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4 November 2020
High-Ranking Member of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison After TrialRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ANTHONY ELLISON, a/k/a “Harv,” was sentenced to 288 months in prison in connection with his participation in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”), the July 22, 2018, kidnapping of Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” and the October 24, 2018, slashing of a victim in furtherance of the Nine Trey enterprise. ELLISON was convicted following a three-week jury trial in October 2019 before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Anthony Ellison was a high-ranking member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, a violent gang that wreaked havoc across New York City, and he was convicted of racketeering, kidnapping, and a violent assault with a dangerous weapon. Now, thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the NYPD, HSI, and ATF, he will spend the next 24 years in federal prison.”
According to court documents and the evidence presented at the trial of ELLISON and co-defendant Aljermiah Mack:
Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business. Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.
The leadership structure of Nine Trey is divided into two parts: the Prison Lineup, which consists of incarcerated members, and the Street Lineup, which consists of members who are not incarcerated. ELLISON was a high-ranking member of the Street Lineup.
ELLISON was found guilty after trial of racketeering conspiracy for his participation in the Nine Trey enterprise, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and maiming and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
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In addition to the prison term, ELLISON, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ms. Strauss also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Longyear, Jacob Warren, and Jonathan Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national who resided in Lynn was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for passport fraud.
Gladys Reynoso Zapet, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (one day). Reynoso Zapet will face deportation proceedings. In January 2020, Reynoso Zapet pleaded guilty to making a false statement in an application for a United States passport.
In February 2012, Reynoso Zapet applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn under the name of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. On the passport application, Reynoso Zapet used the name, date of birth and Social Security number of the other individual. She also submitted a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Massachusetts identification card, both in the name of the other individual, as well as a photograph of herself with the application.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Georgetown Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Nationwide Swatting IncidentsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Rodney Phipps, 30, of Georgetown, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison by the Honorable Richard G. Andrews, United States District Judge for the District of Delaware.
Phipps pled guilty in January 2020 to five counts of making interstate threats and one count of making a false threat involving explosives in relation to a string of “swatting” phone calls he made to police departments and emergency dispatch centers across the country. “Swatting” involves making hoax emergency calls in order to elicit an armed police response (e.g., from a SWAT team) for the purpose of harassing someone believed to be at the location of the purported emergency.
According to court documents, from August 2015 through August 2017, Phipps placed swatting calls from Delaware to police departments and emergency dispatch centers across the country, including calls to Harrison, New Jersey; Opelousas, Louisiana; Russel County, Kentucky; Pasco County, Florida; and Forsyth County, Georgia. Those swatting calls included false reports that murder, shooting incidents, arson, and a hostage situation had taken place or would take place.
Many of the calls also contained explicit threats that the caller would shoot with a firearm any law enforcement personnel who responded to the emergency call. In several instances, those hoax calls provoked significant law enforcement responses to the purported victim’s residences.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Swatting phone calls are not harmless pranks. Those who engage in swatting activity intentionally create a serious risk of physical harm to law enforcement officers, the intended victims, and innocent bystanders. Swatting calls also disrupt the operations of local emergency response agencies by misdirecting resources that could be needed for legitimate emergencies. My office will continue to prosecute those who engage in swatting activity to the fullest extent allowed by law and will seek sentences that reflect the serious danger created by such conduct.”
"These calls are dangerous not only to the victims but also to first responders who are placed in danger as unsuspecting residents try to defend themselves. The communities are also placed in danger as responders rush to the scene, taking them away from real emergencies. The FBI works closely with law enforcement partners and continues to collect investigative information to help identify key individuals and groups conducting swatting incidents such as today's sentence reflects. We will continue such efforts to stop these crimes and perpetrators from continuing these dangerous hoaxes," said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore field office.
This case is being investigated by FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-69.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Mail Fraud Conspiracy Charge in Maryland for Scamming Elderly Victims of More Than $939,000Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – David Green, age 25, of Miami Gardens, Florida, pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal mail fraud conspiracy charge, in connection with a scheme in which he defrauded more than 28 elderly victims of more than $939,000.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Schemes where fraudsters falsely claim that a family member needs money to pay legal or other expenses—sometimes pretending to be the victim’s relative to convince them to send cash—prey on vulnerable and elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who perpetrate these heartless schemes that target elderly victims. I encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim of financial fraud to contact the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).”
According to Green’s plea agreement, from about September 2018 through at least December 2019, he was part of a conspiracy to defraud elderly victims by persuading them to send thousands of dollars in cash to members of the conspiracy by falsely stating that the money would be used to help the victims’ relatives pay legal or other expenses in connection with crimes and other incidents that had not occurred or that the money would be sent to particular individuals at their addresses, rather than to members of the conspiracy falsely claiming to reside at those addresses. Green’s co-conspirators telephoned elderly victims throughout the United States, posing as a police officer, lawyer, or other individual, falsely telling the victim that a relative, typically the victim’s grandchild, had been incarcerated in connection with a car accident or traffic stop involving a crime, and needed money—often tens of thousands of dollars—for bail, legal fees, and other expenses.
As detailed in the plea agreement, during the telephone calls, the co-conspirators directed victims to send cash to a particular address via an overnight delivery service. The co-conspirators allegedly even posed as the victims’ relatives to further induce them to send the cash. Once the victims did send money, the co-conspirators called the victims asking for more cash, regularly obtaining tens of thousands of dollars from the retirement savings of victims. To prevent the victims from sharing the information with anyone, the co-conspirators allegedly told the victims that a “gag order” had been placed on the case requiring secrecy, or that the situation was embarrassing for the grandchild and they didn’t want anyone else to know about it.
Green admitted that, in order to conceal the crime, he and other co-conspirators identified residential locations across the country where the cash should be sent, including in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. Green and his co-conspirators identified locations that were either vacant or for sale, so that no one would be at those locations at the time of the deliveries, then retrieved the packages of cash when they were delivered. Green and other co-conspirators recruited and instructed additional people to assist in retrieving packages of cash from specified locations.
For example, in January 2019 Green and another co-conspirator flew from Florida to the Maryland area, for the purpose of retrieving packages containing fraud proceeds.
On January 7, 2019, Victim #4, 91 years old from Bainbridge Island, Washington, received a phone call from a co-conspirator who told the victim that his grandson was a passenger in a vehicle stopped with large amounts of cocaine and was being held on federal drug charges. The individual directed Victim #4 to send $13,000 cash for bail to an address in Baltimore, Maryland. On January 8, 2019, Green sent text messages to another co-conspirator with information about the package from Victim #4, including the tracking number. He further directed the other co-conspirator that the package required a signature upon delivery. The other co-conspirator collected the package, and falsely stated that he was the intended recipient. At the further direction of a co-conspirator, Victim #4 sent an additional $9,000 for the purported purpose of retaining an attorney.
Also in January 2019, Victim #5, an 89 year old from Westland, Michigan, was contacted by an individual representing himself to be “Officer Booth.” This individual told Victim #5 that her grandson had been in a car accident and that drugs were found in the trunk. At the direction of the caller, on January 14, 2019, Victim #5 sent $8,000 in cash to an address in Baltimore via FedEx. In total, Victim #5 lost $30,000 to the scam.
In January 2019, Victim #6, an 89 year old from Fort Pierce, Florida, received a phone call from someone purporting to be Victim #6’s niece. Victim #6 was told that his niece had been in a car accident. At the instruction of the caller, Victim #6 sent $8,000 in cash to an address in Baltimore via UPS. On January 18, 2019, Green retrieved this package along with another co-conspirator. In total, Victim #6 lost $17,500 to the scam.
On March 26, 2019, Green was arrested by New Castle County Police in Delaware while trying to retrieve a package sent from another victim to a location in Newark, Delaware.
As a result of the execution of the scheme to defraud, between September 2018 and March 2019, Green and his co-conspirators caused at least 28 different victims to send a total of at least $939,300, resulting in substantial financial hardship to between five and 24 of the victims.
Green faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for mail fraud conspiracy. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Co-defendant McArnold Charlemagne, age 33, of Miramar, Florida, pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 30, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.
The Department of Justice has an interactive tool for elders who have been financially exploited to help determine to which agency they should report their incident, and also a senior scam alert website. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Matthew J. Maddox, who are prosecuting the case.
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Fitchburg Man Convicted of Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was convicted today of trafficking fentanyl following a bench trial.
Sebastian Batista, 26, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021.
The court heard evidence that on Feb. 28, 2019, Batista participated in multiple phone calls in which he agreed to sell 200 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a residential area of Waltham. Later that night, Batista arrived at the meeting location and was arrested by law enforcement officers. Officers searched Batista’s vehicle and found approximately 200 grams of fentanyl in plastic wrapping underneath the driver’s seat.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 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 and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Waltham Police Department and the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Federal Inmate Admits Participating in Scheme to Sell Controlled Substances Inside PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Michael S. Frawley pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Frawley, age 49, formerly a resident of Allegheny County, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on March 3, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Frawley was serving a federal prison sentence for a prior cocaine-trafficking conviction when he committed the additional drug-trafficking crime to which he pled guilty.
The law provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $8,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced in Federal Court to 24 Years in Prison for Conduct Stemming from the Armed Robbery of Man and DaughterRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 288 months in prison for possessing a firearm while a felon during the course of an armed robbery at the home of a man and his daughter.
According to court documents, Mark Leon Andrews, 44, and another man, Joshua Montraze Stephens, who was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on September 10, 2019, laid in wait outside of the Fayetteville home of a man and his then-14-year-old daughter. When they arrived home on the evening of April 5, 2018, Andrews and Stephens confronted them at gunpoint and forced both victims into the home. Andrews bound the father with zip-ties, while Stephens held the girl at gunpoint. They then began to search the house for money and guns. Members of the Fayetteville Police Department were called out to the scene and spoke with the victim outside, while Andrews and Stephens held the daughter at gunpoint in the bathroom of the home. Shortly thereafter, the daughter was able to escape and officers moved in. They located Andrews and Stephens, hiding in the master bedroom closet. Andrews was still in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol, along with the victim’s jewelry, money, and car keys. The revolver that Stephens had been using was recovered from inside the closet.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura S. Howard prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-cr-00208-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Fannin County Woman Guilty of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A 45 year-old Texas woman has pleaded guilty to tax evasion in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Chelsea Jolynn Tucker pleaded guilty to tax evasion before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly C. Priest Johnson on Nov. 3, 2020.
According to public court records, from approximately 1997 to 2016, Tucker was employed by a staffing and contract services company located in Addison, Texas. In her role with the company, Tucker had various financial responsibilities, including administering payroll, preparing W-2 Forms, making employment tax deposits, paying business expenses, and monitoring the company’s tax obligations using QuickBooks and TaxGuard.
Between approximately 2012 and 2017, Tucker knowingly and willfully misappropriated and embezzled funds from the company in multiple ways. For instance, she (1) paid herself as both an employee and a vendor; (2) issued herself unauthorized bonuses; (3) issued herself fraudulent expense reimbursements; (4) used a corporate credit card for personal purchases; (5) used company funds to pay personal credit cards; and (6) issued company checks to a former employee.
Tucker also willfully attempted to evade her income tax obligations by preparing false and fraudulent W-2 Forms, which substantially underreported the income owed to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, Tucker failed to pay the company’s employment taxes, which she had a duty to both truthfully account for and pay. As a result of Tucker’s criminal conduct, the amount still owed to the Internal Revenue Service totals approximately $779,664.
Under the federal statute, Tucker faces up to 5 years in federal prison at sentencing and a $100,000 fine. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentences will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan.
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Erie Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The seven-count Indictment named Ryan Matthew Holden, 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Holden used Instagram to induce a minor female to provide him sexually explicit images and sent images of his penis to the minor victim. Holden also sent images of child pornography to the minor victim. Holden also received and possessed thousands of other items of child pornography.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXIS VELEZ, 56, formerly of Connecticut and Maine, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department received information that Danny Castillo and Pascual Ivan Medina were distributing large quantities of fentanyl in and around Hartford. An investigation revealed that Castillo used his family business, the Albany Grocery Store located at 1160 Albany Avenue in Hartford, to conduct narcotics transactions. Between October 2018 and January 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Castillo, sometimes with Medina’s assistance, at both the Albany Grocery Store and Castillo’s apartment on Woodland Street in Hartford.
On January 25, 2019, investigators conducting surveillance observed Velez arrive by car at Castillo’s apartment building, interact with Castillo, enter his apartment, exit the apartment and then drive away from the location. After a Hartford Police cruiser conducted a traffic stop of Velez’s vehicle, a search of Velez’s person revealed quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, and a search of a bag that Velez was seen carrying as he entered and exited Castillo’s apartment revealed approximately 102 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 46 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack, two ounces of marijuana, and $4060 in cash. Velez was arrested at that time.
Castillo was arrested a short time later at his Woodland Street apartment. A search of the residence revealed approximately 436 grams of fentanyl, 229 grams of heroin, 231 grams of a mixture with both fentanyl and heroin, 543 grams of a mixture of tramadol and methamphetamine, numerous items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, a loaded short-barrel shotgun, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 revolver. Investigators later recovered a third firearm from Castillo’s residence.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the quantity of the fentanyl and heroin seized from Castillo would have produced at least 35,000 dose bags of the drugs.
On February 28, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). He is currently detained.
Castillo and Medina pleaded guilty to related charges. On August 25, 2020, Castillo was sentenced to 128 months of imprisonment and, on January 23, 2020, Medina was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Deatsville Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, Hunter Lavon Brown, a 26-year-old from Deatsville, Alabama, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. and FBI Special Agent in Charges James Jewell. In addition to his six and a half year prison sentence, Brown was ordered to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation began on January 10, 2019, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cyber-tip from Google that there was possible child pornography materials being uploaded to a Google Photos account. This information was forwarded to the FBI who identified Brown’s address as being involved in the uploads. Agents also discovered that the Google account was registered to Brown with an email address associated with him. Then, on August 22, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence and seized a number of electronic devices. During the search, Brown admitted to the agents that they would find child pornography images on the devices being taken. The FBI reviewed the materials they found and identified suspected child pornography images, which was later confirmed by NCMEC. Further forensic analysis of the electronic devices revealed that Brown knowingly searched and downloaded child pornography, which he admitted when he pleaded guilty to the charges. He also admitted that some of the child porn images contained beastiality. During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed concern that Brown had previously been exchanging text messages with minor children and actually arranged to meet with a 17-year-old girl before backing out.
“Child pornography is a despicable crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “Defendants like Brown participate in an industry that targets and exploits innocent children. Crimes like these inflict lasting harm on victims. My office will continue to work with law enforcement to protect our children and bring to justice those that harm the young.”
“The FBI will continue to devote resources to these cases and appreciates the partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” said Special Agent in Charge Jewell. “The prison sentence imposed by the court will help safeguard the children of our communities.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Assistant United States Attorney Russell Duraski prosecuted the case.
Crossville Man Sentenced to over 17 Years on Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On November 2, 2020, Jason L Howard, 36, of Crossville, was sentenced to 210 months in a federal prison, by the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Howard was caught transporting nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and a firearm. Howard pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On February 26, 2019, Howard was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol officers for a routine traffic stop as he was traveling westbound on Highway 68 in Tennessee. A lawful search of Howard’s vehicle led to the discovery of a plastic bag containing approximately 938 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm handgun. Howard was earlier surveilled by law enforcement in Georgia meeting with another known methamphetamine trafficker.
“Traffickers move large amounts of narcotics up and down the highways and interstates of East Tennessee every day, and it is a serious challenge to law enforcement to intercept them. We are grateful the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s vigilance in this case led to this arrest and what will hopefully be a message that Howard’s sentence delivers,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives. HSI will continue to work with our federal and state and local law enforcement partners to help remove illegal drugs and arrest those who traffic these dangerous substances. We owe it to the communities and people we serve,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr.
This prosecution resulted from a joint investigation by the HSI, TBI, 9th Judicial Drug Task Force, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Middle Tennessee HIDTA Task Force, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Quencer represented the United States.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Victim of Her Life Savings While on Pretrial Release for Another Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that JAY DEAN LOW, 57, was sentenced to an above guideline sentence of 72 months in prison for wire fraud. LOW, who pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019, was sentenced yesterday before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between September 2014 and April 2016, LOW devised and executed an investment scheme to defraud Victim A. After LOW made false representations about an investment opportunity, Victim A provided LOW with her life savings of approximately $266,000, believing the money was going to be invested in a pharmaceutical company. In reality, there was no investment opportunity, and LOW created authentic-looking documents that he periodically provided to Victim A in order to give his sham investment the appearance of legitimacy. Rather than invest as promised, LOW fraudulently misappropriated all of Victim A’s investment funds for his own personal use and benefit, including the purchase of a BMW, tuition payment for a family member, a $10,000 hot tub, jewelry, and other personal expenses. LOW committed this fraud scheme while he was on pretrial release after being charged in 2015 in a separate, unrelated $400,000 embezzlement case.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
JAY DEAN LOW, 57
Plymouth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Wire fraud, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 72 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $266,737 in restitution
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Cleveland man admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalen Deshon Dalton, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dalton, also known as “NBA J” and “J,” age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Dalton admitted to selling cocaine near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in December 2019.
Dalton faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Buffalo Man Arrested, Charged with Drug and Gun Charges Following Traffic AccidentRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jarmaine Dunbar, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 10, 2020, the defendant was involved in a traffic accident in the City of Buffalo. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a loaded, semi-automatic pistol on the front passenger seat of Dunbar’s car. When patting down the defendant, officers also retrieved a plastic bag containing suspected cocaine.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Bucksport Woman Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting Counterfeit DVD SchemeRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bucksport woman was sentenced in federal court in Bangor on November 2 for aiding and abetting a mail fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Heidi Pugliese, 54, to five years of probation. She was also ordered to pay restitution to victims defrauded in the scheme.
Pugliese pleaded guilty in August 2019 to aiding and abetting Douglas Gordon in carrying out his Maine-based scheme to sell counterfeit DVDs online. An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that Gordon, the former owner of a chain of video rental stores in eastern Maine, operated three websites from which he made hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales of more than 48,000 counterfeit copies of copyright-protected movies. Pugliese assisted the scheme over a 21‑month period from 2013 to 2015, during which time it brought in approximately $140,000.
Gordon was convicted of mail fraud and copyright infringement charges in October 2019 after a seven-day jury trial in which Pugliese testified for the government.HSI investigated the case, with assistance from the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the Brewer Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Better Business Bureau.
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Bronx Man Charged with Kidnapping Girlfriend and Her 7-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of AQUILINO TORRES in connection with the kidnapping of his girlfriend and her 7-year-old son. TORRES was arrested yesterday and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, Aquilino Torres threatened to kill a 7-year-old child in carrying out a brutal kidnapping of the child and his mother. Torres then allegedly held his victims captive for several days, during which he physically abused both mother and child, and sexually assaulted the woman. Thankfully, the victims managed to escape, and thanks to the FBI and NYPD, Torres is in custody and facing federal prosecution for horrific crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The conduct we allege in this case is horrific. Torres allegedly broke a mother’s jaw, tied her hands to a bed frame after physically and sexually assaulting her, and held her and her seven-year-old child against their will for several days. In spite of all she endured, the victim was able to escape her captor with her son and bring them both to safety. The resiliency she and her son showed is commendable, and as a result of their heroic actions, Torres will now face justice. I sincerely hope that provides them some comfort; we will do everything in our power to help them heal.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “In kidnaping a mother and her son, as alleged in this case, the defendant harmed innocent victims and that will never be tolerated. I commend our NYPD investigators and federal partners for their hard work to bring justice in this case.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint[1]:
On or about October 5, 2020, TORRES approached his girlfriend (“Victim-1”) in the vicinity of Harlem in New York, New York, and threatened to kill Victim-1’s 7-year-old son (“Minor Victim-1”) if she did not come with TORRES. TORRES brought Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to a motel in the Bronx, where he proceeded to lock the door and physically assault Victim-1, including by punching Victim-1 several times in the face and body. TORRES then had sex with Victim-1 against her will. The following day, TORRES directed Victim-1 to order an Uber to take TORRES, Victim-1, and Minor Victim-1 to an apartment in Washington Heights (the “Apartment”). TORRES forced Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to stay in the Apartment against their will for multiple days. On at least one occasion, TORRES tied Victim-1’s hands to a bed frame to prevent her from leaving the Apartment while he was away. TORRES also physically assaulted Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 while at the Apartment. On or about October 10, 2020, Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 escaped from the Apartment. Thereafter, Victim-1 was admitted to a hospital, where she was found to have a broken jaw that required surgery.
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TORRES is charged with: one count of kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of life in prison, and one count of kidnapping of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life. The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD, in particular, the Violent Crimes Task Force. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney David Robles is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Boston Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man, who is currently on supervised release for a 2010 bank robbery conviction, was arrested today and charged with bank robbery.
Dennis C. Taylor, 47, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery. He was detained following an initial appearance before Chief Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.
According to charging documents, on April 29, 2020, Taylor, dressed in a dark hooded jacket, blue latex gloves and a facemask entered a branch of the Santander Bank on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, approached a teller and demanded the bank’s money. The teller handed Taylor cash, which Taylor placed in a white plastic bag and exited the bank. Included within the cash was a red dye pack. Surveillance cameras on Massachusetts Avenue captured video of O’Neil exiting the area and running towards a local parking garage as the red dye pack explodes into a plume of red smoke. During a subsequent search of the parking garage, law enforcement recovered a white plastic bag containing red dye stained money and a pair of blue latex gloves, which were found to match Taylor’s DNA profile.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the 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; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Big Stone Gap Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va.- Sammy McMahan, the last of the 21 co-conspirators who distributed methamphetamine in Wise and Lee counties in Southwest Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for his role in the scheme. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar made the announcement today following McMahan’s sentencing.
McMahan, 54, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine continues to ravage Virginia and those who traffic in it must be held accountable for harming our communities,” United States Attorney Bubar said today. “I am thankful to the ATF and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force for bringing these 21 defendants to justice.”
According to court documents, McMahan was one of 21 defendants charged in a May 29, 2019 indictment who conspired to distribute methamphetamine throughout Wise and Lee counties in Southwest Virginia. The 21 defendants were sentenced to a total of 310 years and one month in prison.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, which is comprised of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Big Stone Gap Police Department, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Lena Busscher, Jonathan Jones, and Anthony P. Giorno prosecuted the case for the United States.
Albuquerque man sentenced to six years in prison for robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Vicente Perez, 22, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on Oct. 29 in federal court to six years and three months in prison for robbery. Perez pleaded guilty on July 10. His accomplice, Jacob Merkel, pleaded guilty on Aug. 24 for his part in the crime.
According to his plea agreement, Perez admitted to driving Merkel to Tobacco Town, a business in Albuquerque, on Nov. 20, 2019, with the intent of robbing the business. Merkel robbed the store at gunpoint and fired a shot at the clerk while exiting the building. Perez and Merkel fled, but were identified and followed by Albuquerque Police. While Perez attempted to evade the police, a tire on his car blew out, disabling it, and Perez and Merkel fled on foot. Perez surrendered after a brief pursuit.
In addition to his prison sentence, Perez will be subject to three years of supervised release. Merkel remains in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.
3 November 2020
Whitewood Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Whitewood, South Dakota, man and woman who both pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, have been sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge
Robert Bartels, age 24, was sentenced on August 14, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Raina Strickland, age 24, was sentenced on October 30, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
From approximately May 2019 to December 2019, Bartels and Strickland distributed methamphetamine out of hotels in Sturgis and Spearfish.
This case investigation was a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Bartels and Strickland were immediately returned to the custody of U.S. Marshals Service.
West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Jay James Fields, 38, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“State and local law enforcement agencies work hard every single day to keep our communities safe from drug dealers like Fields,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend the Logan County Sheriff’s Department for their work in this case.”
Fields admitted that on June 12, 2020, in the Mallory Hollow area of Logan County, a deputy with the Logan County Sheriff’s Department searched his vehicle and found approximately 37 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of heroin. He admitted he intended to sell the substances.
Fields faces up to twenty years in prison when sentenced on February 1, 2021.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00149.
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Wall Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wall, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 30, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
Justin Westby, age 46, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Westby was arrested and federally indicted following multiple text messages he exchanged with a person Westby believed to be a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Westby requested sexually explicit images from the 15-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Westby went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Westby was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
United States Attorney and DEA Announce Results of DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that over eight tons of prescription drugs and other items were collected in New Hampshire during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2020.
During the event, approximately 16,840 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs and electronic vaping devices and cartridges were collected. In all, the DEA in New England collected over 57 tons of drugs and other material.
“I am grateful for the efforts of Granite State citizens to dispose of unwanted drugs in a safe and responsible way,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By participating in this event, the DEA and local law enforcement officers partnered with members of the community to remove unwanted drugs from medicine cabinets. This type of common sense effort helps to prevent drugs from being misused or wrongfully distributed.”
“Thanks to the public over 57 tons of unwanted, expired, unused, prescription drugs, electronic vaping devices and cartridges have now been taken out of harm’s way across New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. These events are only made possible through the hard work of our law enforcement, coalitions and community partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts in making this initiative a huge success.”
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Unauthorized Cash Withdrawals from ATM Locations in Shreveport Lead to Conviction of California ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Dennis Busch, 40, of Costa Mesa, California was sentenced today on federal wire fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. Busch was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 72 months (6 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to pay $63,045 in restitution.
At the guilty plea hearing on July 7, 2020, Busch admitted to defrauding Capital One Financial Corporation (“Capital One”) of thousands of dollars in 2018 and 2019. Busch used altered, re-encoded Capital One debit cards to make cash withdrawals from ATMs located in the Western District of Louisiana by entering the account holder’s personal identification number and selecting a cash withdrawal from the bank account, without the account holder’s consent or knowledge.
In September and October 2018, Busch withdrew $33,838 from bank accounts of numerous Capital One account holders. In August 2019, Busch used the same manner and means to make unauthorized cash withdrawals in the amount of $28,607 from Capital One ATMs located in this district. He attempted to make numerous additional transactions, but those transactions were denied by the bank. In total, Busch made over 300 fraudulent ATM withdrawals from account holders residing in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. The investigation revealed that some of the account holders had previously responded to text messages that were part of a phishing scam, which compromised their banking information. Capital One reimbursed the account holders and ultimately sustained the loss.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia will monitor voting procedures in Fulton and Gwinnett CountiesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Department of Justice (”DOJ”) announced plans for voting rights monitoring in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties for the Nov. 3, 2020 general election. The DOJ historically has monitored in jurisdictions in the field on election day, and is again doing so this year. The department will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “On Election Day, Civil Division staff from my office will be monitoring voting procedures at polling places throughout Fulton and Gwinnett Counties. Free and fair elections are critical to our democracy, and my office will continue to devote resources to protect this fundamental right.”
“Federal law entrusts the Civil Rights Division with protecting the right to vote for all Americans,” said Eric S. Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Our federal laws protect the right of all American citizens to vote without suffering discrimination, intimidation, and harassment. The work of the Civil Rights Division around each federal general election is a continuation of its historical mission to ensure that all of our citizens can freely exercise this most fundamental American right.”
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the division has regularly monitored in a variety of elections around the country throughout every year to protect the rights of all voters, and not just in federal general elections.
On Nov. 3, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division plan to send personnel to two jurisdictions in the Northern District of Georgia to monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws.
As in past years, monitors will focus on compliance with the Voting Rights Act, and the other federal voting rights laws enforced by the division. Monitors will include civil rights personnel from the Civil Rights Division and civil personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Civil Rights Division personnel and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will maintain contact with state and local election officials.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website, at https://www.ada.gov/.
Complaints related to disruption at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local election officials (including officials in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
Last week, the Justice Department announced its overall plans for the general election to protect the right to vote and secure the integrity of the voting process through the work of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at https://www.justice.gov/crt.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
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.
U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer Announces DOJ Grant to Combat Violent Crime in San DiegoRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Cindy Cipriani (619) 546-9608
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 3, 2020
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer today announced that Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego Inc. (“SAY”) has received a $488,495 Department of Justice grant to fight and prevent violent crime in the Southern District of California. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
“This grant to SAY will support comprehensive intervention strategies (including mentoring, restorative circles and emotional literacy education), that both dissuade youth from joining gangs and help them escape if they are already entrenched in the lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Brewer. “It is programs like this that can pull kids from the clutches of gangs and put them on a path to a better life.”
With this money, Social Advocates for Youth will implement project REJUVENATE, a comprehensive intervention program to reduce violence and gang involvement among youth living in opportunity zones in San Diego. This program will employ prevention and intervention strategies that address individual, family, and community factors that contribute to gang activities. In partnership with Project Aware and Union of Pan Asian Communities, SAY will serve 192 high-risk youth and reach 3,000 youth ages 12–17. The program will seek to reduce gang involvement by 80 percent for participants by providing work experience, life skills, and counseling. SAY will increase rates of participants in alcohol and drug education, intervention and referral for treatment, and increase community connectedness. Activities include employment training, restorative talk circles, counseling, and the development of a youth-led task force.
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson announces $500,000 to combat violent crime in the District of New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced a $500,000 Department of Justice grant to fight and prevent violent crime in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
“I am pleased to announce this additional funding awarded to Bernalillo County as part of Operation Legend,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Sheriff Gonzales and his department have been integral partners in identifying and apprehending perpetrators of dangerous crimes in our community. This funding helps to ensure that our efforts are sustainable over the long term.”
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Bernalillo County will receive $500,000 to assist in continuing efforts as part of Operation Legend. Operation Legend is an ongoing, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across federal law enforcement agencies work with state and local law enforcement officials to fight the current surge of violent crime in American cities.
“The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is grateful for our federal law enforcement partners supporting our office in the removal of career criminals from the streets and combating Albuquerque's out-of-control crime crisis. This additional funding proves we have the federal government's full support to make Bernalillo County a safer place to live.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Two Virginia Men Convicted for Their Roles in Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury found two representatives of a purported investment company based in the United Kingdom guilty on Oct. 30 for their roles in an investment fraud scheme by which they stole at least $5 million from victim investors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia, Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colón of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group, Special Agent in Charge David Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office and Mark C. Christie Chair of the Virginia State Corporation made the announcement.
After a four-day trial, James Michael Johnson, 69, of Richmond, Virginia and James Leonard Smith, 64, of Midlothian, Virginia, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Brian Michael Bridge, 46, of London, England, a fugitive, was also charged in the superseding indictment. Sentencing for Johnson and Bridge is scheduled for March 5, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson for the Eastern District of Virginia. Co-conspirator Stuart Anderson, who pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13.
According to evidence presented at trial, Johnson and Smith participated in a worldwide scheme through Chimera Group Ltd. The scheme operated as an advance fee scheme which involved the defendants as promoters who promised to pay the victims a sum of money at a later date in exchange for an upfront advanced payment. Among other misrepresentations, Johnson and Smith and their co-conspirators told potential victims that their principal payments would be protected based on letters of credit and other documents that purported to be from a large financial institution. However, these letters were fabricated. The evidence also showed that the defendants used escrow attorneys, who were themselves part of the scheme, in order to give the victims the appearance that their money would remain secure until the defendants’ promises had been kept.
The defendants stole at least $5 million from their victims.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group, FBI’s Richmond Field Office and Virginia State Corporation Commission investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Vasanth Sridharan and Christopher Jackson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Moore of the Eastern District of Virginia 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.
Two Men Charged with March 2011 MurderRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and David Chong, Public Safety Commissioner for the City of White Plains, announced the unsealing of a federal Indictment charging MARCUS CHAMBERS, 29, a/k/a “Chino,” a/k/a “Chi D,” a/k/a “SP,” and DARNELL KIDD, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Donney,” a/k/a “Donney Black,” 29, with the murder of Jonathan Johnson, 21, on March 18, 2011, in White Plains, New York. CHAMBERS and KIDD are serving prison sentences from prior federal convictions, and will be brought to the federal courthouse in White Plains at a later date to be presented before a magistrate judge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “In March 2011, Jonathan Johnson was shot dead, the victim of senseless drug-related violence. As alleged in the Indictment, Marcus Chambers and Darnell Kidd are responsible for that murder. Thanks to the work of our remarkable law enforcement partners, Chambers and Kidd now stand charged in federal court for this terrible crime.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “At times, it may seem murders are less likely to be solved as more time passes. However, as the two men charged in this case have learned, the investigators and analysts assigned to our Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force don’t let time get in the way. Their commendable dedication and determination has now forced these men to answer for their alleged actions.”
White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong said: “When local and federal law enforcement team together, there is little place for criminals to hide. This is a perfect example, taking two alleged felons off the streets for a vicious crime.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment[1]:
On or about March 18, 2011, CHAMBERS and KIDD murdered Jonathan Johnson by shooting him during the course of an armed robbery of Johnson for marijuana in White Plains, New York.
CHAMBERS and KIDD are each charged with one count of murdering Johnson through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and aiding and abetting the same, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j) and 2. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
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Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the White Plains Police Department and the FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises agents and task force officers from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, New York City Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Ramapo Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Greenburgh Police Department, Peekskill Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, and Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Strauss also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this matter.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Olga Zverovich and Christopher Brumwell are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Former eBay Executives Indicted in Connection with Cyberstalking CampaignRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two former eBay, Inc. executives were indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with their roles in a cyberstalking campaign targeting the editor and publisher of a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.
James Baugh, 45, of San Jose, Calif., eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety & Security, and David Harville, 48, of New York City, eBay’s former Director of Global Resiliency, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and through facilities of interstate commerce, two counts each of stalking through interstate travel, two counts of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce, two counts (Baugh) and one count (Harville) of witness tampering, and two counts (Baugh) and one count (Harville) of destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in a federal investigation. Baugh and Harville were previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on June 15, 2020.
Co-conspirators and former eBay employees Philip Cooke, 55, Brian Gilbert, 52, Stephanie Popp, 32, Veronica Zea, 26, and Stephanie Stockwell, 26, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses.
According to the charging document, the victims of the cyberstalking campaign were a Natick couple who are the editor and publisher of an online newsletter that covers ecommerce companies, including eBay. Members of eBay’s executive leadership team followed the newsletter’s posts, often taking issue with its content and the anonymous comments underneath the editor’s stories.
It is alleged that in August 2019, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a three-part harassment campaign targeting the Natick couple, which included the defendants sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car.
Among other things, the indictment alleges that Baugh convened meetings to plan and coordinate the various parts of the harassment campaign; directed Harville to travel with him to Boston for an “op” targeting the victims and their website; directed Stockwell to “make up” allegations that the victims had made direct threats to eBay, the company’s CEO and its employees as cover in case the surveillance team was stopped; and posed as Zea’s husband when a Natick Police detective arrived in the lobby of Boston’s Ritz Carlton hotel to investigate eBay’s connection to the harassment campaign.
Among other things, the indictment alleges that Harville flew from California to Boston intending to place the victims under surveillance; attempted to install a GPS tracking device on the victims’ car; purchased tools intending to break in to the victims’ garage; lied to an eBay investigator who was responding to the Natick Police’s request for assistance; and deleted evidence from his company-issued cell phone after learning of the criminal investigation.
The charges of conspiracy to commit stalking and stalking each carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. The charges of witness tampering and destruction, alteration and fabrication of records in a federal investigation each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. The witness tampering charges also carry the potential for forfeiture. 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; and Natick Chief of Police James G. Hicks made the announcement today. eBay provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the federal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Former Jacksonville City Council Members Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Katrina Brown (40, Jacksonville) to 33 months in federal prison and Reginald Brown (58, Jacksonville) to 18 months in federal prison. The Court also ordered Katrina Brown to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $425,335.68 and Reginald Brown to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $411,752.68, funds which are traceable to the offenses.
On October 2, 2019, a jury found Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, aiding and abetting mail and wire fraud, and aiding and abetting money laundering. The jury also found Katrina Brown guilty of attempted bank fraud and making false statements to a federally insured financial institution. Reginald Brown was also found guilty of failure to file an income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service for tax year 2014.
According to the evidence, in late 2013, Katrina Brown was the primary principal for two businesses (Basic Products, LLC and CoWealth, LLC), which in 2011 obtained a loan in the amount of $2,652,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and both a loan of $380,000 and a grant of approximately $260,000 from the City of Jacksonville (COJ), to fund a small business that specialized in manufacturing, bottling, and selling barbecue sauce. As a member of the Jacksonville City Council, Reginald Brown voted in favor of City Ordinance 2011-290-E, which authorized the COJ loan and grant – proceeds of which he and Katrina Brown would later obtain by fraud.
Katrina Brown’s family had been in the barbecue business in Jacksonville for many years. The $3.2 million in financing was intended to fund an expansion of Basic Products and help create permanent manufacturing jobs in Northwest Jacksonville. Each time Katrina Brown sought money for Basic Products from BizCapital, the SBA-approved lender, she submitted a Loan Reimbursement Form that included the purported business expenses for which Basic Products sought reimbursement.
In late 2013, when the barbecue business was failing, Katrina Brown assisted Jacksonville City Councilman Reginald Brown in incorporating two businesses (A Plus Training and Consultants, LLC and RB Packaging, LLC) with the Florida Division of Corporations. A Plus Training and RB Packaging never performed any legitimate business. Instead of properly notifying BizCapital that Basic Products was in financial distress, Katrina Brown worked with Reginald Brown to submit fake invoices from A Plus Training and RB Packaging to the SBA lender, BizCapital, claiming that his businesses performed work for Basic Products requiring reimbursement, when the businesses did not.
BizCapital sent checks at times, larger than $60,000, to RB Packaging and A Plus Training, which, on paper, were headquartered at Reginald Brown’s home and his mother’s home, respectively. Reginald Brown deposited the checks into the bank accounts for A Plus Training and RB Packaging, then withdrew a significant portion of the money and provided it to Katrina Brown, who either kept the cash or laundered the money by depositing it back into the Basic Products bank account so that she could control the funds.
From late 2013 to early 2015, Reginald Brown, A Plus Training, and RB Packaging served as a conduit to receive $264,419.04 in proceeds from the SBA loan and the COJ grant, then funneled at least $166,500 back to Basic Products. Reginald Brown kept the money not provided to Katrina Brown, despite performing no legitimate work or services for Basic Products, and used the majority of the money for personal expenses. Reginald Brown never filed a tax return for tax year 2014, and he also failed to disclose to the IRS that he had received tens of thousands of dollars from the SBA.
In December 2014, BizCapital sent all loan, including the numerous fraudulent A Plus Training and RB Packaging invoices draw information to the City of Jacksonville. That loan information was relied upon by the COJ to wire $210,549.99 in tax-payer funded grant money to BizCapital for the intended use of Basic Products. Before the money was sent to BizCapital, neither Katrina Brown nor Reginald Brown informed BizCapital or the city that Basic Products had fraudulently obtained loan payments to Reginald Brown’s shell companies (A Plus Training and RB Packaging). Reginald Brown was serving on the Jacksonville City Council when he facilitated fraudulently obtaining the $210,549.99 from the City of Jacksonville. Neither Katrina Brown nor Reginald Brown ever repaid those funds.
After BizCapital informed Katrina Brown that the SBA loan was in default status in January 2015, she then attempted to obtain two bank loans, in 2015 and 2016, by submitting doctored and false bank statements to loan brokers, seeking loans from WebBank to infuse cash into her family’s businesses. Instead of providing the actual bank statements of the businesses, Katrina Brown falsified the businesses’ bank statements in an attempt to make it appear to the lender that the businesses were credit worthy, when in fact they were not.
“The FBI takes our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain very seriously,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown chose to prioritize their greed at the expense of the taxpayers, and the FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who uses illegal means and criminal behavior to advance their personal agendas.”
“Left unchecked, greed can be a dangerous motivator. Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown made conscious decisions to deceive and benefit personally at the expense of the citizens of Jacksonville,” stated Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Reginald Brown further exposed his greed by failing to report his ill-gotten gains on his tax returns. We are committed to the collaborative effort to combat fraud and to prosecute those who take advantage of others for personal gain.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tysen Duva and Michael J. Coolican.
Trenton man pleads guilty to aiding illegal purchase of firearms connected to the killing of Dayton DEA task force officerRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Arland Mills, 42, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to hiring a man to illegally purchase firearms for him.
As part of his scheme, Mills obtained multiple firearms, three of which were later recovered during the execution of a search warrant on Ruskin Road in Dayton where Dayton Police Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge Del Rio was shot on Nov. 4, 2019.
Delano Wells, 50, of Trenton, purchased the firearms at a licensed firearms dealer in Middletown on behalf of Mills. Wells was charged by criminal complaint on Nov. 5, 2019, with making false statements on a federal firearms form. Wells lied on ATF Form 4473 by indicating “yes” he was purchasing the firearm for himself and not for anyone else.
Once Wells purchased the firearms, he would provide them to Mills. Mills then either paid Wells a stipend in addition to the cost of the gun, or he forgave a portion of the debt owed to him by Wells.
Wells purchased more than eight firearms in this manner on behalf of Mills, along with several firearm lower receivers.
Mills will be forfeiting 28 firearms, which were seized by the government from Mills as part of this case.
Aiding and abetting the making of a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Chris Hoffman, Special in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck, Jr. announced the plea entered into today before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Andrew J. Hunt are representing the United States in this case.
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Towing Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Evading Cash Transaction ReportingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Revere towing company pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in an under-the-table payroll fraud scheme that defrauded the government of more than $3.3 million.
Gennaro Angiulo, 49, of Nahant and Saugus, pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes and one count of evading cash transaction reporting requirements. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2021.
For tax years 2014 through at least 2017, Angiulo paid a portion of the wages to employees of his company, GJ Towing, in cash “under the table.” In doing so, Angiulo did not collect, account for or pay over to the IRS required withholding and FICA taxes. The cash payments to employees were funded, at least in part, by cashing checks from clients of GJ Towing and other third parties in groups totaling not more than $10,000 in a single day.
The charge of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of evading cash transaction reporting requirements provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 and forfeiture. Angiulo is also required to pay restitution to the IRS. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Driving Getaway CarRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for driving a getaway car during a robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Justin Alexander McClelland, 33, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a commercial robbery. In his plea, McClelland admitted he drove a co-defendant to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant where the co-defendant committed the robbery. Then McClelland drove the co-defendant away from the robbery.
Co-defendant Joshua Musgraves, 27, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to robbery and is set for sentencing Jan. 25.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Supervisor at Fairfield Post Office Pleads Guilty to Stealing Cash from MailRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, announced that JESSICA GILES, 37, of West Haven, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2019 and May 2020, while she was employed as a supervisor at the U.S. Post Office in Fairfield, Giles used the flashlight feature on her phone to examine the content of various envelopes that had been placed in the mail. When she believed that an envelope contained U.S. currency, she opened the envelope, stole the cash that was found inside and, on multiple occasions, tore up and disposed of the envelope.
Giles’ illegal conduct was recorded by video surveillance at the Fairfield post office.
Giles is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on February 4, 2021, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Giles is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
St. Thomas Woman Arrested for Harboring and Importing Multiple Aliens for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that a complaint has been filed charging Ramona Rivera Luna with alien harboring and importation of aliens for immoral purposes.
According to court documents filed in the case, Ramona Rivera Luna, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested on Friday, October 30, 2020. Earlier that day, federal agents executed a search warrant at The Embers Guest House, which the defendant owns and operated for over 15 years. Federal agents discovered seven female aliens from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela whom the defendant is alleged to have smuggled into St. Thomas by others, after having lured the females to work for her with the false offer of legitimate bartending and server jobs. Once the women arrived in St. Thomas, they were forced to engage in commercial sex acts, with the proceeds used to pay off their respective smuggling debts, which ranged from $8,000 to $15,000, and to pay the defendant $200 a week for rent. The women had to obtain permission and pay to leave the premises for any reason, including merely running errands such as to the grocery store, paying a $150 exit fee. Court documents allege that the defendant maintained her control over the women with threats of possible violence and near constant surveillance—the premises were equipped with video cameras, all of which were connected to a DVR found in the defendant’s bedroom.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport Traveler Sentenced for Undeclared Firearm in LuggageRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Wayne Smith was sentenced today on his conviction for causing a firearm to be present in a federal facility, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Smith previously plead guilty to the charge on June 24, 2020. In his plea agreement, he admitted that, on March 21, 2020, at the Cyril E. King airport, he was a ticketed passenger on a Jet Blue Airline flight and checked luggage in his son’s name that contained a Ruger LCP pistol and an ammunition magazine. Although he was aware that the luggage contained the firearm and ammunition magazine, he did not notify Jet Blue Airlines or the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that the luggage contained a firearm. The Transportation Security Administration discovered the firearm at the federal security checkpoint.
District Court Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller sentenced Smith to an 18 month term of probation and a $5,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.
Sex Offender Who Fled with Girlfriend to Mexico Admits Violating Sex Offender LawRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LESTER B. JOY, 40, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to failing to register as a sex offender.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 25, 2002, Joy was convicted in the State of New Jersey of sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree and theft in the third degree. For these offenses, he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment, lifetime community supervision and was subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender. On January 4, 2006, Joy was convicted in Suffolk County, New York, of three counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of criminal sexual acts in the third degree and two counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor. For these offenses, he was sentenced to a period of 42 to 84 months of incarceration and lifetime probation.
On November 30, 2013, Joy was released from the Morris County, New Jersey jail following service of a sentence for violation of his lifetime term of community supervision in New Jersey. However, he did not register as a sex offender in either New Jersey or New York, and moved to Connecticut. He failed to notify New Jersey, New York and Connecticut officials of his move to Connecticut, as required. On February 23, 2015, Joy pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to failing to register as a sex offender. On May 18, 2015, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for that offense.
In January 2017, after he was released from federal prison, Joy failed to report to parole in New Jersey and failed to seek permission to change his address or advise New Jersey of his new address Connecticut. He also failed to comply with treatment requirements of his federal supervised release. In April 2017, Joy was sentenced to an additional seven months of federal imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. He was released from federal custody in August 2017.
On February 17, 2019, Joy’s girlfriend, who did not have physical or legal custody of her three minor children, participated in a Department of Children and Families’ supervised visit with the children at a restaurant in Waterbury. During the visit, Joy’s girlfriend was given permission to take the children to the restroom. Instead, Joy’s girlfriend took her children out the back door of the restaurant into a waiting vehicle determined to have been used by Joy in the past.
On March 7, 2019, Joy, his girlfriend and her three children were located by Mexican law enforcement authorities in Mazatlán, Mexico, and Joy and his girlfriend were arrested. Joy had failed to provide information to the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry, as required by SORNA, about his travel to Mexico.
Joy has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2021, at which time Joy faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
On October 29, 2020, Joy pleaded guilty in Waterbury Superior Court to three counts of risk of injury, and was sentenced to three years of incarceration followed by seven years of special parole.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of Mexican law enforcement authorities. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater and Nancy V. Gifford.
Robeson County Man Pled Guilty to Illegal Gambling ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – On November 2, 2020 Keaton Chamers Oxendine, age 26, of Robeson County, pled guilty to aiding and abetting an illegal gambling business in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1955 and 2.
According to the indictment, from in or around 2018, and continuing up to on or about July 23, 2018, Oxendine did unlawfully conspire with others to conduct an illegal gambling business involving video gambling devices and slot machines, in violation of the laws of the State of North Carolina, to wit, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14‑306.4 (sweepstakes through entertaining display), § 14‑306.1A (video gaming machines), and § 14-292 (gambling). The illegal gambling business allegedly managed by Oxendine involved five or more persons, remained in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days, and had a gross revenue exceeding $2,000.00 in any single day.
Oxendine faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Department of Homeland Security, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE), and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes is prosecuting the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Retired Lawyer Sentenced to 24 Months Imprisonment for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – On November 2, 2020, retired attorney Bruce L. Lamon, age 66, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years supervised release following his April plea of guilty to evading payment of his taxes for calendar years 2008 through 2013. Lamon was also ordered to pay $744,339 in back taxes to the IRS.
“Tax cheats steal from all of us” said United States Attorney Billy J. Williams. “This defendant chose greed over paying his taxes. Thanks to the excellent work of the IRS, this disgraced lawyer was caught and will now serve time.”
Lamon worked as a commercial litigator at a law firm in Honolulu, Hawaii, for 30 years. Lamon retired in 2012 and moved to Hillsboro. Between November 2012 and December 2015, Lamon committed numerous affirmative acts to evade his tax obligations. These included titling vehicles in his former spouse’s name and purchasing three rental properties using an LLC registered in Hawaii to conceal these assets from the IRS.
After he was indicted in October 2018, Lamon failed to appear for his arraignment. He bought a burner cell phone, rented a car, and hid from federal law enforcement officers for six weeks. IRS agents tracked Lamon’s movements and arrested him when he returned the rental car.
U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez found that Lamon had used his skills as an attorney to create a sophisticated method for hiding his assets from the IRS. Judge Hernandez also found Lamon obstructed justice by not appearing for his arraignment and for staying on the run for six weeks.
Lamon recently sold his three rental properties and paid the IRS $465,000 from the sale proceeds.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Ponzi Scheme Operator Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
A McKinney man who conned investors out of more than $13 million has pleaded guilty to securities fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Patrick O. Howard – owner of Insured Liquidity Partners CGF I, Insured Liquidity Partners CGF II, and Capital Ventures, LLC – was charged in June 2018 and pleaded guilty via videoteleconference Tuesday morning.
“This defendant repeatedly lied about his funds’ performance, inducing investors – including several retirees – to turn over considerable sums of money that he then squandered. The Northern District of Texas is committed to investigating and prosecuting financial fraud," said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
In plea papers, Mr. Howard, 49, admitted to running a Ponzi-type scheme, recruiting more than 100 investors to purchase $13 million in membership units for $50,000 apiece.
His companies promised investors 12% annual returns, paid quarterly, and “insured liquidity.” However, instead of properly investing the money, the companies issued phony account statements and paid any investors who elected to receive their earnings quarterly out of the investments of later investors, rather than out of the earnings of the fund.
Mr. Howard falsely represented himself as a registered investment advisor and claimed his companies saw 20% annual earnings. Promising that investors could not possibly lose money due to insurance that offset poor performance, the defendant induced at least one investor to turn over his entire retirement savings to the fund.
Mr. Howard now faces up to five years in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for March 4, 2021.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, with a parallel investigation conducted by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani is prosecuting the criminal case.
Orlando Man Arrested for Submitting False Claim for FEMA Benefits Related to Hurricane IrmaRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Steven Rembert (48, Orange County) with disaster assistance fraud related to Hurricane Irma. If convicted, Rembert faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, plus payment of restitution to the United States.
According to the
indictment , in September 2017, Rembert falsified records concerning his primary residence when submitting an application for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program for Hurricane Irma.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at (866) 720-5721 or complete the online complaint form by visiting www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Opelousas Man Sentenced for Arson of Three African-American ChurchesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Holden James Matthews, 23, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 300 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for intentionally setting fire to three African-American Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Matthews on three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1)—one count for each church—as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h). The fires, which Matthews set over a ten-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $590,246 to St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, $970,213.30 to Greater Union Baptist Church, and $1,100,000 to Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.
Matthews pled guilty to these charges on February 10, 2020. At his guilty plea hearing, Matthews admitted that between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning. Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
“The members of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church are the ones who have suffered the most from these heinous crimes and have lost not only physical buildings, but sentimental items that cannot be replaced,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana. “The sentence handed down today will not bring their churches back but should send a clear message that there is a high price to pay for this type of destruction and violence and these type of crimes will not be tolerated by this office.”
“These churches trace their origins to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and, for generations, were a place for predominantly African American Christians to gather, pray, worship, and celebrate their faith,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The churches survived for nearly 150 years but did not survive this defendant’s warped act of hatred. I extend my sympathy to the victims of this defendant’s arson spree, the congregants of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. The Justice Department will continue vigorously to protect their right to worship and live in peace. The Justice Department stands against these acts of hate and the sentence handed down today reflects that. We will continue to protect the civil right of Americans to freedom of worship without fear of persecution.”
“ATF, working alongside our law enforcement partners, was able to bring our expertise and resources to investigate the arsons that threatened the well-being of St. Landry Parish,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “That collaborative effort led to a successful investigation and today’s sentencing of Holden Matthews, and allows the residents of St. Landry Parish to continue to worship without fear of an arsonist in their midst.”
“A cornerstone of our Constitution is the Freedom of Religion and the right to practice your faith freely and without intimidation. Mr. Matthews’ acts of threatening and intimidating an entire community by setting fire to three historically African American churches was unspeakable. We hope that today’s sentencing brings a level of comfort and satisfaction that justice has prevailed for the parishioners of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as well as for all of the citizens of St. Landry Parish affected by these heinous acts,” stated FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.
This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team, Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division, Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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Ohio man admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quaison Maurice Harris, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harris, also known as “Action,” age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Harris admitted to selling cocaine near Belle Isle Playground on Wheeling Island in February 2020.
Harris faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
North Huntingdon Man Sentenced in SCO Drug CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Western Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court on convictions of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence of twelve months plus one day of imprisonment, and three years of supervised release, on Gregory Luptak, 52, of North Huntingdon, PA.
According to information presented to the Court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh. Law enforcement identified several individuals who were illegally distributing controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as members of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled "SCO" and whose leader was identified as Howard McFadden.
In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wiretap investigation, which continued through May of 2019. As a result of this investigation, Luptak, along with 32 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.
The Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Luptak obtained large quantities of heroin, which he distributed to others in and around the North Huntingdon area. Luptak informed the Court that he would sell the heroin to his drug customers at a mark-up so that he could buy more heroin for himself. On at least one occasion, law enforcement observed Luptak meet McFadden at a stash house location on Seddon Avenue in Braddock to conduct a drug transaction.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the multi-agency team, which was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moore. Partners in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies included the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Alliance, Nebraska, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 30, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Brian Hinman, age 38, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
From approximately November 2018 to December 2018, Hinman obtained methamphetamine, which he then distributed in South Dakota. A traffic stop of Hinman by Nebraska State Patrol, in December 2018, recovered 42 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement, SD Division of Criminal Investigation, Badlands Safe Trails Drug Task Force, and the Nebraska State Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Hinman was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Chad Francisco, 31, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to manufacturing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a child endangerment investigation by the Nashua Police Department resulted in a criminal investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). During the investigation, HSI obtained a federal search warrant for Francisco’s cellular phone, which revealed visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving two children under the age of 10 years old. Francisco created the visual depictions using his cellular phone and admitted to transmitting the photos to others through text messages.
Francisco is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2021.
“Protecting children from abuse is among the highest priorities of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who exploit a child in order to create child pornography subject their victim to trauma that may have enduring consequences throughout the child’s lifetime. We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who harm children by manufacturing child pornography.”
”We’re gratified that a guilty plea has been achieved in this case, which involved not just the distribution but the creation of multiple disturbing images of child victims by this defendant,” said David Magdycz, acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI), Boston. “This case is testimony to the effectiveness of the close partnership that HSI and our law enforcement partners in the Nashua Police Department and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire have built and continue to strengthen in order to combat crimes against children in New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Ten Years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Ten Years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 2, 2020, Maximino Vargas (age: 46) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a term of ten years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
According to court documents, between March and June 2019, Vargas sold a DEA confidential source high-purity amounts of methamphetamine on four occasions. The methamphetamine quantities ranged between approximately 28 grams and 168 grams. Laboratory testing later confirmed the methamphetamine ranged between 99% and 100% pure. On two other occasions during the same period, Vargas sold the confidential source approximately two ounces of cocaine. Vargas conducted these drug transaction near his Milwaukee residence, which was located in close proximity to the Alexander Mitchell Integrated Arts School – a public elementary and middle school and designated drug-free zone. On June 17, 2019, law-enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at Mr. Vargas’s Milwaukee residence.
The officers found several items consistent with drug-trafficking activity, including approximately 1.45 kilograms (3.2 pounds) of methamphetamine, 205 grams of cocaine, 43 grams of cocaine, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Schryver model S-15 5.56 caliber rifle, a Glock 42 .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, digital scales, multiple cellular phones, and $21,186 in U.S. currency (a search of the same residence in January 2019 yielded controlled substances, firearms, and $48,000 in U.S. currency as well).
In pronouncing sentence, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman noted the serious nature of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant.
The case was investigated by the North Central HIDTA Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Brady, Jr.
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For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales
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Meridian Man Sentenced to over 27 Years in Prison for Conspiracy and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Daniel Robert, age 43, of Meridian, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III to serve 330 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy and narcotics trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Robert was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On January 23, 2020, after a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court, Robert was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Robert was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on September 3, 2009.
From 2007 through 2009, Robert was being investigated by the FBI along with several other individuals. The FBI’s investigation showed that Robert directed the sale of multiple kilograms of cocaine and took in tens of thousands of dollars. Robert organized the transport of cocaine from Houston, Texas, and sold the narcotics in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Robert’s criminal organization involved numerous people and utilized vehicles with custom built hidden compartments for transportation of drugs and money.
An undercover operation specifically showed that Robert received $16,000 in exchange for over a kilogram of cocaine. Robert used two different individuals, who were both charged as co-conspirators, to receive money and distribute cocaine.
On June 26, 2009, Robert, along with another co-conspirator, were stopped in Vidor, Texas, driving a truck with a hidden compartment containing almost 8 kilograms of cocaine. Robert was released from custody in Vidor, Texas, and traveled back to Mississippi. With the help of his girlfriend, Robert attempted to reclaim his cocaine, which he believed had not been discovered in the hidden compartment.
Robert believed his girlfriend was arranging to purchase the truck from insurance adjusters who had taken possession of the truck on the basis that it was reported stolen. The insurance adjusters were actually undercover FBI agents with the consent of the insurance company that actually owned the truck. Video recordings and pictures were taken of Robert and his girlfriend when they came to the insurance “sale.” After “purchasing” the truck, Robert returned to Meridian, and proceeded to attempt to recover the cocaine he thought was still inside the hidden compartment.
FBI and SWAT officers descended on the location and arrested most of the organization, but Robert was able to elude capture by fleeing into a nearby field. Robert remained at large for a decade before he was taken into custody by the FBI.
Robert has an additional pending charge for witness tampering in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Robert also faces charges in Illinois for narcotics distribution and witness tampering.
The OCDETF operation is a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin O. Chalk and Chet Kirkham.