselling them at above-market rates, and that she sold the masks for up to $15 each.
Schwarz “accumulated and resold the masks at prices in excess of the prevailing market prices willfully, that is, with knowledge that masks had been designated as scarce materials and with knowledge that accumulation of the designated materials to resell in excess of prevailing market prices was unlawful,” according to the plea agreement.
On March 1, an associate informed Schwarz that the associate was going to stop selling N95 masks because she believed it was crime – and that price gouging could result in one year in prison – but Schwarz continued to sell the masks at inflated prices.
The hoarding and price gouging offense that Schwarz admits in the plea agreement carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison.
Schwarz will receive a summons directing her to make an initial appearance in United States District Court, likely in early November.
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Mitchell of the Major Frauds Section, who is a regional coordinator of the Justice Department’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to 92 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 92 months in prison for a 2018 bank robbery.
According to court documents, David Marsahll Viverette, 29, was charged with one count of bank robbery. Viverette pled guilty on November 8, 2019.
On November 9, 2018, officers with the Rocky Mount Police Department responded to a robbery alarm at First Carolina Bank in Rocky Mount, NC, after Viverette had entered the bank, presented a demand note, and threatened to kill the teller if she pressed the alarm. Viverette fled with a small amount of cash, but was quickly identified from surveillance photos by officers familiar with him from prior encounters. Viverette has a lengthy criminal record with 19 prior convictions, including 7 prior felonies. The sentence, Viverette’s first federal conviction, included an enhancement for a brief escape from custody before he was indicted federally.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rocky Mount Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-340-FL.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to five bank robberies, including one that resulted in a high-speed chase.
Dong Lee, 50, pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery before U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16, 2021. In Oct. 2018, Lee was charged with co-defendant Charles Lamont Wheeler, 46, who pleaded guilty in March 2020. Wheeler’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2020.
According to the prosecutor at today’s plea hearing, Lee and Wheeler were responsible for the robberies of the Santander Bank in Andover on Sept. 8, 2018; the Berkshire Bank in Boston on Sept. 8, 2018; the Rockland Trust in Braintree on Sept. 12, 2018; the Abington Savings Bank in Avon on Sept. 14, 2018; and Crescent Credit Union in Brockton on Sept. 14, 2018. Both Lee and Wheeler were arrested following the Sept. 14, 2018 robberies which resulted in a high-speed auto chase by the Massachusetts State Police.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police Department; Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt; Brockton Police Chief Emmanuel Gomes; Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney; and North Attleboro Police Chief John J. Reilly made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Repeat federal felon and Mexican Mafia member handed significant sentence for illegally being in USRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
David Villarreal-Leal, identified as a member of the Mexican Mafia, pleaded guilty Feb. 5 for re-entering the United States after having been previously removed.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Villarreal-Leal to serve a total of 108 months in prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he will again be expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. At the hearing, the court noted his multiple previous convictions and that he had attacked a rival gang member while waiting for one of his court hearings.
Authorities found Villarreal-Leal Nov. 27, 2019, in a ranch outside of Laredo after illegally crossing into the United States from Mexico.
Villarreal-Leal was removed from the country multiple times beginning Jan. 19, 2006. His most recent removal occurred Oct. 15, 2019, approximately one month prior to his current arrest and charge.
He is a federal felon - previously convicted in 2001 of conspiring to transport 494 pounds of marijuana and again in 2010 when Villarreal-Leal illegally re-entered the United States. His latest came in 2011 when he was found guilty of conspiring with others in a money laundering scheme involving $1.4 million in bulk cash drug proceeds being trafficked to the Zeta Drug Trafficking Organization in Mexico.
Villarreal-Leal has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Pitcairn Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rebecca Owens, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about May 17, 2019 to on or about May 18, 2019, aided and abetted by another person known as "M.K.," Owens induced a female child victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct for Owens to send to M.K. during a sexual online chat.
"Our mandate is to use every resource to protect our children from sexual exploitation at the hands of pedophiles," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "No matter what dark shadows these predators hide in, law enforcement will shine a light on them and hold them accountable for their conduct. Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will not rest until every victim of child sexual exploitation is rescued and defendants like Owens are behind bars."
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2020, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, as part of the Northeast Computer Crimes Task Force, and the Allegheny County Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Owens.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
Philadelphia Man Who Attempted to Rob the Trolley Car Diner at Gunpoint Sentenced to 19 YearsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Keenan Smith, 29, of Philadelphia, PA was sentenced to nineteen years in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno for attempting to rob the Trolley Car Diner on Germantown Avenue in Northwest Philadelphia.
The defendant was convicted after trial in August 2019 of attempted robbery which interferes with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), and using or carrying, and discharging, a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In the early morning hours of January 31, 2018, Smith snuck into the Trolley Car Diner through a side entrance before it opened for business that day, and waited outside the manager’s office with a gun. When the manager arrived, Smith pointed the gun at the manager’s head, and then a struggle ensued as the manager attempted to disarm the defendant. Ultimately, the defendant was shot in the hand, causing him to flee, but he was later arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department after seeking medical treatment for his gunshot wound at a hospital in Roxborough. Evidence presented at trial showed that Smith’s DNA was found to match DNA from blood left at the scene of the crime.
“Nobody should be put in a positon of fearing for their life when simply showing up to do their job,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “My Office is committed to prosecuting and punishing this type of inexcusable violence, which is all too prevalent in Philadelphia. Federal crime means federal time: here, 19 years. Keenan Smith deserves every bit of that sentence.”
“Imagine the terror of walking into a gunpoint ambush, alone with an armed stranger making demands,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In attempting this armed robbery, Keenan Smith made clear that he’s a threat to public safety. Although Smith was the one injured during the robbery, it could have easily been his intended victim or an innocent bystander harmed. The FBI and our partners at the Philadelphia Police Department are committed to taking violent criminals off the street, to keep them from victimizing anyone else.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the Whitemarsh Township Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Stengel.
Owasso Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
An Owasso man admitted his guilt Tuesday in federal court after striking and killing William Houseman while eluding officers at speeds exceeding 90 mph in 2019.
Michael Leon Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country. Johnson admitted to leading officers on a chase through Tulsa streets in a stolen pick-up truck, running multiple red lights, driving into oncoming traffic and causing other drivers to divert off the road. Johnson struck the victim’s vehicle after running a red light at the intersection of 12900 East 11th St. Housman died as a result of his injuries.
“William Houseman lost his life because of Michael Johnson’s selfish and reckless choices. His death is a tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Johnson was in possession of a stolen vehicle and chose to run from police, rather than face the consequences for his criminal choices. On Jan. 12, 2021, a federal judge will hand down a sentence suitable for this senseless act.”
The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa Country Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Morgan is prosecuting the case.
Operation Legend: Case of the DayRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Northern District of Ohio. Operation Legend launched in Cleveland on July 29, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.
A Cleveland man has been charged with federal firearms and drug trafficking offenses after an Operation Legend taskforce conducted surveillance and executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized multiple firearms and illicit drugs.
“Trafficking drugs by itself is a dangerous enterprise, but mix in several loaded firearms and some high-powered rifles, and the result is a deadly combination that could hurt many people in more ways than one,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “I want to thank law enforcement agents with DEA and Cleveland Police for their collaborative work to identify this individual and remove him from the community.”
Angel Chacon, 37, of Cleveland, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents working as part of an Operation Legend taskforce executed a search warrant at Chacon’s residence after observing drug trafficking activity and executing a controlled buy.
During the search of the property, agents allegedly located the following items: cocaine, marijuana, drug trafficking paraphernalia and supplies, $5,000, a 9mm pistol, 55 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a .22 caliber rifle, 165 rounds of .22 caliber rifle ammunition, a .17 caliber rifle with five rounds of .17 caliber ammunition, a custom .223 caliber rifle with two magazines, 59 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition and two bags of miscellaneous ammunition and magazines.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Background on Operation Legend
Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 3,500 local, state, and federal arrests, with more than 800 defendants charged with federal crimes.
President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.
Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.
O.C. Man Faces Federal Charges for Allegedly Setting Santa Monica Police Department Vehicle on Fire During Civil Disturbances in MayRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Irvine man was taken into federal custody today on charges alleging he set fire to a Santa Monica Police Department car during civil unrest that accompanied widespread protests in late May.
Nathan Wilson, 27, is charged in a federal criminal complaint with malicious damage to property owned by an institution or organization receiving federal financial assistance.
Wilson was linked to the May 31 fire that destroyed the unmarked Santa Monica Police car when a witness told law enforcement they had driven Wilson to Santa Monica on that day and they believed he had set fire to a police car.
Publicly available social media posts show that the person who set fire to the police car parked at the loading dock of the Santa Monic Civic Center was wearing certain clothing and accessories, had an American flag bandana over his face, and had a distinctive tattoo of a rifle on his left arm, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint. The witness directed authorities to one of Wilson’s social media accounts – an Instagram account under the handle “yup_i_eat_crayons” – where Wilson had posted a “selfie” taken in Santa Monica on May 31. In his Instagram selfie, Wilson appeared exactly like the person seen in other social media posts who stoked the fire that destroyed the police car, the affidavit alleges.
In early June, the FBI and the Santa Monica Police Department issued a wanted poster for the person later identified as Wilson. After receiving tips and conducting investigations, law enforcement was not able to identify the perpetrator who caused the fire that destroyed the police car.
That changed when Wilson became a suspect in a September 28 vehicle arson that occurred in Irvine, according to the affidavit. Following a domestic dispute that culminated with a fire in a vehicle owned by Wilson’s live-in partner, authorities obtained information that linked Wilson to the May 31 fire in Santa Monica.
Wilson was taken into custody on October 9 when Santa Monica Police officers, in conjunction with the Irvine Police Department and the FBI, executed a search warrant at the Irvine residence and found Wilson hiding in a mattress box spring in the bedroom. During that search, authorities recovered items of clothing that appear to be the same seen on Wilson in the various photos taken near the destroyed police car.
After Wilson was taken into custody by Santa Monica Police officers, the federal criminal complaint was signed by a United States magistrate judge late on October 9. Wilson was taken into federal custody this morning, and he is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the malicious damage offense alleged in the complaint, Wilson would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years.
This matter was investigated by the SAFE LA Task Force, which includes representatives of the FBI and the Santa Monica Police Department. The Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority provided substantial assistance.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara B. Milstein of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
North Park Gang Member, Who Was Previously Convicted of RICO, Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 13, 2020
SAN DIEGO, CA – A member of a North Park based gang, who was previously convicted of participating in a conspiracy to engage in racketeering enterprise (RICO) involving sex trafficking of minors and adults, pleaded guilty to once again being involved in sex trafficking.
Jonathan Devon Price, aka Lil’ TY, who was a member of Black MOB, previously pled guilty to RICO in October 2015, where he admitted he was involved transporting females from San Diego, California to El Paso, Texas for purposes of prostitution. He also admitted to transporting an adult female in San Diego, California to a hotel to engage in prostitution after an online ad had been posted.
Today, Price admitted that in November 2019, he transported a minor in San Diego, California to meet with “johns” for the purpose of her to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition, Price caused online advertisements to be posted offering the minor for commercial sex. An undercover sting operation conducted by members of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force resulted in the arrest of Price, who was transporting the minor for prostitution.
Price also admitted during his guilty plea that he used fraud, force and coercion against another adult female in order to cause her to engage in commercial sex acts. This conducted occurred between June 2018 and November 2019, while Price was on federal supervised release. As a result of his criminal conduct in November 2019, Price has violated his supervised release in his prior RICO case, Criminal Case No. 13CR4510-JAH.
“Sex trafficking is a crime that causes devastating long-term effects for victims, especially minors,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Our office will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws that are in place to protect women and girls from the pain, humiliation and suffering associated with sex trafficking.” Brewer praised prosecutor Joseph Orabona and members of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. before the U.S. District Judge John A. Houston. Price has been detained in custody since his arrest in November 2019.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J.M. Orabona. This guilty plea is the result of the collaborative work by the FBI and the San Diego Police Department.
DEFENDANTS Case Numbers: 20CR0852-JAH
Jonathan “Lil’ TY” Devon Price Age: 30 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591
Maximum Penalties: Ten-year mandatory minimum and a maximum of life in prison, Sex Offender Registration
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- California Department of Justice
- California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole
- California Highway Patrol
- ICE/Homeland Security Investigations
- National City Police Department
- San Diego City Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County Probation Department
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
- San Diego Police Department
- The United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California
Newburgh Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Arnold Amthor, Chief of the City of Newburgh Police Department, announced that ALBERTO RIVERA, a Newburgh resident, was arrested this morning and charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with an incident that occurred in the City of Newburgh on October 1, 2020. RIVERA will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court later today.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Thanks to the quick work of a City of Newburgh detective, Alberto Rivera was apprehended while allegedly illegally in possession of a firearm and carrying illegal narcotics. Working with the City of Newburgh Police Department and the FBI, we have now charged Rivera with serious federal crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The community of Newburgh has faced its share of crime, and those who wish to live there peacefully don’t need another reminder of the long list of threats posed by illegal guns and drugs. Rivera was already on parole for unrelated crimes, the conditions of which he was in violation on the night an on-duty detective noticed him while on patrol. In an effort to escape arrest, he allegedly tossed the backpack he was carrying, and the contents along with it, aside. Unfortunately for him, that’s not how this works. Federal charges don’t get tossed to the side, and the penalties they carry are usually pretty severe.”
City of Newburgh Police Chief Arnold Amthor said: “We commend the excellent work of the detective who arrested Alberto Rivera. As alleged, Rivera was illegally in possession of a gun at the time. This department is committed to making the City of Newburgh safer, and to working with the FBI and federal prosecutors to do so where appropriate.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint[1]:
On October 1, 2020, around 1:24 p.m., a City of Newburgh detective, who was familiar with RIVERA and knew a warrant had been issued for RIVERA for absconding on parole, spotted RIVERA riding a bicycle on Broadway in the City of Newburgh. When the detective stopped his vehicle in RIVERA’s path, RIVERA fled the scene, tossing a backpack containing a firearm and large quantity of narcotics as he ran from the detective. The detective gave chase and apprehended RIVERA in the backyard of a nearby pizzeria. Detectives recovered the backpack from the same backyard.
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RIVERA, 25, of Newburgh, New York, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the City of Newburgh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Ong is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking in TopekaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to an armed carjacking in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.
In his plea, Simpson admitted he stopped a man near SW 13th and College Avenue in Topeka and demanded his wallet. The victim refused and during a struggle Simpson shot him. Simpson took the victim’s keys and drove away. He left behind a hat and wig he had been wearing. A DNA test on those items tied Simpson to the crime. When the victim’s Toyota Tacoma was recovered in Kansas City, Mo., it had been destroyed by fire.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 2. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 15 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Southfield, Michigan man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a federal drug crime. Donta Cole, 24, previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
“Another drug dealer from Michigan – this time with crack,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Just like any other poison peddler, if you’re selling crack, we’ll send you packing. Your next stop will be federal prison.”
Cole previously admitted that on April 26, 2019, he was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by the West Virginia State Police. An officer found approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine hidden in his groin area. Cole admitted that he intended to sell the crack cocaine.
The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00033.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Michigan Man Charged with Hate Crimes for Attacking African-American TeenagerRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Lee Mouat, 42, has been charged by criminal complaint in federal district court with violating 18 U.S.C. § 249 by willfully causing bodily injury to an African-American teenager because of the teenager’s race.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Mouat confronted a group of African-American teenagers, including the victim, at a state park in Monroe, Michigan. Mouat repeatedly used racial slurs and said that African Americans had no right to use the public beach where the incident occurred. Mouat then struck one of the teens in the face with a bike lock, knocking out several of the victim’s teeth and fracturing his jaw.
The charge in the complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Mouat faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson of the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Michigan Man Charged with Hate Crime for Attacking African-American TeenagerRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The Justice Department announced today that Lee Mouat, 42, has been charged by criminal complaint in federal district court with violating 18 U.S.C. § 249 by willfully causing bodily injury to an African-American teenager because of the teenager’s race.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Mouat confronted a group of African-American teenagers, including the victim, at a state park in Monroe, Michigan. Mouat repeatedly used racial slurs and said that African Americans had no right to use the public beach where the incident occurred. Mouat then struck one of the teens in the face with a bike lock, knocking out several of the victim’s teeth and fracturing his jaw.
The charge in the complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Mouat faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson of the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Mexico Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Mexico, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing stolen firearms taken during the burglary of Tiger Pawn Shop in Columbia, Mo.
Tyler Andrew Hilderman, 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. to one count of possessing stolen firearms and one count of stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.
Co-defendant Alexander Mears, 21, of Columbia, Mo., pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020, to possessing stolen firearms. Mears admitted that he and Hilderman stole 65 firearms during the burglary of Tiger Pawn Shop in September 2019.
According to Mears’s plea agreement, he and Hilderman made a hole in the building’s wall in order to enter the pawn shop. Mears handed the firearms through the hole in the building wall to Hilderman, who remained outside.
Hilderman received one pistol from the burglary, a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol. He was supposed to receive half the proceeds from the sale of the remainder of the firearms. The pistol was found by law enforcement officers who executed a search warrant at a residence in Cooper County, Mo. The occupant of the residence told officers he purchased the gun from a woman, who in turn said she obtained the gun from Hilderman.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Mexican national headed to prison for importing $1 million in heroinRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old man from Guadalupe, Nueva Leon, Mexico, has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to import heroin into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Marcos Braylobsky Cantu-Hernandez, 30, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña sentenced him to 51 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the term of imprisonment.
Cantu-Hernandez attempted to enter the United States Sept. 21, 2019, at the Juarez–Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo. At that time, an X-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies. Authorities conducted a search and found 28 bundles hidden in the vehicle’s rocker panels. They were found to contain approximately 28 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of $1 million.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Petters is prosecuting the case.
Manhattan Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Racketeering, Arson, Robbery, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that LARRY WHITE, a/k/a “L.O.,” pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to participating in a racketeering enterprise known as Bully Gang, setting two cars on fire in Manhattan on January 14, 2019, committing multiple armed robberies, and committing a shooting on June 3, 2017, in Manhattan. U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Today, Larry White admitted to a brazen and dangerous crime spree in New York City, including armed robberies, an arson, firearms offenses, and his active participation in a dangerous gang. We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to vigorously investigate acts of violence committed by gang members.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:
Bully Gang was a criminal enterprise involved in committing armed robberies throughout New York City. As admitted today in open court today, White personally participated in multiple armed robberies in furtherance of Bully Gang, set two cars on fire in Manhattan, and shot a victim on June 3, 2017, in Manhattan.
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WHITE, 33, of New York, New York, pled guilty to participating in a racketeering enterprise, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison to run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment; being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and arson, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
WHITE is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2021.
The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Longyear, Jacob Warren, Andrew Chan, and Paralegal Specialist Claudia Hernandez are in charge of the prosecution.
Major south Georgia drug trafficker sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A South Georgia man who has alternated much of his past three decades between selling illegal drugs or serving time in prison has been sentenced to spend nearly 20 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization centered in Coffee County.
Wayne Jordan, 62, of Douglas, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 235 months in federal prison after Jordan pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine and Marijuana, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison sentence, Jordan will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“For decades Wayne Jordan has been a malign presence in south Georgia, never skipping a beat between periods of court supervision to distribute and sell illegal drugs throughout the area,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “For the next 20 years, at least, the community will be rid of his destructive influence.”
Jordan was indicted with nine other defendants – including his son, Germany Jordan, 33 – in a 57-count federal indictment returned in December 2018. Judge Wood sentenced each of the other nine defendants on earlier dates. The indictment resulted from a nearly two-year investigation under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the premier U.S. Department of Justice program to dismantle multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking organizations. Agents of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Douglas Coffee Drug Unit, Douglas Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, Appling County Sheriff’s Office, the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service participated in the investigation.
According to court documents and testimony, Jordan – who had served multiple stints in state and federal prison on drug trafficking charges since his first arrest and conviction more than 30 years ago – was the main source of supply for a group of co-conspirators who sold cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in Coffee, Jeff Davis and Appling counties.
In multiple searches at the time of the arrests, investigators seized more than $410,000 in cash, three kilograms of cocaine, crack cocaine, 55 pounds of high-grade marijuana, and 19 vehicles were seized.
“The appropriate sentencing for the reoffender in this case exemplifies the clear and present danger that dangerous drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana poses to our communities,” said DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy. “Because of the collective efforts between DEA and its law enforcement partners, this defendant will spend well-deserved time in prison.”
“It is unfortunate this defendant chose to not only make drug trafficking a way life, but also a family affair,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. “With the dismantling of this drug trafficking organization, these south Georgia communities will be safer. Thank you to our federal and local law enforcement partners for making this possible.”
The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche and Joe McCool.
Maine to Receive More Than $600,000 in Federal Funding for Forensic ScienceRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank today announced $639,654 in Department of Justice grants to the District of Maine 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.
The Maine Department of Public Safety will receive $264,698, and the Maine State Police will receive $374,956.
“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.”
“I am very pleased to share the news about this important federal funding,” U.S. Attorney Frank said. “The use of DNA for solving crimes has only been around for a few decades, but it’s already been an enormous game-changer, for police agencies here in Maine and across the nation. This ever-evolving science will be of tremendous benefit to crime investigations here in Maine, and to crime victims.”
Since 2004, OJP 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.
More information about the programs and awards announced today is available here: OJP Awards Data webpage.
OJP, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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.
Lake Jackson man sent to prison after posting child pornography via social mediaRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 30-year-old man who posted hundreds of images depicting child pornography on two separate public blogs in 2017 and 2018 has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Marcus Ryan Howell pleaded guilty March 12 to two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered him to serve 151 months in federal prison. Following his prison term, Howell will serve 10 years on supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous conditions that restrict his access to children and the internet. Howell will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In December 2017, authorities received information that a social media user was posting child exploitation material on a public blog. They later learned of a second blog with a different user name which also contained child pornography. Law enforcement traced both blogs to an IP address registered to Howell’s Lake Jackson address.
They executed a search warrant and seized an HP desktop computer belonging to Howell, which was found to contain multiple images and videos of child pornography. Approximately 20 of the videos were longer than five minutes in length, the longest of which lasted nearly 11 minutes.
Howell was ultimately held responsible for a total of 34 GIFs, 354 videos and 1,503 photos depicting child pornography.
Howell has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
KC Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Illegal Firearms, StalkingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms, including purchasing firearms advertised on the internet, and of stalking two female victims associated with massage parlors in Kansas.
“This armed and dangerous criminal, with a history of stalking and violence toward women, will spend the rest of his life in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison.
Robert J. Gross, 69, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 35 years in federal prison without parole.
On May 15, 2019, Gross was found guilty at trial of two counts of stalking victims across state lines, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of receiving a firearm while under indictment.
Gross was under investigation in 2017 for destroying property and harassing and stalking four women associated with massage parlors in Kansas, which led to him being placed under surveillance by law enforcement. While under surveillance in December 2017, Gross purchased handcuffs and other items from a surplus store, visited a gun show twice, and purchased two shotguns from a private seller advertising on the internet.
In October 2017, Gross visited the Tea Spa Massage in Lawrence, Kan., where he was asked to leave by the employee. Gross took all of his clothes off and walked around the business completely naked, harassing and threatening the employee. The video and audio surveillance show Gross grabbing and groping the employee, who eventually fled the store and flagged down a passing man for assistance in getting Gross out of the business. Gross got dressed and left the business.
Law enforcement investigators began surveillance of Gross after these incidents.
On Dec. 2, 2017, officers saw Gross purchase four sets of handcuffs, two black shirts with “SECURITY” written on them with badges on the front, and two balaclavas (a garment used to conceal facial identity) from a surplus store in Kansas City, Kan. The manager of the business told investigators that Gross had purchased two sets of handcuffs the week before.
On Dec. 16, 2017, officers saw Gross inquiring about the purchase of firearms at the Kansas City Gun Show located at the KCI Expo Center. Gross picked up and handled a 9mm Velocity “Uzi”-type firearm with an empty 30-round magazine at one of the booths. The dealer at the booth told investigators that Gross, who approached his booth multiple times throughout the day, had asked about purchasing up to three firearms. The next day, Gross visited the gun show again and was seen inquiring about the purchase of firearms. Gross visited a different booth, where he picked up a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun.
At that time, Gross was a convicted felon and also under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under indictment, to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Gross has prior federal felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and interstate transfer of a stolen firearm. He also has prior state felony convictions for making terroristic threats and burglary. The state convictions in Kansas stem from breaking into the house of a former girlfriend and stealing a .380-caliber firearm. He threatened to rape and torture the former girlfriend and her sister, to cut off her sister’s head and leave it on her bed, and to burn down her house.
On Dec. 22, 2017, Gross returned to the surplus store in Kansas City, Kan., and was observed purchasing four more sets of handcuffs and a balaclava. Gross also asked about purchasing a bulletproof vest.
On Dec. 22, 2017, officers observed Gross purchase two shotguns from an individual in the parking lot of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Liberty, Missouri. Gross first drove to the Pizza Ranch parking lot, where he removed the license plate from the front of his car. The rear license plate had been removed as well. Then Gross drove to the nearby Lowe’s store, where he was met by an individual driving a white pickup truck. The unidentified individual sold Gross two shotguns, which he handed to Gross from his truck. As Gross was putting two shotguns in the trunk of his car, officers arrested him for being a felon in possession of firearms.
The individual who sold the shotguns to Gross told investigators that Gross called him the day before, after seeing the Savage 12-gauge shotgun and Winchester 12-gauge shotgun advertised for sale on a website. Gross told him he wanted to buy the two shotguns for $350 and they arranged to meet at Lowe’s to conduct the sale.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jess Michaelsen and Alison D. Dunning, with cooperation from the Platte County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, the Lawrence, Kan., Police Department, and the Douglas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Justice Department Charges More than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 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 Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
Justice Department Charges More than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Today, the Justice Department 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 (ATF), 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 Justice Department 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."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across West Tennessee. Since becoming U.S. Attorney in 2017, I have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing violent gun offenders from our streets. In order to reduce violent crime and save lives, we will continue to aggressively prosecute the trigger-pullers, traffickers, straw purchasers, and prohibited persons who illegally use and possess firearms in West Tennessee."
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, a total of 203 federal firearms-related cases have been brought in the Western District of Tennessee in FY 2020, announced U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
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 Justice Department and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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Justice Department Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 13, 2020 - Today, 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.”
“When I became the U.S Attorney in 2017, my highest priority was to make middle Tennessee a safer place for all of our citizens and visitors,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “One of the initiatives our office and our law enforcement partners embarked on was a concentrated effort to reduce violent crime – especially gun crime. We quickly doubled the number of federal firearms prosecutions and continued to expand our enforcement efforts. Even with the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the lack of a grand jury for several months in FY20, we still charged 137 individuals with federal firearms crimes. This will be followed by long federal prison sentences for violent offenders, from which there is no parole, and our communities will be safer without these violent criminals on our streets.”
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 illegal to possess a firearm if you have been convicted of a crime of domestic violence or are subject to a domestic violence protective order. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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Highland Woman who Faked Breast Cancer and Genetic Disorders Pleads Guilty to Five Federal FeloniesRead the Press Release
A woman who falsely claimed she had breast cancer and genetic disorders to defraud nonprofits has
pleaded guilty. Sarah A. Delashmit, 35, of Highland, Illinois, appeared in federal district court
this morning and admitted her guilt on four counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.According to court documents, Delashmit falsely claimed she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy
and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to attend Camp Summit, a nonprofit camp in Texas that serves
individuals with disabilities. In October 2015 and March 2016, based on her misrepresentations,
Camp Summit awarded Delashmit a spot as a camper and over $2,500 in financial aid. While at the
camp, Delashmit confined herself to a wheelchair and pretended to need assistance with most daily
activities, such as getting dressed and bathing, despite being fully able to walk and care for
herself. Delashmit admitted in court that her fraud prevented deserving people with real
disabilities from attending the camp and receiving financial assistance.As part of her guilty plea, Delashmit also admitted falsely posing as a breast cancer survivor to
defraud the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a New York-based nonprofit organization serving young
adults diagnosed with cancer. In 2017 and 2018, based on her misrepresentations, Delashmit received
over $1,000 in financial benefits and donated items, diverting YSC’s limited resources away from
real cancer survivors. In addition, Delashmit admitted making false statements to a credit card
company and an internet retailer to fraudulently obtain a $4,500 triathlon bicycle.Sentencing will be held on Jan. 19, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis,
Illinois. Delashmit faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the five
fraud charges.The investigation was conducted by the Highland Police Department, the FBI, and the United States
Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Luke J. Weissler.Gregg N. Sofer Is Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
Gregg N. Sofer is officially the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. He was sworn in by Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia this morning at the federal courthouse in San Antonio.
Attorney General William P. Barr appointed Mr. Sofer to the position effective October 10, 2020.
“The Western District of Texas is one of the largest, busiest, and most diverse districts in the United States. Every day, the women and men of the U.S. Attorney’s Office diligently work to protect our communities, prosecute the criminals who prey upon the weak and vulnerable, defend the interests of the United States, and safeguard the rights of the people who live in the 68 counties we serve. In my 29 years of public service, I have worked to seek justice for crime victims and bring accountability to those who place their interests over those of society. It is an honor and a privilege to continue this mission alongside the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, support personnel, law enforcement officers, judges, and court staff that make this district so great,” said U.S. Attorney Sofer.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Sofer is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Texas. He is responsible for prosecuting violations of federal law and representing the federal government in civil litigation where the United States is a party.
The Western District of Texas spans approximately 93,000 square miles, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office employs more than 300 people. The headquarters are in San Antonio with staffed offices in Austin, El Paso, Midland, Del Rio, Waco, and Alpine.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Sofer served as Counselor to the Attorney General of the United States where he handled criminal and national security matters as well as crisis response. Before going to Main Justice, he served for 12 years in the Austin Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney and accomplished litigator, he handled national security, fraud, violent crime, and corruption cases, among others. His last trial in Austin was a RICO prosecution that resulted in a life sentence without parole for a man who attempted to assassinate a state court judge as she sat in her car with her family. Some of Mr. Sofer’s other notable prosecutions include that of an individual who was planning to fight for ISIS overseas; a defendant who built a bomb intending to kill soldiers at Ft. Hood; the former Jarrell Police Chief who was involved in a bribery scheme where he fraudulently provided illegal aliens with immigration benefits; and a money laundering conspiracy involving the owner of several Austin nightclubs. In 2018, Mr. Sofer was promoted to Chief of the Criminal Division. In that role, he was responsible for the supervision of over 120 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and all aspects of the district’s criminal practice.
From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Sofer was a trial attorney in the National Security Division at Main Justice where he led the investigation and prosecution of international terrorism cases. He also served as the Director of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism and Director of the National Gang Targeting Enforcement and Coordination Center.
Mr. Sofer started his legal career in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Among a wide variety of cases, he prosecuted violent gang, murder and firearms trafficking cases for over 11 years, distinguishing himself as a skilled trial lawyer, indefatigable investigator, and fierce advocate for justice. Mr. Sofer earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.A. from Rutgers University.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Gettysburg Man Charged with Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Dixon, age 53, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on September 30, 2020, by a federal grand jury for theft of Social Security benefits totaling more than $30,000 over a two-year period.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
If convicted of the charge, Dixon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Four Chicago Women Indicted for Allegedly Defrauding Child Care Subsidy Program of More Than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A grand jury has returned indictments that charge four Chicago women with allegedly defrauding a government child care subsidy program intended to provide affordable child care to eligible parents. Each woman owned and operated a licensed day care in Chicago that allegedly submitted false claims for payment for child care services that were not provided or were not provided to the extent charged. As a result of the alleged schemes, the estimated loss to the government is more than $1 million.
The Illinois Department of Human Services administers the Child Care Assistance Program with state funds and block grants provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program provides child care services to low-income parents transitioning from educational programs or welfare to work and economic independence. Parents are required to make a co-payment based on their ability to pay and the remainder is paid by the Child Care Assistance Program.
Those charged are Tarnavis A. “Bonnie” Lee, 41, owner and operator of Lee’s Toddler Town, Inc.; Demetra M. Jackson, 41, owner and operator of Jitter Bugs, Inc.; Elizabeth McFarland, 46, currently of Madison, Tenn., who owned and operated Tater Tots, Inc.; and, LaShanda Hudson, 39, who owned and operated a day care business in her name.
Lee is charged in two indictments, one with Jackson and one with McFarland, for operating similar fraud schemes. Lee, who owned Lee’s Toddler Town day care, participated in the subsidy program as a licensed child care provider and submitted claims for services. The indictment against Lee and Jackson alleges that from March 2016 to April 2019, the two women received child care subsidy money by submitting false information regarding applicants’ eligibility and the type of child care and services actually provided. Lee allegedly submitted application forms, on behalf of parents, that contained false information about their employment and income, the time a child would spend at Jackson’s Jitter Bugs day care, the number and names of children, and the location where the services were provided. Payments to Jitter Bugs were deposited to an account that the two women controlled. When payments were received, more than one-half of the funds were transferred to accounts over which only Lee had control. In addition, Lee repeatedly made kickback payments to parents who were purported clients of Jitter Bugs. The two continued to submit false claims for payment even after Jackson had moved from her residence, the licensed day care address. As a result, Lee and Jackson allegedly submitted approximately $312,000 in claims with a loss to the government of more than $140,000.
In addition, Lee is charged in a second indictment with McFarland, who owned and operated Tater Tots, Inc., in Chicago, for allegedly operating a similar fraud scheme from June 2009 to April 2019. False applications and claims for payment were allegedly submitted for child care and services through the Child Care Assistance Program, and upon payment, more than one-half of the payment received was transferred to Lee. Kickback payments were allegedly paid to parents. The indictment alleges that false claims continued to be submitted even after McFarland moved in August 2016 to Nashville, Tenn. As a result of the alleged scheme, Lee and McFarland submitted claims of approximately $1.5 million with an estimated loss to the government of more than $800,000.
The third indictment charges Hudson with operating a similar fraud scheme on behalf of her personal day care business in Chicago from January 2009 to November 2019. Hudson allegedly submitted false records and information regarding applicants’ eligibility as well as information about the type of care and services and the extent of services actually provided. Hudson also allegedly made kickback payments to parents who were purported clients. As a result of the alleged scheme, Hudson submitted claims totaling approximately $734,000 resulting in an estimated loss of more than $400,000.
Specifically, the indictment against Lee and Jackson charges each woman with 17 counts of mail and wire fraud; Lee is additionally charged with eight counts of money laundering. The indictment of Lee and McFarland charges Lee with 35 counts of mail and wire fraud and seven counts of money laundering; McFarland is charged with Lee, with 12 counts of mail and wire fraud. Hudson is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering.
Each woman will be issued a summons to appear for arraignment in federal court in Springfield. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for each count of the offenses of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering is up to 20 years in prison.
The charges were investigated by the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Central Division; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In addition, the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services, which administers the Child Care Assistance Program for the state of Illinois, assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass is representing the government in the case prosecution.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Former Postal Employee Pled Guilty to Stealing MailRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Havelock man pleaded guilty today to Theft of Mail by a Postal Employee.
According to the United States, William E. Lundy, Sr., 41, worked as a time clerk in the Trenton Post Office. From June 2019 through January 2020, Lundy rifled through the outgoing and incoming mail and stole mail that contained cash, personal checks and gift cards. Based upon customer complaints, the Postal Service conducted an investigation and found 36 first class envelopes in Lundy’s car. 32 victims were identified, resulting in a loss of $1,265. Lundy voluntarily resigned.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Jones accepted the plea. The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Menzer is prosecuting the case.
U.S District Judge Louise W. Flanagan will sentence Lundy during the February 2021 term of court. The maximum penalties are five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000. Restitution is mandatory.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-00050-FL.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Office Manager Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing $790,600Read the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Richard Barrett Dale Walker (38, The Villages) to five years and five months in federal prison for wire fraud and bank fraud. Walker was also ordered to pay $790,600 in restitution and an $839,305.30 forfeiture order.
Walker had pleaded guilty on June 23, 2020.
According to court documents, Walker was the part-time office manager of a locally owned business where he worked 10 hours a week and was responsible for paying bills and managing the finances of the business. He was paid $500 per week. Walker also had two companies of his own: RBD Distributors LLC and Shotgun Shooting Supply LLC.
Walker’s scheme consisted of two parts. First, from January 2014 to July 3, 2018, Walker used the business’s bank account, without authorization, to write $751,824.29 in checks to himself and his two companies. In total, there were more than 500 checks, ranging from $145.89 to $16,981.03, each of which included the forged signature of the owner of the business.
The second part of the scheme occurred from March 19 to July 3, 2018. During that time period, Walker used the business’s personal and corporate credit cards to charge $301,328.65 in fraudulent/unauthorized credit card transactions that were paid to Walker’s company, RBD Distributors. Walker sometimes paid for those credit card transactions by writing a check or initiating a transfer from the business’s bank account.
Walker engaged in a series of actions to hide and cover up his fraudulent scheme including changing the address for the business’s credit card statements from the actual location of the business to the address of a relative of Walker (so that the owner of the business would no longer receive credit card statements); adding himself as “Treasurer” of the business by sending an annual report to the Florida Secretary of State that falsely represented that he had that position with the company; adding his email and phone number to an account for the business’s corporate card; and adding an email address to another of the business’s corporate cards.
After deducting the amounts returned by Walker during his scheme and the reversal of some of the unauthorized credit card charges, the total amount of restitution in the case is $790,600.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Former Inmate Arrested in Scheme to Use Drones to Smuggle Contraband into Fort Dix Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man was arrested for conspiring to use drones to smuggle contraband, including tobacco and cell phone chargers, into the federal correctional facility at Fort Dix, and for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Jason Arteaga Loayza, a/k/a “Juice,” 29, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was charged by complaint in November 2019 with one count of conspiring to smuggle contraband and to defraud the United States and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute a substance containing heroin and fentanyl. Arteaga was arrested on Oct. 12, 2020, in Vermont by federal marshals, and is scheduled to have his initial appearance on Oct. 14, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate John M. Conroy in Burlington, Vermont, federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case:
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), obtained evidence that Arteaga, an inmate at Fort Dix from June 2017 to September 2018, participated in multiple drone deliveries of contraband meant for inmates between October 2018 and April 2019.
On Oct. 30, 2018, Fort Dix officers observed a drone with a fishing line hovering above the rooftop of a housing unit. Underneath the hatch to the rooftop, which had the bolts removed, responding officers recovered a bag that contained tobacco, cell phone chargers, and USB charging cables. In the same area officers found a cell phone that was likely used to coordinate the drone drop, which was in frequent communication with Arteaga leading up to the drop. An inmate found near the rooftop hatch had wet knees, consistent with being on the wet rooftop to retrieve the contraband package. Arteaga’s iCloud account contained screenshots of google search results for “fort dix weather” in October 2018 and screenshots of live chats with CC-1 taken days before the drop in which the inmate appeared to be inside of Fort Dix and wearing a prison uniform.
A few days earlier, Jersey City police officers had encountered a man in the common area of Arteaga’s residence with multiple plastic bags containing numerous cell phones. The man told police that he came to the address to meet Juice.
During a search of Arteaga’s residence in June 2019, agents discovered a kitchen closet with packages of empty cell phone boxes, cell phone chargers, empty boxes of SIM cards, and several phones, including a box that had been shipped to Arteaga the day before the drop. The kitchen closet also contained a tobacco box consistent with the tobacco that had been recovered in drone drops. Each of the drone drops that followed the Oct. 30, 2018, drop contained cell phones or cell phone equipment, and one additional drone drop contained tobacco. Arteaga also had a suitcase in his bedroom that contained his driver’s license, 20 packets of Suboxone Sublingual Film, a prescription opiate, and a plastic bag containing over 21 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl.
One of the cell phones obtained during the search of Arteaga’s residence contained communications with a contact saved as “Adogfy,” in which Arteaga and Adogfy likely coordinated drone drops on Fort Dix. For example, the phone showed communications and a call between Arteaga and Adogfy on April 15, 2019; the next morning, a package of contraband with a cord attached to it was found in Fort Dix. The package contained packets of Hydroxycut drink mix, vacuum-sealed bags of tobacco, cellphone batteries, reading glasses, and a cell phone. On April 22, 2019, Adogfy sent Arteaga a photo that appeared to be an aerial shot of Fort Dix. Approximately two minutes later, Arteaga sent back the same photo marked with two yellow lines, and a message: “Behind the buildind [sic] where the yellow is the long yellow line is a fence.” Approximately one minute later, Adogfy sent Arteaga another aerial photo that appeared to be Fort Dix, with orange target marks over several housing units. Arteaga responded with the same photo, marked with a black dot behind a particular housing unit, and a message stating, “Black dot.” Later that week, Arteaga sent Adogfy a message asking, “U think that u cud do something 2m.” Adogfy responded, “2m too windy 20 mph.”
Two other men, Adrian Goolcharran, a/k/a “Adrian Ahoda” and “Adrian Ajoda,” and Nicolo Denichilo, have also been charged with participating in the scheme to use drones to smuggle contraband into Fort Dix. They have been released on bail pending further proceedings.
The offenses charged in the complaint carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and maximum fine of $250,000 for the conspiracy count and 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the narcotics count.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of DOJ-OIG, New Jersey area office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Guido Modano; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 307, under the direction of Superintendent Jonathan Jackson; and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Douglas Shoemaker, with the investigation leading to the charges.
He also thanked Federal Bureau of Prisons personnel at Fort Dix, under the direction of Warden David Ortiz; agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; investigating agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Thomas J. Mahoney; and officers with the Pemberton Borough Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Hunter; the Pemberton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Jantas; and Chesterfield Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kyle Wilson, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cari Fais and Jeffrey Manis of the Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Forestville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Following Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard C. Miller, 53, of Forestville, NY, who was previously convicted of receipt and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who handled the case, stated that between 2006 and 2009, Miller produced child pornography by filming himself engaged in a sexual act with a minor. Between January 2016 and March 2017, Miller and co-defendant Joseph Harvey exchanged images of child pornography and engaged in illicit discussions regarding child pornography and pedophilia. In addition, a search of the residence shared by the defendants revealed multiple electronic devices that contained child pornography.
Joseph Harvey was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 96 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating drug trafficking and federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Raymar McKenzie, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 12, August 19, September 15, and September 18, 2020, McKenzie possessed and distributed a quantity of cocaine base and fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that on or about September 18, 2020, the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. McKenzie, a convicted felon, is prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life imprisonment, a fine of $8,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police Narcotics conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal prison sentence strikes 'Loretta Lightningbolt' for witness-tamperingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Bryan County woman who admitted to tampering with a witness in a child sexual coercion investigation has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison.
Lori Wilson, a/k/a “Loretta Lightningbolt,” 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., was sentenced to 70 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. after pleading guilty to Tampering with a Victim or Witness, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Wilson is required to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victim, and after completion of her sentence, she will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Wilson’s husband, Michael Wilson, 37, of Richmond Hill, Ga., pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Attempted Coercion of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and is awaiting sentencing. Lori Wilson admitted that she tried to persuade Michael Wilson’s victim to recant the accusations that he attempted to coerce the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity from 2017 through early 2019. She also admitted withholding information from investigators.
“It takes tremendous bravery for a victim to come forward, particularly when that victim is a child,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Lori Wilson further victimized this child by attempting to persuade the victim that it had all been a dream, when Wilson knew she was compounding the child’s nightmarish victimization.”
Michael Wilson, an active duty member of the military, also is charged with seven violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 120(b), Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child. These charges are pending and relate to multiple minor victims.
“It is unconscionable to think that two adults would team up against a defenseless child who showed incredible courage to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No matter how many years Lori Wilson spends in prison, it will never make up for the years of trauma suffered by the child she and her husband victimized.”
“We are very pleased with today’s sentencing,” said Chris Grey, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. “We take allegations of witness tampering and sexual abuse extremely seriously, especially in cases involving children. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to root out this type of crime.”
The cases are being investigated by the FBI and by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn Semales and Jennifer G. Solari.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment Charging Cruise Ship Crew Member with Sexual Assault and Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On October 8, 2020, a federal Grand Jury in St. Thomas returned a two-count superseding indictment against Louie Ison Mangampat, 37, of the Philippines, charging him with one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of committing a hate crime, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced.
The indictment stems from Mangampat allegedly sexually assaulting a crew member on board a Celebrity cruise ship in September of 2019. The superseding indictment adds the hate crime offense to the original Grand Jury indictment previously returned on November 7, 2019. Under federal law, Mangampat faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Fairview Heights Man Charged with Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
Michael M. Rapa, 67, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, was arraigned yesterday in federal court on a
three-count indictment charging him with possessing prepubescent child pornography (two counts) and
possessing child pornography. According to the indictment, on Nov. 2 and Nov. 30, 2017, Rapa
knowingly possessed computers that contained prepubescent child pornography. The indictment further
alleges that, on Dec. 12, 2017, Rapa knowingly possessed a hard drive that contained child
pornography. Rapa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed
to be innocent of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.If convicted of possessing prepubescent child pornography, Rapa faces a penalty of not more than 20
years imprisonment. For possession of child pornography, Rapa could receive as much as 10 years in
prison. All three counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000 and supervised release from five years to
life. Trial is presently scheduled for Dec. 17, 2020, in Benton, Illinois.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May
2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and
abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation
and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to
locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and
rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on
the tab “resources.”The case was investigated by the Fairview Heights Police Department and the Department of Homeland
Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant
U.S. Attorney Angela Scott.Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to heroin and fentanyl possession and distribution charges.
Juan Santos Roque, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Feb. 17, 2021. Santos Roque has been in federal custody since his arrest on Oct. 21, 2019.
According to court documents, Santos Roque’s co-defendant, James De La Cruz, arranged for the sale of 10 kilograms of fentanyl and six kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant for the government at a hotel in Peabody. De La Cruz and Santos Roque drove from New York and arrived separately at the meeting location. Santos Roque had stored 16 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl in a hidden compartment in his vehicle. When Santos Roque arrived at the hotel parking lot, he met with the confidential informant and handed over the 16 separate drug packages. Agents then took both men into custody.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least five years to follow the prison sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Peabody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Department of Justice Forecasts an Increase in Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Protection Activities and Criminal Enforcement ActionsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced the protection activities undertaken by the FBI to counter the threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at certain National Special Security Events (NSSEs), Special Events Assessment Rating (SEAR) events, and select mass gatherings throughout the country over the past fiscal year. DOJ and the FBI are publicizing protection activities in an effort to deter careless and criminal UAS operators in light of an anticipated increase in enforcement activity in response to the misuse of UAS.
The Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018 (codified at 6 U.S.C. § 124n) provides DOJ a tailored grant of authority for authorized DOJ components such as the FBI to take appropriate and lawful action against unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems that threaten the safety and security of the public, covered facilities and assets, and DOJ missions, consistent with the Constitution, applicable federal laws and regulations, and department policy.
“Drones are an amazing technology that offer great commercial promise, but they also present a serious challenge to ensuring public safety,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “As events return during and after this global pandemic, we will be out in force where needed, collaborating with our partners from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, to protect the public from unsafe, careless, or malicious drone operators.”
From Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020, the FBI has provided counter-UAS support at dozens of events, including national level sporting events such as Super Bowl LIV in Miami, the 2019 World Series, and the 2020 Rose Bowl Game, as well as at other major events that draw large crowds like Washington, D.C.’s A Capitol Fourth and New York City’s New Year’s celebration. During this period, the FBI has detected over 200 UAS unlawfully flying in national security airspace restricted by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration at such events, and has taken corrective action.
“The FBI is heavily invested in ensuring public safety at special events and we are engaged, with our federal, state, and local partners, to ensure UAS do not pose a threat to these events,” said FBI Executive Assistant Director Terry Wade. “The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and disrupting the careless or criminal use of UAS.”
Operators who violate the national security-related flight restrictions put in place to protect these events risk facing criminal charges. This past fiscal year authorities arrested and charged drone operators with violating a national defense airspace Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 46307. For example, in the lead up to Super Bowl LIV, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida charged two drone operators with flying drones in national defense airspace.
In addition, the FBI has seized about a dozen UAS based on violations of flight restrictions at events during fiscal year 2020.
The department is particularly committed to preventing and prosecuting the increased use of drones for criminal purposes. Last October, Eric Lee Brown was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison after attempting to use a drone to deliver marijuana to a state prison in Georgia. In March of this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced charges against two men for conspiring to smuggle contraband into a federal correctional facility using drones. These two cases illustrate the department’s effort to prevent, deter, and prosecute the use of drones to smuggle contraband into federal and state prisons.
The department is also committed to prosecuting drone operators who use unmanned aircraft to facilitate violence. The five-year prison sentence imposed last month on Jason Muzzicato, who used an unregistered drone to drop improvised explosive devices in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, among other offenses, reflects this commitment.
On Sept. 28, 2020 the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon announced that two individuals were charged with flying a drone within national defense airspace during civil disorder events in Portland, Oregon.
The department has expanded its use of counter-UAS technology and anticipates that, if violations still occur, its prosecutions will continue to increase. As UAS become more common in our everyday lives, and offer many potential benefits, the need to operate UAS responsibly is paramount.
Department of Justice Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Today, 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 14,200 cases charged include a number of significant cases presented throughout the Northern District of Florida, announced United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe.
“Combatting gun violence continues to be a priority throughout the Northern Florida District,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “From Pensacola, through Tallahassee and down to Gainesville, we are partnering with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to protect our communities by prosecuting criminals who contribute to the epidemic of gun violence. It’s important to understand that we aren’t just focusing on those that pull the triggers. If you buy, sell or even possess a firearm illegally, we are coming after you, too.”
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 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.”
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - Gun ViolenceDOJ charges more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
ATLANTA – 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.
“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.”
“Our office is committed to combating gun crimes by leveraging federal, state, local law enforcement and community partnerships to comprehensively target these offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “In the Northern District of Georgia, we are especially focused on efforts to address domestic violence offenses involving firearms, given the alarming increase in domestic violence since the pandemic began.”
“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.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 336 cases have been brought by the Northern District of Georgia, announced U.S. Attorney Pak.
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.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
DOJ charges more than 14,200 defendants with firearms related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Seattle–Today, 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.”
“In addition to cases involving illegal firearms possession, our office has also placed a priority on prosecuting those who attempt to purchase guns illegally, such as ‘lie and buy’ cases, those who try to import silencers from overseas, and those who illegally manufacture machine guns and untraceable ‘ghost guns,’” said U.S Attorney Moran. “Our work relies on our partnerships with federal agencies as well as local law enforcement working together to defeat gun violence.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 73 cases have been brought by the Western District of Washington announced U.S. Attorney Moran.
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 purchase illegally--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 purchase a firearm lawfully, 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 federal firearms-related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced that it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with federal firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. Federal firearms 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.
“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 Justice Department 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 the Northern District of Ohio, 328 defendants have been charged by federal prosecutors in FY 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
“Each and every illegal firearm we can remove from the hands of a criminal helps to reduce violent crime and makes our communities throughout Northern Ohio safer,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Thanks to the tireless work of law enforcement and our federal partners, and initiatives such as Operation Legend, we are able to hold accountable those who illegally possess or purchase a firearm.”
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.
“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.”
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 and the Department will use all appropriate, available means to keep law-abiding people safe from gun crime.
Notable federal firearms prosecutions from the past fiscal year include:
Sydney Mullens, age 37, of Conneaut. Mullens pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm in July of 2020 and was sentenced before Judge James S. Gwin to 100 months imprisonment. During a search of the vehicle that Mullens was operating, police officers found in her possession a semiautomatic shotgun and three lever-action rifles. Mullens was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction of burglary in 2008. Mullens had also previously been convicted of burglary and assault of a Peace Officer.
Jaquar Keyshoure Latimer, age 43, of Akron. Latimer was found guilty during a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms as a convicted felon on August 23, 2020 and was sentenced before Judge Sara Lioi to 199 months imprisonment. Latimer, while on supervised release from federal prison after serving a sentence for a conviction of felon in possession of a firearm, was found in possession of several firearms and drugs. Latimer was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of being a felon in possession of a firearm, sexual battery, aggravated assault, and drug possession.
Tyrone Hoskins, age 30, of Toledo. Hoskins pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm in November of 2019 and was sentenced before Judge James G. Carr to 63 months imprisonment. Hoskins, a leader of a street gang in Toledo, was found in possession of a .50 caliber rifle and silencer. Hoskins was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction of reckless homicide.
In Cleveland, in response to the rise in violent crime involving drug and firearms offenses, Operation Legend was announced on July 29, 2020.
Elsewhere, Operation Red-Zone was launched in various cities in the Northern District over the Labor Day holiday weekend to help prevent and prosecute violent crime involving firearms.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges over 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 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.”
“Combatting violent crime has been a top priority for the Eastern District of Virginia,” said United States Attorney, G. Zachary Terwilliger. “With the critical support of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have surged resources to those areas hardest hit by firearms violence: Richmond, Petersburg, and the Peninsula. A critical part of this work has been prioritizing cases for federal prosecution such as the straw purchasing of firearms, felons in possession of firearms, and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking or violent crime offense. We will remain steadfast in this work until all of the Eastern District’s communities can walk out their front doors without constant fear of criminal crossfire.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, over 200 defendants have been charged here in the Eastern District of Virginia.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fy20Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, 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.
Of the cases charged nationwide, the Middle District of Alabama has brought 78 cases, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. In a recent example, a convicted felon from Florida was prosecuted for threatening a Montgomery, Alabama hotel worker with a gun following a dispute between the two. As the defendant was leaving the hotel, she leaned across the passenger seat, where her young child was sitting and crying hysterically, pointed a gun at the clerk through the passenger window and threatened to shoot her in the face. The defendant was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
“My office places an emphasis on prosecuting firearms cases for one simple reason, it saves lives.” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “The reality is that most of the violent crime in our communities is committed by repeat offenders. By holding felons and drug traffickers accountable for using firearms, we are attacking the problem head on while removing dangerous individuals from the streets. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and prosecute the most serious threats to our communities.”
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20; Southern District of California Charged 107 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Andrew R. Haden (619) 546-6961 and Timothy D. Coughlin (619) 546-6768
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 13, 2020
SAN DIEGO – The Department of Justice announced today 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.”
“Each violent crime committed with a gun has a ripple effect that causes an entire community to feel vulnerable and fearful. For that reason, reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws remain top priorities in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We are determined to make our communities safer by aggressively pursuing any individual who has acquired, possessed, or used a firearm in violation of federal law.”
Of the more than 14,200 defendants charged, 107 were prosecuted for federal firearms violations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California.
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.
In the Southern District of California, the majority of firearms cases were brought against felons who unlawfully possessed firearms. In the last year, however, there was also an increased effort to prosecute individuals who were in possession of firearms in violation of a domestic violence restraining order.
For example, in October 2019, a San Diego Superior Court judge imposed a domestic violence restraining order upon Daniel Anthony Fischbeck. According to the criminal complaint, the restraining order explicitly prohibited Fischbeck from possessing firearms. On January 1, 2020, Fischbeck was arrested after violating the restraining order for the second time. At the time of Fischbeck’s arrest, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun was found in his car. He was then charged federally for several federal firearms offenses. Fischbeck recently pleaded guilty in federal court to being a methamphetamine addict while in possession of the Springfield handgun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(3). Fischbeck is set to be sentenced in federal court on November 2, 2020. U.S. v. Fischbeck, 20-CR-479-LAB.
The focus on domestic violence and firearms is supported by recent crime data. In September, a report by the San Diego Association of Governments, also known as SANDAG, revealed that the San Diego region saw a 3 percent increase in domestic violence in the first half of 2020 over the same period last year. SANDAG’s data shows more notable increases in domestic violence in certain local communities: Santee (18 percent); El Cajon (18 percent); and National City (74 percent). Meanwhile, statistics cited by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence indicate that one in three female murder victims are killed by intimate partners and that an abuser’s access to a firearm increases the risk of femicide by at least 400 percent.
The Department of Justice 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 FY2020Read the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced charges against 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.”
“When we prosecute a person for illegally possessing a gun, we are often preventing a violent crime from occurring. That’s a victory for every Oklahoman and our business community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This past year my prosecutors charged over 100 defendants with firearms-related crimes in the Northern District of Oklahoma. These defendants included felons, domestic abusers, unlawful immigrants, and drug abusers who illegally possessed firearms and ammo. Moving forward, as part of our 2150 Initiative, we are focusing our efforts on criminals who use guns during crimes, individuals who lie on firearms transaction forms, and straw purchasers who acquire firearms for prohibited persons.”
Persons illegally possessing firearms not only threaten the public safety, but also threaten the officers who encounter them. At a press conference in September, U.S. Attorney Shores, ATF Assistant Director of Field Operations Thomas Chittum, Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum announced the 2150 Initiative, which aims to hold accountable prohibited persons who possess firearms and those who help them acquire firearms. The initiative was named in honor of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a multi-convicted felon who possessed a handgun. Also critically wounded in the June traffic stop was Officer Aurash Zarkeshan, who continues to recover from his injuries. At the press conference, U.S. Attorney Shores also announced charges filed against defendant Jakob Garland who allegedly traded the gun to the shooter in exchange for heroin.
In a separate case, defendant Jonathan David Kelley was charged in September with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with being a drug user (methamphetamine) in possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an incident where Broken Arrow Police Officers encountered the defendant allegedly disoriented and waving around a gun in public. The defendant also allegedly pointed the gun at two civilians earlier in the day. According to the affidavit, Kelley refused the officers’ commands to drop the firearm and continued walking away, cycling the firearm and telling officers he “had a round in the chamber.” Kelley also pointed his gun in the direction of an officer who arrived during the incident. Officers were eventually able to apprehend and arrest the defendant safely and collect the Glock 17 pistol with a round in the chamber. In a separate incident involving Kelley and the Tulsa Police Department, officers answered a domestic violence call on Aug. 29, 2020, where the defendant allegedly made threats through the door to officers and walked around with a gun, working the slide to unload and load rounds.
In FY2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to charge defendants with firearms-related crimes. So far, 11 additional defendants have been charged. A second grand jury will convene the week of Oct. 19-23.
“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
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, 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.”
“Our office has a strong track record of working with our federal, state and local partners to prosecute cases aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities and counties,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. “We have developed a model that targets the most violent offenders and gangs plaguing counties in our district, and we have focused on stemming the tide of illegal firearms flowing into our communities, prosecuting those who manufacture, distribute, and possess those weapons.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 94 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of California, announced U.S. Attorney Scott.
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.