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Thursday 8 October 2020
Montgomery Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Jerome Darnell Brown, a 29-year-old man from Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and statements made in open court, in April of 2018, the Montgomery Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Brown was driving. When officers approached the car, they noticed the smell of marijuana coming from inside. After searching the vehicle, officers found a handgun that had been tossed under the backseat. They also discovered that Brown had an empty pistol holster in his belt. Brown has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the charge on July 8, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Russell Duraski prosecuted the case.
Monterey County Drug Dealer and Mexican Pharmacist Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death CaseRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has charged Matthew Sanchez and Francisco Javier Schraidt Rodriguez with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam in connection with a scheme to transport the drugs from Mexico to California, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux.
According to the indictment filed October 6, 2020 and unsealed today, between about June 2018 and November 2019, Schraidt Rodriguez, 61, a pharmacist in Mexico, smuggled bottles of alprazolam and counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills across the border from Mexico to California. Once he was in the United States, Schraidt Rodriguez shipped these bottles and pills to a drug dealer in Monterey County. The dealer, in turn, then sold some of the bottles of alprazolam and fentanyl-laced pills to Sanchez. The indictment further describes how Sanchez, 25, of Monterey County, once in possession of the drugs, sold some of the bottles and pills to an individual who also was living in Monterey County. The individual ingested one or more of the fentanyl-laced pills and, as a result, died of a fentanyl overdose on September 5, 2019.
“Fake Oxycodone pills are flooding Monterey County,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “These fake pills are laced with fentanyl. The drug dealers who are pushing these fake pills couldn’t control the amount of fentanyl in them even if they cared. Fentanyl is dosed in micrograms. Dealers don’t have the equipment or the ability to control what they are selling. Our young people are dying by the score from ignorance and indifference.”
“Sadly, we are seeing overdose deaths from fake prescription pills dramatically increase. The profit margin for selling these pills is very small, but the lethal margin of error for those who ingest these pills is minute,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Comeaux. “A $5 profit from selling one of these pills could also lead to a potential 20 years in prison.”
Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opiate that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of Oxycodone, and can typically be obtained at a lower cost than genuine Oxycodone. However, small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl can have significant effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills, raising the danger of overdoses. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. In this case, the counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills that Schraidt Rodriguez and Sanchez distributed were shaped and colored to resemble Oxycodone pills that are sold in the legitimate marketplace. The counterfeit pills, known as M30s, are round tablets that are light blue in color with an “M” imprinted on one side and a “30” imprinted on the other.
The indictment alleges that, during Sanchez’s and Schraidt Rodriguez’s drug distribution scheme, Schraidt Rodriguez sold approximately $81,859 worth of counterfeit, fentanyl-laced M30 pills; bottles of alprazolam; and other narcotics to a drug dealer in Monterey County. This drug dealer sold Schraidt Rodriguez’s fentanyl-laced M30 pills and bottles of alprazolam to Sanchez. At the peak of their drug sales, Sanchez bought approximately 100 counterfeit, fentanyl-laced M30 pills at a time from this drug dealer.
The indictment alleges that during the period of the conspiracy, Schraidt Rodriguez confirmed to the Monterey County drug dealer that the counterfeit M30 pills contained fentanyl, and that drug dealer, in turn, told Sanchez that the counterfeit M30 pills contained fentanyl. Sanchez communicated with the decedent by text messages and other means to arrange sales. Certain of these text messages stated that the M30 pills to be provided to the decedent contained fentanyl.
In sum, Sanchez and Schraidt Rodriguez are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).
An indictment contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the distribution resulting in death charge, the defendants face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 20 years in prison, and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison. In addition, the court may order terms of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution, However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Both Sanchez and Schraidt Rodriguez are in custody on federal arrest warrants. Sanchez’s next federal court appearance is scheduled for October 9, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore. Schraidt Rodriguez’s next appearance in federal court is scheduled for October 13, 2020 in the Southern District of California, where the court will address issues related to his later appearance in the Northern District of California to face these charges.
This case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. This case is the result of an investigation by member agencies of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; and the Pacific Grove Police Department.
Montana Man Sentenced to over 10 Years for Possession and Attempted Distribution of Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Robert Patrick Chiefstick, 45, of Missoula, Montana, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 121 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Chiefstick serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Chiefstick pleaded guilty to the charge on June 17, 2020.
According to court records, the case stems from a November 26, 2019 traffic stop wherein Chiefstick was found in possession of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that Chiefstick was picking up the methamphetamine for another individual and was receiving a portion of the methamphetamine for his efforts.
This case was investigated by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Rathdrum Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Idaho State Police.
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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.
Monroe Man Sentenced for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Robert A. Hebert, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, has been sentenced for child exploitation, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Hebert to 360 months (30 years) in prison followed by supervised release for life for the crime. Hebert pleaded guilty to the charge June 15, 2020.
The federal charges in this case stem from a complaint received by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office on May 16, 2019 that a four-year old male child was being sexually assaulted and molested. After further investigation, law enforcement agents learned that Hebert had sexually exploited the minor victim. A search of Hebert’s laptop and digital camera revealed inappropriate images of the defendant and the victim, as well as images of other prepubescent children, which Hebert had downloaded from the internet.
The FBI and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
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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.
Mexican man sent to prison for smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to import, and for importing, 8.8 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Omar Jaime Flores, Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña handed Flores a 36-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence. In imposing the sentence, the court noted he was a border crosser and now will be forever banned from the United States.
“While some may mistakenly view smuggling controlled substances as a path to a quick profit, this sentencing demonstrates that serious consequences await those who engage in this criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio. “HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to bring to justice those who blatantly ignore the laws of this nation and threaten the welfare of our communities.”
On Sept. 20, 2019, Flores attempted to enter the United States at the Gateway to the Americas Port of Entry in Laredo driving a 2003 Ford Explorer. Authorities conducted an x-ray inspection of the Explorer and saw anomalies near the vehicle’s front fender.
Upon further examination, they discovered a hidden compartment filled with bundles of cocaine. The packages had a total weight of 8.8 kilograms with an estimated street value of nearly $225,000.
Flores ultimately admitted he had been hired to smuggle narcotics into the United States.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted the case.
Mexican drug smugglers head to federal prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to conspiring with others to import approximately 25 kilograms of 100% pure meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Edgar Eliud Villarreal Munoz pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2019, while his co-conspirator - Pablo Xavier Castillo Jaramillo, 32 - entered his plea Feb. 4.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Munoz a 57-month term of imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Saldana noted Munoz was responsible for the transportation of narcotics from Mexico. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Jaramillo to 84 months during a video conference sentencing hearing June 29. Not U.S. citizens, both men are expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges and the danger this drug poses to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio. “The vast scope of this criminal scheme would have had a devastating effect on the citizens of south Texas. HSI along with our law enforcement partners will continue to seek out and bring justice to those involved in the illicit drug trade.”
Munoz and Jaramillo planned to import meth from Mexico on Aug. 22, 2019. On that date, Munoz attempted to cross the border at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo driving a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 hauling a utility trailer. Upon his arrival, authorities conducted an inspection of the truck’s interior and found packages concealed within the door frame.
The packages were ultimately found to contain approximately 25.04 kilograms of meth. Jaramillo admitted he was paid 10,000 pesos to build the compartments and conceal the narcotics inside Munoz’s vehicle. Munoz admitting he expected to be paid $5,000 for importing and transporting the narcotics inside the vehicle.
Munoz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim prosecuted the case.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Kevin Miranda-Yepez, 26, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Miranda-Yepez to 48 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will being a 10-year term of supervised release and if he remains in the United States will be required to register as a sex offender. Miranda-Yepez is a citizen of Mexico and will likely be deported at the completion of his prison term.
Homeland Security Investigations received a Cybertip involving an image of child pornography in March 2016. The tip was traced to an IP address in Omaha. On December 8, 2016, a search warrant on Miranda-Yepez’s residence resulted in the seizure of his phone. Forensic analysis of the phone revealed 76 images of child pornography. The children depicted in sexually explicit conduct ranged in age from five to 13 years. During his interview, Miranda-Yepez admitted that he had searched for and downloaded child pornography from the Internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Greensboro woman was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Sally Newland, 43, was involved in the importation and distribution of Methamphetamine into Wilmington during August 2019. On August 6, 2019, New Hanover County Narcotics Detectives arranged a controlled delivery of 12 ounces of methamphetamine from a source in Greensboro to the area of Ovalberry Court in New Hanover County. Detectives performed a traffic stop on an automobile being driven by Newland. Newland was in possession of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Newland had made two prior deliveries of methamphetamine to New Hanover County during August of 2019. Newland had delivered at least a kilogram of methamphetamine.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case. This case was part of the OCDETF investigation “White Rabbit” focusing on a drug trafficking organization involved in the importation of Heroin and Methamphetamine into Eastern North Carolina.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-cr-00039-M.
Meth Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years in U.S. Federal Prison After Fleeing to MexicoRead the Press Release
A local meth dealer has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Salvador Martinez, 31, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was arrested in August 2013 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in January 2014.
However, Mr. Martinez failed to appear for sentencing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Following an exhaustive investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, in December 2019, he was captured in Mexico, arrested by Mexican authorities on an arrest warrant based on a formal extradition request submitted by the United States. He was extradited from Mexico to the United States on May 6, 2020, and was sentenced Thursday to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle.
According to his plea papers, Mr. Martinez admits he conspired with several individuals to distribute meth in Texas and Mexico. He admits that his coconspirators prepared the methamphetamine, which he then picked up and transported to his residence. On one occasion, he told his coconspirators that the drugs needed to “look better.” The plea paperwork reflects he also agreed to forfeit a Tuarus revolver and ammunition.
A total of 23 defendants were indicted in this case. Including Mr. Martinez, 16 defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced, one was dismissed, and five remain fugitives.
Significant sentences in this case include:
- Gerardo Cisneros, of Arlington, Texas, was sentenced to 240 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, plus 240 months for money laundering.
- Israel De la Cruz Sotelo, a.k.a. Rale, of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, was sentenced to 151 months for his role in methamphetamine and marijuana distribution conspiracies.
- Israel De La Cruz Sotelo was sentenced on September 13, 2018, after being extradited from the Republic of Mexico.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Task Force (OCDETF) Investigation. Established in 1982, the OCDETF program aims to attack and reduce the supply of illegal drugs entering the United States and to diminish violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. OCDETF works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle, drug traffickers and drug trafficking networks.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, and the Garland Police Department. The U.S. Marshal’s Service, provided special assistance, as did U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Department’s Office of International Affairs, which handled the extradition request. The Justice Department thanks the Fiscalía General de la Republica de Mexico (FGR) (Prosecutor General of the Republic of Mexico) and law enforcement authorities in Mexico for their support as well.
Assistant United States Attorney George Leal prosecuted the case.
Medicare Fraud Result in Charges Against Raleigh and Greensboro MenRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging Furman Alexander Ford, 51, of Raleigh with conspiring to defraud the Medicare Program by submitting false claims for services that were never provided in order to obtain money what was not owed. On August 26, 2020, Jimmy Guess, 62, of Greensboro pled guilty to the conspiracy to defraud Medicare.
According to the indictment, Furman Ford hired Jimmy Guess to be a consultant for his company, Integrated Alliance for Managed Healthcare, PLLC (“IAM Healthcare”) and to provide mental health services to the company’s patients primarily through a telehealth model. Guess was a licensed clinical social worker who provided mental health services.
According to the indictment, beginning around December 2018, and continuing until around February 2020, in the Eastern District of North Carolina and elsewhere Ford and Guess conspired with others in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting false claims to Medicare for mental health services that were never provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, Ford, Guess and others conspired to submit claims to Medicare, totaling approximately $242,964.15, for mental health services allegedly provided to approximately 73 beneficiaries between in or around October 2018 and in or around February 2020, when the conspirators well knew and believed the beneficiaries never received the billed services.
The indictment further alleges that in another part of the conspiracy that Ford and others, gathered the Medicare information of unsuspecting beneficiaries by marketing telehealth services and electronic records services to various entities, which often resulted in the exchange of Medicare beneficiary information. Moreover, Ford, through the IAM Healthcare Foundation, offered food in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information. Medicare paid IAM Healthcare approximately $163,271.74 because of the conspirators’ fraudulent claim submissions.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, are investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Tamika G. Moses are prosecuting these cases.
Should you feel that you or a family member are a victim of this case, please contact the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General at (305) 968-6960.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. This case is part of the largest health care fraud and opioid enforcement action in Department of Justice history. See here
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
McKeesport Felon Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of McKeesport, has been sentenced in federal court to 9 years imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on J’Vhante Hampton, age 27.
According to information presented to the court, between October 2016 and March 2017, Hampton participated in a conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and on March 21, 2017, he possessed three firearms and 74 rounds of ammunition after have been convicted of the felony offenses of Aggravated Assault (three counts), Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Carrying a Firearm without a License.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hampton.
Massachusetts Man Going to Prison for 15 Years on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Frank Salerno, 31, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who was convicted of receiving child pornography, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison by U.S. Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in 2019, the defendant engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with a 14 year-old minor who lived in Western New York. During those conversations, Salerno induced the minor to produce and send to him images child pornography. The defendant’s actions were ultimately reported to police, and he was arrested in Massachusetts in December 2019.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
# # # #Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Glen Lanchester, 53, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2018, the Manchester Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. They seized various electronic devices that contained child pornography. The defendant later admitted that he had previously used spy cameras which he placed in the bathroom of his apartment to film minor girls using the bathroom and showering. He used these to create child pornography of at least two minor victims. Minor Victim #1, who is now an adult, viewed one of the images found on the defendant’s computer and identified herself as being approximately seven or eight years old at the time it was taken. The image of Minor Victim #1 constitutes child pornography.
Lanchester is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2021.
“Child exploitation crimes are deeply troubling offenses that can cause tremendous trauma to their innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Protecting children from harm is a very high priority of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit child exploitation crimes in the Granite State.”
“This conviction was only possible because of the close coordination built between local, state and federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire to combat child exploitation crimes in our region”, said Michael Shea, acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “During these trying times, we remain more committed than ever to strengthening our partnerships in order to help bring to justice those who seek to exploit and harm children.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Manager of Sinaloa Cartel Cell in Baltimore Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Jesus Chaidez-Meza, age 40, residing in Baltimore, to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Chaidez-Meza, a Mexican national, is a permanent legal resident of the United States.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
“Drug dealing on the scale practiced by the Sinaloa cartel members in Baltimore fuels the violence that plagues the City,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The Mexican Sinaloa cartel is one of the most dangerous international drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime syndicates threatening Americans today. By funneling wholesale quantities of drugs into the United States, the Sinaloa cartel drives up fatal overdoses and the gun violence in our streets that comes with the drug trade. We will continue to root out and bring to justice drug traffickers who bring deadly drugs to our neighborhoods and profit from the scourge of addiction.”
“The existence and influence of Mexican Drug Cartels in the city of Baltimore was well established through this investigation,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene. “These relationships only further compound the challenges we already face in this city. With our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will endeavor to dismantle any organization that seeks to establish drug distribution networks in the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. “
According to evidence presented at his five-day trial, Chaidez-Meza was recruited and sent to Baltimore during the summer of 2016 to oversee drug distribution operations conducted by the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. His ability to lease premises and purchase vehicles for use in the drug operations made him well suited for spearheading this particular Sinaloa cell. He maintained a presence in the Baltimore area through the Spring of 2017, when two large money seizures by DEA agents and task force officers resulted in the cell changing personnel.
Testimony at trial showed that the Sinaloa cartel has been distributing large quantities of cocaine in the Baltimore area for years. The cartel uses various “cells” to accomplish its drug distribution, with truck drivers transporting drugs to the east coast and millions of dollars in drug proceeds to the west coast. Chaidez-Meza helped to manage the cell in Baltimore. Cartel members provided funds to Chaidez-Meza to purchase a car and to rent an apartment from which he conducted the illegal cartel business. According to trial evidence, Chaidez-Meza worked with another individual, known only as Chu-Chi. Chu-Chi was responsible for the distribution of cocaine to local customers and Chaidez-Meza was responsible for the collection of the proceeds of the sales.
Witnesses testified that from September through December 2016, trucks arrived monthly with loads of 60-70 kilograms of cocaine. The driver then transported money back to California, where it was unloaded, and ultimately sent to Mexico. In December 2016, the driver arrived in Baltimore without drugs. On December 11, 2016, Chaidez-Meza and Chu-Chi delivered bags of money to the driver, which the driver packed in a hidden compartment in the tractor portion of the truck, and began driving west. Law enforcement officers stopped the truck just outside Hagerstown, Maryland and recovered $1.2 million from the hidden compartment, representing the proceeds from the sale of approximately 35 kilograms of cocaine.
According to trial evidence, shortly after the seizure, Chaidez-Meza returned to Mexico, but resurfaced in Baltimore in the Spring of 2017, when he terminated the lease on his apartment and sold the car he had purchased, in an effort to cover his tracks and liquidate any remaining assets.
The evidence proved that over the course of the conspiracy, Chaidez-Meza was responsible for the distribution of almost 250 kilograms of cocaine and the collection of millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA in Baltimore and Los Angeles, California and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Jeffrey J. Izant, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Man and Woman Caught with Methamphetamine Outside Marion High School Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years Each in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa man and woman found with nearly two pounds of methamphetamine outside a local high school were both sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison.
Christin Campbell-Martin, age 40, from Ames, Iowa, received the prison sentence on September 30, 2020, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
Adam Scott Leiva, age 28, from Marshalltown, Iowa, received the prison sentence yesterday, October 7, 2020, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location
Information disclosed at their sentencing and plea hearings showed that on May 25, 2018, Campbell-Martin and Leiva were confronted by Marion, Iowa, police officers. The officers located Campbell-Martin’s car, which was stopped in the Marion High School parking lot late at night. Both Campbell-Martin and Leiva provided fake names to officers. Officers determined their correct names and learned that both had outstanding arrest warrants. Both Campbell-Martin and Leiva were arrested.
During a subsequent search of the car, officers located 906.5 grams of “ice” methamphetamine. Officers learned that Campbell-Martin and Leiva had been driving around Iowa for two to three days selling methamphetamine to people they knew. The two also intended to sell the 906.5 gram of methamphetamine to people in the Cedar Rapids area, but were caught before they could sell it. Both have extensive criminal histories. Campbell-Martin has 25 prior criminal convictions and Leiva has 13.
Campbell-Martin and Leiva were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Campbell-Martin was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment. Leiva was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment. Both were ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. They must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Marion Police Department, and the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-00079.
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Lincoln Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on October 8, 2020, Travis Lawrence Ferguson, 32, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine by a Lincoln jury after a four-day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2021. Ferguson faces a prison term of up to 20 years and a term of supervised release, following the prison term, of up to 3 years.
Over the course of the trial, a number of Ferguson’s co-conspirators testified about his involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between January of 2015 and April of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, Marion Wise of Cave Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison conspiracy to distribute heroin. Wise is the final of 25 individuals responsible for a wide-ranging drug conspiracy to be sentenced.
David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced today that all 25 individuals have now been sentenced by the United States District Court for their roles in a heroin and methamphetamine trafficking ring that operated in Benton and Washington Counties in Arkansas and also in the additional jurisdictions of California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona and Mexico. The investigation and prosecution of this operation began mid-2018 through the October 6, 2020 sentencing. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
“Heroin and fentanyl drug use has reached epidemic proportions in many communities across the United States. These drugs are terribly addictive and extremely dangerous. The overdose deaths investigated in this operation are proof of how deadly these drugs are. This case is an excellent example of our plan to keep the trafficking of these drugs from causing even more deaths and even more damage to our communities in Northwest Arkansas. We will continue to focus our Federal Criminal Resources to investigate, convict, and obtain lengthy sentences for all those who would seek to import and distribute these deadly drugs into the Western District of Arkansas,” said First Assistant US Attorney David Clay Fowlkes.
“Nothing is more important than keeping our communities safe. DEA, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to utilize our combined resources to target individuals trafficking drugs and guns, threatening the safety of our citizens in this region of Arkansas and throughout the country. These convictions send a message of our unending resolve to pursue drug traffickers who wreak havoc in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
Federal grand juries returned multi-count indictments against 25 individuals in the Northwest Arkansas area and beyond for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. This drug trafficking ring imported multiple kilograms of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the Northwest Arkansas area from out of state for local distribution. Once sold to retail distributors, the heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl were distributed in communities throughout Northwest Arkansas. Two heroin/fentanyl related overdose deaths were tied to the investigation.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Marion Wise, 50, of Cave Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced Oct. 6, 2020, to 25 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Wise was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty to an information in Feb. 2020.
Sherry Finn, 44, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, was sentenced Oct. 6, 2020, to 77 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Finn was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty to an information in Feb. 2020
Michael Wells, 49, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced May 20, 2020, to 68 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Wells was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 6, 2019.
Ari Sorto, 28, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced May 19, 2020, to eight years in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release on two counts of Knowingly Using a Communication Facility in a Drug Trafficking Crime. Sorto was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Jan. 7, 2020.
Cole Coleman, 29, of Bentonville, Arkansas, was sentenced April 17, 2020, to 87 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Coleman was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 22, 2019.
Blaine Dehosse, 33, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 17, 2020, to 106 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Offense. Dehosse was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Jan. 23, 2020.
Jonathan Hannah, 35, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced Feb. 13, 2020, to 54 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises. Hannah was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in and plead guilty on Sept. 26, 2019.
Stephanie Coleman, 47, of Bentonville, Arkansas, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Coleman was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 22, 2019.
Kourtney Wilson, 31, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to one year in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Wilson was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 22, 2019.
Robert Johnston, 54, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Johnston was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 25, 2019.
Jennie Nutt, 59, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced Jan. 28, 2020, to three years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Nutt was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 23, 2019.
Adrian Oviedo, 36, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced Sept. 18, 2019, to 330 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count each of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a firearm. Oviedo was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on July 9, 2019.
Brenda Martinez-Blevins, 48, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced Aug. 22, 2019, to one year in federal prison on one count of Failure to Depart. Martinez-Blevins was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on May 3, 2019.
Vernon Williams, 53, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced Aug. 14, 2019, to 248 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. Williams was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Gabriel Whitener, 36, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced Aug. 14, 2019, to 210 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Whitener was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Aaron Bevill, 38, of Gravette, Arkansas, was sentenced Aug. 13, 2019, to 142 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Bevill was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Gregory Jobe, 32, of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced July 31, 2019, to 15 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Jobe was previously indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 4, 2019.
Connie Sherrell, 56, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced June 10, 2019, to 62 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sherrell was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Feb. 19, 2019.
Harold Campbell, 36, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced June 10, 2019, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Campbell was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 8, 2018.
Tyler Dellinger, 29, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, was sentenced May 11, 2020, to 13 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Dellinger was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Feb. 4, 2020.
Matthew Woodrome, 38, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced May 8, 2019, to seven years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Woodrome was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 8, 2018.
Robert Peeler, 31, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 19, 2019, to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Peeler was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Dec. 7, 2018.
David Moore, 32, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced April 4, 2019, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Moore was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 15, 2018.
David Garduno, 35, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 2, 2019, to 51 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Garduno was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 7, 2018.
John Botson, 27, of Garfield, Arkansas, was sentenced March 5, 2019, to 157 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Botson was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 7, 2018.
This prosecution was part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Sticking Points, which is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
This OCDETF case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Benton County/Rogers PD Narcotic Unit, the 4th JDDTF, Arkansas State Probation and Parole and the Arkansas National Guard Counter-Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Harris, Dustin Roberts and David Harris prosecuted the cases for the Western District of Arkansas.
Law enforcement and community members honored by U.S. Attorney at awards ceremony in WheelingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nine law enforcement and community representatives were recognized today for their outstanding work in the greater Wheeling area.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell recognized the U.S. Marshal Service, FBI Special Agent Matthew Berthinet, IRS Special Agent Tami Devericks, WV Special Commission on Special Investigations Investigator Jeff Shriner, WV State Police Sgt. J.W. Smith, FBI Forfeiture Specialist Amy Boyd, U.S. Postal Inspector Lindsay Weckerly, Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Company, and WV Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator Wuela Heceta for their contributions to create safer communities.
“It is my great honor to recognize those in our community who go above and beyond to protect our children, our community and our national security. While this year has created some unique challenges, it hasn’t thwarted efforts to protect and serve our neighbors. Those honored today never seek recognition, but it is important to let the public know about the accomplishments of our law enforcement and community members. I thank each and every one of them for their continued service,” said Powell.
The U.S. Marshal Service was recognized for their exemplary service in the Northern District of West Virginia. The Marshals consistently face danger as they make arrests on behalf of federal criminal cases. The Marshals are always helping with community outreach, as well. From several tours throughout the year to attending our Meet and Greet the Safety Fleet event in Wheeling in the fall, they never say no. They are the highlight of the tours in the Wheeling courthouse, always wowing visitors with their demonstrations and informative tours of their space. For their partnership in criminal cases, as well as in the community, The U.S. Marshals received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
FBI Special Agent Matthew Berthinet, IRS Special Agent Tami Devericks, WV Special Commission on Special Investigations Investigator Jeff Shriner, and WV State Police Sgt. J.W. Smith were awarded the Outstanding Investigative Effort Award for their work on the case of U.S. v. Harry Radcliffe, et al.. This 14-month, four-agency investigation involved the relationship between Ohio County Magistrate Harry A. Radcliffe and W&S Bail Bonding d/b/a A Bail Bonding by ABC (“ABC”), owned by William W. Seelbach, and for which his then girlfriend, Jolynn Gilchrist, worked as a bonding agent. The investigation included about 65 Grand Jury subpoenas, 25 Grand Jury witnesses, and 125 interviews. The result has been the identification of a three-year bribery/kickback scheme (2013-2015), involving approximately $22,000 of cash payments from Seelbach to Magistrate Radcliffe, which income he did not report to the IRS.
Radcliffe and Seelbach both entered guilty pleas to Klein conspiracy offenses arising from these payments. Radcliffe’s plea agreement included a factual stipulation that Seelbach offered these payments as bribes. Seelbach was sentenced to a term of probation. Radcliffe was sentenced to four months in prison. Radcliffe also resigned.
FBI Forfeiture Specialist Amy Boyd and the Forfeiture Unit in Pittsburgh oversees the FBI forfeitures in this district. Her team goes above and beyond other agency forfeiture units to support the Northern District of West Virginia in forfeiture efforts. They review search and seizure documents routinely to locate assets that would be part of an investigation, well in advance of the time of indictment, to ensure that all property subject to indictment is accounted for in the forfeiture phase of the case. They are the only agency willing to forfeit, upon request, amounts under threshold (5,000 for cash is the threshold) so that drug proceeds aren’t returned to defendants. Because of all the hard work, Amy Boyd is the recipient of the Outstanding Forfeiture Investigations Award.
In U.S. v. James Joseph Michaels, U.S. Postal Inspector Lindsay Weckerly and her team interdicted a parcel full of narcotics bound for Wellsburg. The agents located firearms which led to the indictment of the defendant. Inspector Weckerly testified at a four-hour suppression hearing. Weckerly’s testimony was precise, and she withstood some tough accusations while keeping her cool and reiterating the facts. Without Weckerly’s testimony, the case might not have ended with a guilty plea. Michaels pled guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation. Lindsay Weckerly was presented the Outstanding Investigative Effort Award.
The ceremony was held in U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David L. Bissett’s courtroom at the Wheeling Federal Courthouse and included remarks from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell and the presence of many local, state and federal law enforcement leaders from throughout West Virginia.
Other ceremonies are being held in Martinsburg and Clarksburg to honor more recipients of the U.S. Attorney Awards.
Kitsap County guardian sentenced to one year in prison for stealing more than $250,000 from elderly and disabled clientsRead the Press Release
Tacoma – The long-time operator of a guardianship business was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to one year and a day in prison and $256,336 in restitution for Social Security Representative Payee fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. WAYNE JEROME HOUSTON, 61, of Port Ludlow, Washington, owned and operated Cross Point Services LLC, a guardianship organization for disabled and vulnerable adults. Over the last seven years HOUSTON raided the accounts of 21 different clients. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan said, “[T]his is a very sad situation all the way around.”
“This was not only a fraud on the federal benefits system that is designed to provide a safety net for our most vulnerable, it was a fraud on the court which endeavors to protect such vulnerable elders,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “On each of the 240 times he transferred funds, withdrew cash, or wrote checks for his own benefit, this defendant betrayed the trust that had been placed in him.”
According to the plea agreement, HOUSTON and his company were responsible for managing the financial affairs of about two dozen clients a month. HOUSTON had access to the clients’ bank accounts so he could pay rent, utilities, and other bills for them. Social Security benefits were paid into some of the accounts for at least 13 clients who required a representative payee—HOUSTON—to manage their benefits. Beginning in 2010, HOUSTON used his position as guardian to write checks from the victim accounts to himself, to Cross Point Services, or to cash, and used ATMs to withdraw money from client accounts and used it for his own expenses. HOUSTON targeted clients who had significant income or resources so that the theft was less likely to be detected. In all 21 clients suffered thefts, ranging from a low of $200 to more than $66,000 from one of the clients.
As retired Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Anna Laurie told the Court, “…the true victims may never be made whole. At least two have died since his criminal conduct became visible, and many went months without sufficient resources while their successor guardians struggled to pay bills and maintain care.”
The granddaughter of one of the victims told the Court her 90-year-old grandfather “was left with nothing…He got ill and we had to fight for his care…. It was so hard having to tell him that once again he had been betrayed…. That he didn’t have any money to pay his bills because Mr. Houston had taken it.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Diggs.
Kimball Man Sentenced for Possession Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Keith H. Rivera, 35, of Kimball, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for possession of child pornography. Rivera was sentenced to 48 months in prison and will also serve 5 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Rivera will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.
In March, 2018, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office in Tonasket, Washington, received information from the FBI based on a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cybertip reported that a specific IP address, email address and user name, later determined to be an individual from the State of Washington, had uploaded child pornography to his file sharing account. A search warrant was served in Washington on the residence of the person using the account which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic items, including a cellphone. That phone had messages containing child pornography and further analysis indicated that those messages were sent from a 308 area code in August of 2017. A check of the telephone number using the 308 area code determined that the number belonged to Rivera.
A federal search warrant was served at Rivera’s residence in Kimball and Rivera’s phone was seized. A forensic review of Rivera’s phone found evidence that he possessed the two videos sent to the Washington subject in August, 2017. Further analysis showed additional images and videos of child pornography that appeared to have been downloaded from the Internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Justice Department Sues Yale University for Illegal Discrimination Practices in Undergraduate AdmissionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed suit against Yale University for race and national origin discrimination. The complaint alleges that Yale discriminated against applicants to Yale College on the grounds of race and national origin, and that Yale’s discrimination imposes undue and unlawful penalties on racially-disfavored applicants, including in particular most Asian and White applicants.
The complaint also alleges that Yale injures applicants and students because Yale’s race discrimination relies upon and reinforces damaging race-based stereotypes, including in particular such stereotypes against Yale’s racially-favored applicants. And, the complaint alleges that Yale engages in racial balancing by, among other things, keeping the annual percentage of African-American admitted applicants to within one percentage point of the previous year’s admitted class as reflected in U.S. Department of Education data. The complaint alleges similar racial balancing about Asian-American applicants.
The department’s complaint alleges that Yale’s race and national origin discrimination violate Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit is the result of a multi-year investigation into allegations of illegal discrimination contained in a complaint filed by Asian American groups concerning Yale’s conduct.
“Illegal race discrimination by colleges and universities must end,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “This nation’s highest ideals include the notion that we are all equal under the law. For centuries, people from all over the world have learned of this ideal, left their ancestral homes, and come to the United States hoping that this country would live up to its ideals and that they and their families could enjoy equal opportunity and pursue the American dream. Countless Americans have pursued their dreams through higher education, and they continue to do so. All persons who apply for admission to colleges and universities should expect and know that they will be judged by their character, talents, and achievements and not the color of their skin. To do otherwise is to permit our institutions to foster stereotypes, bitterness, and division.”
As a condition of receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer funding, Yale expressly agrees to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a cornerstone civil-rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the complaint, Yale receives over $600 million annually in federal funds.
Title VI provides in part, “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, … be subjected to discrimination under any program … receiving Federal financial assistance.” The U.S. Supreme Court repeatedly has struck down discriminatory admissions programs in higher education, and required such programs to be narrowly tailored and not unduly to burden innocent applicants in order to survive. Yale’s practices violate the law.
The Justice Department found Yale discriminates based on race and national origin in its undergraduate admissions process, and that race is the determinative factor in hundreds of admissions decisions each year. For the great majority of applicants, Asian Americans and Whites have only one-eighth to one-fourth of the likelihood of admission as African American applicants with comparable academic credentials. Yale rejects scores of Asian American and White applicants each year based on their race, whom it otherwise would admit.
Although the Supreme Court has held that colleges receiving federal funds may consider applicants’ race in certain limited circumstances as one of a number of factors, the Department of Justice found Yale’s use of race is anything but limited. Yale uses race at multiple steps of its admissions process resulting in a multiplied effect of race on an applicant’s likelihood of admission. And Yale racially balances its classes.
Yale refused to agree to the Department of Justice’s demand that Yale refrain from using race or national origin in its current 2020-2021 undergraduate admissions cycle. Yale also failed or refused ever to end its use of race in admissions, and Yale declined even to propose any changes to its pervasive use of race. The department therefore notified Yale that efforts at voluntary compliance had failed and filed suit.
Justice Department Charges 500+ Domestic Violence-Related Firearm Cases in FY 20Read the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 8, 2020 - The Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these 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 domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”
“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”
Of the more than 500 cases charged, 19 cases have been brought in middle Tennessee. Of those 19 cases, firearms were used in 10 of the incidents. This announcement follows the recent conviction of a Chapel Hill, Tennessee man, on federal firearms charges, after he assaulted his estranged wife in June 2017 and fired multiple rounds from an assault rifle as she hid in a bedroom closet. Though not included in the FY 2020 statistics, Laqueston Goff, 33, was convicted late last month, after a 3-day bench trial in U.S. District Court.
“As I said after the Goff conviction, Tennessee regularly ranks among the nation’s leaders in men who kill their female domestic partners,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “One of the reasons we aggressively prosecute gun crimes against domestic abusers is that when a gun is introduced in a violent relationship the chances of it turning into a murder increase exponentially. We have more than doubled our firearms prosecutions and together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to devote significant resources to our violent crime initiative, especially when incidents of domestic violence occur.”
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence)
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order
Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges, and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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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.
Jury Convicts Man for Producing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Loudoun County man today on charges of producing and distributing child pornography.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kevin Hewlett, 34, was a farrier, a craftsman who trims and shoes horses’ hooves. He was hired to be the farrier to a minor girl’s horses.
Hewlett began communicating with the minor girl regularly through text messages and social media applications. Then in August 2018, Hewlett recorded himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor in his bedroom. A few months later, in January 2019, Hewlett distributed the sexually explicit video of himself with the 16-year-old girl to the minor over the internet using Instagram.
Hewlett faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 26, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the verdict.
This case was investigated by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, composed of FBI agents and local, state, and federal partners.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Smith III and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendelynn Bills are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-64.
Judge sentences St. Louis man for role in romance scheme targeting elderly communityRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Hammed Akande to 63 months in prison. Akande, a 30-year-old resident of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty in March to a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud relative to his role in a romance scam targeting 24 people.
According to court documents, in 2017, Akande began serving as a “money mule” in a romance scam that targeted 24 elderly residents of Missouri and a number of other states. “Romance Scams” are schemes in which fraudsters pretend to be in a romantic relationship with their victims in order to obtain money and merchandise as well as to induce the victims to conduct financial transactions on the fraudsters’ behalf. Because the victims are targeted through online dating sites and social media, the fraudsters are able to hide their identities by using the names and photographs of others and explaining their inability to meet or use video messaging services by claiming to be working abroad or in the military.
As a money mule, Akande’s role was to receive mailings containing money and electronic devices sent from the romance scam victims to residential addresses he controlled in the Saint Louis, Misouri metropolitan area. Akande then forwarded a portion of the funds and merchandise he received to other members of the romance scam conspiracy who resided within the United States and abroad through the mails as well as through the electronic transfer of funds.
Akande also played a significant role in the scheme because he used his skill with the English language to proofread messages that his Nigerian co-conspirators were sending to the victims living in the United States. This skill placed the victims at ease, and furthered their misbelief that they were in a romantic relationship with United States citizens.
Each of the victims were over the age of 60. Of the 24 victims, three reported experiencing substantial financial hardship because of the funds that they sent to the fraudsters, and four of them had aggregate losses in the amount of $574,123.45.
During the period of the scheme, Akande learned of a criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Akande relayed the information concerning the investigation to at least one of his co-conspirators, who immediately contacted a victim to tell that person not to speak with the law enforcement official Akande identified.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes targeting older adults. The Eastern District of Missouri Identity Theft Task Force is a group of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat identity theft and its related crimes across the St. Louis Community.
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Judge sentences St. Louis County man for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Romando E. Welch, Sr. to 60 months in prison. Welch, a 45-year-old resident of Ferguson, Missouri, pleaded guilty to three counts of being in possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
As part of their criminal investigation of Welch, from March, 2019 through June, 2019, DEA Special Agents utilized confidential sources to purchase fentanyl and heroin from Welch.
On July 2, 2019, the DEA and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department executed a federal search warrant at a residence in the 3900 block of Palm Street in St. Louis, Missouri. As the officers were approaching the residence, Welch exited the residence and was arrested. Welch had a key to the residence, and admitted to the arresting officers that he stored his illegal drugs in an over-the-door shoe holder in a bedroom within the residence. Upon executing the search warrant, the officers recovered fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine from the shoe holder. Welch admitted to having sold heroin and methamphetamine for years, and also admitted to having sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine every 10 days, as well as buying approximately one-half ounce of heroin or fentanyl at a time for resale from his source, and that he had resupplied three times during June.
Welch also consented to the search of a residence in the 3700 block of Cook Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, where Welch said he lived with his girlfriend. Officers recovered a .380 pistol in a lunchbox in the bedroom of that residence, along with a sock containing approximately one ounce of heroin.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
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Judge Hands Down Prison Sentences for Co-Conspirators Involved in Two Major Drug Trafficking Cases in Middle GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Three defendants guilty of trafficking illegal drugs in middle Georgia were sentenced to prison Wednesday for their crimes, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell sentenced Tony Collins, 58, of Milledgeville, Georgia, to serve 54 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Collins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sabrina Raiford, 51, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Lizericka Woolfolk, 29, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Law enforcement is actively using of variety of investigative techniques to detect drug dealers in Middle Georgia. When caught, drug traffickers face steep federal prison sentences, without parole, for distributing their poison in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the DEA for their role in investigating these cases, with the help of our local law enforcement partners.”
Collins is a co-conspirator in the Albruce Green drug distribution case. Between January 2017 and August 2018, law enforcement began investigating the drug distribution activities of Green. As part of the investigation, law enforcement intercepted Green's phone conversations and text messages in order to identify Green's source of supply and co-conspirators. Agents intercepted several text messages between Green and Collins, in which Collins requested to buy methamphetamine from Green. Collins admitted he intended to distribute methamphetamine he purchased from Green. Green is currently awaiting sentencing; other co-conspirators have been sentenced.
Raiford and Woolfolk are co-conspirators in the Robert Law drug distribution case. Law is serving a 188-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) agents received information from confidential informants that Law and co-conspirators Raiford and Woolfolk were trafficking illegal drugs, including cocaine, in Warner Robins.
The Collins case was investigated by DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun. The Raiford and Woolfolk case was investigated by DEA and Warner Robins PD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Calhoun and Steven Ouzts prosecuted the case. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Illinois man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jesus Henoc Castaneda Soberanis, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 6, 2019, Soberanis conspired with others to distribute narcotics, agreeing to pay a conspirator approximately $1,000 to drive Soberanis, together with approximately one kilogram of cocaine and approximately two kilograms of heroin, from Illinois to the East Coast. The investigation revealed that Soberanis would have distributed at least one of these kilograms of narcotics in New Jersey, were the narcotics not interdicted by law enforcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Soberanis to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA; the New York City Police Department; the New York State Police; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; New York National Guard; the Clarkstown Police Department; U.S. Coast Guard; Port Washington Police Department; and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime /Gangs Unit in Newark.
Hawaii physician charged with unlawful distribution of hydrocodoneRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Paul A. Kaiwi, Jr., 51, a medical doctor and resident of Wailuku, Hawaii, was charged by a criminal complaint unsealed today with six counts of unlawful distribution of the controlled substance hydrocodone.
As described in the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in December 2018, an undercover agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) sought an appointment with Kaiwi by posing as a new patient seeking prescriptions for opioid medications. Between December 2018 and May 2019, the undercover agent saw Kaiwi over the course of six patient visits at Kaiwi’s medical practice, Progressive Medical, located in Kahului, Hawaii on Maui. Kaiwi also operates a Progressive Medical office in Hilo, Hawaii.
During the patient visits with the undercover agent, Kaiwi conducted little or no medical history or physical examination, and often provided a prescription within minutes of entering the examination room. In each of the six visits, Kaiwi provided the undercover agent a prescription for between 84 and 90 pills of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a moderately potent, orally available opioid that, in combination with acetaminophen, is widely used for treatment of acute or chronic pain
Medical experts conducted a review of the undercover agent’s patient medical records created by Kaiwi and maintained by Progressive Medical. That review showed not only that the information in the medical records was inadequate to justify the hydrocodone prescriptions, but also that the medical records contained false and fabricated information regarding the patient visits. For example, while medical records indicate that Kaiwi performed a musculoskeletal examination during six of the undercover agent’s patient visits, video footage reveals no examination at all during four of the visits and only a partial examination during two visits.
Law enforcement analysis of Kaiwi’s prescription data from approximately 2015 through 2020 revealed that 88% of his patients who received prescriptions for controlled substances obtained an opioid prescription, and that Kaiwi frequently prescribed opioids in conjunction with other medications, such as benzodiazepines and muscle relaxers, all of which are controlled substances often sought by illicit drug users and such combinations increase a patient’s risk of overdose. DEA analysis of State of Hawaii prescription data for prescriptions written by Kaiwi reveal that 277 of his patients received prescriptions with an aggregate MME (morphine milligram equivalents) of twice the upper limit recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). DEA analysis also revealed that 66 of those patients received prescriptions with aggregate MME per day of five times the upper limit recommended by the CDC.
“Today’s charges reflect our ongoing commitment to hold doctors who unlawfully prescribe controlled substances accountable for their misconduct,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price. “As many Americans struggle to free themselves from the bondage of opioid addiction, the federal law enforcement community will do its part to hold those who unlawfully feed the addiction accountable for their criminal conduct.”
The charges include six counts of unlawful distribution of a schedule II controlled substance, for which each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years and a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Mohammad Khatib.
Great Falls man admits stealing firearms in burglary of businessRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS–A Great Falls man today admitted to stealing firearms during a burglary of an outfitting store, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Carlyle Ray Wells, 25, pleaded guilty to theft of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee. Wells faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 4, 2021. Wells was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said evidence would show that on Nov. 30, 2019, Great Falls Police officers responded to a burglary alarm at North 40 Outfitters. Officers saw that a gun display case had been smashed and that several guns appeared to be missing. One rifle was on the floor, some distance from the display case.
Security footage at the business showed a small pickup truck had parked outside, just prior to the alarm. One individual exited the truck wearing gloves and a face covering, forcefully entered the store, broke the gun case, took several firearms and fled after dropping one rifle on the way out.
Officers identified the vehicle as a stolen Ford Ranger and located it on Dec. 2, 2019, about 600 feet from Wells' residence. Security footage showed an individual, whose clothing and physical description aligned with the North 40 burglar, walk toward Wells' residence carrying a large bag.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Wells' residence and recovered 16 firearms, 15 of which were stolen from North 40. Officers also recovered North 40 price tags for the stolen firearms. Home surveillance video obtained through a search warrant showed that Wells entered the residence shortly after the burglary carrying a large bag with a rifle and price tag sticking out.
In addition, an individual reported to Great Falls Police detectives that she had purchased three firearms from Wells soon after the break-in. Officers recovered the three firearms, which were identified as having been stolen during the burglary.
An audit showed that 27 firearms were stolen from North 40 in the burglary, not including the rifle that was dropped in the store.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Great Falls Police Department and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Grand jury indicts St. Louis man accused of firing machine gun at officers for possessing unregistered destructive devices, a machine gun and a homemade cannonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – On October 7, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Marc Harold Taylor, II, alleging that Taylor knowingly possessed destructive devices, a cannon and a machine gun, that were not registered to him in the National Firearms and Transfer Record. Taylor is also charged with one count of possession of a machine gun. The 28 year old is a resident of St. Louis.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2020, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department answered a shots fired call in the 4700 block of Kossuth. Upon arrival, Taylor started firing at the officers with a fully automatic machine gun, but the officers were not injured. Officers returned fire and were able to apprehend Taylor. The machine gun was recovered at the Taylor’s feet. Officers searched Taylor’s residence and recovered a homemade cannon device along with black powder and hobby fuses. The machine gun and homemade cannon are depicted below:
The counts of possessing a destructive device carry a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of $10,000; and the count of possessing a machine gun carries a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosvies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis is handling the case.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Georgia Man Sentenced for Using Fake Facebook Account to Make Threats against Schools in East Alabama and West GeorgiaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Levi Calhoun, III, a 29-year-old man from Georgetown, Georgia, received a sentence of 18 months in prison for making threats against schools and conveying false information, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Calhoun was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
Calhoun had previously pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that, on November 7, 2018, he created a fake Facebook account to spread several threats that someone would use explosive devices and firearms to attack one or more Eufaula, Alabama and Quitman County, Georgia schools. In pronouncing the sentence, the judge pointed out the disruption and anxiety Calhoun’s actions caused the affected communities, including students, parents, and school administrators. It was also noted that Calhoun utilized images from another Facebook user to create the fake account in an effort to conceal his identity, causing law enforcement to initially seek out and question that individual. Fortunately, agents quickly traced the fake account back to Calhoun and exposed his scheme.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Eufaula Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgetown Police Department, and the Enterprise Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Alabama Fusion Center. Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.
Gainesville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Howard Baxter Osgood, 78, of Gainesville, was sentenced on Wednesday, September 30, to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography. As a part of his sentence, Osgood was fined $35,000 and was ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to the victim. In addition, after serving his term of imprisonment, Osgood will begin a lifetime term of supervised release. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“This sentence sends a strong message to those who exploit children and cause severe and lasting trauma for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “With the dedicated help of our law enforcement partners, we will bring every investigative and prosecutorial resource to bear in order to protect our children from sexual predators like Osgood.”
The undisputed facts demonstrated that Osgood had a continuing relationship with a 14 year old girl beginning in June 2011, and created sexually explicit images of her, including an image when she was 17. Osgood was a prominent jeweler in the Gainesville area.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.
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 - OsgoodFour Assistant U.S. Attorneys named as elections officers for the Southern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Four Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of Georgia have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Nov. 3 General Election.
In consultation with the U.S. Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Jennifer Kirkland, Joshua S. Bearden, Channell Singh and Jason Blanchard will review any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in the Southern District, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Led by these AUSAs, our office will act promptly and aggressively to protect the rights of our citizens to vote without interference or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Each legally registered voter must be able to freely exercise his or her right to vote, and we will help ensure their votes aren’t stolen because of fraud.”
The Justice Department’s election day program furthers the long-standing goals of deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and of ensuring public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters; buying and selling votes; impersonating voters; altering vote tallies; stuffing ballot boxes; and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, it may be a violation of federal voting rights law for individuals to attempt to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Election Day, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, a District Election Officer will be on call in the Southern District through election day and may be reached by calling 912-652-4422.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., by phone at 1-800-253-3931, by email to [email protected], or by filling out a complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE-Aric Starnes, age 47, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly Brady after his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Starnes was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Starnes entered a plea of guilty to distributing more than 50 grams actual methamphetamine, and in his plea agreement, he agreed to being involved in the distribution of at least 50 grams but less than 150 grams of “ice” or crystal methamphetamine. In August through September of 2019, Starnes brokered multiple drug deals between his supplier and another person for multiple ounces of methamphetamine.
“Keeping dangerous drugs off the streets reduces violence,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “We work in coordination with DEA and other law enforcement agencies to continue to fight drug distribution through enforcement.”
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The 10 plus year sentencing of Mr. Starnes was just and necessary. Individuals peddling poison into Fort Wayne and our surrounding communities must be held accountable for their actions. The DEA Fort Wayne Post of Duty is committed to working with the Allen County Drug Task Force and our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest these drug traffickers to keep our communities safe. The DEA appreciates the exceptional work, by all involved, to bring Mr. Starnes to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Former Southern University Band Director Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to federal program theft. As a result of his guilty plea, Haymer faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and a period of supervised release.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States. Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.
According to the Bill of Information containing the charges, from November 2016 through March 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses. Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The actions of this defendant betrayed the trust of the taxpayers and tarnished the image of the Southern University Band, a beloved institution of our community. I want to thank the prosecutor, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the FBI, and the Louisiana State Police for their investigative efforts which resulted in this conviction.”
“Mr. Haymer’s greed was evident by stealing money that was intended for Southern University’s students who participate in their nationally acclaimed band program. His guilty plea today should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to defraud the taxpayers," said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.
Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera stated, “It is good see justice was served.”
This matter is being investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Disability Fraud after Failing to Disclose Side JobRead the Press Release
Heath D. Shelton of Smithton, Illinois, has pleaded guilty to a single-count information charging
him with making a false statement to obtain federal disability compensation under the Federal
Employees’ Compensation Act.According to court documents, Shelton, 36, started receiving federal disability payments in 2012
after injuring his back as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. In late 2019, he
began working on a part-time basis at Complete Family Chiropractic & Wellness, his fiancé’s clinic
located in Freeburg, Illinois. Shelton’s disability forms required him to disclose this side job so
that his earning potential and overall compensation could be adjusted. But, in an effort to avoid a
reduction of his benefits, Shelton failed to disclose his work at the clinic and falsely reported
that he had not worked or had any involvement in any business enterprise during the relevant time
period. As a result of his plea, Shelton will lose all disability benefits going forward.Special Agent-in-Charge Andre Martin, Great Lakes Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of
Inspector General said, “The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.3 billion in workers’ compensation costs
in fiscal year 2020. The majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have
legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries and are truly unable to perform any postal jobs.
However, a small percent abuse the system and cost the Postal Service millions of dollars in
fraudulent claims and enforcement costs. This guilty plea sends a clear message that workers’
compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG and the
U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the workers’ compensation
program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”Sentencing will be held at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, on a date to be
determined. In addition to losing his disability benefits, Shelton could also receive up to a year
in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Postal Service – Office of
Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke J. Weissler.Former CEO of Houston-Based Seismic Data Acquisition Company Charged in Accounting Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment in Manhattan federal court charging JEFFREY HASTINGS, the former chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration Holdings, Inc. (“SAEX” or the “Company”), a publicly traded seismic data company based in Houston, Texas, with securities fraud, wire fraud, and related offenses for his role in a scheme to fraudulently and materially inflate the publicly reported revenue of SAEX by tens of millions of dollars, in 2015 and 2016, and also for misappropriating millions of dollars from the Company. HASTINGS was arrested on September 11, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska, on a complaint (the “Complaint”) and presented before a magistrate judge in the District of Alaska on September 15, 2020. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jeffrey Hastings, the former CEO and chairman of the board of SAEX, and his co-conspirators, allegedly schemed to inflate the company’s revenue, thereby making the company appear more profitable than it was. Hastings and his co-conspirators then stole money from SAEX to line their own pockets. Thanks to the assistance of the FBI, Hastings’s trail of deceit has come to an end, and he now faces multiple fraud charges.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As alleged, Hastings and his co-conspirators stole approximately $12 million from SAEX. They used a series of shell companies, and a company they claimed was independent from SAEX, to fraudulently inflate SAEX’s revenue, including by round-tripping millions of dollars stolen from SAEX. Hastings and his co-conspirators used the rest of the stolen money, approximately $5 million, to pad their own pockets. Today’s Indictment shows that illegal business dealings, even by a company’s highest executive, will be faced with intense scrutiny.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and the Indictment:[1]
At all times relevant to the Indictment until August 2016, HASTINGS was the executive chairman of the board of directors of SAEX. After August 2016, HASTINGS served as both the chairman of the board of directors and the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of SAEX until he separated from the company in August 2019. SAEX was a publicly traded seismic data acquisition company headquartered in Houston, Texas, that traded under the symbol “SAEX” on the NASDAQ. SAEX provided land- and marine-based seismic acquisition services, including program design, planning, and permitting, camp services, survey, drilling, recording, and processing. Seismic data is used by oil and gas companies to identify and analyze drilling prospects and maximize successful drilling.
From at least in or about October 2015 through at least in or about May 2019, HASTINGS, together with the then chief financial officer and general counsel of SAEX (“CC-1”), the founder, and at various times the president, CEO, and chief operating officer of SAEX (“CC-2”), and the then executive vice president of operations at SAEX (“CC-3”), devised and carried out a scheme to defraud SAEX and the investing public by artificially and materially inflating SAEX’s reported revenue by making it appear that Alaskan Seismic Ventures, LLC (“ASV”) was an independent and reliable source of tens of millions of dollars of revenue.
In February 2015, HASTINGS and CC-1 discussed finding a way for SAEX to take advantage of certain tax credits offered by the State of Alaska to seismic data library companies, to offset the costs of exploring for oil and gas in Alaska (the “Alaska Tax Credits”). The board of SAEX was opposed to operating its own data library company because of concerns about the ability to ensure payment to SAEX for seismic data, including through the monetization of Alaska Tax Credits, among other reasons. To avoid the appearance that SAEX was operating a data library company that licensed data to third parties, HASTINGS and CC-1 set up ASV, to purport to operate as an independent customer purchasing seismic data from SAEX and licensing it to third parties. HASTINGS recruited an acquaintance to serve as the owner and sole employee of ASV. In truth and in fact, and as hidden from investors, ASV was not independent and could not pay SAEX for its seismic data.
After setting up ASV, HASTINGS and CC-1 created and caused to be created a number of shell companies (the “Shell Companies”) for the purpose of secretly transferring funds from SAEX into ASV. One of the Shell Companies, Global Equipment Solutions (“Global Equipment”), was purportedly an equipment rental company from which SAEX rented seismic acquisition equipment. In truth and in fact, and as HASTINGS and his co-conspirators well knew, SAEX did not rent any equipment from Global Equipment and did not owe Global Equipment any money. The co-conspirators took steps to make the payments from SAEX to Global Equipment appear legitimate to others at SAEX; for example, CC-1 drafted a lease agreement between SAEX and Global Equipment, and CC-3 caused fake purchase orders to be created that purported to show expenses incurred by SAEX as a result of renting equipment from Global Equipment.
By the end of 2015, SAEX had recorded on its books approximately $12 million in payables to Global Equipment. HASTINGS and his co-conspirators ultimately routed approximately $5.8 million of SAEX’s funds through Global Equipment, and the other Shell Companies, to ASV. That money then went from ASV back to SAEX to pay outstanding receivables. The fact that these funds originated with SAEX was not disclosed to investors. HASTINGS and his co-conspirators referred to this portion of the scheme as “round-tripping.” In addition, HASTINGS and CC-1 took more than $5 million of the funds that SAEX transferred to Global Equipment for their own use, including making payments to CC-2 and CC-3, among others.
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HASTINGS, 62, of Anchorage, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and make false statements in annual and quarterly SEC reports, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the FBI and also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant, for its assistance in the investigation.
The case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine I. Magdo, Robert L. Boone, and Gina Castellano are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint and the Indictment 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 Indictment, and the description of the Complaint and the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Assistant Director of Massac County EMA Charged with Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Benton, Ill. – The former assistant director of the Massac County Emergency Management Agency is
facing federal fraud charges today after an East St. Louis grand jury returned an eight-count
indictment against him. Christopher Thompson, 29, of Kevil, Kentucky, is accused of devising and
participating in a scheme to defraud Massac County, Illinois, and private businesses to obtain
money, credit, and property.According to the indictment, Thompson operated his fraudulent scheme from November 2018 to
September 2019, in Massac County and elsewhere. Thompson is alleged to have obtained over $49,000
in money and property for himself using Massac County EMA’s existing accounts and by creating new
accounts in its name. He allegedly used these accounts to charge personal expenses and kept the new
accounts hidden from everyone else in Massac County government.An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed
to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a
jury.Thompson is charged with one count of wire fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. Each count carries
a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Thompson is currently out
on bond pending his jury trial, which is set for Nov. 30, 2020, in Benton, Illinois.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the FBI.Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim to U.S. Citizenship, Use of Identification Document Not Lawfully Issued, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned indictments today charging Samuel Quirino-Carchure, age 42, of Mexico, Homero Garcia-Reynoso, age 31, of Mexico, and Jose Luis Lopez-Valdez, age 27, of Mexico, with illegal reentry charges.
Additionally, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Estuardo Ariel Tajiboy-Velasquez, age 30, of Guatemala, with illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, false claim to U.S. citizenship, and aggravated identity theft.
The grand jury also returned a superseding indictment charging Arturo Villareal-Mendoza, age 39, of Mexico, with illegal reentry, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, aggravated identity theft, and assault on a federal officer.
If convicted, Quirino-Carchure, previously deported twice and found in Brunswick County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Garcia-Reynoso, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to a felony conviction (attempted trafficking in cocaine). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Lopez-Valdez, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to a felony conviction (1st degree burglary). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, false claim to U.S. citizenship, and aggravated identity theft, Tajiboy-Velasquez, previously deported 4 times and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Villareal-Mendoza, previously deported and found in Wake County, were charged with illegal reentry, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, aggravated identity theft, and assault on a federal officer, would face maximum penalties of 22 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who admitted to selling significant quantities of fentanyl on the streets of Pawtucket, his fourth conviction on drug trafficking charges, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to seven years in federal prison.
Jessie Yanez, 34, was arrested by members of the Cranston Police Department on November 16, 2019, following an investigation by members of the Pawtucket Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The investigation included four controlled purchases of varying amounts of fentanyl and cocaine from Yanez.
According to information presented to the court, Yanez sold an individual 3.5 grams of fentanyl for $240 on October 28, 2019, 20 grams of fentanyl for $1,800 on November 1, 2019, 50 grams of fentanyl for $2,750 on November 6, 2019, and 50 grams of cocaine for $1,900 on November 14, 2019.
Yanez, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, to two counts of distribution of less than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine.
Today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Yanez to 84 months incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Stacey P. Veroni and Gerard B. Sullivan.
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Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Conduct Round-Up of Defendants Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges as Part of Ongoing Effort to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley announced today that 13 defendants have been arrested on federal charges and 27 defendants have been arrested on state charges following an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Shreveport/Bossier City area that began in 2016.
This long-term investigation, dubbed Operation Hustle City, was conducted by the DEA’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working jointly on drug trafficking cases in the Western District of Louisiana. The investigation has resulted in 4 separate indictments charging 13 individuals with federal drug charges. The prosecution of these defendants is also part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to reduce violent crime in our community.
The indictments allege that these individuals conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. The defendants named in the four separate indictments and their charges are as follows:
Defendant Name
Charges
Shamariay Duntae Locke, a/k/a “Shu,” a/k/a “Supa Shu,” 35, Haughton, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – two counts
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Jeremy Rechard Francis, a/k/a “Casper,” 37, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – two counts
Rico Deangelo Lawrence, 34,
Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 4 counts
- Lawrence, who has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, is also charged with a sentencing enhancement based on his criminal history
Robert Lynn Baulkman, a/k/a “Fridge,” 34, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Danny Glen Roy Welch, 45, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Frank Gilford Joshua, IV, a/k/a “Bubba,” 33, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 4 counts
Keynon Letray Frazier, IV, a/k/a “Green Eyes, 25, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 2 counts
Michael Shane Haynes, IV, 42,
Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Haynes also charged with a sentencing enhancement based upon his criminal history
Garrett Oshann Sudds, 38,
Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 1 count
Henry A. Wright, a/k/a “Tweety,” 41, Shreveport, LA
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 3 counts
Arnelius Danta Terrell, 32, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 2 counts
Ladarrell Cortrell Washington, 39,
Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine – one count
- Distribution of methamphetamine – 3 counts
Schyler Algernon Smith, 31, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 1 count
- Smith also charged with a sentencing enhancement based upon his criminal history
These defendants have been arraigned in federal court, with the exception of Schyler Algernon Smith, who is in custody and will be arraigned at a later date, and three men who are currently fugitives: Rico Deangelo Lawrence, Keynon Letray Frazier and Ladarrell Cortrell Washington.
Each of the defendant fugitives are aware that they are wanted and should be considered as armed and dangerous and should not be approached by non-law enforcement. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of any of these defendants, please contact Shreveport DEA Office at 571-362-4972 or the U.S. Marshal’s Service Violent Offender Task Force by using their online tip portal at: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
In addition to the defendants who are facing federal charges, this joint law enforcement operation also resulted in the following individuals being arrested on state charges:
- Jeff Aldridge, 31, Many, LA;
- Williams Brooks, 58, Shreveport, LA;
- Deandre Brown, 24, Shreveport, LA;
- Timothy Colbert, 32, Dallas, TX;
- Marcus Davis, 41, Shreveport, LA;
- Mischa Early, 42, Shreveport, LA;
- Dallas Edwards, 18, Shreveport, LA;
- Jamarcus Edwards, age and city unknown;
- Chad Feazell, 42, Shreveport, LA;
- Eric Gilliam, age and city unknown;
- Robert Guyer, 22, Shreveport, LA;
- Ronnie Holden, age and city unknown;
- Dominique Jackson, 30, Bossier City, LA;
- Samyah James, 19, Las Vegas, NV;
- Ceazar Love, 27, Shreveport, LA;
- Tra Moore, 26, Houston, TX;
- Valerie Noble, 28, Wasco, CA;
- Corey Parker, 35, Bossier City, LA;
- Blake Perot, 32, Bossier City, LA;
- Toledo Prim, 52, Shreveport, LA;
- Kelvin Roberson, 37, Shreveport, LA;
- Iyana Rodgers, 23, Tomball, TX;
- Mykendrick Shandle, age and city unknown;
- Brandon Small, 36, Shreveport, LA;
- Jayson Smallwood, 22, Bossier City, LA;
- Brian Snider, 39, Haughton, LA; and
- Joey Steele, 44, Bossier City, LA.
“This operation serves as a model of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement join forces to target drug trafficking and other violent crime,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have additional information about these defendants or their associates are asked to contact the DEA immediately.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Drug dealing and violent crime often go hand in hand and spread fear and destruction in our communities. These investigations and resulting arrests clearly demonstrate the combined strength that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies bring to bear in the battle against these drug traffickers and strike a significant blow to their drug trafficking organizations. We are leveraging our respective resources and expertise to achieve results that we could not accomplish on our own. Our combined, concentrated efforts are making communities safer by disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs to our neighborhoods.”
“We were happy to participate in this interdictive operation and look forward to further cooperative endeavors to make our community safer,” said Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr.
Shreveport Police Department Chief Ben Raymond added: “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to reducing violence in our area. Operation Hustle City is but one example of our ongoing efforts to reduce the criminal element; an element that contributes to violent crime and affects all of our residents.”
“I appreciate and applaud the difficult and dangerous work performed by each deputy, officer, and agent. Their dedication is the story, not the actions of a bunch of thugs,“ said Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal agencies including DEA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, all are working jointly with the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the federal cases.
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Federal Grand Jury A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores today announced the results of the October 2020 Federal Grand Jury A. The grand jury returned 26 unsealed and 3 sealed indictments.
Because of the large volume of cases the Northern District of Oklahoma has been charging since the Supreme Court’s McGirt decision in July, a second Federal Grand Jury B will convene the week of Oct. 19-23, 2020.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Joshua Aaron Attocknie (superseding). Possession of Stolen Vehicle in Indian Country; Endangering Others While Eluding Police Officer in Indian Country. (superseding) Attocknie, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle. Attocknie unlawfully and knowingly possessed a 2016 black Audi A5 and a 2020 black Chevrolet Silverado previously stolen from a dealership and rental company by unknown parties. In the superseding indictment, Attocknie is also charged with attempting to elude officers on July 13, 2020, by rapidly accelerating and endangering others when police tried to pull him over. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Scotty Lee Belcher. Possessing and Uttering Forged Security. Belcher, 31, of Talala, is charged with seven counts of possessing and trying to pass counterfeited checks with intent to deceive four motorcycle and car dealerships in August 2019. The checks were written in the amounts of $37,800, $31,800, $2,240, $21,050, $28,600, $21,500, and $16,500. The Tulsa Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, and FBI are the investigative agencies.
David Samuel Boggs Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Boggs Jr., 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a FMK .9 mm pistol and associated ammunition after kidnapping and domestic abuse convictions. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Matthew Scott Boll. Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm. Boll, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with killing Antonio Morencio Velasco using a firearm. He is further charged with involuntary manslaughter and with possessing a Springfield Armory .9 mm semi-automatic pistol while being an unlawful user of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Madelyn Abigail Brown. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Brown, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting a male with a dangerous weapon by repeatedly stabbing the victim with a knife. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, Olusola Ojo. Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, Olusola Ojo. Bank Fraud Conspiracy (count 1); Bank Fraud (counts 2-6); Aggravated Identity Theft (counts 7-9); Unlawful Monetary Transaction (counts 10-17). (2nd superseding). Ibanga Etuk, 40, and Teosha Etuk, 32, both of Tulsa, and Ojo, 41, of Owasso, allegedly conspired together and with others to commit bank fraud from April 1, 2020 to August 4, 2020. The three defendants created 12 fictitious business entities that would fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under false pretenses such as the number of employees, payroll expenditures, taxes paid during previous months, details of business ownership, and a false representation of their relationship with one another. During this time, Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, and Olusola Ojo submitted multiple applications for the same businesses to more than ten different banks, without disclosing to those banks that they were submitting duplicative applications. They conspired to obtain loans in the total approximate amount of $5,430,585 and actually obtained funding from banks in the total approximate amount of $995,385. The three defendants are also charged with various counts of bank fraud. Teosha Etuk, Ibanga Etuk, and Olusola Ojo are each further charged with counts of aggravated identity theft. Teosha Etuk and Ibanga Etuk are further charged with counts of unlawful monetary transactions. The Federal Reserve Board-Office of Inspector General (OIG); Small Business Administration-OIG, and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Matthew Alan Joseph. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Joseph, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a Colt .45 pistol and associated ammunition after three domestic assault and battery convictions in 2008 and 2017. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Johnathan David Kelley. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm; Attempt to Manufacture Methamphetamine. Kelley, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic pistol after previously being convicted for DUI and for possessing a controlled drug. The FBI and Broken Arrow and Tulsa Police Departments are the investigative agencies.
Jason Gordon Kinnear; Brittney Lynn Kinnear. Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Jason Kinnear, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is also charged with leasing a premises for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing and using controlled substances. He is further charged with possessing a Del-Ton .223 short-barrel rifle and a Glock 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. Finally, both Jason Kinnear and Brittney Kinnear, 22, of Tulsa, are charged with possessing a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches and not registered to either of them in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Tulsa Police Department, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Sergio Lopez-Ramirez. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States; Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Lopez-Ramirez is charged with being an alien illegally in the United States in possession of a Forjas Taurus 9 mm Luger and associated ammunition. He is further charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Jan. 16, 2017, at or near Brownsville, Texas. The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.
Tymalk Quane Love; Anthony Ward Irving; Casey Joe Eastwood. Drug Conspiracy (counts 1-2); Importation of a Controlled Substance- Fentanyl (count 3); Smuggling Goods Into the United States (count 4); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (counts 5-34); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (counts 35 and 36) (3rd superseding). From approximately January 2018 through February 2019, Love, 30, of Tulsa; Irving, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona; and Eastwood, 34, of Purdy, Missouri, conspired to distribute heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (count 1). According to the indictment, Love organized the conspiracy using contraband cell phones from inside the Oklahoma Department of Corrections where he was an inmate. Other members of the conspiracy allegedly included a “Facilitator” who purchased drugs from bulk distributors and sold the drugs to mid-level drug dealers; a “Broker,” defendant Irving, who helped connect Love and the Facilitator with bulk distributors in Arizona; and a “Distributor,” defendant Eastwood, who bought drugs from the facilitator. Love profited by selling drugs to mid-level drug dealers at higher prices than what Love had paid the wholesaler.
Love is further charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl (count 2); importing/smuggling fentanyl into the United States (count 3 and 4); using a cell phone to direct his illicit drug operation (counts 5-27); and possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes on Jan. 31, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2019 (Count 35-36). Finally, Eastwood is charged with using a cell phone as part of the drug conspiracy (counts 28-34). The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Ryan Glen McClain. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding in Indian Country. McClain, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of assault. On Sept. 10, 2020, McClain allegedly assaulted an intimate partner by striking and wounding her. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Fernando Moreno. Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Possession of a Firearm by Alien Illegally in the United States. Moreno, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, one for cocaine and the second for methamphetamine. Moreno is also charged with being an illegal alien unlawfully possessing an Anderson AR-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and using that rifle during his drug trafficking crimes. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), ICE-Entry and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Michael Eugene Patterson. Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Patterson, 35, of Tulsa, on Jan. 11, 2020, broke into a home by breaking the door down with the intent to commit burglary. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Robert William Perry II. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country. Perry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of child sexual abuse. From May 6, 2017 to May 15, 2018, Perry knowingly engaged in sexual acts and sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Zachary Thomas Price. Stalking in Indian Country. Price, 20, of Tulsa, from April 1, 2020 to Aug. 23, 2020 engaged in behavior intended to injure, harass, intimidate, and cause substantial emotional threat to two other males and their family members. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Timothy Alfred Reed Jr. Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. Reed, 49, of Mounds, on November 6, 2018, killed another male by striking him with a vehicle while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine. The FBI and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies.
Cain Reyes-Cruz. Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Cruz, 42, an alien, was found in the United States after having been deported on March 14, 2013, near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Entry and Removal Operations is the investigative agency.
Darryl Lamont Sanders. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Sanders, 54, allegedly kidnapped a female victim on Jan. 30, 2020. Sanders then allegedly proceeded to rape the victim and threaten her with serious bodily injury or death. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Lakota Ray Scott. Domestic Assault by Strangulation in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Scott, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting her girlfriend by strangling and suffocating the victim and then assaulting her with a television on March 16, 2016.
Robbery in Indian Country; Larceny of a Motor Vehicle in Indian Country. In a separate indictment, Scott is also charged with using violence and intimidation to steal a pick-up truck on Jan. 31, 2019. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies in both indictments.
Devin Charles Staller (superseding indictment). Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Staller, 23, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Montgomery Ward Savage 16 gauge pump-action shotgun. Staller is an 8-time convicted felon. Further, Staller is charged with assaulting a female victim by cutting her with a knife. Staller is also charged with two counts of burglary. He allegedly broke into two homes, one where no one was present and the other when the home owner was present and Staller was armed with a knife. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is the investigative agency.
Ernie Wayne Standing Soldier Jr. (written as Standingsoldier in the indictment). Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner in Indian Country. Standing Soldier Jr., 35, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner and by strangulation on Feb. 20, 2020. He is also charged with breaking into the victim’s home with intent to commit a crime. Finally on March 16, 2020, Standing Soldier Jr. is alleged to have punched the victim in the face and attempted to strangle her. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Jeremy Ryan Wetch (superseding indictment). Stalking; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Wetch, 33, of Akron, Colorado, traveled to Tulsa on Oct. 12, 2018, with the intent to harass and intimidate another individual, causing substantial emotional stress. Wetch is further charged with unlawfully using marijuana and knowingly possessing a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum caliber revolver, a Beretta .22LR caliber pistol, a Beretta .45 Auto caliber pistol, and various types of ammunition. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Shane McClearan Wright. Attempted Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Wright, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with possession of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Further, Wright is charged with knowingly maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Damion Lamons Zachery. Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Burglary in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. (superseding indictment) Zachary, 28, of Tulsa, and others, collectively referred to as “the conspirators,” agreed to commit the following crimes. On March 31, 2020, they allegedly broke into the home of an individual, threatened the occupants with a firearm, and demanded property and money from those residing in the home. The conspirators allegedly used gang affiliation to intimidate the occupants and force them to comply. During this time, one of the conspirators put a firearm to the head of a female juvenile present in the home. They proceeded to steal the occupants’ personal property, including but not limited to a wallet containing identification, money and credit cards as well as a PlayStation console and controllers. When a neighbor arrived at the home, he was threatened and chased from the residence by the conspirators. After committing these alleged crimes, the conspirators fled together in a black SUV. Zachary is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol and various kinds of ammunition. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Eighteen Charged in Project Safe Neighborhoods Drug and Firearms InvestigationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Eighteen individuals, fifteen of whom were previously convicted of felony drug and/or firearm charges, and thirteen of whom are currently serving terms of state or federal probation, have been charged in federal court in Providence with trafficking drugs and/or firearms, the result of a series of FBI Safe Streets Task Force Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations.
“Operation River Fork,” launched by the Safe Streets Task Force in Woonsocket in January, expanded over the past ten months to include investigations in Providence, Warwick and Cranston. The investigations identified three separate alleged drug and/or firearms trafficking conspiracies involving a total of nine individuals, and eight individuals who have been charged based on their alleged independent drug and/or firearm trafficking activities.
Leading up to eight arrests and the execution of two court-authorized search warrants on Wednesday, and seven arrests today, forty-seven controlled drug and firearm transactions monitored by members of the Safe Street Task Force resulted in the seizure of three loaded firearms, approximately one kilogram of crack cocaine, and forty grams of fentanyl.
As a result of the arrests and search warrants executed on Wednesday and Thursday, three loaded firearms, approximately 350 grams of crack cocaine, 130 grams of fentanyl, 120 grams of powder cocaine, and $122,000 in cash were seized by law enforcement.
If convicted as charged in criminal complaints filed with the court, thirteen of the nineteen individuals face mandatory minimum sentences of five years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman noted, “It is unfortunate, and really distressing, that Defendants with previous criminal histories would remain undeterred from continuing to deal in drugs, and, in some instances, even firearms. Thanks to the exemplary, and truly heroic, work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, these alleged bad actors – who endanger our neighborhoods and threaten our families with gun and drug violence – now face the prospect of significant incarceration in federal prison.”
“These arrests and seizures show our relentless determination to mitigate the drug-fueled violence plaguing our communities at the hands of previously convicted felons who continue to demonstrate why they are a serious threat to public safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The hard-working citizens of Rhode Island should not be handcuffed by fear of leaving their homes and getting caught in the crosshairs of a drug deal. Let it be clear, the rule of law is not optional, and our Safe Streets Task Force will continue to do everything it can to stop the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms onto our streets.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
These Project Safe Neighborhood cases are being prosecuted by a team of prosecutors to include Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey P. Veroni, Gerard B. Sullivan, Ly T. Chin, Christine D. Lowell, and Ronald R. Gendron.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the Rhode Island National Guard, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Arrested Wednesday
Anthony Medeiros, 29, Woonsocket
- Three counts of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- Two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Bradley Dewalt. 28, Woonsocket
- One count of the Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Michael Fernandes, 27, Woonsocket
- Two counts of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Mariah Raymond, 26, Woonsocket
- One count of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Josue Gomez Sanchez, 26, Woonsocket
- Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base
- Distribution of Cocaine Base
Jose Perez, 27, Woonsocket
- Two counts of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Michael Wilkerson, 36, Woonsocket
- One count of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Bruce Perez Gonzalez, 25, Woonsocket
- Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- Distribution of Cocaine Base
Arrested Thursday
Joel Figueroa, 24, Providence
- Two counts of Distribution of less than 28 grams of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to Distribute of Cocaine Base
- One count of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Ricardo Pierre, 41, Warwick
- Five counts of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
Ronnie Smith, 32, Cranston
- One count of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Michael Rodriguez, 25, Providence
- One count of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- Two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Angel Aviles, 22, Cranston
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Juan Batista, 35, Woonsocket
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Natalie Cassidy, 26, Woonsocket
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Detained at the ACI on Unrelated Charges
Brady Robinson, 26, Woonsocket
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Alfonso Merced, 35, Woonsocket
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Josimar Pereira, 24, Woonsocket
- Two counts of the offense of distribution of a controlled substance, cocaine base; and
- Six counts of distribution of a controlled substance, cocaine base and fentanyl
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Ecuadorian Man Admits Conspiring to Import Cocaine into United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ecuadorian man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to import several kilograms of cocaine from Ecuador into the United States, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jorge Giklin Arauz Velasquez, 45, of Ecuador, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to one count of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2018 through January 2019, Velasquez worked with members of a drug trafficking organization operating out of Ecuador to import cocaine from Ecuador throughout the United States. For several months, Velasquez discussed the possibility of importing kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States into the New Jersey area. In November 2018, Velasquez told another individual that he could smuggle cocaine onto a flight leaving Ecuador and arriving in Florida.
In December 2018, Velasquez and another associate discussed that several kilograms of cocaine could be shipped on a plane leaving Guayaquil, Ecuador, and arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cocaine would be contained in luggage on the flight. Later, Velasquez sent a message containing the flight number where the cocaine shipment would be located, along with a description of the luggage tag for the luggage that would contain the cocaine. Law enforcement in Florida located the luggage from the identified flight, which contained approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.
The count to which Velasquez pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited specials agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; Colombian National Police DIJIN-GESIN; the Ecuadorian National Police; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose; and the New Jersey National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, under the direction of Col. Paul Rumberger, with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance with the case.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies dedicated to identifying and dismantling the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Douglas County Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Patrick Staton, 30, Town of Maple, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 72 months in federal prison for possessing three firearms and ammunition as a felon. This prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The investigation in this case stems from a confrontation initiated by Staton outside of his home in Maple on September 1, 2019. During that confrontation, Staton armed himself with a firearm and was subsequently shot by another individual in self-defense. Officers executed a search warrant at Staton’s residence on September 2, 2019, at which time they located three firearms and ammunition, including an AR-15 style rifle with seven additional magazines. All three guns had previously been reported stolen in Minnesota. Staton is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of several Wisconsin felony convictions.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson recognized that Staton represents a threat to the public given his “hot head” nature. Judge Peterson also noted that this was not the first time Staton had been shot, and that incident as well as his prior felonies failed to deter him from possessing firearms. Judge Peterson also considered the injuries Staton sustained as a result of his conduct in this case, which included brain damage and the limited use of his right hand for the rest of his life.
The charge against Staton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Superior Police Department; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; St. Louis County (Minnesota) Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
Don’t Be A Victim: Join Us October 15 for a Free Senior Outreach Event on Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud and Potential ScamsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - On October 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division are holding a virtual town hall event focused on protecting seniors from financial fraud and potential scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced.
One of the best ways to protect yourself or a loved one from financial fraud is to remain informed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the SEC, and the FBI have partnered to raise awareness and educate seniors in Pennsylvania about the latest financial scams.
The free virtual town hall will be live on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020 ET. Attendees are also able to call in using the dial-in: 415-527-5035 or 929-251-9612, with the event ID 199 951 7027.
Participants may submit questions for the speakers in advance to: [email protected]. Attendees can also register in advance at [email protected]. Registration is encouraged but not required.
The DOJ Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educating older adults on how to identify scams; and promoting greater coordination with law enforcement partners. The DOJ provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov. Elder fraud complaints may be sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or to the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
Dominican National Convicted of Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston in relation to the seizure of over 10 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in December 2018.
Carlos Soto-Villar, 34, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2021.
According to the trial testimony, on Dec. 6, 2018, Soto-Villar supplied a kilogram of fentanyl to co-defendant Ana Caraballo. The kilogram of fentanyl was later seized by police on Dec. 7, 2018. A search at the Methuen apartment used by Soto-Villar and co-defendant Angel Valdez as a drug stash house, resulted in the seizure of over nine kilograms of fentanyl and heroin and drug processing equipment. Soto-Villar fled from the apartment and was apprehended a short distance away.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Soto-Villar faces a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Methuen Police Department. AUSA Linda M. Ricci, Chief of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, and Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
District Woman Sentenced to Prison Tern for Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and TheftRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jasmine Renee Worthy, 54, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced on September 25, 2020 by the Honorable Judge Robert A. Salerno of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia to 60 days incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Karl Racine, Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Worthy pled guilty in December 2019 to one count of Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult or Elderly Person and five counts of Theft related to money that she wrongfully obtained from five additional victims. Worthy was also ordered at sentencing to pay a combined restitution amount of $58,465 to victims of the offense.
According to the factual proffer, over the course of nine months, between 2018 and 2019, Worthy exploited a blind adult woman who had inherited a sum of money from a deceased family member. Specifically, Worthy’s scheme involved holding herself out as someone who specialized in finding homes for people who had been denied housing in the past, were poor or who had poor or no credit. Worthy led the victim to believe that she would use the funds provided by the victim to locate a suitable home for the victim and her two minor children to live. During the course of the scheme, Worthy often went with the victim to the bank to obtain cash from the victim’s account. Worthy exploited the victim, completely depleting the victim’s bank account of approximately $40,200.
From March to April 2019, Worthy obtained $2,400 from another victim who had been denied housing and had been referred to Worthy’s company, Second Chance Housing. The victim, who was pregnant at the time, met with Worthy, along with her minor child, in a parking lot in Southeast DC. The victim explained the urgency of her living situation and that she would be homeless if unable to find a place to live. Worthy took the victim’s money and shortly thereafter stopped communications with her. As was revealed at sentencing, following the theft of her money, the victim was forced to move with her minor child to a shelter.
In March 2018, another victim gave Worthy $3,900 for DC housing vouchers and furnishings which Worthy told the victim that she would secure. After numerous attempts by the victim to either get the defendant to provide the services and merchandise or return the money, Worthy ceased communications with the victim. Worthy similarly promised another victim that she would locate a home for the victim. This victim gave Worthy $4,800. Worthy never applied the money to a home or furnishings for the victim and stopped communications after repeated demands by the victim for return of her funds. Another couple in search of an apartment for rent met with Worthy, explained that their credit was bad and gave Worthy $2,665. The couple was never shown any apartments and Worthy cut off communications with them.
The final victim hired Worthy as a property manager for her DC home when the victim had to leave the DC area in order to care for an ill relative who resided out of state. Worthy convinced the victim that she needed to provide $4,500 to Worthy so that Worthy could have an escrow account set up and held by the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). No escrow account was established. Worthy stopped communications with the victim after repeated requests by the victim for return of her funds.
At sentencing, the prosecution team appeared remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic alongside victims and their families and argued before the court that notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, the defendant’s actions, lack of remorse, and the significant harm caused to DC residents in need of housing warranted time in prison.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, and MPD Chief Newsham commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, which investigated the case alongside investigators from the Office of the Attorney General. They also cited the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie G Miller and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Mika, on detail from the Office of the Attorney General to handle financial crimes cases involving elderly victims, who investigated and prosecuted the cases from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with support from Paralegal Specialists Sabrina Turner and Chad D. Byron.
This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia simultaneously launched initiatives to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to develop and coordinate further the prosecution of these cases and enhance overall support of older or vulnerable victims in the District of Columbia. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across these two Offices, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General to prosecute cases of this kind.
Dippin Donuts Owners and Adult Son Indicted for $1 Million Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging John Zourdos, age 67, Helen Zourdos, age 63, and Dimitrios Zourdos, age 37, all of Rome, New York, with felony counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, tax evasion, and aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns. The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”).
The indictment alleges that John and Helen Zourdos own three Dippin Donuts stores in Central New York—two in Rome and one in New Hartford—and that they operate these stores with the assistance of their son, Dimitrios Zourdos. The indictment further alleges that between 2013 and 2017, John, Helen, and Dimitrios concealed more than $1 million in cash sales from the IRS by depositing cash directly into their personal bank accounts instead of their business bank accounts and by providing incomplete information to their accountant and causing the accountant to file false individual and corporate tax returns with the IRS. The indictment further alleges that the defendants committed employment tax fraud by paying employees some of their wages “off the books” in cash.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and each count of tax evasion, and three years in prison for each false return charge. The defendants also face up to three years of supervised release after conviction, as well as monetary penalties including restitution.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry along with Assistant Chief John Kane and Trial Attorney Kimberly Ang of the Department of Justice Tax Division.
Department of Justice Revises Policy Governing Grants Associated with Foreign-Made Unmanned Aircraft SystemsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that its Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has issued a revised policy governing the award of grants for the purchase and operation of foreign-made Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The new policy requires grant recipients to utilize OJP funds to procure and operate UAS only in a manner that promotes public safety, protects individuals’ privacy and civil liberties, and mitigates the risks of cyber intrusion and foreign influence.
“We take seriously concerns about the use of foreign-made UAS and the potential for related data compromise,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “It is paramount that funding recipients take effective measures to safeguard sensitive information and the public’s privacy and civil liberties while operating these systems in a safe and secure manner.”
The new OJP Policy has two primary mechanisms to address potential cybersecurity and data privacy concerns. First, the Policy prevents OJP funds from being used to purchase or operate UAS manufactured or assembled by an entity that DOJ leadership has determined is subject or vulnerable to extrajudicial direction from a foreign government. “This policy change helps ensure that our partners can use these valuable tools to support their law enforcement and public safety missions, without compromising information technology systems or sensitive law enforcement or privacy information,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan.
Second, the chief executive officer of the applicant’s jurisdiction seeking funds for purchase or operation of UAS must now certify in writing that, among other things, the applicant and recipient can mitigate the risks posed by malware or unauthorized collection of user information, data theft, or electronic hijacking, can secure communications and protect the security of stored information collected with UAS, and has a plan to address civil liberties-related complaints regarding use of UAS. Applicants must be prepared to provide these policies and procedures to DOJ as a condition for receiving a grant for UAS. Together, these and other provisions of the Policy will help foster a secure and robust UAS supply-chain for our nation’s public safety partners.
The revised policy can be found here.