Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
17 November 2020
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.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
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.
# # #
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.
-END-
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.
###
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.
# # #
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.
Justice Department Alleges Conditions at Massachusetts Department of Correction Violate the ConstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have concluded an investigation into conditions at the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MDOC) and found reason to believe that the conditions violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
The Department determined 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.
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 Department is closing the portion of the investigation related to restrictive housing and geriatric and palliative care.
“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 United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “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.”
“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.”
The 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division initiated the investigation in October 2018 under the 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.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by phone at 888-221-6023 or via email at [email protected].
The notice letter is posted here and the report is posted here.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and AAG Dreiband made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Dorchak and Michelle Leung of Lelling’s Civil Rights Unit and Trial Attorneys from the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division handled the matter.
Joint Statement by Attorney General of the United States William P. Barr and Fiscalía General of Mexico Alejandro Gertz ManeroRead the Press Release
Attorney General of the United States William P. Barr and Fiscalía General of Mexico Alejandro Gertz Manero issued today the following statement:
“On Oct. 15, 2020, former Mexican Secretary of National Defense General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda was arrested in Los Angeles, California, on U.S. charges of conspiracy to manufacture, import, and distribute narcotics into the United States and money laundering.
“The Mexican Fiscalía General de la República, upon learning of the arrest and U.S. charges against General Cienfuegos, opened its own investigation.
“In recognition of the strong law enforcement partnership between Mexico and the United States, and in the interests of demonstrating our united front against all forms of criminality, the U.S. Department of Justice has made the decision to seek dismissal of the U.S. criminal charges against former Secretary Cienfuegos, so that he may be investigated and, if appropriate, charged, under Mexican law.
“At the request of the Fiscalía General de la República, the U.S. Department of Justice, under the Treaty that governs the sharing of evidence, has provided Mexico evidence in this case and commits to continued cooperation, within that framework, to support the investigation by Mexican authorities.
“Our two countries remain committed to cooperation on this matter, as well as all our bilateral law enforcement cooperation. As the decision today reflects, we are stronger when we work together and respect the sovereignty of our nations and their institutions. This close partnership increases the security of the citizens of both our countries.”
Jefferson County man indicted on charges he conspired against the U.S. and sold machine gun conversion devicesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy John Watson, of Ranson, West Virginia, is facing charges of conspiracy against the U.S. Government and selling machine gun conversion devices to extremists, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“The suspect in this case appears to have supplied hundreds of people with these conversion devices, some to people who want to do Americans harm. Federal law is very specific on these types of devices, and the safety of the public from extremists is one of our highest priorities. Detecting this business front for what it actually was is due to the excellent law enforcement work that I have the honor of seeing every day. The indictment only reflects the charges, and we look forward to meeting our burden of proof,” said Powell.
Watson, 30, was indicted today on one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Offenses against the United States,” one count of “Unlawfully Engaging in the Business of Manufacturing Machineguns,” one count of “Illegal Possession and Transfer of Machineguns,” and one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm Silencer.”
Watson is suspected of selling machinegun conversion devices online without having a license to do so. The devices, called “drop in auto sears,” convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles to fully automatic machine guns. The indictment alleges that Watson was selling the devices on a website that appeared to be selling wall hangers. This portable wall hanger business is suspected of marketing to Boogaloo adherents, a loosely organized far-right, anti-government, and extremist political movement in the U.S.
“The FBI remains focused on the threat posed by domestic violent extremists,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force works closely with our federal, state and local partners across the country to combat these serious threats. We cannot and will not allow these types of activities to inflict violence and harm to the American people.”
Watson faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy count and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the remaining counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues its investigation.
This case falls with the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment Alleges Rhode Island Man Stole and Then Sold Luxury Car Tires and RimsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL FARIAS, 54, of Providence, Rhode Island, with offenses related to his alleged role in a scheme to steal tires and rims from new vehicles at car dealerships in northeastern states and then sell the stolen items to individuals across the country.
The indictment was returned under seal on March 10, 2020, and Farias was arrested today. He appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and was released on a $100,000.
As alleged in the indictment, between May 2015 and August 2018, Farias and others stole tires and rims from numerous luxury vehicles at car dealerships in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and Maine. The co-conspirators then sold the stolen goods to others around the U.S.
The indictment charges Farias with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Shelton, Milford, Waterbury, Stonington, Vernon, Darien, Westchester County (N.Y.), Bedford (N.Y.) and Portland (Maine) Police Departments, and the York County (Maine) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
India-based VoIP provider and its director indicted for facilitating millions of scam robocalls to AmericansRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A first-of-its-kind indictment was unsealed today against Indian-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider, E Sampark, and its Director, Gaurav Gupta, who pushed out tens of millions of scam calls to American consumers on behalf of India-based phone scammers. Pursuant to a consent permanent injunction, a federal court has also ordered a Florida-based server farm to stop providing E Sampark and Gupta with servers used to help perpetuate the fraud scheme. The consent permanent injunction seeks to prevent E Sampark and Gupta from further victimizing U.S. consumers through the use of the servers located in Florida.
“The defendants bombarded American consumers with scam calls, causing emotional and financial devastation, including to vulnerable and elderly individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Those who facilitate fraudulent calls into the United States will be investigated and brought to justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who defraud taxpayers by impersonating employees of the Internal Revenue Service,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “I wish to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners involved in this first-of-its-kind indictment. Taxpayers must remain cautious of unsolicited telephone calls from individuals claiming to be Internal Revenue Service employees. If any taxpayer believes they or someone they know has been a victim of an Internal Revenue Service impersonation scam, they should report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tips.tigta.gov or by calling 1-800-366-4484.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the Indictment, and the Complaint: Defendant Gaurav Gupta directed and operated E Sampark, d/b/a VG-Tech Serve Private Limited, a Voice Over IP (VoIP) company that allegedly sent calls from criminal India-based call centers to victims in the United States, both directly and through VoIP providers located in the United States. From May 2015 to June 2020, the defendants passed tens of millions of scam calls from India into the United States, leading to reported victim losses of over $20 million. The callers purported to be legitimate government agencies and businesses and misled victims over the phone. The callers allegedly used multiple frauds, including Social Security impersonation, IRS impersonation, and loan scams.
As part of a Social Security scam, India-based callers posed as federal agents in order to mislead victims into believing their Social Security number was involved in crimes. Callers threatened arrest and the loss of the victims’ assets if the victims did not send money. The callers directed victims to send cash to aliases used by other members of the fraud network, and to transfer funds via gift cards to the callers. In one instance in November 2019, the callers kept a Marietta, Georgia woman on the phone for over eleven hours while they convinced her that her Social Security number had been compromised, that there was a warrant for her arrest in Texas, and that she should tell no one about the purported investigation. The callers told the victim that her assets were going to be frozen and that she should purchase gift cards in order to protect her money. Per the callers’ directions, the victim went around Cobb County to purchase over $35,000 in gift cards, including Target, GameStop, Sephora, and Nordstrom gift cards. The callers had the victim provide them with the numbers on the back of the cards, which allowed them to steal the funds from her. E Sampark and Gupta allegedly connected the victim with the fraudsters.
As part of the IRS impersonation scam, India-based callers posed as IRS or Treasury officials and defrauded the U.S. residents into believing they owed money to the IRS or would be arrested and fined if they did not pay alleged back taxes, fines, and fees immediately. For example in April 2017, a Georgia resident received numerous calls from an individual who claimed to work for the IRS. A caller told the victim that he owed $28,000 to the IRS in back taxes and that if he did not pay, he would be arrested. After the victim explained that he could not pay the full amount, the caller directed him to send two wire transfers for $500 and $1,990 to two aliases in order to resolve the issue. The victim followed the caller’s instructions, and the funds sent by wire transfer were retrieved by a co-conspirator in South Carolina. Again, E Sampark and Gupta allegedly connected the victim with the fraudsters.
As part of the loan scam, India-based callers misled American consumers into believing that the callers worked for lending institutions and that the victims were eligible for fictitious loans. The India-based callers directed the victims to pay upfront fees to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan. At times, the callers directed victims to provide their bank account information and made it appear as though they had deposited funds into the victims’ accounts. The callers then told the victims to withdraw the funds and transfer them via wire transfer and gift cards. After the victims sent the funds, the deposits that the callers supposedly made bounced. The victims received nothing in return.
Defendants Gupta and E Sampark maintained approximately sixty servers in Florida that the company used at times to connect criminal India-based callers with American consumers. The servers contained over 130,000 recordings of scam calls, including robocall voicemail recordings and conversations between the India-based scammers and U.S.-based victims.
Northern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jolee Porter, who is currently detailed to the DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth McBath are prosecuting the criminal case. Northern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Armen Adzhemyan is handling the civil injunction matter.
The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Fraud and Schemes Division is investigating the case, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations; Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; the Houston, Texas Police Department; and the Matagorda County, Texas Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Pak thanked TIGTA for its investigation of the case, and the DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch for their substantial coordination efforts. He also expressed appreciation to AT&T’s Global Fraud Management Organization for apprising the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the alleged offenses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include romance scams, phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes. For further information on these scams, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert.
The public should exercise caution with any caller who claims to be a government employee. Government agencies will never threaten you with immediate arrest or other legal action if you do not send cash, retail gift cards, wire transfers, or internet currency. They will also never demand secrecy from you in resolving a debt or any other problem. If you need to send a payment to IRS or Social Security, the agency will send a letter with payment options and appeal rights. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
The public is reminded that gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. If a stranger purporting to be a legitimate business or government agency demands payment with a gift card, hang up. Anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer. Once you buy the gift card, the callers typically demand the number on the back of the gift card. That number lets the caller immediately steal the money loaded onto the card. For more information, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards
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.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Re-Entering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
November 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Re-Entering the United States After Being Deported
Previously Convicted in Federal Court of Sex Trafficking Offense; It Was the Fourth Time She Entered the United States Illegally
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte today sentenced Iris Martinez-Napper, age 47, a Guatemalan national residing in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally re-entering the United States after being deported. Martinez-Napper was previously convicted in federal court of conspiracy to transport individuals interstate to engage in prostitution and had previously been deported twice—once in 2010 and then again in 2012.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore.
According to her plea agreement, Martinez-Napper first illegally entered the United States in or around 1999. On April 30, 2009, she was sentenced in Maryland to 32 months in federal prison for conspiracy to travel to transport at least 100 women from New York and New Jersey to Maryland for the purpose of employing them in prostitution. She was removed from the United States on July 29, 2010. Less than four months later, Martinez-Napper illegally re-entered the United States near Naco, Arizona. On September 19, 2011, she was sentenced in Arizona to 11 months in federal prison for illegal re-entry and on February 9, 2012, was removed from the United States for a second time. At some time after that, Martinez-Napper again illegally re-entered the United States and was found in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Martinez-Napper admitted that she has never sought, nor obtained, the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised HSI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright, who prosecuted the case.
# # #
Gunman sentenced to 27 years for armed robberies that targeted Asian-run businessesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A federal judge has sentenced Tabyron Rashad Smith, the first of two gunmen convicted for robbing nine Asian owned-and-operated businesses in Atlanta, Doraville, Duluth, Roswell, Stone Mountain, and Norcross in October and November 2017, to 27 years in prison.
“Smith and his fellow gunman, Dravion Sanchez Ware, terrorized, threatened, and injured their innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This lengthy prison sentence hopefully provides some peace to the victims by ensuring Smith cannot terrorize anyone for decades to come.”
“Once again, the FBI would like to thank our many state and local law enforcement partners for helping to bring this month-long terror in the Asian business community to an end,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “To the victims, some of whom were shot and some of whom were pistol-whipped, your emotional scars can never be erased. But we can promise you these two men will not threaten you for a long, long time.”
“The GBI Crime Lab was instrumental in this case. Expert analysis and testimony helped lead to a successful prosecution. The GBI is committed to provide the highest quality forensic services in all cases. For over a month, these gang members targeted and terrorized the Asian business community. This sentence is evidence that this behavior will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia,” said Vic Reynolds, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“The fact that Tabyron Smith has been sentenced is a win for the victims, metro-Atlanta, law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” City of Atlanta Interim Chief Rodney Bryant. “The collaborative efforts from multijurisdictional agencies is a testament to the hard work that goes into arresting, prosecuting and keeping hardened criminals off our streets. Additionally, I look forward to continuing collaborations to make our communities safe.”
“This effort highlights the great cooperation between our local and federal law enforcement partners. As a result of this combined effort this violent predator will no longer be a threat to the community,” said Chief Chuck Atkinson, Doraville Police Department.
“The successful outcome and sentencing of these cases is a testament of the importance of agencies working together. Unlike police departments, criminals are not bound by jurisdictional boundaries and these cases are proof that great things happen when agencies proactively share information, work together, and compare cases. The State of Georgia is now a safer place thanks to the cooperation between local, state, and federal partners that enabled the removal of these dangerous criminals from our communities,” said Chief Kenneth DeSimone. Sandy Springs Police Department.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between October 7 and November 10, 2017, Smith and Ware, both of whom are members of the Bloods, committed multiple armed robberies of Asian-run businesses in Metro-Atlanta. Smith participated in at least nine armed robberies, including robberies of three businesses in Atlanta, two in Doraville, and one business in each of the following cities: Norcross, Duluth, Stone Mountain, and Roswell, Georgia. Ware shot victims in the Doraville robbery and pistol-whipped several other victims in the other robberies.
Smith was captured on November 21, 2017, after the FBI led a multi-jurisdictional investigation that included participation of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Doraville Police Department, the Fulton County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, the Roswell Police Department, and the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Smith pled guilty on July 23, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies and four counts of discharging or brandishing a firearm during several of the robberies. The shooter, Ware, was convicted by a jury on August 2, 2019, for conspiracy to commit the Hobbs Act robberies, five counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and five counts of discharging or brandishing a firearm during the robberies.
Tabyron Rashad Smith, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., to serve 27 years in prison followed by five years on supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $135,951.81.
Sentencing for Dravion Sanchez Ware, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., January 7, 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Lee prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
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.
Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Expanded to Include Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced the expansion of the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s existing Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force to include the Eastern District of Texas.
The Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud (HCF) Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas, the Middle District of Louisiana, the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Southern District of Mississippi, as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other federal and state partners.
“Each year, healthcare fraud costs the American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Strike Forces are a critical tool in the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who defraud our healthcare system. We are eager to announce this new partnership with the Eastern District of Texas, which will enhance and expand our efforts to prosecute healthcare fraud and protect American taxpayers.”
“The fight against health care fraud is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox of the Eastern District of Texas. “We are honored to join the department’s Gulf Coast Strike Force and look forward to working together with them and with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of the Eastern District from fraud and abuse and to bring wrongdoers to justice.”
“The FBI is the primary agency for exposing and investigating health care fraud and we are pleased that the expansion of the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force into the Tyler area will allow us to vigorously pursue the most egregious offenders through coordinated law enforcement operations with our investigative partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office.
“Health care fraud is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The FBI Houston Division sees significant success when we partner with multiple agencies to combat health care fraud in our communities. We look forward to expanding these efforts through the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force and continuing to strengthen our partnerships in the Eastern District of Texas.”
“The diversion of prescription pharmaceuticals is a public health epidemic impacting many communities throughout the country. The communities in the Eastern District of Texas are no different,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple of the DEA Houston Division. “We welcome the specialized prosecutorial resources that the Gulf Coast Strike Force brings to the Eastern District of Texas.”
“The OIG’s unwavering commitment in working with our law enforcement partners throughout the country on Strike Force Teams has resulted in more than a thousand arrests and recovered millions of taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Miranda Bennett of HHS-OIG. “OIG looks forward to continuing these important accomplishments through our already dynamic partnerships in the Eastern District of Texas.”
The HCF Unit operates 15 Strike Forces across the United States, in 24 federal districts, including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Brooklyn, New York; the Gulf Coast; Tampa, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas, along with the National Rapid Response Strike Force located in Washington, D.C. The Strike Forces represent a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG, and other federal and local agency partners.
The Strike Force will be made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. In addition, the Gulf Coast Strike Force will work closely with other various federal law enforcement agencies. The Strike Force will focus its efforts on aggressively investigating and prosecuting cases involving fraud, waste, and abuse within our federal health care programs, and cases involving illegal prescribing and distribution of opioids and other dangerous narcotics.
In September, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt noted the success of the Strike Force model while announcing a historic nationwide enforcement action involving 345 charged defendants across 51 federal districts, including more than 100 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. Five of the defendants were indicted in the Eastern District of Texas. Altogether, these defendants have been charged with submitting more than $6 billion in false and fraudulent claims to federal health care programs and private insurers, including more than $4.5 billion connected to telemedicine, more than $845 million connected to substance abuse treatment facilities, or “sober homes,” and more than $806 million connected to other health care fraud and illegal opioid distribution schemes across the country. More information can be obtained at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/largest-health-care-fraud-and-opioid-enforcement-action-department-justice-history.
Among those charged in the Eastern District were Steven Churchill, 34, of Boca Raton, Florida, Samson Solomon, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, David Warren, 49, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Daniel Stadtman, 66, of Allen, Texas. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to pay and receive kickbacks in exchange for physicians’ orders from purported telemedicine companies. The physicians’ orders were used to submit claims for payment to federal health care programs. The conspirators obtained patient information, including protected health information and personally identifiable information, used the information to create fictitious physicians’ orders, and sold the physicians’ order to each other and to other durable medical equipment providers. Within approximately eight months, the defendants collectively obtained more the $2.9 million in proceeds from the scheme.
In another Eastern District case, Clifford Russell Harris, a 38-year-old registered nurse, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering Texarkana, Texas, patients by stealing fentanyl. Harris broke into the secure drug storage at Healthcare Express in Texarkana, Texas, and tampered with vials of fentanyl stored there. He extracted the fentanyl from the vials and refilled the vials with another liquid. Harris then returned the vials to the drug stock where they were available for administration to patients. Harris admitted that he had acted with reckless disregard of the danger to patients and that his actions manifested an extreme indifference to that risk.
The Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
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.
Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Expanded to Include Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - U.S. Attorney Stephen Cox of the Eastern District of Texas today announced the expansion of the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s existing Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force to include the Eastern District of Texas. The Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (HCF Unit), the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas, the Middle District of Louisiana, the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Southern District of Mississippi, as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other federal and state partners.
“The fight against health care fraud is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “We are honored to join the Department’s Gulf Coast Strike Force and look forward to working together with them and with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of the Eastern District from fraud and abuse and to bring wrongdoers to justice.”
“Each year, healthcare fraud costs the American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Strike Forces are a critical tool in the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who defraud our healthcare system. We are eager to announce this new partnership with the Eastern District of Texas, which will enhance and expand our efforts to prosecute healthcare fraud and protect American taxpayers.”
“The FBI is the primary agency for exposing and investigating health care fraud and we are pleased that the expansion of the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force into the Tyler area will allow us to vigorously pursue the most egregious offenders through coordinated law enforcement operations with our investigative partners,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno.
“Health care fraud is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner. “The FBI Houston Division sees significant success when we partner with multiple agencies to combat health care fraud in our communities. We look forward to expanding these efforts through the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force and continuing to strengthen our partnerships in the Eastern District of Texas.”
“The diversion of prescription pharmaceuticals is a public health epidemic impacting many communities throughout the country. The communities in the Eastern District of Texas are no different,” stated Steven S. Whipple, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Houston Division. “We welcome the specialized prosecutorial resources that the Gulf Coast Strike Force brings to the Eastern District of Texas.”
“The OIG’s unwavering commitment in working with our law enforcement partners throughout the country on Strike Force Teams has resulted in more than a thousand arrests and recovered millions of taxpayer dollars,” said Dallas Special Agent in Charge Miranda Bennett. “OIG looks forward to continuing these important accomplishments through our already dynamic partnerships in the Eastern District of Texas.”
The HCF Unit operates 15 Strike Forces across the United States, in 24 federal districts, including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Brooklyn, New York; the Gulf Coast; Tampa, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas, along with the National Rapid Response Strike Force located in Washington, D.C. The Strike Forces represent a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG, and other federal and local agency partners.
The Strike Force will be made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. In addition, the Gulf Coast Strike Force will work closely with other various federal law enforcement agencies. The Strike Force will focus its efforts on aggressively investigating and prosecuting cases involving fraud, waste, and abuse within our federal health care programs, and cases involving illegal prescribing and distribution of opioids and other dangerous narcotics.
In September, Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt noted the success of the Strike Force model while announcing a historic nationwide enforcement action involving 345 charged defendants across 51 federal districts, including more than 100 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. Five of the defendants were indicted in the Eastern District of Texas. Altogether, these defendants have been charged with submitting more than $6 billion in false and fraudulent claims to federal health care programs and private insurers, including more than $4.5 billion connected to telemedicine, more than $845 million connected to substance abuse treatment facilities, or “sober homes,” and more than $806 million connected to other health care fraud and illegal opioid distribution schemes across the country. More information can be obtained at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/largest-health-care-fraud-and-opioid-enforcement-action-department-justice-history.
Among those charged in the Eastern District were Steven Churchill, 34, of Boca Raton, Florida, Samson Solomon, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, David Warren, 49, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Daniel Stadtman, 66, of Allen, Texas. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to pay and receive kickbacks in exchange for physicians’ orders from purported telemedicine companies. The physicians’ orders were used to submit claims for payment to federal health care programs. The conspirators obtained patient information, including protected health information and personally identifiable information, used the information to create fictitious physicians’ orders, and sold the physicians’ order to each other and to other durable medical equipment providers. Within approximately eight months, the defendants collectively obtained more the $2.9 million in proceeds from the scheme.
In another Eastern District case, Clifford Russell Harris, a 38-year-old registered nurse, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering Texarkana, Texas, patients by stealing fentanyl. Harris broke into the secure drug storage at Healthcare Express in Texarkana, Texas, and tampered with vials of fentanyl stored there. He extracted the fentanyl from the vials and refilled the vials with another liquid. Harris then returned the vials to the drug stock where they were available for administration to patients. Harris admitted that he had acted with reckless disregard of the danger to patients and that his actions manifested an extreme indifference to that risk.
The Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
Four charged with conspiring to transport 61 aliens in tractor trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against four area residents on charges of conspiracy to transport 61 undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Octavio Ramirez, 27, Juan Antonio Carranco Jr., 26, San Juana Guadalupe Juarez-Flores, 39, and Alina Rodriguez, 20, were all originally charged via criminal complaint. They are expected to appear for their arraignments on the charges in the indictment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
Ramirez, Carranco and Rodriguez are U.S. citizens. Ramirez resided in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, while other two resided in Laredo. Juarez-Flores is a Mexican national who resides in Laredo.
On Oct. 23, law enforcement set up surveillance at the intersection of North Smith Avenue and Green Street in Laredo, according to the complaint. Authorities allegedly witnessed Ramirez arrive at the location and either direct or escort aliens into the back of a nearby parked tractor-trailer multiple times.
Throughout the evening, Carranco, Juarez-Flores and Rodriguez all also arrived at the location, dropped off aliens in their personal vehicle and then left the scene, according to the charges.
Law enforcement ultimately apprehended a total of 61 undocumented aliens from various countries including Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras at the location.
If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, FBI and the Webb County Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 235 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Hector I. Mendez, age 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mendez was sentenced to 235 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents presented in this case, on October 19, 2018, Mendez distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and from August through October of 2018, Mendez distributed methamphetamine on multiple other occasions.
“Narcotics trafficking hurts the citizens of Fort Wayne,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “Law enforcement partnerships such as this local, state and federal effort will continue to investigate narcotics trafficking and violent crime plaguing our communities”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Mission (Texas) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Former UAW Vice President Sentenced to 30 Months for Taking $250,000 in Bribes and KickbacksRead the Press Release
Joseph Ashton, former Vice President of the UAW’s General Motors Department, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring with other UAW officials to engage in honest services fraud by taking $250,000 in bribes and kickbacks from a UAW vendor and for conspiring to launder the proceeds of the scheme announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region for the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Acting Special Agent in Charge David G. Nanz, Detroit, Michigan office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit, Michigan office of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards.
In December 2019, Joseph Ashton, 72, of Ocean View, NJ, pleaded guilty to conspiring with two other high-level UAW officials—Michael Grimes and Jeffrey Pietrzyk—to take hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks from vendors doing business with the joint UAW-GM Center for Human Resources (CHR). Grimes and Pietryzk have also pleaded guilty. Grimes was sentenced to 28 months in prison and Pietrzyk is awaiting sentencing.
The CHR is supposed to be a center for training UAW workers employed by GM. Ashton was the co-director of the Center for Human Resources. Ashton, Pietrzyk and Grimes also served on the Executive Board for the Center for Human Resources and they were responsible for approving contracts with the vendors. Ashton admitted that over the course of the conspiracy, he and the other two UAW officials demanded and accepted bribes and kickbacks from a vendor based in Philadelphia, PA, in exchange for securing or maintaining a contract to provide custom watches to the Center for Human Resources.
Ashton and his UAW co-conspirators demanded kickbacks on the $3.9 million contract for the Center for Human Resources to buy 58,000 watches for all UAW members employed by GM. Ashton demanded over $250,000 in kickbacks on the watch contract to be distributed between 2013 through 2016. Some of the kickbacks were distributed in the form of checks payable to Ashton which were deposited into his personal bank account. The majority of the kickbacks were distributed as cash. In 2014, the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources received the 58,000 watches from the vendor. However, the watches were never distributed to UAW members. Instead, the watches were left sitting in a storage room at the CHR for over five years.
Besides conspiring with other UAW officials and vendors to the UAW, Ashton also admitted that he conspired to launder the proceeds of the kickback scheme by using various methods to conceal and disguise the bribes and kickbacks through a lengthy and complicated series of financial transactions.
Ashton is one of 15 defendants convicted in connection with the ongoing criminal investigation into illegal payoffs to UAW officials by FCA executives and corruption within the UAW itself. The following individuals have already pleaded guilty to their participation in the scheme and have been sentenced: former FCA Vice President for Employee Relations Alphons Iacobelli (66 months in prison), former FCA Financial Analyst Jerome Durden (15 months in prison), former Director of FCA’s Employee Relations Department Michael Brown (12 months in prison), former senior UAW officials Virdell King (60 days in prison), Keith Mickens (12 months in prison), Nancy A. Johnson (12 months in prison), Monica Morgan, the widow of UAW Vice President General Holiefield (18 months in prison), former UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell (15 months in prison), and former senior UAW official Michael Grimes (28 months). In addition, the following UAW officials have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing: former UAW President Gary Jones, former senior UAW official Jeffrey “Paycheck” Pietrzyk, former UAW Region 5 Director and UAW Board member Vance Pearson, former UAW Midwest CAP President Edward “Nick” Robinson, and former UAW President Dennis Williams.
U.S. Attorney Schneider commended the outstanding work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards and Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation into labor corruption activities involving a vital sector of the local and national economy.
“Joseph Ashton illegally used his power and influence to benefit himself, and he caused long-lasting damage to the hardworking members of the UAW. Ashton wasted almost $4 million that could have been used to train UAW members, and his crimes led to the closing of the UAW-GM training center and the loss of many training center jobs. Ashton’s greed caused irreparable damage to the trust UAW members have in their leaders who are supposed to represent their best interests,” stated U.S. Attorney Schneider.
“Joseph Ashton abused his position with the International United Auto Workers Union (UAW) by demanding and accepting over $250,000 in kickbacks from a UAW vendor. Instead of bargaining in the best interests of the UAW members, he chose to personally enrich himself. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor organizations,” stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“The men and women of the UAW deserve real, honest leadership. It is clear Mr. Ashton’s priority was not to advocate for union members but to line his own pockets,” said Acting SAC David G. Nanz. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corruption and ensure the financial integrity of our country’s labor unions.”
“It is imperative that UAW leadership continues to be held accountable for their selfish acts of greed,” stated Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation in Detroit. “Today’s sentence is another step forward in our efforts to rid the UAW of corrupt leaders who abuse their positions to line their own pockets and tarnish the reputation of UAW officials.”
“Joseph Ashton is another in a long line of UAW officials that failed in his fiduciary duties and betrayed the trust of the UAW membership by using his union position to obtain bribes and kickbacks from vendors in excess of $250,000 so that he could enrich himself and others within the UAW,” said Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “Today's sentence leaves no question as to the agency’s commitment to seek justice when anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of their fellow union members.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Eaton Brown.
Former Resident of Bergen County Admits Role in $1.5 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former New Jersey resident today admitted participating in an investment scheme through which he fraudulently obtained $1.525 million from at least three families from 2017 through 2019, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Matthew Benjamin, 53, formerly of Englewood, New Jersey, and now of New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2017 through August 2019, Benjamin falsely represented to at least three families that his company, Clear Solutions Group LLC, had lucrative contracts to purchase closeout or excess cosmetic inventory from Company A, which he would then resell at a mark-up to Company B. Benjamin told the victims that he had access to these closeout goods through his contacts in the cosmetics and fragrance industry, which he purportedly made through his work at his family’s cosmetic wholesale and distribution business prior to starting Clear Solutions Group. Benjamin induced the victims to provide him with money to purchase the inventory from Company A and promised significant profits in return. Instead of investing the money as he promised, Benjamin misappropriated the investor’s money for his own use and benefit.
Benjamin provided the victims with falsified documents, including fake purchase orders, invoices, promissory notes and bank records showing inflated assets of Clear Solutions Group. To lull victims and induce them to continue investing, Benjamin provided them with documents that purported to detail the investors’ profits.
Benjamin misrepresented to certain investors that portions of their profits on the investment contracts were being reinvested in additional deals to purchase and sell cosmetics, which in turn would generate more profits. From time to time, Benjamin made payments to the investors that were purportedly their profits on certain cosmetics contracts.
In reality, Benjamin misappropriated the investors’ money by making payments to other investors in Clear Solutions Group, which were characterized as those investors’ profits from the nonexistent cosmetic contracts, thereby enabling Benjamin to continue to perpetuate his fraudulent scheme; and by funding Benjamin’s and his family’s lifestyle, including paying for car and house rental payments, food, international travel, legal fees, technology equipment, and summer camp tuition for his family members.
The wire fraud counts are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The securities fraud count is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office, under the direction of Director Richard R. Best, for its assistance. The SEC also filed a civil complaint based on the same conduct when Benjamin was arrested July 1, 2020; that complaint remains pending.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Former Raytheon Engineer Sentenced for Exporting Sensitive Military-Related Technology to ChinaRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Wei Sun, 49, a Chinese national and naturalized citizen of the United States, was sentenced to 38 months in prison by District Court Judge Rosemary Marquez. Sun previously pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).
Sun was employed in Tucson for 10 years as an electrical engineer with Raytheon Missiles and Defense. Raytheon Missiles and Defense develops and produces missile systems for use by the United States military. During his employment with the company, Sun had access to information directly related to sensitive defense technology. Some of this defense technical information constituted what is defined as “defense articles,” which are controlled and prohibited from export without a license under the AECA and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (the ITAR).
From December 2018 to January 2019, Sun traveled from the United States to China on a personal trip. On that trip, Sun brought along unclassified defense-related technical information in his company-issued computer, including data associated with an advanced missile guidance system that was controlled and regulated under the AECA and the ITAR. Despite having been trained to handle these materials correctly, Sun knowingly transported the information to China without an export license in violation of the AECA and the ITAR.
“Sun was a highly skilled engineer entrusted with sensitive missile technology that he knew he could not legally transfer to hostile hands,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers. “Nevertheless, he delivered that controlled technology to China. Today’s sentence should stand as a warning to others who might be tempted similarly to put the nation’s security at risk.”
“The United States relies on private contractors to help build our unparalleled defense technology,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “People who try to expose that technology to hostile foreign powers should know that prison awaits them. The close cooperation of the victim defense contractor and the dedication of the FBI made this case a success.”
"Sun admitted to illegally exporting controlled weapons technology plans out of the U.S. to China." said Sean Kaul Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. "China represents the greatest counterintelligence threat to our nation's protected information and intellectual property. Confronting this threat remains a top priority for the FBI and we applaud the victim company for their cooperation and coordination throughout this investigation. We encourage Americans to be aware of the foreign economic espionage threat and report any relevant information to their local FBI office."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this matter with the assistance of Raytheon Missile and Defense. Beverly K. Anderson and Nicole P. Savel, Assistant United States Attorneys, and William Mackie from the National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00472 TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-103_Wei Sun# # #
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.Former Employee of Birmingham Area Psychology Clinic Sentenced for Role in Defrauding State Medicaid Agency of at Least $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -OIG Special Agent in Charge Derrick Jackson announced the sentencing today of a woman for her role in a scheme to defraud the Alabama Medicaid Agency of at least $1.5 million. Heidi Robertson, 35, was employed as the primary insurance biller at a Birmingham-area psychology clinic that billed the Medicaid Agency for counseling services that were never provided.
Robertson was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $850,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor after she pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud by filing false claims to the Alabama Medicaid Agency for individual and group counseling services for at-risk youth while she was employed at Capstone Medical Resources LLC. The owner of the facility, former Birmingham psychologist Sharon D. Waltz, pleaded guilty in 2019 to defrauding Medicaid of at least $1.5 million. Waltz is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Proctor on December 10.
An investigation was initiated by the Program Integrity Division of the Alabama Medicaid Agency after an audit showed that billings submitted by Capstone for counseling services had increased from $99,000 in 2015 to more than $2 million in 2017. The Program Integrity Division referred its findings to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after Waltz submitted falsified records during the Program Integrity Audit.
A subsequent investigation was conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This investigation determined that most claims submitted by Capstone from 2016 to 2018 were fraudulent. Robertson’s role in the scheme included submitting claims using the Medicaid identifications of friends’ and family members’ children for counseling services that never took place. Waltz paid Robertson a 10 percent commission for all claims paid by Medicaid. Robertson was employed by Waltz from 2016 through late 2017.
“Robertson’s actions demonstrated reckless disregard for at-risk youth, and she will now face the consequences of those actions,” U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said. “Today’s sentence represents the relentless commitment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to protect the resources dedicated to the members of our community that are the most vulnerable, our children.”
Attorney General Marshall said, “It is appropriate that this defendant face stern consequences for engaging in an illegal and immoral scheme to profit at the expense of children in need by claiming payment for services that were never provided. As Attorney General, I stand committed with my federal counterparts to punish those who plunder the public treasury and betray the at-risk youth they were entrusted to serve.”
“Today’s sentencing should serve as a reminder to everyone who transacts business with federal health care programs, including Medicaid, that those programs are protected by a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will not tolerate fraudulent actors who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of patients and the American people.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OIG, the Alabama Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Program Integrity Division of the Alabama Medicaid Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward and Assistant Attorney General Bruce Lieberman, working as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuted.
Former CEO Charged in Schemes to Defraud U.S. Government Related to the Conflict in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The former Chief Executive Officer of a U.S. government contractor was charged today in connection with schemes to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense regarding contracts related to U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona of the Northern District of Alabama, Special Inspector General John F. Sopko for Afghanistan Reconstruction, and Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit made the announcement.
Paul Daigle, 40, was charged with conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, and four counts of false claims in an indictment filed today in the Northern District of Alabama. Daigle was the CEO of a company based in Huntsville, Alabama, which served as a subcontractor on U.S. Department of Defense aviation contracts related to the war in Afghanistan.
According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2017, Daigle allegedly engaged in two fraudulent schemes that resulted in the submission of false claims to the U.S. Government. The first scheme involved the use of unqualified employees for government contracts. Daigle allegedly mapped employees to labor categories on government contracts for which the employees did not meet minimum qualifications, resulting in the government overpaying for unqualified labor. To cover this up, Daigle allegedly directed employees to obtain false educational credentials and “fake degrees” from diploma mills on the internet. The second scheme involved alleged false billing, in which the government was charged for work unrelated to a government contract.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is the nation’s leading prosecuting authority for complex procurement fraud and corruption cases.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is being conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division – Major Procurement Fraud Unit. Trial Attorneys Michael P. McCarthy and Matthew Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Former CEO Charged in Schemes to Defraud U.S. Government Related to the Conflict in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
The former chief executive officer of a U.S. government contractor was charged today in connection with schemes to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense regarding contracts related to U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona of the Northern District of Alabama, Special Inspector General John F. Sopko for Afghanistan Reconstruction, and Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit made the announcement.
Paul Daigle, 40, was charged with conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, and four counts of false claims in an indictment filed today in the Northern District of Alabama. Daigle was the CEO of a company based in Huntsville, Alabama, which served as a subcontractor on U.S. Department of Defense aviation contracts related to the war in Afghanistan.
According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2017, Daigle allegedly engaged in two fraudulent schemes that resulted in the submission of false claims to the U.S. Government. The first scheme involved the use of unqualified employees for government contracts. Daigle allegedly mapped employees to labor categories on government contracts for which the employees did not meet minimum qualifications, resulting in the government overpaying for unqualified labor. To cover this up, Daigle allegedly directed employees to obtain false educational credentials and “fake degrees” from diploma mills on the internet. The second scheme involved alleged false billing, in which the government was charged for work unrelated to a government contract.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is the nation’s leading prosecuting authority for complex procurement fraud and corruption cases.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is being conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division – Major Procurement Fraud Unit. Trial Attorneys Michael P. McCarthy and Matthew Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Florida Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Laundering More Than $9 Million in Account Takeover SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Florida man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for laundering funds related to a $9 million business account takeover scheme with ties to Eastern Europe, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Igor Buzyukov, 52, of Weston, Florida, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Thompson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between February 2018 and July 2018, several clients of Company-1, a financial technology company headquartered in San Jose, California, fell victim to an account takeover scheme resulting in total losses exceeding $9 million.
The scheme generally involved an unidentified individual or individuals calling Company-1 and impersonating a representative of one of the victim companies. The impostor(s) would then request that an unauthorized bank account be added to the victims’ Company-1 accounts and be designated to receive payments from e-commerce customers.
The unauthorized bank accounts added to the victims’ Company-1 accounts were each controlled by Buzyukov under the name of a corporation registered to him in the State of Florida. After monies were deposited to the unauthorized accounts, Buzyukov would transfer the funds to other accounts controlled by him. Buzyukov then wired the majority of the funds to several bank accounts held by various individuals in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Buzyukov also admitted to creating fake invoices in the amounts of the wire transfers in order to make the transactions appear legitimate.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Buzyukov to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $160,000, his illegal proceeds from the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt in Newark with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Torntore of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit.
Financial Adviser Sentenced for Running A Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAMES T. BOOTH was sentenced in Manhattan federal court today to 42 months in prison in connection with his years-long scheme to defraud customers of his financial services firm, Booth Financial Associates (“Booth Financial”), of nearly $5 million through a variety of lies and misrepresentations. BOOTH pled guilty to one count of securities fraud on October 22, 2019, before U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who also imposed today’s sentence.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Today, James T. Booth was sentenced for brazenly bilking some 40 clients of nearly $5 million by fraudulently convincing them that he would deliver solid and secure returns on their investments. Instead, Booth delivered lies and deceit. We will continue to aggressively pursue frauds like this one to preserve investor confidence in our capital markets.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:
From 2013 through 2019, BOOTH solicited money from clients of Booth Financial and falsely promised to invest their money in securities offered outside of their ordinary advisory and brokerage accounts. Specifically, BOOTH directed certain of his clients to write checks or wire money to an entity named “Insurance Trends, Inc.” Instead of investing his clients’ funds, BOOTH, who controlled the bank account of Insurance Trends, Inc., subsequently misappropriated his clients’ funds to pay his personal and business expenses.
In total, BOOTH raised more than $4.9 million from approximately 40 investors. BOOTH lured many of his victims with false promises of safe investments with high returns. For example:
• BOOTH convinced a recently widowed elderly investor (“Investor-1”) to move money she had received from her late husband’s pension into Insurance Trends, Inc. BOOTH falsely promised Investor-1 that she would have $1 million by the time she was 100 years old. As a result of BOOTH’s false assurances, Investor-1 invested more than $600,000 with BOOTH.
• BOOTH similarly convinced another investor (“Investor-2”) to move his money into an investment product that, according to BOOTH, would never lose its principal and would grow with the market. Based on this false representation, Investor-2 moved money he had set aside for his child’s college expenses, at least approximately $60,000, to BOOTH. BOOTH subsequently failed to provide Investor-2 with documentation of his investment or to allow Investor-2 to redeem his investment.
• BOOTH convinced another elderly investor (“Investor-3”) to withdraw money from an annuity established for the care of his disabled sibling – approximately $18,000 – and invest that money with BOOTH. Investor-3 gave the money to BOOTH with the understanding that BOOTH would invest that money for the benefit of Investor-3’s sibling’s continued care.
To prevent investors from seeking a return of their money, and to induce additional investments, BOOTH provided investors with fabricated account statements that falsely indicated that BOOTH had purchased certain securities on their behalf and that those investments had generated a profit. BOOTH further concealed the truth from investors by using money obtained from new investors to make redemption payments to previous investors, in a Ponzi-like fashion.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, BOOTH, 75, of Norwalk, Connecticut, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $4,969,689.00 in forfeiture. BOOTH will pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of Homeland Security Investigations and also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Boone is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Convicted Felon for Having a Destructive Device and Multiple Firearms inside his Austin ApartmentRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal grand jury indicted 38–year-old Erich Michael Wittwer for having a homemade destructive device in his apartment, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
The indictment charges Wittwer with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of being a prohibited person, namely a convicted felon, in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, FBI agents executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence on November 5, 2020. There, they discovered the destructive device and a total of seven firearms including five pistols, one 12 gauge shotgun and one .308 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle. Wittwer’s criminal history reveals prior felony convictions including two in 2009 for Assault Family Violence in Travis County, Texas.
Each charge calls for up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction. Wittwer remains in federal custody.
The FBI is investigating this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Cherry is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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 year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Grand Jury Indictment Charges Alleged Bank Robber Arrested after Crashing Getaway Car at Vandenberg Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Michigan man was taken into federal custody today on charges that he robbed a credit union in Santa Barbara County, attempted to rob a bank, and then led law enforcement on a high-speed chase that resulted in him crashing his getaway car at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Maurice Antwion Pilgrim Jr., 19, of Detroit, is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
A federal grand jury indictment returned on November 10 charges Pilgrim with one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
According to the indictment, on October 13 Pilgrim robbed Coast Hills Credit Union in Lompoc, making off with $3,000. Two days later, he allegedly attempted to rob Mechanics Bank in Guadalupe, but fled after seeing a nearby bank security guard, according to court documents filed in this case.
After the failed bank robbery, law enforcement officials located Pilgrim driving on Highway 1 and began pursuing him, according to court documents. The high-speed chase ended when Pilgrim crashed his car near the Vandenberg Air Force Base visitor center, court papers state. Pilgrim later fled the scene on foot, but he was arrested soon afterward. Pilgrim had been in state custody until today.
After being arrested on October 15, Pilgrim made incriminating statements, according to court papers that state clothing and other items found in a Ford Taurus Pilgrim had rented in July – but was never returned – matched security camera footage and witness descriptions of him. Pilgrim also allegedly told law enforcement that, before the robbery, he used Google to research penalties for bank robbery.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of both counts, Pilgrim would face a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Lompoc Police Department, the Guadalupe Police Department, and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremiah M. Levine of the General Crimes Section.
Ex-Attorney Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A federal grand jury sitting in U.S. District Court in Roanoke indicted Cherie Anne Washburn, a former attorney who specialized in elder law and estate planning, on federal wire fraud, mail fraud, and false statement charges. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar and David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today following the defendant’s initial court appearance.
Washburn, 44, of Lynchburg, Va., is charged with ten counts of wire fraud, two counts of making a false statement to a mortgage lender, and one count of mail fraud. If convicted, Washburn faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, from around 2015 and continuing until 2018, Washburn engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain money or property by fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises from elder victims C.A. and D.F. Washburn is alleged to have used the ill-gotten monies to enrich herself, including purchasing real estate and making donations to charities.
In 2015 and 2016, a senior care management service company referred victims C.A. and D.F. to Washburn for the purpose of obtaining elder legal services. Washburn subsequently entered separate Power of Attorney (POA) agreement with both victims. Under the terms of both POAs, Washburn was entitled to reasonable compensation and reimbursement for reasonable expenses for services rendered but could not use the personal property of the client to benefit the attorney.
The indictment alleges that despite the agreement, Washburn wrote multiple checks from victim C.A. and victim D.F.’s accounts to herself for personal benefit. These checks ranged in value from $4,200 to $40,000.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that in 2017, Washburn attempted to improperly make herself the beneficiary of two investment accounts held by C.A.. At the time, these accounts had a combined approximate value of $288,000.
Throughout 2017, the indictment alleges that Washburn made charitable donations using money fraudulently obtained from victims C.A. and D.F. These donations were made without the consent of the victims.
In or around March 2018, the indictment alleges, Washburn purchased a residence in Lynchburg, Va., for approximately $219,000 using monies belonging to victim C.A. and a mortgage lender. In order to complete the purchase, on or about April 22, 2018, Washburn submitted a letter to Quicken Loans falsely stating that victim C.A. provided Washburn with a gift of $40,000 for the purchase of 111 Wyndsong Place. The gift letter also falsely stated that victim C.A. was Washburn’s great-aunt. The next day Washburn deposited $45,000 from victim C.A.’s SunTrust Account to Washburn’s Wells Fargo account.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lynchburg City Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Assistant United States Attorney Michael Baudinet, and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Lynchburg Bethany Harrison are prosecuting the case for the United States.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Environmental lab analyst enters guilty plea to falsifying test results chargeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Andrew K. Ecklund, age 57, of Tallmadge, entered a plea of guilty to an indictment charging him with nine counts of wire fraud.
Joining U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman in the announcement were Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Ohio; Patrick J. Hegarty, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s (Army CID) Mid-Atlantic Fraud Field Office and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
According to court documents, Ecklund was previously employed as a laboratory analyst with an environmental testing company operating in Northeast Ohio. The company was paid to analyze environmental samples for organizations and government agencies across the United States and to do so according to U.S. EPA regulations. As a laboratory analyst, Ecklund was responsible for testing the samples for the presence and concentration of hazardous substances using industry standards, methodology and quality control measures.
On nine separate occasions between on or about January 3, 2012, and on or about July 25, 2015, when conducting quality control testing measures, Ecklund took steps to make it appear that the samples had passed the testing measures, when in fact, they had failed. In particular, Ecklund manipulated the tune and calibration portions of the quality control process and, in doing so, invalidated the sample analysis. By disguising these invalid tests and making them appear valid, Ecklund was able to increase his productivity by avoiding having to shut down his instruments for repair and not retesting the samples, as required by EPA regulations. As a result of his actions, the test results provided by the company to their customers were invalid.
“Deliberately falsifying the test results of a process that is in place to keep people safe and healthy shows a reckless disregard for the well-being of your fellow man,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We are grateful for the actions of our partner agencies in this investigation in order to catch this behavior and put an end to it.”
“Both environmental regulators and the regulated community rely on accurate laboratory results to make important decisions on the protection of human health and the environment,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Ohio. “Quality control is one of the most important aspects of sample analysis. This plea demonstrates that analysts who cover up failed quality control measures and then misrepresent test results will be held accountable.”
"The integrity of the DoD procurement process is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The defendant's guilty plea is the result of a joint investigative effort and demonstrates the DCIS' commitment to work with the USAO-NDO, the EPA-CID and the Army CID, to ensure that claims submitted to the U.S. Department of Defense for the testing of environmental samples are valid and supported by accurate documentation."
After the laboratory testing was complete, the company was required to submit an analysis report to its customers detailing the results. Each report identified the laboratory analyst who conducted the testing and described any deviations from the testing methodology, including the quality control measures. On his analysis reports, Ecklund failed to disclose that the samples had not passed the quality control measures and the actions he took to make it appear that they had passed.
Ecklund is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Pamela A. Barker.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. EPA, Army Criminal Investigation Division to Army Criminal Investigation Command Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Ohio EPA and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 144 Months for His Involvement in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Juan Jose Gonzalez Ramirez, also known as Lucas Rios, 42, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced on Monday to 144 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in a seven-defendant drug trafficking case, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January of 2018 and January of 2019, Ramirez conspired with other persons to distribute fentanyl in the Manchester area and to collect the proceeds of fentanyl sales. The proceeds were delivered to Ramirez, who was based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. During that period, investigators made multiple controlled buys and seizures of fentanyl from Ramirez and his co-conspirators in the Manchester area. Although he sometimes traveled to New Hampshire during the conspiracy, Ramirez typically remained in Massachusetts, took orders for drugs from his customers by telephone, and directed co-conspirators to meet his customers in New Hampshire, deliver fentanyl, and collect the proceeds.
Ramirez previously pleaded guilty on September 16, 2019. After serving his sentence, he faces likely removal to the Dominican Republic.
Co-defendants Israel Perez, Abelino Morales-Padilla, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, Karina Reyes, Samuel Ramos, and Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case. Perez was sentenced to 168 months, Morales-Padilla was sentenced to 42 months, Rolon was sentenced to 30 months, Ramos was sentenced to 22 months and Cancel was sentenced to 33 months. Reyes received a time-served sentence.
“Distributing fentanyl in New Hampshire carries serious unpleasant consequences for those responsible” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This 144-month sentence puts interstate drug dealers on notice that their illegal activities will lead to federal prison. In order to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our cities and towns, federal, state and local law enforcement officers are working every day to disrupt criminal conspiracies such as this one. Traffickers should expect that they will be brought to justice”.
“The worldwide pandemic has not slowed down the efforts of those who threaten our communities with the deadly scourge of fentanyl,” said David Magdycz, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “The arrest and sentencing of this individual are the results of the tireless work and cooperation between New Hampshire State Police and our agents. The result is lives saved and a safer community.”
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
###
Department of Justice grant will provide support for Richmond County efforts to deter youth gangsRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A nearly quarter-million-dollar award from the U.S. Department of Justice will address the need for resources to prevent at-risk youth in Richmond County from becoming involved in street gangs.
Awarded for the support of Richmond County Juvenile Court, the $230,000 grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 2020 Comprehensive Anti-Gang Programs for Youth is aimed at supporting the Richmond County Youth Aiming for Success, or YAS, program, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Voices across the Augusta area echo what we know to be true: that children in our community are increasingly involved in street gangs and criminal activity, and both are a dead end,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “This DOJ award will provide a solid, accountable base of support for court and community programs aimed at strengthening families while undermining the malignant influence of gangs.”
Under the grant, Richmond County Juvenile Court is charged with using juvenile justice programs to promote youth and families; to encourage family structures through socially controlled activities; to deter youths from gang involvement through community-based mentoring programs; and demonstrate that the practices and services delivered through the program are supported by research. The court’s activity tracking system will be used to measure the program’s success.
For more information on Grant No. 2020-PB-BX-0023, contact the Office of Justice Program’s Office of Communications at 202-307-0703.
Crossett Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Christopher Gibson, age 41, of Crossett, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for one count of being a Felon In Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to court records on October 9, 2019, Arkansas State Parole Officers and Ashley County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a parole search on Gibson at Gibson’s residence, which is located in the Western District of Arkansas. During the search of his residence, officers located and seized a loaded Mossberg 12-guage shotgun and several shotgun shells. Gibson was taken into custody without incident.
Gibson was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was prosecuted as 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.
This case was investigated by the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Probation and Parole Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States.
Carnegie Man Found Guilty of Premeditated Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, a federal jury convicted ISAIAH WHITEFOX REDBIRD, 34, of Carnegie, Oklahoma, of premeditated murder and assault causing serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
According to facts presented at trial, Redbird bore a grudge against Byron "Subee" Tongkeamah, Jr., and his girlfriend, Kayleigh Roughface, who, at the time, were homeless Indian residents of Carnegie. On the night of September 11, 2018, Redbird entered an enclosed porch of an abandoned house where Tongkeamah Jr. and Roughface had taken refuge. He approached them where they were in bed on a foam mattress on the floor and struck each of them multiple times on the head with the crowbar. Tongkeamah Jr. died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries to his skull, which was shattered by the blows. Redbird fled the scene, buried the crowbar in the mud of the Washita River, burned and buried his clothes, and fled to Arizona. Roughface survived, despite losing all memory of the night of the attack.
On the morning of September 12, 2018, Carnegie police discovered the disoriented Roughface, walking down the street in Carnegie. She was covered with dried blood and had massive trauma, including a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket, a broken arm, and a broken finger. Soon after that, officers discovered the body of Tongkeamah Jr. in the enclosed porch.
Audio-recordings of Redbird’s phone conversations revealed that he believed he had a duty to execute Tongkeamah Jr. and Roughface based on rumors he had heard about them. Multiple tribal members testified against Redbird. At trial, Redbird claimed there had been an altercation in the carport, and he acted in self-defense.
The federal government has jurisdiction over the offense because Redbird is a Kiowa Indian, and the offense occurred in Indian country.
After deliberating for two days, the federal jury returned a guilty verdict, convicting Redbird of premeditated murder of Tongkeamah and assault causing serious bodily injury of Roughface.
At sentencing, which will be set by the Court in approximately three months, Redbird will receive mandatory life in federal prison without parole.
This case is a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Carnegie Police Department, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The Regional Organized Crime Information Center and the Kiowa Tribe provided logistical assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Mark Stoneman are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Camden County Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Powder and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man made his initial court appearance today on charges of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Joseph C. Long, 30, of Bellmawr, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendant was previously arrested by state authorities. He appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider and was detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 15, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Long’s apartment. Long was seen jumping out of the second-floor bedroom window and was later apprehended. Inside the apartment, officers found powder cocaine, crack cocaine, packaging and distribution related items, and over $3,400 in cash.
Each drug charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson; and the Bellmawr Police Department, under the direction of Chief William P. Walsh; with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg in Camden.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.