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18 November 2020
Clarksville Man Sentenced to Prison for PerjuryRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – November 18, 2020 – A Clarksville, Tennessee man was sentenced to federal prison today for giving false testimony during the trial of local Gangster Disciple members, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Midle District of Tennessee.
Ronald Marion Daniels II, 35, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Daniels was indicted on two counts of perjury in August 2019, following the conclusion of the trial in April 2019 of several members of the Gangster Disciples, including Marcus Darden and Maurice Burks. Darden and Burks were both charged with criminal offenses related to the assault and murder in aid of racketeering of Malcolm Wright, a member of the rival Bloods gang, inside C-Ray’s nightclub in Clarksville, Tennessee on November 3, 2012.
“Witnesses before the Court and grand jury are sworn to provide the truth during their testimony,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “Testimony that deviates from the truth undermines the justice process and can have dire consequences on the integrity of the justice system. Those who lie during these proceedings should expect that we will always hold them accountable.”
During the trial, Daniels provided testimony that he did not know the identity of Brandon Hardison, aka, “Creep,” another defendant in the case. Daniels’s testimony was inconsistent with prior statements to law enforcement and sworn grand jury testimony in which Daniels had identified a photograph of Hardison, described Hardison’s appearance, and described statements Hardison had made in the parking lot of C-Ray’s nightclub prior to Wright’s murder.
In other testimony during the trial, Daniels testified under oath that he had never seen Elance Justin Lucas, aka “Mac Luke,” another trial defendant, cook powder cocaine into crack cocaine. Daniels had previously provided sworn testimony to a grand jury during which he stated that he had in fact seen Lucas cook powder cocaine on two occasions.
Darden, Burks, Lucas and others were convicted at trial. Brandon Hardison is scheduled for trial in February 2022.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Clarksville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Schrader is prosecuting this case.
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Chandler Man Sentenced to 16 Years for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Yesterday, John Michael Gregg, 36, of Chandler, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 16 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
On September 1, 2019, at a location within the Gila River Indian Community, Gregg shot the victim multiple times, resulting in the victim’s death. Gregg is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Gregg had previously pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder on September 1, 2020.
The Gila River Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynette Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-01299-PHX-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-104_Gregg###
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Camden County Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of WeaponRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man was indicted today for illegally possessing a handgun, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Maurice Isler, 36, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, was charged by indictment with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
According to the indictment:
On April 10, 2020, a witness told a police officer that Isler was in possession of a firearm. When confronted by police, Isler ran, and was caught by two police officers. They arrested Isler and found a loaded handgun in his pocket. The handgun had previously been reported stolen. As a previously convicted felon, Isler is not permitted to possess a handgun under federal law.
The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the Camden County Police Department – Metro Division, under the direction of Chief Joseph D. Wysocki, for its assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Business Owner Who Orchestrated $13 Million Fraud Upon North Carolina Medicaid Program from Las Vegas Pleads Guilty, Forfeits Private JetRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Las Vegas, Nevada resident pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and Aggravated Identity Theft, and further agreed to forfeit the proceeds of her crimes. These proceeds included up to $13,396,921.64, a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A Aircraft, a 2017 Aston Martin DB 11 sports car; a 2016 Ford F-150 Super-Crew pickup truck; real property held in the name of Assured Healthcare Systems in Hertford County, North Carolina; real property located in Charles County, Maryland; as well as various other items of designer jewelry and luxury items seized from the defendant’s penthouse condominium in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, Latisha Harron, also known as Latisha Reese Holt, 44, originally from Eastern North Carolina, admitted to conspiring with her husband to carry out a massive fraud upon the North Carolina Medicaid Program (“NC Medicaid”) by billing the government for fictitious home health services. Harron admitted to then working with her husband to launder the proceeds of the fraud into, among other things, a private jet, luxury jewelry and clothing, and properties in Ahoskie and Rich Square, North Carolina.
According to the charges, Harron created, and was operating, Agape Healthcare Systems, Inc. (“Agape”) an alleged Medicaid home health provider, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. As charged, to enroll Agape as a Medicaid provider, Harron fraudulently concealed her prior felony conviction for Identity Theft. In 2012, Harron moved out of North Carolina to Maryland. Despite that move, Harron continued to bill NC Medicaid as though Agape was providing home health services to North Carolina recipients.
As charged, in May of 2017, Latisha Harron moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with codefendant Timothy Mark Harron, and that the two were married in 2018. The indictment alleges that Timothy Harron was also a previously convicted felon, and that this fact was concealed from the NC Medicaid on enrollment documents. Harron pleaded guilty to allegations that Harron and her husband then worked together to expand the Agape fraud upon NC Medicaid, by fraudulently billing the program for more than $10 Million, just in the period between 2017 and 2019.
As charged, Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud by exploiting an eligibility tool that was entrusted only to NC Medicaid providers. Specifically, Harron and her husband searched publicly available sources, such as obituary postings on the internet by North Carolina funeral homes, to locate recently deceased North Carolinians. Harron admitted that the two would then extract from the obituary postings certain personal information for the deceased, including their name, date of birth, and date of death. Then, utilizing the extracted information, the defendants would then query the NC Medicaid eligibility tool to determine whether the deceased individual had a Medicaid Identification Number. If the deceased North Carolinian had a valid Medicaid Identification Number and was otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage during their life, the defendants would use that individual’s identity to “back-bill” NC Medicaid, through Agape, for up to one year of fictitious home health services that were allegedly rendered prior to the death of the individual. NC Medicaid then disbursed millions to Agape, all of which flowed into accounts controlled by the Harron and her husband.
Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud via the internet from locations around the globe, including their corporate office building in Las Vegas, their penthouse condominium in Las Vegas, a corporate office in North Carolina, and from various hotels and luxury resorts in and outside of the United States.
Harron further pled guilty to laundering the proceeds of the Agape fraud into various luxury items. These expenses included a $900,000 wire for the purchase of a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A private jet, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Tiffany & Co. and Brioni clothing and jewelry, thousands of dollars on Eastern North Carolina business properties, and thousands of dollars in gym equipment.
Latisha Harron pleaded guilty to (1) Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, which carries a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison, (2) one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A, each of which carry a maximum punishment of not less than, nor more than, 2 years in prison consecutive to other sentences, and (5) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h), which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Investigations Division, are all investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore is the prosecutor on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Harris represents the United States with respect to forfeiture aspects of the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00005-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Building Border Security Capacity in Southeast Asia:Read the Press Release
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, INTERPOL Washington, the United States National Central Bureau (USNCB), has implemented a new web-based platform designed to promote awareness of, and participation in, Project TERMINUS among law enforcement and border security authorities in the Southeast Asian Region.
Developed by the USNCB and funded by the State Department, Project TERMINUS makes expert technical assistance available to countries seeking to integrate access to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents Database (SLTD) into their national border security information sharing systems to help screen against the illicit international travel of transnational criminals and terrorists.
Originally to have been presented by the USNCB during the 2020 Southeast Asian Workshop on Border Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation – which was cancelled due to the global pandemic – the U.S. content has instead been made available to participating border security authorities via a controlled access website comprised of a series of videos that provide technical and programmatic information about the TERMINUS initiative. Each video is supported by a written transcript of the speakers’ remarks, to assist partner countries in translating the content.
Featured speakers include USNCB Director Uttam Dhillon and Mr. Sam Pineda, Director of Programs in the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism. “INTERPOL Washington is pleased to continue this important collaboration with our State Department partners. This whole-of-government approach to providing assistance to Southeast Asian and African nations will contribute to the overall U.S. effort to thwart the international travel of transnational criminals,” said Dhillon.
Since 2017, U.S. capacity building efforts in the Southeast Asian region conducted under Project TERMINUS and its predecessor programs have resulted in:
- More than 70 million international passengers being screened against INTERPOL data.
- More than 680,000 identity and travel documents being automatically uploaded into INTERPOL’s SLTD database, using a computer application developed by the USNCB, and
- More than 50 air, land, and sea-port facilities now actively screening all inbound and outbound international passengers against INTERPOL’s databases.
The TERMINUS web site also provides information regarding the USNCB’s recent collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in which the USNCB-developed WISDM Uploader was installed remotely by the USNCB, enabling NIS to automatically upload more than 147,000 records of stolen and lost Nigerian travel and identity documents into the SLTD system in less than two hours.
The Project TERMINUS overview video is available here. The transcript of the video is here: project_terminus_opening_video_transcript.pdf
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice, INTERPOL Washington, the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB), is the designated United States representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General. It serves as the national point of contact and coordination for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Broome County Man Arrested, Charged with Traveling to Wyoming County to Attempt to Have Sex with A 13 Year-OldRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Lettieri, 33, of Harpursville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal with enticement of a minor, and traveling to engage in illicit sexual contact. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 15, 2020, an investigator with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office interviewed the parent of a 13-year-old girl (Victim) who stated that on October 10, 2020, the Victim met a 33-year-old man at a park near their home with the intent of having sexual intercourse; however, sexual contact did not occur.
With permission from the parent, the investigator searched the Victim's cell phone and determined that the Victim blocked both a Facebook account and a phone number belonging to Lettieri. The investigator did not recover any messages between the Victim and the defendant, however others family members reported that the Victim deleted messages and blocked the number. The investigator recovered a call history between the two, including a call on October 10, 2020, the day the Victim met Lettieri in a park near her home. Photos of the Victim and the defendant’s face were also found on the phone. The investigator also searched Lettieri’s Facebook account and recovered conversations between the defendant, the Victim, and the Victim’s sister, which were sexual in nature. The Victim’s age was also revealed during the conversations.
If anyone has any information regarding this defendant, please call the FBI at 716-856-7800.
Lettieri made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #Brockton Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was arrested today and charged with illegally possessing a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition.
David Dardy, 31, was indicted on one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon. Dardy will make an appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to charging documents, on or about Sept. 19, 2020, Dardy possessed a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber pistol. The firearm was loaded with five rounds of .40 caliber “Federal 40 S&W” ammunition, five rounds of .40 caliber “Perfecta 40 S.W.” ammunition, two rounds of .40 caliber “PPU 40 S&W” ammunition and one round of .40 caliber “FC NR 40 S&W” ammunition.
The charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bridgeport Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Handgun in New HavenRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN LUSMAT, 30, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2019, Tyrell Cox-Henderson entered a convenience store in New Haven and placed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver behind some merchandise on a shelf. Approximately one hour later, Lusmat entered the store and retrieved the firearm from the shelf. Later that day, after New Haven police officers had reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance video, officers stopped a car in which Lusmat was a passenger. As officers approached the vehicle, Lusmat threw a black plastic bag out of the window. A search of bag revealed the firearm that Lusmat retrieved from the store. Lusmat was arrested at that time.
Prior to April 2019, Lusmat was convicted in state court of firearm, assault and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2021, at which time Lusmat faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Lusmat has been detained since his arrest.
Cox-Henderson pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 14, 2020, and awaits sentencing. He also has been detained since April 10, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Battle Ground Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Thomas A. Rennie, Age 58, of Battle Ground, Washington, and formerly of Portland, Oregon, was sentenced today to one year in prison, supervised release of three years, and restitution to the IRS of $1.5 million for evading payment of employment taxes and personal income taxes.
According to court documents, Rennie operated a car detailing business in Portland for 28 years, and a dog training business in Washington since 2015. Rennie knowingly and intentionally evaded payment of nearly $1.5 million in taxes for the years 2005 through 2017. These unpaid taxes were comprised of employment taxes for his businesses, personal income taxes, and corporate taxes. Rennie’s efforts to evade the payment of his taxes included his failure to maintain proper business books and records; using business bank accounts and a non-profit entity’s bank account to pay personal expenses; concealing ownership of personal assets by placing title to these assets in the names of nominee entities; concealing the income from the sale of one of his companies by placing the proceeds in bank accounts held in the names of nominees; and making false statements to an IRS Revenue Officer.
Rennie previously pleaded guilty to one count of Tax Evasion on December 16, 2019.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Bangladeshi Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers announced that Shahidul Gaffar, 40, and Nabila Khan, 35, both residents of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson presided over the proceeding.
According to court documents unsealed today, in 2015, Gaffar and Khan, a married couple originally from Bangladesh, provided and attempted to provide financial support to two of Khan’s brothers who traveled to Syria to join ISIS fighters. Gaffar and Khan discussed the brothers’ travel plans in detail with each other, as well as with the brothers and other family members, as early as September 2014. In January 2015, Khan asked her sister living in Bangladesh to sell some of Khan’s gold and provide the money to their oldest brother, J.K., in order to assist him in travelling to Syria. Khan then flew to Bangladesh to wish J.K. farewell before his departure in February 2015. Gaffar, who remained in Pennsylvania, sent supportive messages to Khan’s mother stating: “Be [p]roud mother for the noble cause and for the sake of Allah!!!”
Further, according to the criminal Information, Khan’s second brother, I.K., had come to the United States on a student visa and resided with Khan and Gaffar in Pennsylvania from June 2014 until February 2015, when he returned to Bangladesh. Over the next few months, Khan, who was still in Bangladesh, observed I.K. watching terrorist propaganda videos featuring Anwar al-Awlaki, a designated global terrorist and key leader of ISIS. Around the same time, Gaffar began sending international money transfers to I.K. in Bangladesh. These funds had multiple purposes, but one was to support I.K.’s travel to Syria to join ISIS. In June 2015, Gaffar sent a message to Khan, stating: “Let [I.K.] know that I will manage and send 3000 dollars if Allah wills. Let's help him, my love, for the good cause who knows that might be enough to get forgiveness from Allah and accept[ance] [in]to heaven.” In July 2015, Gaffar continued to communicate with Kahn regarding the conspiracy, saying in part: “I feel bad for mom and dad, at the same time, I feel very proud. [W]hat a lucky mom and dad.”
In early July 2015, I.K. traveled to Syria to join ISIS. The next day, Gaffar and Khan discussed via electronic messages how Khan had tried to give I.K. more money right before he left, and days later, Kahn exchanged multiple electronic messages with a family member discussing I.K.’s arrival in Syria and reunion there with J.K. Gaffar sent reassuring messages to Khan, stating that it was “cool” that she had been able to observe I.K.’s radical Islamist “changes” from “beginning to end.”
According to court documents, in May 2016, Khan received an electronic message that I.K. had been wounded in the fighting in Syria, and in August 2016, Khan’s mother sent a message to Kahn with photographs of I.K.’s wounds sustained while in Syria. In September 2016, I.K. changed his online social media account profile picture to an image depicting himself, his brother and another male sitting in front of the black ISIS flag with firearms on a table in front of them, overtly identifying himself and his brother as members of ISIS. I.K. was ultimately killed in the fighting in Syria in March 2019.
“Protecting our country from terror attacks is the first priority of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The defendants encouraged and supported Nabila Kahn’s brothers joining the murderous terrorist group ISIS, which is a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States. The public can rest assured that my Office – together with our partners from the FBI and the National Security Division of the Department of Justice – is working tirelessly every day to protect America and her residents from terrorism.”
“With their pleas today, Gaffar and Khan admit to providing material support to ISIS terrorists from American soil,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “As this case shows, extremists need not take up arms themselves to threaten lives and do real harm. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will never stop working to identify those aiding terrorist groups that consider our country their sworn enemy.”
The defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Wolfe and Robert Livermore.
Ballantine meth traffickers sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man and woman who admitted possessing methamphetamine to sell after law enforcement officers found the drug hidden under carpeting in their Ballantine residence were sentenced today to prison terms, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
William Curtis Hill, Jr, 39, of Bozeman, and Christine Jean Reiling, 43, of Park City, each pleaded guilty on June 25 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Hill was sentenced to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release.
Reiling was sentenced to three years in prison and four years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Feb. 22, 2019, law enforcement received permission to search Hill and Reiling’s residence for a fugitive. During the search, officers pulled back loose carpeting in the master bedroom and found a clear bag containing 28.1 grams of meth. Officers also found a smaller bag of meth in a spare bedroom. In a subsequent search, officers found another small bag of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Hill and Reiling both told officers the meth found in the master bedroom had been given to them to sell by two of Reiling’s friends. Hill said he hid the meth under the carpet.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Albuquerque man sentenced to 10 years in prison for downloading child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A federal judge on Nov. 16 sentenced Alexander Balding, 25, of Albuquerque, to 10 years in prison for accessing and downloading child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Balding also will be subject to 20 years of supervised release.
Balding pleaded guilty on Aug. 5. In his plea agreement, Balding admitted to using uTorrent computer software to download more than 300 images of child pornography in March and April of 2019.
The FBI and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque man charged with aggravated sexual abuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas Wabnum, 70, of Albuquerque, and a member of the Potawatomi Tribe (Kansas), made his initial appearance today in federal court on an indictment of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country.
According to the indictment, on July 6, 2019, Wabnum allegedly engaged in a sexual act with the victim, who was incapacitated at the time, by using force. The alleged incident occurred on the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wabnum faces up to life in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.
4 San Fernando Valley Residents Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Nearly $5 Million in COVID-Relief Loans for Fake BusinessesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two brothers and their wives have been charged in a federal grand jury indictment alleging a scheme to submit at least 35 fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $5.6 million in COVID-19 relief loans authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Richard Ayvazyan, 42; Richard’s wife, Marietta Terabelian, 36; Richard’s brother, Artur Ayvazyan, 40; and Artur’s wife, Tamara Dadyan, 39, all of Encino, were charged in 12-count indictment returned late Tuesday by a federal grand jury. The indictment charges all four defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, and six counts of wire fraud. Richard Ayvazyan was also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, the defendants used fake, stolen or synthetic identities – including the created identities of “Iuliia Zhadko” and “Viktoria Kauichko” – to submit fraudulent applications for loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Economic Injury Disaster Relief Program (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act. The defendants also allegedly submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications in their own names, using fake or fictitious businesses. In support of the fraudulent loan applications, the defendants often submitted false and fictitious documents to lenders and the SBA, including fake identity documents, tax documents and payroll records, according to the indictment.
Once financial institutions and the SBA approved the fraudulent EIDL and PPP loans, the defendants used the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds for their own personal benefit, including to purchase luxury homes. Among other things, the defendants used disaster relief loans as down payments on a $3.25 million residence in Tarzana and a $1 million home in Glendale. Use of disaster relief loan proceeds for such purposes is expressly prohibited under the PPP and EIDL programs.
The indictment alleges that the four defendants received at least $4.6 million as a result of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications.
Enacted in March, the CARES Act is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used for the same purpose as the PPP funds.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Artur Ayvazyan and Dadyan were arrested on November 5 pursuant to a criminal complaint previously filed in this case. They were released on bond and are scheduled to be arraigned on December 3 and 4, respectively.
Richard Ayvazyan and Terabelian were arrested in Miami on October 20 as they returned from a vacation in Turks and Caicos. They were released on bond and returned to Los Angeles, but a court hearing in Los Angeles has not yet been scheduled.
The conspiracy and bank fraud charges alleged in the indictment each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The wire fraud counts each a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence.
T his case is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian L. André of the Major Frauds Section and DOJ Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
17 November 2020
Winthrop Man Sentenced to 15 years for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Winthrop man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Bangor for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Jonathan Bowers, 32, to 15 years in prison and two years of supervised release. Bowers pleaded guilty on September 14, 2017.
According to court records, on April 9, 2016, while at a car repair shop in Chelsea, Maine, Bowers carried a 9 mm pistol in a holster on his hip. Surveillance footage captured him in possession of the pistol. Law enforcement officers later recovered the pistol and the holster. Bowers was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his four felony convictions for burglary and three felony convictions for theft. Due to his burglary convictions, he was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
In his allocution, Bowers told the court, “Had I known what I was actually facing by possessing a gun I would have distanced myself as far as possible from them.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, please visit http://www.justice.gov.
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Virginia Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Later Attempting to Silence the Victim by Having Her KilledRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Henry Lee Kenner II, age 43, of Alexandria, Virginia, to 150 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for kidnapping and witness tampering.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Kenner’s plea agreement, on June 8, 2019, Kenner, dressed in black, drove from Virginia to the home of the victim in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and asked to speak with the victim. An argument ensued and Kenner struck the victim with his fist and cut her hand with a knife, then forcibly removed the victim from her home, without her consent. Kenner continued to assault the victim as he took her to his car and put her in the passenger seat. A witness who saw some of these events stated that Kenner threatened to kill the victim if she opened the door when Kenner was walking around the car to the driver’s seat.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Kenner drove the vehicle from Calvert County through Charles and Prince George’s County, and continued to assault and yell at the victim. At one point, a Trooper from the Maryland State Police called Kenner on his cellular phone and asked that he return with the victim to her residence. Kenner indicated that he would do so, but instead continued across the state line, into Virginia. Kenner then pulled over and disposed of the knife. Eventually, Kenner dropped the victim off at a hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Kenner ultimately turned himself in to the Maryland State Police.
In October 2019, Kenner was charged federally in Maryland for kidnapping. In December 2019, while in federal custody awaiting trial, Kenner attempted to persuade an individual, in exchange for money, to arrange for the killing of the victim so that she would be unable to testify against him. Kenner provided the victim’s personal identifying information to the individual so that it could be used to locate and kill the victim. The individual did not execute the plan and no money changed hands.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation and thanked the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Michael Morgan, Jr. and Joseph R. Baldwin, who prosecuted the case.
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United States Brings Civil False Claims Act Suit Against Delaware-Based Textile Manufacturer for Bribery of an Amtrak Official and Conspiracy to Rig BidsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA— United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that his Office filed suit against First State Manufacturing, Inc. (“FSM”), a Milford, Delaware corporation, for violating the False Claims Act. The United States alleges that FSM, through its executive management, bribed Timothy Miller, a former Amtrak procurement official, in order to receive lucrative contracts from Amtrak. More specifically, the United States alleges that FSM executives provided cash, kickbacks, and vacations to Miller and, in exchange, Miller provided FSM with bidding information that allowed FSM to win the contracts. Once FSM secured the contracts, it allegedly furnished substandard textile products and conspired with Miller to inflate prices, costing taxpayers even more. FSM allegedly attempted to conceal the bribery scheme by directing Miller to falsify records and establish a fake company through which FSM paid him as a “consultant.” The complaint alleges that as a result of this scheme, FSM secured six contracts from Amtrak between August 2015 and April 2018.
The United States and FSM have also entered into a Consent Judgment, subject to the Court’s approval, that would resolve the matter without litigation. If approved by the Court, the Judgment would require FSM to pay $393,250.07 to the United States. The settlement amount is based in part upon the company’s financial status.
Previously, Miller and two FSM executives were criminally prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. For his role in this scheme, Miller was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. Donald Scott Crothers, FSM’s Vice President for Marketing and Contract Administration, received a sentence of eighteen months in prison for his role in the scheme. John Gonzales, FSM’s Chief Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is awaiting sentencing.
“As alleged, FSM performed an end-run around an honest bidding process, illegally stacking the deck in its favor,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The United States’ complaint lays out, in painstaking detail, FSM’s alleged bribery scheme, including kickbacks through a fake consulting company, cash payments made under the cover of night, and improper price adjustments directed by a corrupt organization. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can perpetrate and hide a bribery or bid rigging scheme: my Office will bring to bear all of its resources, both civil and criminal, to make sure that all culpable parties are held accountable.”
“Today’s actions represent our commitment to seek justice and hold accountable those who violate the law,” said Kevin Winters, Amtrak’s Inspector General. “We appreciate the seamless collaboration with the U.S. Attorney's Office as well as the sustained professionalism exhibited by our investigative staff and partner agencies in moving the case to this next phase.”
“Today’s civil complaint against First State Manufacturing demonstrates our commitment to use all available legal remedies with respect to those who seek to enrich themselves through fraud, bribery, and bid-rigging at the expense of the Federal government and honest businesses,” said DOT OIG Regional Special Agent-In-Charge Douglas Shoemaker. “DOT OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to pursue financial justice on behalf of the American taxpayer.”
The complaint contains allegations only, and not findings of liability.
The investigation was conducted by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. The civil investigation, litigation, and resolution are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Koob.
US Attorney announces plan to encourage safe policing practicesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, today announced that state, local and college police departments in Ohio must meet new safe policing standards regarding use of force, performance management and community engagement if they intend to apply for discretionary grants from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The new standards are a result of President Trump’s June Executive Order 13929, Safe Policing for Safe Communities.
The Executive Order requires that law enforcement agencies be certified by independent credentialing agencies. The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) and the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Certification Program has been selected as the independent credentialing agency for Ohio.
“Following these standards will make sure that law enforcement agencies in the Southern District of Ohio are using safe practices and have policies in place to ensure transparent, safe and accountable services to our communities,” DeVillers said. “We are working with OCJS and reaching out to law enforcement agencies throughout the District to make them aware of the new standards and the certification process.”
The President’s Order requires agencies to meet two standards in order to be successfully credentialed: 1) that the agency’s use of force policies prohibit chokeholds, except in situations where the use of deadly force is allowed by law; and 2) that the agency’s use of force policies adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The Department’s certification standards encourage an independent assessment of law enforcement policies and procedures, such as: 1) training protocols on use of force; 2) training protocols on de-escalation; 3) the scope of an officer’s duty and obligation to intervene in order to prevent excessive force by another officer; 4) when and how an officer should provide appropriate medical care; 5) officers identifying themselves as law enforcement and giving verbal warning of their intent to use deadly force; and 6) shooting at or from a moving vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are encouraged to implement early intervention systems to promote officer wellness and to identify officers who may be at risk of violating use of force policies, policies and procedures to help them recruit and promote the best and brightest, and community engagement plans to address each community’s specific needs.
By January 31, 2021, agencies must have received certification or be in the process of getting certified if they plan to apply for discretionary grants, sometimes known as competitive grants, during this fiscal year.
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U.S. Attorney Pak announces the appointment of sixteen new Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak announced the appointment of sixteen new Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) who will immediately employ their talents to support the Northern District of Georgia’s (NDGA) mission to enforce the law and defend the interests of the citizens we serve in this district.
“We are grateful to have such talented and dedicated professionals answer the call to represent the United States in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorneys have proven that they are committed to excellence in their service to our country, and the citizens of the Northern District of Georgia.”
The following AUSAs joined our Criminal Division:
- Radka Nations served as an Attorney with DOJ Criminal Division/ Fraud Section, in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) unit, where she worked on many high profile investigations and received numerous awards, including the DHS 2015 and 2017 Outstanding Financial Investigation Awards. Radka earned her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and her Master of Science in Law from the University of Sofia School of Law in Bulgaria.
- Erin Harris served as a SAUSA assigned to us from the HIDTA program. She was also an AUSA in the General Crimes Unit of the USAO for the Eastern District of Michigan for two years. Prior to entering government service, Erin was an associate with Morgan Lewis & Brockius in Chicago. Erin earned her B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.
- Greg Radics served as an Assistant Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement and served as a SAUSA in our General Crimes Section. Greg previously served a detail to our office (2010-2012) and HSI (as an embedded attorney) and was a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Northeastern Judicial Circuit for nine years. Greg earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia and his law degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
- Tal Chaiken joins us from Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP, where she was a partner, handling complex civil litigation and white collar criminal matters. Previously, she was an associate with Schiff Hardin LLP, in Chicago. Tal received her B.A. in Economics, with honors, from the University of Chicago, where she was on the Dean’s list all four years. She earned her law degree from the University of Chicago, serving as the Managing Editor of the University of Chicago Legal Forum.
- Sarah Klapman served as a career law clerk for the Hon. Richard Story. She previously worked as a litigation associate at the Atlanta office of Miller & Martin, where she was a member of the Litigation and White Collar & Corporate Investigations Section, and she has also served as a Staff Attorney for the Federal Defender’s Program in Atlanta. Sarah earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and she received her B.S., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and M.S., both in chemistry, from Furman University.
- D’Juan Jones served as an associate with Wilkinson Walsh + Eskovitz in Washington D.C., where he handled pharmaceutical litigation. Previously, he clerked for Hon. LaShann Dearcy Hall, U.S. District Judge for EDNY, and he was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in New York. D’Juan received his B.A. from Wake Forest University, where he was a Magnolia Scholar, and he earned his law degree, cum laude, from Howard University, where he was a Staff Editor for the Howard Human & Civil Rights Law Review.
- Mary Webb returned to our office after serving as a Vice President of Litigation with Rooms to Go. Mary was an AUSA in our office from 2013-2018, and before that, an associate at Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP in Atlanta. She has also served as a law clerk for Hon. R. Lanier Anderson, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Mary received her undergraduate degree in English and Political Science, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Georgia and her law degree from Yale Law School, where she was a Coker Fellow, and an editor of the Yale Journal on Regulation.
- Nicholas Joy previously served our office as a SAUSA with the HIDTA program. Prior to that, Nick served for 7 years as a Trial Counsel with the Navy Judge Advocates General Corps (where he continues to serve as a reservist), handling a variety of legal matters and prosecuting criminal cases. Nick received his B.A., magna cum laude, in History and Classical Studies, from the University of Pennsylvania, and he earned his law degree from Harvard Law School.
- Tyler Mann served as a SAUSA with the HIDTA program. Prior to this, he was an Assistant District Attorney with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for three years, and he worked as an associate at Troutman Sanders LLP for six years. Tyler also served as the Chief of Staff for State Senator Jason Carter and as legal Counsel for the Georgia Senate Democratic Caucus. He received his undergraduate degree, in Biomechanical Engineering and Political Science, from Yale University, and he earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
- Michael Qin served as an associate with Kellogg, Hansen Todd, Figel & Frederick PLLC in Washington D.C. Prior to that, he served as a law clerk to then-Judge Neil M. Gorsuch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, and he was an Honors Program attorney with the Federal Communications Commission. Michael received a B.S. in Computer Science and another in Applied Mathematics, both with highest honors, from Georgia Tech, and he earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was an Executive Editor of the Harvard Law Review.
- Lauren Macon served as a Senior Associate in the Securities Litigation Group of Alston & Bird LLP, where she handled both white collar defense and related civil matters. Lauren received her law degree with Highest Honors, Order of the Coif, from the University of North Carolina, where she also served as the Contributing Editor of the North Carolina Law Review. She received her B.A. from UNC-CH as well, and she was a Summer Clerk for the Hon. Justice Paul Martin Newby of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
- Rebeca Ojeda previously served as an associate with King & Spalding-Atlanta, where she handled complex and mass torts litigation. Additionally, she has been an active volunteer, serving as the chair of K&S’s pro bono subcommittee, the Team leader of K&S’s United Way Campaign, as Vice President of the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association (which awarded her the Rising Star Award), and as Young Lawyers Division Representative to the Hispanic National Bar Association. Rebecca received her B.A. in Economics and English, cum laude, from Vanderbilt University, and received her law degree, with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, where she was the Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Criminal Law.
- Amy Palumbo served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Queens District Attorney’s Office for five years, where she prosecuted major violent crimes. Prior to that, she was a litigation associate with Jones Day, in their New York Office. She earned her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she was a Line Editor for the Environmental Law Review. She also interned with the USAO in Boston during law school. Amy earned her B.A., in Political Science, Psychology and History, cum laude, from Tulane University, where she attended on a full scholarship.
The following AUSA’s joined our Civil Division:
- Tiffany Moore previously served as FLU Coordinator and Asset Forfeiture AUSA in the Western District of North Carolina and as FLU Coordinator and Civil Defensive AUSA in the Southern District of Georgia. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she was senior law clerk to the Hon. W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia and practiced commercial and securities litigation at Eversheds Sutherland. Tiffany is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Georgia School of Law. During her studies, she completed graduate level business and environmental studies coursework with the UGA Terry College of Business in New Zealand and Fiji and an international law curriculum with the ABA/London College of Law.
- Aaron Ross served as Chief of the Litigation Strategy Division of the DeKalb County Law Department, where he worked since 2014. Prior to that, he was a litigation associate at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton for six years. Aaron received his B.A. from Northwestern University and his law degree from Emory University School of Law, where he was the Notes and Comment Editor of the Emory Law Journal.
- Trishanda Treadwell was previously a partner with Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP. She also worked as an associate with King & Spalding. Trish received her J.D. cum laude from Georgia State University College of Law, where she was the Student Writing Associate Editor of the Law Review, President of the Student Bar Association, and a member of the Board of Visitors. She earned her B.A. cum laude from Oglethorpe University.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
- Radka Nations served as an Attorney with DOJ Criminal Division/ Fraud Section, in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) unit, where she worked on many high profile investigations and received numerous awards, including the DHS 2015 and 2017 Outstanding Financial Investigation Awards. Radka earned her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and her Master of Science in Law from the University of Sofia School of Law in Bulgaria.
Two Area Doctors Charged in a Scheme to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
A psychologist and medical doctor were charged in a criminal complaint for their alleged role in a scheme to create fake medical diagnoses to help immigrants fraudulently obtain their U.S. citizenship, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Joining in the announcement were Acting Special Agent in Charge David G. Nanz, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Associate Director of Field Operations Directorate Daniel Renaud, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Charged were psychologist Firoza VanHorn, 70, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and medical doctor Muhammad Awaisi, 61, of Pontiac, Michigan.
Schneider stated, “The allegations in this case are truly outrageous and are a disservice to every immigrant who comes to America and becomes a citizen the right and honest way.”
"As Americans we look for those individuals seeking to become our fellow citizens to respect and follow the laws of our country. We expect them to accept and respect our system of government and our naturalization process. And we expect everyone involved in the naturalization process to demonstrate the same good moral character required of immigrants applying to be U.S. citizens," said Nanz. "The conduct alleged in this complaint, if proven, demonstrates those involved showed contempt for the naturalization process and our laws."
Renaud stated, “The collaborative efforts of multiple departments and agencies on this investigation sends a clear message of our joint dedication to track down and hold accountable any who would seek to abuse our immigration system. In this situation, allegations of medical professionals dishonoring their positions of power to undermine our immigration system are especially despicable and are a slap in the face to those immigrants seeking relief through the disability exception process who truly need it.”
Perry stated, “Medical professionals are in a position of trust, profiting off of fake medical diagnoses to help others fraudulently obtain citizenship is a betrayal of that trust. U.S. Customs and Border Protection takes these allegations seriously and will aggressively pursue those bad actors who attempt to financially benefit off of such fraudulent activities.”
According to the complaint, immigrants seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens must first successfully demonstrate the ability to read, write and use the English language, and demonstrate a knowledge of United States history and government. These requirements, however, can be waived for immigrants who can prove that they are not able to meet the requirements because of physical or mental disabilities. The complaint alleges that Van Horn and Awaisi helped immigrants fraudulently obtain these waivers, and hence fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship, by diagnosing the immigrants with medical conditions they did not have, documenting tests that were never performed on the immigrants, and prescribing medically unnecessary medication. Van Horn typically received $500 each time she created the fake diagnosis and medical records. According to records from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Van Horn assisted 1,249 immigrants file requests for such waivers over the past four years alone.
For example, the complaint alleges that a witness met with Van Horn at Van Horn’s office. Van Horn asked how the witness was feeling, along with other basic questions a doctor typically asks a patient. The witness explained that the witness had previously been in a car accident. The complaint alleges that Van Horn then wrote a report diagnosing the witness with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by the witness being in a car accident, being held captive and assaulted by Sunni terrorists, being bombed, being jailed for a year by Saddam Hussein, being shot at a bus stop with friends, and the witness being the lone survivor.
The complaint further alleges that, as part of this conspiracy, Awaisi prescribed opioid painkillers to a patient, even though the patient was not in pain and did not tell Awaisi the patient was in pain.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Goulding. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, USCIS and CBP.
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country after he shot and killed a woman in Philpott Park on July 10, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
James Michael Landry, 29, committed the crime on the Creek Nation reservation. The victim was an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation.
“James Landry tried to explain away what happened the day he killed Crystal Bradley, but thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, the truth came out. Today, Mr. Landry pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and will be held accountable for his inexcusable actions,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “In partnership with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, my office has worked relentlessly to ensure every victim of violent crime experiences a measure of justice and that no case falls through the cracks. With three sovereigns – tribal, state, and federal – communicating and coordinating, I believe we have a blueprint for success in the criminal justice arena in the post-McGirt world.”
In his plea agreement, Landry admitted that on July 10, 2020 without malice, but upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion, he unlawfully shot and killed Crystal Bradley.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell set sentencing for Feb. 22, 2021.
The FBI, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department and the Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jean Luis Colon, age 23, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute heroin, and to possessing a firearm with an altered serial number.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division.
Colon admitted that he possessed approximately 2,050 small bags of heroin that he intended to sell, which law enforcement seized when they executed a search warrant on his residence on August 21, 2020. Some of the heroin bags were stamped with the words “Corona Virus,” according to a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. Colon also admitted to possessing a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver with a scratched serial number.
Colon, who has been in custody since his arrest on August 21, faces up to 25 years in prison, and at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, when Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby sentences him on April 22, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This prosecution was the result of a joint investigation by the DEA, Troy Police Department, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett with assistance from the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office.
Tacoma woman sentenced to 27 months in prison for 7-year public assistance fraud schemeRead the Press Release
Seattle –A 40-year-old Tacoma resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 27 months in prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and embezzlement of mail by a postal employee. ILIGANOA THERESA LAUOFO illegally collected more than $276,000 over the course of a fraud scheme that began in 2011 and continued until 2018. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones noted, “There are large families across this country who have no source of income and mouths to feed…. You had no right to go out and lie and cheat and steal your way.… You told a persistent and protracted series of lies.”
“This defendant was unrelenting in her efforts to defraud the systems we rely on to help the neediest in our communities. She persisted even after authorities made clear they were investigating her fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “At a time when many are struggling to make ends meet because of COVID-19, we must safeguard federal resources for those who need assistance.”
According to records in the case, LAUOFO lied about her household composition and income, used stolen identities to claim additional benefits and open bank and credit accounts, and stole checks from the mail during a period when she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Between April 2011 and December 2018, LAUOFO applied for welfare benefits, including food, childcare, and income assistance, by claiming her husband did not live with the family, and submitted falsified documents to bolster that claim. Had her husband’s income been counted, she would not have qualified for all the assistance she received. In addition to the benefits claimed in her own name, LAUOFO applied for and received additional benefits in stolen identities of friends and family members. Across those various identities, LAUOFO also stole and misused the identity information of 13 minor children who lived in American Samoa and Western Samoa, claiming they resided with her (or her alternate identities) when they did not. By claiming these children, she received additional food and childcare benefits. In all, LAUOFO fraudulently received $222,294 in overpaid benefits.
LAUOFO falsely claimed the children on her tax filings, resulting in over $35,000 in tax credits and refunds that she did not deserve.
The fraud did not end with stolen benefits. LAUOFO used some of the identities she stole to open bank and credit accounts. She opened one of those accounts in the name of her ex-husband three years after he died and deposited worthless checks in the bank account and quickly withdrew cash before the bank realized the fraud. More than $10,000 in loss resulted from that conduct.
Finally, in March 2018, when LAUOFO was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier, she stole and deposited checks from the mail she was assigned to deliver. She deposited the checks into an account in the name of one of the identities she had stolen in the benefits fraud scheme. Later, in April 2018, LAUOFO discarded and destroyed more than 200 pieces of mail, later admitting she threw the mail in a dumpster so she could complete her route more quickly.
“By stealing this money, she compromised the integrity of these programs and, in her way, drew down the resources that will be available to those beneficiaries who play by the rules…. Fraud and theft like Defendant’s … have a corrosive effect on the public’s belief that programs like these, motivated by compassion and dependent on honesty, can work as intended. And when people lie to social agencies about the basic circumstances of their lives, these agencies must use their limited resources to detect and investigate fraud instead of delivering benefits,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
LAUOFO was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following prison and is obligated to pay $276,639 in restitution.
“Ms. Lauofo used stolen identities to fraudulently receive federally funded benefits for several years,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “My office will aggressively pursue those who misuse Social Security numbers by working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our joint law enforcement partners to pursue this type of fraud and hold those responsible accountable for their crimes.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Office of Fraud and Accountability (DSHS/OFA), and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Diggs.
Statement from Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall on the Passing of Former Solicitor General Drew S. Days IIIRead the Press Release
Today, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall issued the following statement on the passing of former Solicitor General Drew S. Days III:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing yesterday of former Solicitor General Drew Days. As Solicitor General from 1993 to 1996, Drew Days was a distinguished advocate for the United States before the Supreme Court, a wise leader for this office, and a cherished colleague. His career outside the office was no less remarkable. He was a trailblazing civil-rights litigator for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the respected head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and a beloved professor at Yale Law School for many decades. His colleagues at the Solicitor General’s Office will remember Drew as a kind and gentle soul with a firm commitment to principle. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and join the legal community in mourning his passing.”
Spokane Man Sentenced for Attempted Robbery on Coeur d'Alene Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Sylvester Trevon Tuggles, Jr., 21, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 70 months in federal prison for attempted robbery, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Tuggles to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Tuggles pleaded guilty to the charge on August 19, 2020.
According to court records, on January 8, 2019, Tuggles and Isaiah James Harrington, 20, also of Spokane, followed a man from Spokane Valley, Washington to the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, in Idaho, to rob him. When the man exited his car, Tuggles and Harrington approached, pointed a firearm, and demanded money. Before they could take the man’s money, Tuggles and Harrington fled when they observed people coming to help from a nearby residence.
Earlier this year, Harrington was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in the attempted robbery. McKenna Marie Buss, 22, of Bellingham, Washington, was sentenced to five years of probation and nine months of home confinement for aiding the attempted robbery by driving Tuggles and Harrington.
This case was prosecuted in federal court because the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department, and Plummer Police Department.
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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.
Southern Maryland Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Steven Jerome, age 33, of Leonardtown, Maryland, today to 150 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for the federal charge of distribution of fentanyl. Jerome acknowledged that his distribution of fentanyl resulted in the death of two victims.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “Steven Jerome knew that the fentanyl he was distributing killed someone and still went on to distribute fentanyl to his own mother, killing her, too. He’s now sentenced to 12½ years in federal prison. Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in deadly fentanyl increases their odds of prosecution in federal court, where there are no suspended sentences and no parole—ever. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the tragic deaths resulting from opioid overdoses.”
According to his plea agreement, Jerome and his co-defendant, Rodney Coby, distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in the death of the victim. Specifically, on September 6, 2017, Victim 1 drove Jerome from the St. Clement Shores neighborhood of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, to Waldorf, Maryland, where Jerome met with a physician to obtain prescriptions for Xanax and Adderall. Victim 1 then drove Jerome to a nearby pharmacy where Jerome filled the Xanax prescription, then to a pre-arranged meeting location in Waldorf where Coby distributed fentanyl to Jerome. Jerome then distributed a portion of that fentanyl to Victim 1.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Victim 1 then used the fentanyl and immediately showed signs of an overdose. Jerome did not call first responders or seek medical attention for Victim 1 because he had an unrelated arrest warrant pending against him. Instead, Jerome drove Victim 1 back to St. Clement Shores, parked the car, and walked to his mother’s house, which was nearby. Jerome’s mother then called first responders, who were unable to resuscitate Victim 1. The medical examiner later determined that Victim 1 died of fentanyl intoxication.
On March 26, 2018, Jerome’s mother texted him to order a “cap,” which is a gel capsule filled with an opioid such as fentanyl. On March 27, 2018, Jerome sold a gel capsule that contained fentanyl to his mother. On March 30, 2018, Jerome’s mother used the contents of the gel capsule that he distributed and died from a fentanyl overdose. Next to her body, investigators found a used syringe and the gel capsule that Jerome distributed. The contents of the gel capsule tested positive for fentanyl, and the medical examiner concluded that Jerome’s mother died of fentanyl intoxication.
Jerome subsequently admitted to one of his associates that he worked with Coby to distribute narcotics.
Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” age 31, of Waldorf, Maryland, was convicted on February 28, 2020, after a seven-day trial for the federal charges of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Coby faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Coby also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Judge Hazel has not yet scheduled a sentencing date for Coby. Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation, and thanked the Prince George’s County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Bernstein and Erin Pulice, who are prosecuting the case.
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Six area residents charged in COVID relief fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Seven individuals across two states have been charged in a Houston federal indictment unsealed today for their alleged participation in a scheme to obtain approximately $16 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Amir Aqeel, 52, and Pardeep Basra, 51, both of Houston; Rifat Bajwa, 51, Richmond; Mayer Misak, 40, Cypress; Mauricio Navia, 41, Katy; and Richard Reuth, 57, Spring, are expected to make their initial appearances at 2 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison.
They are all charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The indictment also charges Aqeel with three counts of money laundering.
Also named in the Houston indictment is Siddiq Azeemuddin, 41, of Naperville, Illinois. He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Azeemuddin will appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain of the Northern District of Illinois.
“Some fraudsters create the most complicated schemes to steal money from the taxpayer. Just imagine how productive they could be if they put their creativity and effort into noble and useful work,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “With the great work of so many partner agencies, we will bring to justice those who steal from the treasury.”
“These defendants allegedly participated in a scheme to capitalize on the pandemic by filing at least 80 fraudulent PPP applications and enriching themselves by $16 million, spending it on luxury items such as a Porsche and Lamborghini automobiles,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who would seek to illegally exploit the ongoing national emergency for their own benefit.”
The indictment alleges all conspired to submit more than 80 fraudulent PPP loan applications by falsifying the number of employees and the average monthly payroll expenses of the applicant businesses. In support of these fraudulent loan applications, they conspired to submit, and did submit, fraudulent bank records and/or fake federal tax forms, according to the charges. Some of the PPP loan applications were allegedly submitted on behalf of companies the defendants controlled.
Other loan applications were submitted on behalf of entities that third-parties allegedly owned, according to the indictment. In exchange for these, several of the defendants received large kickbacks, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges the defendants laundered a portion of the fraudulent proceeds by writing checks from companies that received PPP loans to fake employees. Those that received checks included some of the defendants and their relatives, according to the charges. The fake paychecks were then allegedly cashed at Fascare International Inc. dba Almeda Discount Store - a cash checking company Azeemuddin owned.
The indictment alleges that over 1,100 fake paychecks totaling more than $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan proceeds were cashed at Azeemuddin’s business.
“Greed has no place in SBA’s programs that are intended to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Sharon Johnson of the SBA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) Central Region. “OIG and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“These defendants are alleged to have defrauded a program intended to assist hardworking Americans who have been unfairly impacted as a result of this unprecedented and challenging health crisis,” said SAC Mark B. Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring every asset to bear against anyone who seeks to take advantage of the pandemic to deliberately harm and deceive others for their own profit.”
“To support small and community banks, federal home loan banks can accept PPP loans as collateral when making loans to their members,” said SAC Catherine Huber of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) - OIG, Central Region. “OIG is proud to work with our partners in law enforcement to prevent, detect and deter attempts to perpetrate fraud in the federal home loan bank system and steal the assistance intended for small business owners and employees under this important part of the CARES Act.”
“Today’s indictment describes significant abuse of public funds meant for struggling American businesses and families,” said SAC Laurie L. Younger of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) - OIG. “This alleged fraud represents substantial, egregious and coordinated actions that undermine faith in our financial systems and programs enacted by Congress to help our nation recover from economic damage brought on by COVID-19. We thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation in this investigation.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the CARES Act,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We appreciate the efforts of the Department Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort.”
Federal agents also executed 45 seizure warrants in conjunction with the case. Some of items seized included a Porsche and a Lamborghini allegedly purchased with illegally obtained funds.
This is an ongoing investigation. If the public has further information regarding this fraud, please contact the Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief the CARES Act provides is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
SBA-OIG, HSI, FHFA-OIG, FDIC-OIG and TIGTA are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Kristine Rollinson are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Louis Manzo and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Anyone with general information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seven Charged in Connection with a COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme Involving more than 80 Fraudulent Loan Applications Worth Approximately $16 MillionRead the Press Release
Seven individuals across two states were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their alleged participation in a scheme to obtain approximately $16 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Amir Aqeel, 52, and Pardeep Basra, 51, both of Houston, Texas; Rifat Bajwa, 51, of Richmond, Texas; Mayer Misak, 40, of Cypress, Texas; Mauricio Navia, 41, of Katy, Texas; and Richard Reuth, 57, of Spring, Texas, are expected to make their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison.
They are all charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The indictment also charges Aqeel with three counts of money laundering.
Also named in the Houston indictment is Siddiq Azeemuddin, 41, of Naperville, Illinois. He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Azeemuddin will appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain of the Northern District of Illinois.
“These defendants allegedly participated in a scheme to capitalize on the pandemic by filing at least 80 fraudulent PPP applications and enriching themselves by $16 million, spending it on luxury items such as a Porsche and Lamborghini automobiles,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who would seek to illegally exploit the ongoing national emergency for their own benefit.”
“Some fraudsters create the most complicated schemes to steal money from the taxpayer. Just imagine how productive they could be if they put their creativity and effort into noble and useful work,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “With the great work of so many partner agencies, we will bring to justice those who steal from the treasury.”
“Greed has no place in SBA’s programs that are intended to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges,” said Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson of the SBA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Central Region. “OIG and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“These defendants are alleged to have defrauded a program intended to assist hardworking Americans who have been unfairly impacted as a result of this unprecedented and challenging health crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark B. Dawson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring every asset to bear against anyone who seeks to take advantage of the pandemic to deliberately harm and deceive others for their own profit.”
“To support small and community banks, Federal Home Loan Banks can accept Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as collateral when making loans to their members,” said Special Agent in Charge Catherine Huber of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) OIG, Central Region. “The Office of Inspector General is proud to work with our partners in law enforcement to prevent, detect, and deter attempts to perpetrate fraud in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and steal the assistance intended for small business owners and employees under this important part of the CARES Act.”
“Today’s indictment describes significant abuse of public funds meant for struggling American businesses and families,” said Special Agent in Charge Laurie L. Younger of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) OIG. “This alleged fraud represents substantial, egregious, and coordinated actions that undermine faith in our financial systems and programs enacted by Congress to help our nation recover from economic damage brought on by COVID-19. We thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation in this investigation.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Department Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort.”
The indictment alleges all conspired to submit more than 80 fraudulent PPP loan applications by falsifying the number of employees and the average monthly payroll expenses of the applicant businesses. In support of these fraudulent loan applications, they conspired to submit, and did submit, fraudulent bank records and/or fake federal tax forms, according to the charges. Some of the PPP loan applications were allegedly submitted on behalf of companies the defendants controlled.
Other loan applications were submitted on behalf of entities that third-parties allegedly owned, according to the indictment. In exchange for these, several of the defendants received large kickbacks, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges the defendants laundered a portion of the fraudulent proceeds by writing checks from companies that received PPP loans to fake employees. Those that received checks included some of the defendants and their relatives, according to the charges. The fake paychecks were then allegedly cashed at Fascare International Inc. dba Almeda Discount Store – a cash checking company Azeemuddin owned.
The indictment alleges that over 1,100 fake paychecks totaling more than $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan proceeds were cashed at Azeemuddin’s business.
Federal agents also executed 45 seizure warrants in conjunction with the case. Some of items seized included a Porsche and a Lamborghini allegedly purchased with illegally obtained funds.
This is an ongoing investigation. If the public has further information regarding this fraud, please contact the Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the SBA-OIG; HSI; FHFA-OIG; FDIC-OIG and TIGTA. Trial Attorneys Louis Manzo and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Kristine Rollinson for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with general information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
Second Virgin Islands Woman Convicted in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – After a five-day trial, a federal jury today found Patricia Henry, age 52, of St. Croix, guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Henry faces up to 10 years in prison on the conviction plus a fine of up to $250,000.
According to evidence presented at trial, Henry, her daughter Phiona Henry, and others participated in a scheme to unlawfully obtain money from the United States treasury by fraudulently acquiring federal income tax refunds during the period from 2010 to 2013. The scheme involved the acquisition of personal identifying information used to electronically file falsified tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2012. Henry aided others in the filing of tax returns in individuals’ true names and actual social security numbers but falsified the individuals’ income earned, tax withholding amounts, credits, and other information, and thereby claimed refunds to which they were not entitled. Persons involved in the scheme designated bank accounts for receipt of the refunds, which, once received, they subsequently withdrew. As a result of the scheme, three tax returns were filed in the name of Patricia Henry. On those returns, a total of $29,295 was designated to Patricia Henry’s and Phiona Henry’s bank accounts. Evidence at trial indicated that $8,918 was deposited into Patricia Henry’s account and $10,068 was deposited into Phiona Henry’s account. An additional $106,382 was also deposited into Phiona’s bank account.
Phiona Henry entered a guilty plea in this case on May 3, 2019 and is pending sentencing.
The prosecution of this fraud scheme is the result of years of investigative work by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, which identified and dismantled a massive stolen identity refund fraud scheme perpetrated in the Virgin Islands and elsewhere.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso Andrews, Jr. and Melissa Ortiz.
Plea: Wichita Woman Took 17-year-old Across State Lines for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of taking a minor across state lines for prostitution, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Taylor Kinsey, 22, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation for prostitution. In her plea, she admitted she recruited a 17-year-old victim to engage in prostitution. Kinsey transported the minor from Wichita to Oklahoma City to engage in commercial sex acts.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 5. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 90 months in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nathan A. Hart, age 25, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for cocaine trafficking.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea on February 11, 2020, Hart admitted that from February 14, 2017 through June 3, 2019, he worked with a drug trafficking organization that trafficked cocaine from Massachusetts to the Plattsburgh area for distribution. During his involvement in the conspiracy, Hart admitted to selling approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine.
Chief United States District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Hart to a 4-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government money, Social Security fraud, and Social Security representative payee misuse, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
John Robert Mahoney, age 53, of pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mahoney applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) be the representative payee for his minor child and receive Social Security Title II survivor benefits and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on her behalf. As a representative payee, Mahoney was required to report to the SSA if his child left his household and was required to use SSA funds for the child’s benefit or save them.
In October 2015, Mahoney’s child was removed from his custody, and he failed to report the removal to the SSA as required. Mahoney continued to receive Title XVI payments on behalf of the child until December 2017 and Title II payments until April 2018. He also submitted a Representative Payee Report to SSA in which he falsely stated that the child had resided with him the prior year. Mahoney used money he received from SSA to pay his rent rather than for the child’s benefit. The overpayment by the SSA to Mahoney was $22,611.62.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2021. For the offense of theft of government money, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. For each offense of Social Security fraud and Social Security representative payee misuse, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Charges with Drug and Gun Law OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Kendre Cain, 22, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 20, 2020, the defendant possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute and a firearm, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The Indictment further alleges that the firearm, which had an obliterated serial number, was possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Odanah Man Receives 48-month Prison Sentence for Aggravated Assault on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin Moore (age: 34), a former resident of the Menominee Indian Reservation, was sentenced to federal prison for Domestic Assault by Strangulation. Moore, an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, pleaded guilty to the charge on August 7, 2020. At a hearing on November 16, 2020, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach imposed a total sentence of 48 months in prison, followed by 36 months on supervised release.
According to court records, on December 1, 2019, Moore strangled a woman, with whom he was involved in a domestic relationship, while at a residence in Keshena, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The woman sustained injuries during the incident that required medical attention.
In sentencing Moore, Judge Griesbach observed that Moore engaged in a “cruel” offense, made even more aggravated by the presence of children. Judge Griesbach noted Moore’s “tormenting” of the victim and her child “cries out for severe punishment.” Judge Griesbach emphasized the need to protect the public from the defendant and observed the need to deter others who might consider engaging in violence against women.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
414-297-1700
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Ohio Man Arrested and Indicted for Burglary Heist of Brookfield Jeweler Resulting in $7 Million LossRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 3, 2020, James Patrick Quinn (age: 55) of Youngstown, Ohio, was charged by criminal complaint for his involvement in the July 12, 2016, burglary of Treiber & Straub Jewelers in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Quinn was arrested on November 10, 2020, and a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Quinn on November 17, 2020.
According to the charging documents, three disguised individuals broke into Treiber & Straub Jewelers in Brookfield, Wisconsin, breached the store’s vault, and took a large quantity of goods and merchandise. The three burglars were captured by surveillance video. They cut communications lines and disabled exterior lighting and alarms to evade detection, and forced their way inside the store. The indictment alleges that Quinn and his co-actors conspired to carry out this burglary, and to transport and sell the stolen proceeds of the theft in interstate commerce. As part of the conspiracy, Quinn allegedly traveled to Wisconsin on at least two occasions, and returned to Ohio shortly after the burglary. According to the complaint, the value of the jewelry, diamonds, watches, and other valuables taken was estimated at over $7 million.
The complaint further alleges that Quinn possessed and attempted to conceal materials connected to gemstones that were taken during the burglary, and that a smartphone belonging to Quinn contained location information placing the device in the Brookfield area in the hours before the burglary. The indictment charges Quinn with Conspiracy to Commit Offenses against the United States, Transportation of Stolen Goods, and Sale or Receipt of Stolen Goods. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count, as well as ten years’ imprisonment on each of the stolen property counts.
“As alleged, Quinn and his co-actors engaged in a sophisticated, high-stakes heist,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “The charges resulted from excellent cooperation and dogged investigation by the FBI and its state and local law enforcement partners.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge, Robert Hughes said “The FBI has a long history of working with our law enforcement partners to investigate multimillion dollar criminal enterprises. I commend the efforts our special agents and local police departments in working collaboratively, interstate to bring those responsible to justice
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Brookfield (WI) Police Department, with assistance from the Canfield (OH) Police Department, Boardman (OH) Police Department, and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Kwaterski and Farris Martini.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
OECD Working Group on Bribery Issues Report Commending United States for Maintaining Leading Role in the Fight Against Transnational CorruptionRead the Press Release
The Working Group on Bribery of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD Working Group) issued its Phase 4 Report of the United States today, announced the U.S. Departments of Justice, Commerce, State, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Phase 4 Report is part of the OECD Working Group’s peer monitoring process and focuses primarily on the United States’ enforcement of its foreign bribery statute, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and was issued following a year-long review that included a series of interviews with government, private sector, academic, and civil society experts. In releasing the report, the 44-country OECD Working Group applauded the United States for its sustained and outstanding commitment to enforcing its foreign bribery laws.
The report highlights the United States’ increasing foreign bribery enforcement level since the OECD Working Group’s Phase 3 Report in 2010. As provided in the Phase 4 Report, between September 2010 and July 2019, through the Justice Department and the SEC’s efforts, the United States convicted or sanctioned 174 companies and 115 individuals for foreign bribery and related offences under the FCPA. The report indicates that this achievement resulted from a combination of enhanced expertise and resources to investigate and prosecute foreign bribery, the enforcement of a broad range of offences in foreign bribery cases, the effective use of non-trial resolution mechanisms, and the development of published policies to incentivize companies’ cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Established in 1994, the OECD Working Group is responsible for monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, the 2009 Recommendation for Further Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and related instruments. Made up of representatives from the 44 countries that are signatories to the OECD Convention, the OECD Working Group meets four times per year, conducts peer-review country monitoring in successive phases, and publishes all of its country monitoring reports online. The OECD Working Group has been instrumental in leading global efforts to fight bribery of foreign officials. Further, the OECD Working Group’s law enforcement officers’ meetings serve an important role in fostering contacts between global law enforcement officials who focus on foreign bribery matters.
The full Phase 4 Report of the United States can be found at: /media/1105316/dl?inline.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all criminal FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
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.
Nine defendants named in 42-count federal indictment for operation of south Georgia drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: Nine defendants have been accused in a federal indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court of operating a drug trafficking operation in multiple south Georgia counties.
The indictment includes charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of cocaine and marijuana, along with illegal firearms charges, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.
Once the indictment was unsealed, seven of the nine defendants were remanded to custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after arraignment before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheesbro. Of the other two defendants, one is a fugitive, and one was physically unable to appear in court, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.
“This operation represents not only the mop-up from a previous drug trafficking prosecution in south Georgia, but also serves as a warning to those who distribute poison in our communities: We’re coming for you,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our law enforcement partners continue to perform exemplary work in identifying, infiltrating and dismantling these multi-jurisdiction drug trafficking operations.”
As described in court documents and testimony, the operation targeted an organization that transported methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from the Atlanta area into Appling, Coffee and Telfair counties, and other areas in south Georgia, for street-level distribution from at least April 2018 through May 2020.
Each of the nine defendants is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of cocaine and marijuana. Those named in the indictment and their additional charges are:
- James Lamount Graham, a/k/a “JT Money,” a/k/a “James Livingston,” 47, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and 34 counts of Use of Communication Facility, a charge that describes using telephones to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy;
- James Diangelo Gibbs, a/k/a “Big Lope,” 46, of Baxley, Ga., also charged with Distribution of Marijuana; and four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
- Sandrell Maurice Hobbs, 35, of Douglas, Ga., also charged with two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
- Deandra Laroy Graham, a/k/a “Bird,” 35, of McRae, Ga., also charged with six counts of Use of Communication Facility;
- Montoya Latse Eady, a/k/a “Mon,” 40, of McRae, Ga., also charged with four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
- Robert Livingston, 53, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and one count of Use of Communication Facility;
- Angela Leroy Livingston, 51, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with two counts of Use of Communication Facility;
- Willie Lee Batten, 59, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and seven counts of Use of Communication Facility; and,
- Darrell Lynn Veal, 55, of Helena, Ga., also charged with two counts of Use of Communication Facility.
Sandrell Maurice Hobbs currently is a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
“Methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Because of collaborative partnerships between DEA and its law enforcement partners, these defendants can no longer poison communities in south Georgia and elsewhere.”
“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office, the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office, the McRae Police Department, and the Douglas Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Harper and Karl Knoche.
Nanty Glo Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Nanty Glo, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Seth Long, 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 3, 2020, Long was found in possession of numerous firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Further, on or about June 3, 2020, Long possessed with intent to distribute quantities of a mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of methylenedioxymethampehtamine (MDMA), heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine and ketamine.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years up to life in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
More Than 170 Charged Following A Large-Scale Human Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – More than 170 total arrests have been made on charges ranging from solicitation of prostitution to human trafficking of a minor. Nineteen defendants have been indicted on federal charges as a result of a two-year, multi-agency investigation led by the Tallahassee Police Department. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence E. Revell, and Lorena Bueno, Assistant State Attorney for the 2nd Judicial Court, made the announcement at a press conference in Tallahassee, Florida.
“The victims of sex-trafficking crimes need our help,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “As a society, we must all do our part to be there for them in any way that we can. For so long as I am the United States Attorney, I will do everything I can to contribute to multi-agency efforts, to make federal resources available, and to assist your State Attorney, your police department and your sheriff as they protect our children and guard this community.”
According to Chief Revell, the investigation began in November 2018 when investigators from Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) saw that images of a minor were being posted on a website advertising sex for money. The investigation, dubbed Operation Stolen Innocence, uncovered an enormous amount of electronic evidence that required months to evaluate. This electronic evidence allowed investigators to further develop the scope and extent of the case. As a result, 72 suspects were charged with misdemeanors and notices to appear while 106 suspects were charged with felonies. Of that 106, 19 defendants face federal felony charges.
“This investigation is a testament to how diligent our investigators work to enhance the quality of life for everyone in this community, especially our vulnerable population. They worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victim in this case and were able to make an unprecedented number of human trafficking related arrests,” Chief Revell said. “I could not be prouder of the steadfast efforts of our investigators and the joint effort with our partners to stop the illegal and dehumanizing practice of human trafficking.”
The federal charges in this case include enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity, enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in prostitution, production and/or receipt of child pornography, transfer of obscene material to a minor, sex trafficking a minor, and conspiracy to sex traffic a minor.
“It is difficult to comprehend the depravity of these criminals who prey on the most innocent in our society,” said Kevin Sibley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Field Office. “Thanks to the collective efforts of the Tallahassee Police Department and HSI special agents, our local communities are significantly safer today as a result of this investigation.”
These cases resulted from investigations by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - Operation Stolen Innocence USA Keefe Remarks - Operation Stolen InnocenceMobile Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Sean Michael Howell, age 21, of Mobile, Alabama, entered a guilty plea to two counts of production of child pornography. Howell faces a minimum mandatory sentence of fifteen years in prison, and a maximum of 60 years.
According to court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Sean Michael Howell was the manager at a roller skating rink in Saraland and met two pre-adolescent boys through his work. The defendant offered the boys free skating if they would stay behind after the rink closed and he would regularly engage in sex acts with them at the rink. He also took the two boys to a motel in Mobile and sodomized the victims there. One of the boys disclosed the abuse to his mother, who reported it to police. The Saraland Police Department took a statement from Howell, and he admitted to engaging in sex acts with the children and to photographing those acts.
The defendant’s cell phone was seized and searched. On the phone were numerous photos of adolescent and pre-adolescent boys, and many of the images were sexually explicit. There were recordings of video chats with as-yet-unidentified pre-pubescent boys in which Howell directed them to perform various sexually explicit actions. His phone also contained videos documenting the abuse of the two boys from the skating rink.
Howell was arrested by Saraland Police Department on December 16, 2018. In a recorded phone call with his father, he said, “I did it all, Dad. They saw the videos.”
Howell will be sentenced by Judge Callie V.S. Grenade on February 10, 2021.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and AUSAs Maria E. Murphy and Kacey Chappelear.
Middlesboro Man Convicted of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Middlesboro firefighter was convicted late Monday, by a federal jury sitting in London, of receiving and possessing child pornography, on a Middlesboro Fire Department laptop.
The jury convicted Robert Christopher England, 35, after 30 minutes of deliberations, following a five-day trial.
According to the evidence at trial, England received child pornography on three separate occasions and possessed a collection of over 600 images, between April of 2017 and June 23, 2018. England’s fire department laptop was seized, on June 23, 2018, by the Middlesboro Police Department. At the time, England was serving as a Lieutenant within the Middlesboro Fire Department. A forensic review conducted by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch showed evidence of dark web access via Tor Browser and child pornography “playlists” created in ManyCam, a web conferencing program.
England was indicted in October of 2018.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, James R. Brown, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Louisville Division; and Acting Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnette, Jr., Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna E. Reed.
England will appear for sentencing, before U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, on March 16, 2021. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm Following Robbery and Shooting InvestigationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition following an investigation into an armed robbery in New Bedford and a shooting in Boston in April 2020.
Ramon Martinez, a/k/a “King Razor,” 26, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2021. In July 2020, Martinez was charged by criminal complaint.
On April 30, 2020, an individual in New Bedford was robbed and punched by two men who were in a black Ford Fusion. The men put a knife to the victim’s back and stole his wallet and motorized scooter. The victim was targeted because he beeped his horn at a friend and the men in the Ford Fusion believed that the victim was honking at them. Martinez, a known member of the Latin Kings, was later identified as one of the robbers and a warrant issued for his arrest.
Also on April 30, 2020, police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Callender Street in Boston where three .45 caliber casings were recovered. Martinez’s SnapChat account included postings related to this shooting incident.
On May 7, 2020, police witnessed Martinez exit a residence on Crapo Street in New Bedford and walk to the rear of a black Ford Fusion. They observed Martinez open the trunk and quickly close it, and then get into a nearby vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle, placed Martinez under arrest for the April 30th armed robbery and located a set of keys for the Ford Fusion. In the trunk of the Fusion, a Glock Model 30S .45 caliber firearm with four rounds of ammunition was recovered. Ballistics testing matched the Glock Model 30S to the casings recovered on Callender Street.
Due to prior felony convictions, Martinez is prohibited from possessing firearms. Martinez was also known to investigators to be a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Charges related to the armed robbery in New Bedford remain pending in Bristol Superior Court and are being prosecuted by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to drug conspiracy charges.
Ines Lugo, a/k/a “Queen China,” 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2021. Lugo was charged in December 2019, at which time she was identified as a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.
During the plea proceedings, Lugo admitted that she conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders to possess cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine’) with the intent to distribute it. Specifically, in August 2019 she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On Aug. 24, 2019, Lugo was captured on video delivering cocaine base to another Latin Kings member in a trap house.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Ines Lugo is the 20th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Melbourne Man Sentenced for Collier County Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Richard Paul Cote (53, Melbourne) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for committing two bank robberies in Collier County. The court also ordered Cote to pay $5,134 in restitution to the victim banks.
Cote had pleaded guilty on February 10, 2020.
According to court documents, on June 11, 2019, Cote robbed the Bank of America located at 12965 Collier Boulevard in Naples. One week later, Cote robbed the Lake Michigan Credit Union located at 8635 Collier Boulevard in Naples. During each robbery, Cote gave notes to tellers demanding money. The victim tellers complied with the notes and provided money to Cote. Cote left behind a small folio on the teller counter of the Lake Michigan Credit Union, which ultimately led to his identification and arrest by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Martinsburg Federal Grand Jury indicts four in kidnapping and murder caseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four Maryland residents are facing charges involving kidnapping and murder, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The 9-count indictment involves a kidnapping and murder, as well as the murder of two witnesses. Those indicted are:
• Monroe Merrell, 23, of Westminster, Maryland
• David Ray Sanford, Jr., 26, of Westminster, Maryland
• John Westley Black, III, 23, of Westminster, Maryland
• Jeffrey Craig Smith, Jr., 23, of Taneytown, Maryland“This is one of the most heinous crimes I’ve seen, where three people lost their lives for what appears to have begun as a $40 debt. These crimes will be aggressively prosecuted. We owe that to the families of the victims and the citizens who count on us to do so. I want to thank the prosecutors in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, the Carroll County Maryland States Attorney’s office, the multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and my office’s prosecution team who tirelessly worked to bring the indictment before the federal grand jury. I am confident that this exceptional group effort will result in a just conclusion of this tragic case,” said Powell.
Merrell, Sanford, and Black are each facing one count of “Aiding and Abetting Kidnapping Resulting in Death,” one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Corrupt Destruction of Object” involving the kidnapping and murder of J.R. in March 2020 in Jefferson County. Smith is charged with one count of “Accessory After the Fact” for allegedly assisting Merrell and Sanford, after the kidnapping and murder occurred.
Merrell, Sanford, and Smith are each facing one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with a Witness Causing Death” and two counts of “Aiding and Abetting Tampering with a Witness Causing Death” involving the murders of D.T. and H.G. who were witnesses of crimes against J.R. The murders occurred in April 2020 in Berkeley County.
Merrell and Sanford are also each facing one count of “Aiding and Abetting Intimidation of a Witness by Threats.” Merrell is facing one count of “Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence.”
“These indictments demonstrate the continuing commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement officials to work together to combat violent crime in the Martinsburg area,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “The deaths of three people were a tragic occurrence, and I’m glad the collaborative effort put forth by all agencies has resulted in these charges. The kidnapping and murder allegations in this complaint reveal an indifference to human life that will not be tolerated.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley D. Crockett and Jeffrey A. Finucane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Berkeley and Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorneys’ Offices. investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Manchester Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Quinn Pollock, 31, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and abetting the distribution of controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24 and June 26, 2019, Pollock and her co-defendant participated in two drug transactions with confidential sources who were working with law enforcement. These transactions involved methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Pollock is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2021.
“The distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl has been a scourge for New Hampshire communities” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Manchester has been especially hard hit. Through Operation SOS, we are working with the Manchester Police Department to target and prosecute the drug dealers who threaten the health and safety of the hardworking people of the Queen City.”
“Ms. Pollock’s criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the city of Manchester,” said Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “Her actions put others in danger and anytime we can take someone like that off the streets, we consider it a victory. The Manchester Police Department worked hard on this case and I am very pleased with this outcome.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Madison Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Armed Robbery, Drug & Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jeremiah Edwards, 34, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to a total of 15 years in federal prison.
On February 13, 2020, a jury found Edwards guilty of armed robbery of an O’Reilly Auto Parts store, brandishing a firearm during that crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing THC-products with an intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. The jury reached its verdict after 7 hours of deliberations following four days of testimony in federal court in Madison.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Edwards, along with Kanasha Woods, robbed the O’Reilly Auto Parts Store at 1826 S. Stoughton Road in the Town of Blooming Grove in Dane County, on November 8, 2018. Both Edwards and Woods brandished firearms during the robbery and obtained cash from the safe and cash register drawers. Edwards and Woods fled the scene and drove to the Moorish Science Temple in downtown Madison where Madison police officers attempted a traffic stop. Edwards evaded the stop and led the police in a high-speed chase through downtown Madison that ended with him crashing the vehicle, and fleeing the scene on foot.
During a search of the getaway vehicle, officers found the robbery proceeds, a ski mask and gloves used by Woods in the armed robbery, a receipt from Walmart showing the purchase of the mask and gloves, and a tactical light/laser that was on the firearm used by Edwards during the robbery. Officers also found a variety of marijuana and THC products and marijuana in individually packaged portions, as well as multiple THC vape cartridges, THC oil, and THC edibles. These products contained home-made labels with skull & crossbones in the names of “OG” and “LK.” During a second search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded 9mm Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol along with a black stocking hat with a green Moorish star on it. Both of these items were found in a hidden compartment in the ceiling of the vehicle behind a sunglasses holder. Analysts from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab in Madison testified that the Glock 19 and the black stocking hat contained Edwards’s DNA, and that the drugs found in the Mitsubishi Outlander contained THC, which is a Schedule I controlled substance. The government also presented evidence that four hours after the robbery, Edwards drained his bank account at an ATM in a laundromat located just 1 mile from the crash site, and fled to Chicago using a fake ID. He was arrested in Chicago on March 11, 2019.
At today’s sentencing, Edwards accused the police, prosecutors, judge and jury of being racists for allowing the conviction of an innocent Black man. Judge Peterson took issue with Edwards’s comments and noted that he has no doubt that Edwards is guilty, and that Edwards committed very serious crimes including an aggressive armed robbery followed by a getaway that involved unsafe driving resulting in a car crash. Judge Peterson also explained to Edwards that his armed robbery not only impacted the three victims in the store, but he also exploited a confused and vulnerable young woman to be his accomplice. Judge Peterson added that Edwards failed to take responsibility for his actions, and his trial strategy involved a false alibi where he convinced a different woman to supply the FBI with falsified evidence to support the fabricated alibi.
In choosing a sentence of 15 years, Judge Peterson told Edwards that his primary task in imposing such a long sentence was to incapacitate Edwards and protect the public from Edwards. Judge Peterson pointed out that Edwards had a prior felony conviction for robbery and then engaged in another armed robbery in a very aggressive manner that put people in danger.
Federal law requires that the mandatory 7-year and 5-year gun sentences be served consecutively to each other, and to the sentence imposed on the robbery charge, the drug charge, and the felon in possession charge.
The charges against Edwards and Woods are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Chadwick M. Elgersma and Daniel J. Graber.
Lewiston Man Sentenced for Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Portland for distributing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced James Robertson, 31, to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. Judge Singal sentenced Robertson to a consecutive two year prison term because he also had violated his conditions of supervised release stemming from a 2016 federal drug trafficking conviction. Robertson pleaded guilty on October 2, 2019.
According to court records, on January 29, 2019, Robertson distributed cocaine base to a confidential informant in Lewiston. At the time of the offense, Robertson was on federal supervised release following his 2016 drug trafficking conviction. In imposing sentence, Judge Singal noted Robertson’s substantial criminal history, which placed him in the highest criminal history category under the federal sentencing guidelines.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewiston Police Department investigated the case.
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Kenyan Woman Pleads Guilty to Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kenyan national pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a marriage fraud conspiracy.
Fidelina Mwelu Mutisya, 61, of Winchester, Ohio, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts to one count of criminal conspiracy.
By pleading guilty today, Mutisya admitted that she participated in a conspiracy to enter into fraudulent marriages for the purpose of circumventing federal immigration laws in exchange for money.
Mutisya entered into a fraudulent marriage to a United States citizen on June 22, 2007, for the sole purpose of acquiring permanent resident status. She paid her citizen spouse $1,000 at the time of the wedding and approximately $100 per month afterward until the immigration process was complete. Mutisya admitted that she filed a form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services falsely representing that her marriage was valid. She also advised her citizen spouse to continue to tell investigators that the marriage was legitimate, and to never disclose she paid him for the marriage.
Mutisya, who was admitted to the United States on a visitor (B-1) visa, is a lawful resident. Today’s felony conviction may have consequences with respect to her immigration status. Under federal law, a broad range of crimes are removable offenses, including the offense to which she pleaded guilty; however, removal and other immigration consequences are the subject of a separate proceeding.
Mutisya’s fraudulent marriage was arranged by Delmar Dixon of Kansas City, Missouri, who was convicted in a separate but related case. Dixon was sentenced on July 13, 2017, to three years in federal prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Justice Department Alleges Conditions at Massachusetts Department of Corrections Violate the ConstitutionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts today concluded an investigation into conditions at the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MDOC).
The Justice Department concluded that there is reason to believe that the conditions violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. The department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the MDOC fails to provide constitutionally adequate supervision to prisoners in mental health crisis; fails to provide adequate mental health care to prisoners in mental health crisis; and violates the constitutional rights of prisoners in mental health crisis by using prolonged mental health watch under restrictive housing conditions. As a result of these failures and conditions, prisoners in mental health crisis have engaged in self-harm and have died or seriously injured themselves while on mental health watch.
“Our investigation revealed that MDOC fails to provide adequate mental health treatment to prisoners experiencing a mental health crisis and instead exposes them to conditions that harm them or place them at serious risk of harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Remedying these deficiencies promptly will ensure that we protect the constitutional rights of these vulnerable prisoners and promote public safety.”
“Our investigation found cause to conclude that the Massachusetts Department of Corrections fails to properly supervise and accommodate prisoners suffering from serious mental health issues,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts. “The conditions at MDOC facilities show how systemic deficiencies in prison facilities can compound each other and amount to constitutional violations. MDOC has cooperated with our investigation from the beginning and we look forward to working with state prison authorities to implement reform measures.”
As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), the department provided the MDOC with written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them.
The Justice Department's comprehensive investigation involved review and analysis of documents, including policies and procedures, mental health records, incident reports, investigative reports, disciplinary reports, and training materials. The department also conducted tours of prison facilities and conducted interviews of administrative staff, security staff, mental health staff, and hundreds of prisoners.
The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts initiated the investigation in October 2018 under CRIPA, which authorizes the department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. The department is closing its investigation of geriatric and palliative medical care and restrictive housing other than the restrictive housing on mental health watch.
This investigation was conducted by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (833) 223-1550 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.