Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
2 November 2020
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Export Maritime Raiding Craft and Engines to ChinaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Ge Songtao (50, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to submit false export information through the federal government’s Automated Export System and to fraudulently export to China maritime raiding craft and engines, and attempting to fraudulently export that equipment in violation of U.S. law. Ge Songtao faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , Ge Songtao was the chairman of Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. Ltd., a company headquartered in Shanghai, China. Beginning in 2018, he was interested in identifying a source of supply of U.S.-manufactured combat rubber raiding craft equipped with engines that can operate using gasoline, diesel fuel, or jet fuel. These vessels and multi-fuel engines are used by the U.S. military and can be operated after being launched from a submerged submarine or dropped into the ocean by an aircraft. No comparable engine is manufactured in China.One of Ge Songtao’s U.S.-based employees, co-defendant Yang Yang, attempted to order seven of the raiding craft equipped with these engines from a U.S. manufacturer. When the U.S. manufacturer suggested that Yang Yang purchase cheaper gasoline-fueled engines, she insisted that she wanted to purchase the military-model multi-fuel engines. To induce the manufacturer to sell this equipment, Yang falsely represented that her customer was an entity called United Vision Limited in Hong Kong, rather than Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. in Shanghai. One of Yang’s Chinese co-workers had told her that American manufacturers would be more likely to sell to an entity in Hong Kong rather than one in mainland China. By misrepresenting what company was buying the equipment, and where it was located, Yang caused the entry of false information in the Department of Commerce’s Automated Export System in violation of federal law.
To facilitate the purchase of the raiding craft and engines, Ge Songtao arranged for the wire transfers to a separate company in Hong Kong, Belt Consulting Company Limited, which in turn wired over $110,000 to the U.S. manufacturer. He also coordinated plans to send an employee to Hong Kong to receive the raiding craft and engines and transship them to mainland China.
On September 15, 2020, Yang Yang pleaded guilty to the same two charges to which Ge Songtao has pleaded guilty. On August 13, 2020, co-defendant Zheng Yan pleaded guilty to conspiring to submit false export information and to fraudulently export the raiding craft and engines in violation of U.S. law. The trial of remaining co-defendant Fan Yang, is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2021.
“As FBI Director Christopher Wray has stated previously, we will not tolerate it when China violates our criminal laws and international norms, much less enable it,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “FBI Jacksonville and our partners throughout the U.S. government will continue working to hold China accountable and protect our nation’s innovation, ideas, and way of life.”
“Ge Songtao’s attempts to illegally acquire sensitive U.S. technology for illicit purposes threatened the operational readiness and safety of our nation’s military,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas Cannizzo of the NCIS Southeast Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to preserving Department of the Navy warfighter superiority by protecting our nation’s critical technologies and infrastructure from theft or compromise at home and abroad.”
“A top priority of the Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, is ensuring that the United States military always maintains its qualitative edge on the battlefield by preventing circumvention of U.S. export controls and export filing requirements,” said Acting Agent in Charge Alan Berkowitz. “In working with our law enforcement partners we disrupted Chinese illicit procurement of U.S. military combat raiding craft and protected our strategic commodities from falling into the wrong hands.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican and Heather Schmidt, Senior Trial Attorney, Counterintelligence and Export Section, U.S. Department of Justice.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Gregory Eugene Woods, 43, of Charleston, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Woods is one of 14 defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave,” which dismantled a poly-drug network operating in Kanawha and Fayette Counties.
“Woods returned to drug dealing even while still on federal supervised release from a prior drug conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Great job by law enforcement in the “Second Wave” investigation that netted Woods and 13 others.”
On April 21, 2020, the Charleston Police Department stopped Woods’ vehicle for a traffic violation. A drug dog alerted to the vehicle, and police seized approximately two ounces of cocaine hidden in a coffee cup. Woods was on his way to deliver the cocaine to an individual in Montgomery, West Virginia who was under investigation by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Woods was on federal supervised release at the time of the traffic stop. In 2016, he was convicted of using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Woods faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 1, 2021.
The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the keystone of the Attorney General’s strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. OCDETF agents and prosecutors nationwide handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States. OCDETF facilitates joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
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-00153.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Buffalo Man Charged with Spending His Deceased Father's Social Security BenefitsRead 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 Abdulkawi Al Shuaibi, 47, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with theft of government property. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant’s father received retirement benefits under the Social Security Act. These benefits should have ceased when Al Shuaibi’s father died in August 2013. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) continued to pay these benefits until February 2019, with the defendant spending the money. The resulting loss to the SSA was approximately $76,393.50.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso.
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.
# # # #
Armed Robber Arrested in TennesseeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Shawn O’Neil Smith (22, Zephyrhills) with robbery. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the
complaint , on October 10, 2020, Smith, armed with a handgun, robbed the Shell gas station located at 4330 Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico. Smith threatened an employee with the handgun and also discharged the firearm during the robbery.The joint efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office led to Smith’s identification and his apprehension in Tennessee. Smith appeared in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee on October 29, 2020, and was ordered detained pending his removal to Tampa.
A complaint 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 was investigated by ATF and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Albuquerque man arraigned on gun charge under Operation LegendRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Leyba, 34, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court in on Oct. 28 on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Leyba will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Sept. 7, Leyba allegedly drove a stolen vehicle to a motel in Albuquerque and exited the vehicle with a holstered gun on his hip. Law enforcement officers searched Leyba’s vehicle on Sept. 8 and found two handguns. As a previously convicted felon, Leyba cannot legally possess as firearm or ammunition.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Leyba faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez is prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime.
Akron man charged with illegal possession of a machine gunRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland has returned a two-count indictment charging Dazhan McCallister, age 20, of Akron with illegal possession of a machinegun and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm.
According to court documents, on or about July 28, 2020, Akron police responded to complaints of a large group of people blocking traffic in a nearby park. Law enforcement officers approached the group and noticed the defendant carrying a firearm. The defendant was allegedly in possession of a Glock, Model 17, 9mm caliber pistol with an installed conversion device designed to allow the weapon to fire automatically, more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The firearm was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Akron Police Department and the ATF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced RONALD ARTHUR BLAIN, 52, of Cheyenne to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by lifetime of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
In late 2018 and early 2019, agents with the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received several Cybertips indicating Blain was using an internet application to access child pornography. ICAC agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation executed search warrants for several of Blain’s internet accounts. Agents discovered Blain was accessing child pornography while he was on parole with the State of Wyoming for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in First, Second, and Third Degrees.
“HSI special agents won’t ever relent when it comes to protecting children and prosecuting sex offenders like Ronald Arthur Blain,” said Steven Cagen, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Denver. “Today’s sentencing is the result of hard work by our local, state, and federal partners to investigate and prosecute these heinous crimes by using every available resource to pursue the guilty and protect the innocent.”
Blain was arrested on June 9, 2020, and entered his plea of guilty to one count of possession of child pornography August 11, 2020. Blain has been and will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
“This case is an example of our ongoing efforts to protect the innocence of children,” said United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen. “The prosecution of repeat offenders is a priority because of the risk they pose to vulnerable victims and the life-long impacts of abuse. We simply have to do everything we can to identify and stop this criminal behavior.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation an abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $2.4 Million in Grants to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon today announced more than $2.3 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the thirty-two counties that make up the Northern District of New York. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are 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. These 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.”
“We cannot rest until all members of our community can live free from the fear of violent crime,” said Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon. “These grants will support research and evaluation on policing and efforts to improve the criminal history program. I am grateful for this important work in the Northern District of New York. “
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.
The following local organizations received funding:
The John Finn Institute for Public Safety received $619,648 under the Research and Evaluation on Policing, FY 2020. According to their project abstract, the purpose of the project is to conduct research to illuminate the forms of investigative activities and evidence that contribute to investigative and prosecutorial outcomes, including an experimental evaluation of a systematic effort to better exploit video and audio technology for investigative and prosecutorial purposes among cases involving firearms. The goals are to deepen the current understanding of whether and how specific forms of investigative activities contribute to (or detract from) case clearances and prosecutions. Researchers will also conduct a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of systematically supplementing the efforts of sworn criminal investigators with those of crime analysts in tapping specific available investigative resources. They will partner with the Syracuse Police Department.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services received $1,700,000 under the National Criminal History Improvement Program, FY 2020. Through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), the Bureau of Justice Statistics provides direct awards and technical assistance to states and localities to improve the quality, timeliness, and immediate accessibility of criminal history records and related information. Complete records require that data from all components of the criminal justice system be integrated and linked, including law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and corrections. NCHIP assists states to establish the integrated infrastructure that meets the needs of all components.
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.
31 October 2020
Lewiston Man Sentenced to over Six Years on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Portland for possession of a firearm by a felon, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced Gage Henry, 21, to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Henry pleaded guilty to the charge on January 28, 2020.
On June 20, 2019, law enforcement officers, possessing a state arrest warrant for Henry, located him in a Lewiston motel room in possession of a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Investigators later recovered his DNA from the surface of the pistol. At the time he possessed the pistol, he was on Maine state probation for a prior violent crime.
Records from the Androscoggin County Superior Court reflect that on October 23, 2017, Henry was convicted of Aggravated Assault, a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
When pronouncing sentence, Judge Singal stated, “I’m mostly concerned with violence here,” and, “What we’ve had here is an escalation of violence … that could lead to severe consequences for society.”
The Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments, the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
30 October 2020
Working with Law Enforcement Agencies Across South Dakota, U.S. Attorney’s Office Increases Firearms-Related Prosecutions by 60 percent in Past YearRead the Press Release
Federal, State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Officials discussing violent crime during “Operation Fall Clean Up” in Rapid City, SD, on September 21, 2019.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced that federal prosecutors in the District of South Dakota, working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies across the State, charged 139 defendants with firearms-related charges during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges imposed on the criminal justice system and law enforcement officers everywhere by COVID-19. This was a 60 percent increase over FY 2019. Nationally, the Department of Justice charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during FY 2020.
“Working with our state, local, tribal, and federal partners across South Dakota to enforce federal gun laws is a critical part of our united strategy to combat violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals is one of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep every person in every community safe from gun crime.”
“Reducing violent gun crime is a main pillar of ATF’s mission to ensure our communities are safe,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. “This significant increase in prosecutions is a testament to the hard work of the United States Attorney’s Office and all levels of law enforcement throughout South Dakota. ATF is proud to work alongside each and every one of our partners in the pursuit of justice.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm or ammunition if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, an illegal alien, or an unlawful user of a controlled substance. In addition, it is illegal to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase – firearms or ammunition if the buyer is a prohibited person or is illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of someone else, an illegal transaction known as a straw purchase. Lying in response to one of the questions asked on ATF Form 4473, a document that one is required to complete in order to legally purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. Most of these federal offenses are punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.
Recent firearms-related prosecutions in the District of South Dakota include the following cases:
Southern Division:
- United States v. Mogoliolo. On October 20, 2020, Joseph Mogoliolo, age 50, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after his conviction for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mogoliolo was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 30, 2020. The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 24, 2019, when police were dispatched to suspicious activity near a vehicle in downtown Sioux Falls. Police saw Mogoliolo near the vehicle and a drug pipe in plain view inside the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine, other drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Mogoliolo, who had previously been convicted of a felony crime, was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms. This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. Mogoliolo was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
- United States v. Hackett. On October 6, 2020, Johnathan David Hackett, age 39, of Sioux Falls was indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The indictment alleges that on or about May 23, 2020, Hackett, a convicted felon, possessed, sold, and disposed of a stolen firearm, knowing that it had been stolen. Hackett appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 14, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. He was remanded to state custody pending trial. The charges are merely accusations and Hackett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting the case.
- United States v. Shropshire. On October 6, 2020, Allen Vincent Shropshire, age 59, of Sioux Falls, SD was indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The indictment alleges that on or about September 20, 2020, Shropshire, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm. Shropshire appeared before Judge Duffy on October 14, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. The charge is merely an accusation and Hackett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting the case.
- United States v. Patton. On October 6, 2020, Gregory Dawon Patton a/k/a Gregory Duwan Patton, age 18, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer. The indictment alleges that on or about June 1, 2020, Patton stole and unlawfully took and carried away fifteen firearms, including shotguns and pistols, from Palace City Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Mitchell, SD. Patton made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew P. Rodovich of the Northern District of Indiana on October 26, 2020. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service with an order for transport to the District of South Dakota. His arraignment in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls has not yet been scheduled. The charges are merely accusations and Patton is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mitchell Police Department, Sioux Falls Police Department, and LaPorte County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting the case.
Northern Division:- United States v. Doll. On October 26, 2020, Scott Alex Doll, age 49, of Dickinson, North Dakota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann to 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after being convicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Doll was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2020. The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Mobridge, South Dakota, on April 25, 2019, wherein Doll and another male exited their vehicle and walked up to a Mobridge police officer who was sitting in his patrol car. The officer observed Doll to have an empty pistol holder on his hip. Doll told the officers the firearm was in the driver's side door of the vehicle. The officer observed Doll had many keychains on his belt, including a red and white floating bobber key chain. The officer asked Doll if he could see the bobber, and inside was a baggie of methamphetamine. Doll admitted to being a methamphetamine user, and using drugs three hours prior to the stop, and is a drug user and is thus prohibited from using firearms. This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case. Following sentencing, Doll was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
- United States v. Claymore. On October 19, 2020, Brady James Claymore, age 33, of McLaughlin, SD was sentenced by Judge Kornmann to 50 months in federal prison, and three years of supervised release, following his convictions for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Claymore was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020. He pleaded guilty on September 15, 2020. The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2019, wherein Claymore conspired with others to distribute between 40 and 60 kilograms of marijuana in McLaughlin, South Dakota. On September 24, 2019, in McLaughlin, Claymore’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement and a search of his vehicle uncovered approximately 830 grams of marijuana, two digital scales, and a short-barreled shotgun. Claymore knowingly possessed the shotgun, and at the time he possessed it, he was knowingly a user of and addicted to marijuana. This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Following sentencing, Claymore was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
- United States v. Two Hearts. On October 8, 2020, Darrell Two Hearts, age 41, of Aberdeen, SD was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen. On April 25, 2020, Two Hearts was arrested in Aberdeen. Officers had been searching for Two Hearts to arrest him on outstanding warrants. When they found him, Two Hearts had a loaded handgun in his backpack, along with syringes, a pot pipe, and a marijuana grinder. He also had a small amount of methamphetamine in his pants pocket. He had previously been convicted of felony crimes that prohibited him from possessing any firearms. At trial, a jury unanimously found that he illegally possessed a 9mm handgun. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for December 14, 2020. Two Hearts was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This case was investigated by the Aberdeen Police Department, the Brown County Sheriff's Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Central Division:
- United States v. Larvie. On September 30, 2020, David D. Larvie, Jr., age 38, of Mission, SD was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition as the result of a federal jury trial in Pierre. On November 13, 2019, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Tribal police got a call that a shot had been fired from a van driven by David Larvie in South Antelope Community, near Mission. Officers located and stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Larvie. Larvie denied having a firearm, indicating he could not possess firearms as he is on federal felony supervised release. He was searched and a stash of forty-three .22 caliber bullets was found in his back pocket, and a loaded .22 caliber firearm was found on the rear floorboard, though within arm’s reach of the driver’s seat. Larvie’s prior felony convictions include third degree burglary and failure to appear in 2003 and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in 2008. Larvie will be sentenced on December 14, 2020. The case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
- United States v. Hill. On October 5, 2020, Shilo Hill, age 25, of Eagle Butte, SD, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Ziebach County on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. On April 18, 2019, Tribal police got a call that a gun was fired near a residence west of Dupree, South Dakota. Officers responded and stopped a vehicle in which Hill was a passenger. Officers seized a Colt brand .357 Magnum caliber revolver, which Hill knowingly possessed. The revolver was loaded with ammunition and was stored next to the defendant in the passenger side door. The firearm was actually stolen. He also possessed some drug paraphernalia and a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle when stopped. Hill has prior felony convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon in 2016 and possession of a stolen firearm in 2014. The case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
- United States v. Neck. On October 14, 2020, Jean Xarles Neck, a/k/a John Neck, age 20, of Parmalee, SD, was indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Child Abuse, and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 21, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Restitution may also be ordered. The Indictment alleges that on June 6, 2020, Neck assaulted several individuals, including a child, by discharging a firearm multiple times at a home where the individuals were occupants, with the intent to do bodily harm. The charges are merely accusations and Neck is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case. Neck was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 29, 2020.
Western Division:- United States v. Bocanegra. On October 19, 2020, Lawrence Bocanegra, age 40, of Rapid City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken to 40 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following his conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The charge relates to Bocanegra, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol in September 2019 during a traffic stop at Rapid City. The investigation was conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case. Bocanegra was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
- United States v. Larive and Englert. Between March 16, 2020, and March 21, 2020, Shannon Larive, age 26, of Rapid City, and Karmen Englert, age 36, of Rapid City, were involved in the armed robberies of multiple casinos in Rapid City. During each robbery, Larive brandished a firearm to obtain money from an employee of the casino. Englert assisted as the getaway driver. During one robbery, Larive discharged a .22 caliber pistol. Larive and Englert were arrested following a pursuit involving law enforcement. After the vehicle came to a stop, Larive fled and discarded the .22 caliber pistol used during one of the robberies, which was later recovered by law enforcement. Officers searched the vehicle and numerous .22 caliber rounds of ammunition were recovered. Larive and Englert were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. Larive recently signed a plea agreement to enter a plea of guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Englert recently signed a plea agreement to enter a plea of guilty to interference with commerce by robbery. The change of plea hearing for both defendants is scheduled for November 14, 2020, in United States District Court. This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
- United States v. Standing Bear. On April 24, 2020, Dana Standing Bear, age 42, of Rapid City, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with an intent to distribute it. On February 27, 2019, officers with the Rapid City Police Department located a vehicle stuck in the snow. Standing Bear was the driver and only occupant. The officers discovered that Standing Bear had an active warrant for his arrest and they could also smell burnt marijuana coming from inside his vehicle. Officers arrested Standing Bear and a search of his vehicle was conducted. During the search, officers located two loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistols, more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, jeweler bags, and a digital scale. Standing Bear has a prior felony drug conviction. This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
- United States v. Byker and Hirschfeld. On June 8, 2020, Devin Byker, age 25, of Piedmont, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for carjacking and using and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and Craig Hirschfeld, age 25, of Box Elder, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for using and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. On June 29, 2019, Byker and Hirschfeld requested another individual give them a ride from one location in Rapid City to another. After they arrived at the location, Byker and Hirschfeld pinned the individual up against his vehicle, brandished stolen firearms, pointed the firearms at him, held him at gun point, and took his wallet and phone. After obtaining the personal items, they continued to brandish firearms, forced the individual to remove his clothing, and then stole his vehicle and fled. Law enforcement later located Byker in another stolen vehicle along with the stolen firearm he used in the carjacking. The case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson
- United States v. Conroy. On January 23, 2020, Corbin Conroy, age 43, of Rapid City, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for committing an armed robbery at a casino in Rapid City. On March 17, 2019, Conroy entered the Jokers Casino armed with a semi-automatic pistol. Conroy brandished and pointed the pistol at a casino employee, demanded the cash from the register, and took approximately $1,750.00. Conroy then fled the casino. Conroy is a prior felon who had only recently been released from federal prison for committing an earlier armed robbery of the Jokers Casino. This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
All of these cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
These cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
- United States v. Mogoliolo. On October 20, 2020, Joseph Mogoliolo, age 50, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after his conviction for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mogoliolo was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 30, 2020. The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 24, 2019, when police were dispatched to suspicious activity near a vehicle in downtown Sioux Falls. Police saw Mogoliolo near the vehicle and a drug pipe in plain view inside the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine, other drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Mogoliolo, who had previously been convicted of a felony crime, was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms. This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. Mogoliolo was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Heroin Conspiracy and Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
Albeiro Gomez, 55, of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Hillman to 38 months in prison, four years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture. In November 2019, Gomez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
In December 2018, Gomez was charged with co-defendant Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national previously residing in New York City. Mendez previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to five years in prison.
From September to December 2018, investigators intercepted communications to and from the defendants’ phones which evidenced their drug trafficking activities. Gomez was a livery driver in Worcester who used his livery vehicle to procure and distribute drugs, meet with customers and to collect cash derived from drug sales. Mendez was involved in the acquisition of heroin and fentanyl in New York and the transportation of these drugs for sale in and around Worcester.
In connection with this investigation, Freiber Betancourth, of Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release. Betancourth distributed heroin and fentanyl from the parking lot of his employer. In addition, Jonathan Francisco Bobadilla Rosa, a Dominican national previously residing in Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug possession charges, false representation of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced in May 2020 to 28 months in prison.
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. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
West Tennessee Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A West Tennessee psychiatrist was sentenced today to 48 months followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully distributing opioids.
Richard Farmer, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker. Farmer was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 21, 2020, of three counts of distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
The defendant was charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the first Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, and his conviction was the first guilty trial verdict for the ARPO Strike Force.
"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that physicians who abuse their power to promote and prolong drug addiction for their own benefit are punished accordingly," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
"Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part by the over-prescribing and diversion of potent opioids," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. "This sentence demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable any medical personnel who misuse their positions of trust to exploit the very people coming to them for help."
"Doctors who prey on those who suffer from the disease of addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers," said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Division. "DEA remains committed to rooting out and locking up all healthcare practitioners who exploit the weak and put greed above patient care."
According to the evidence presented at trial, Farmer prescribed opioids to three sisters with whom he had ongoing sexual contact during the time he was prescribing. The evidence showed that between July 2016 and January 2019, Farmer prescribed over 1,200 pills, even though the three sisters showed clear signs of addiction. The evidence further showed that he kept almost no patient files on these women. Farmer also provided opioid prescriptions for the women’s friends, without keeping patient files for them or requiring medical examinations.
The DEA, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Griffin of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 50 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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.
###
West Tennessee Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
A west Tennessee psychiatrist was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully distributing opioids.
Richard Farmer, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker. Farmer was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 21, 2020, of three counts of distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
The defendant was charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the first Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, and his conviction was the first guilty trial verdict for the ARPO Strike Force.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that physicians who abuse their power to promote and prolong drug addiction for their own benefit are punished accordingly,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part by the over-prescribing and diversion of potent opioids,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. “This sentence demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable any medical personnel who misuse their positions of trust to exploit the very people coming to them for help.”
“Doctors who prey on those who suffer from the disease of addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Division. “DEA remains committed to rooting out and locking up all healthcare practitioners who exploit the weak and put greed above patient care.”
According to the evidence presented at trial, Farmer prescribed opioids to three sisters with whom he had ongoing sexual contact during the time he was prescribing. The evidence showed that between July 2016 and January 2019, Farmer prescribed over 1,200 pills, even though the three sisters showed clear signs of addiction. The evidence further showed that he kept almost no patient files on these women. Farmer also provided opioid prescriptions for the women’s friends, without keeping patient files for them or requiring medical examinations.
The DEA, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Griffin of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 50 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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.
Waterville Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Bangor to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court records, from December 2014 through October 2019, Beth Bing, 49, made unauthorized use of her employer’s corporate credit cards, and used fraudulent interstate communications via telephone and email in furtherance of the scheme.
Bing faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The FBI and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Vista Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 30, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Jeffrey John Lenhof was sentenced in federal court today to 7 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography.
Lenhof first came to the attention of law enforcement when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agents discovered that files of child pornography had been made available from Lenhof’s residence, from as early as March 2017, via a peer-to-peer file sharing program that is easily accessible on the internet.
A federal search warrant was executed at Lenhof’s residence on April 30, 2019. Agents found that three computers, as well as an iPhone and an SD card seized from Lenhof’s residence, contained child pornography, or had been used to download or view child pornography.
Lenhof was charged with federal child pornography offenses, and pleaded guilty in December 2019 to having received child pornography. During the course of the investigation, Agents also discovered on
devices seized from Lenhof’s residence multiple videos which appeared to have been taken with hidden cameras, both in Lenhof’s residence and in other locations. One of those videos showed an adult man setting up a camera in a small bathroom. After the man exited the bathroom, what appeared to be a young teenaged girl entered the bathroom, undressed, and showered. After the girl exited the bathroom, the man could be seen returning to the bathroom to retrieve the camera.
Witnesses later confirmed that the video was taken in approximately 2009 in Lenhof’s home, that Lenhof is the man seen in the video setting up and retrieving the camera, that the girl in the video was 13 or 14 years old at the time the video was taken, and that the girl did not know she was being recorded. Agents seized a hidden camera from the residence at the time of the April 30, 2019, search warrant. After discovering this video, HSI agents executed a second search warrant at Lenhof’s residence on May 14, 2019, at which time agents seized three additional hidden cameras.
At the sentencing hearing, the U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Miller noted that child pornography offenses represent "one of the most serious and egregious forms of crimes" and that Lenhof’s non-consensual videorecording of women, including of the girl in his home, "speak to a pattern of conduct that became very troubling."
"Sexual crimes against children are heinous and tragic, and we will protect vulnerable victims whenever possible," said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. "We are focused on disrupting and dismantling these vile networks of predators who exploit children and share images online. Today is one more productive step in that direction." Brewer commended the excellent work of prosecutor Janet Cabral and HSI agents on this case.
"Today’s sentencing highlights the hard work of our agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to take a child predator offline, and should serve as a warning to others who perpetuate the exploitation of children," said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). "Every one of the images and movies Lenhof produced and possessed was created at the expense of an innocent child, and sending criminals like Lenhof to jail will continue to be a top priority for HSI."
Following his release from federal prison, Lenhof will be on federal supervised release for a period of 10 years. During that time, Lenhof will be required to comply with special conditions, including conditions prohibiting him from having contact with minors and accessing the internet.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Childhood, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and Human Trafficking.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 19cr2128-JM
Jeffrey John Lenhof Age: 41 Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGE
Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), Receipt of Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
United States Attorney's Office Continues to Protect the Right to Vote During ElectionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Charles McLoughlin will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA McLoughlin has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for over a decade in the Northern District of Oklahoma, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Free, fair, secure, and accessible elections are the foundation of our democracy. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “My office will uphold its responsibility to protect this sacred right of every citizen in the Northern District of Oklahoma so that all citizens are guaranteed a voice within their communities and nationally,” U.S. Attorney Shores said.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Shores stated that AUSA/DEO McLoughlin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (918) 382-2713.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Oklahoma FBI field office can be reached at (405) 290-7770.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester Announces the Justice Department’s Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – United States Attorney Brian Kuester announced today the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. Assistant United States Attorney Nalani Ching will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Kuester said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. AUSA Ching will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at 918-684-5100.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI field office serving the Eastern District of Oklahoma can be reached by the public at 918-687-7500.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Kuester said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Marshals Operation Results in Recovery of 27 Missing Children in VirginiaRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the completion of a five-day law enforcement effort, dubbed “Operation Find Our Children,” throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia that resulted in the recovery of 27 previously missing children. The operation also confirmed the location of six additional children previously reported as missing but subsequently discovered by the U.S. Marshals Service as being in the custody of their legal guardian.
Led by deputy U.S. Marshals from the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and special agents, police officers and detectives from numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, more than 60 law enforcement investigators formed the primary team in Operation Find Our Children. They were joined by more than 50 employees from the Virginia Department of Social Services and a team of medical professionals and experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The U.S. Marshals Service is leading the way in a nationwide effort to rescue and recover missing and exploited children, and aid in the prevention of human trafficking. Since 2005, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered more than 2,000 missing children. Over the past five years, the agency has recovered missing children in 75 percent of the cases it has received. Of those recovered, 72 percent were recovered within seven days.
“The Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable children in our society and ‘Operation Find Our Children’ does just that,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “While this Virginia operation is the most recent recovery of endangered and missing children led by the U.S. Marshals Service this year, we have also recovered more than 440 kids in Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana and other states. Because of this initiative, the recovered children are now out of harm’s way.”
“I can think of no more critical or satisfying mission for a law enforcement officer, than rescuing an endangered child,” said Nick E. Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This operation brought together a formidable team that was, and is, determined to come to the aid of our youth and bring to justice those among us that choose to prey on these vulnerable children. I am proud of the Deputy Marshals in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and their partners for the work they accomplished this week – and the results speak for themselves; these 27 children are safe once again. I am deeply humbled and highly honored that our team in Eastern Virginia is a continuing part of this critical Marshals Service mission. We want the missing children across this great nation to know the U.S. Marshals Service will never stop looking for you, we will find you.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service has a legendary history of finding fugitives and bringing them to justice,” said Thomas L. Foster, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Virginia. “Because of this specialized skill set, finding missing children is a natural extension of the Marshal’s mission. Although many of the 27 recoveries occurred in Virginia’s larger population centers, seven occurred in the Western District of Virginia to include Roanoke and Abingdon. This operation brought missing and exploited children to a place of safety and those who made the decision to prey upon them to justice.”
“What a tremendous testament to the power of cooperation and the mission of federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia. “There is no greater mission than that of protecting and rescuing the most vulnerable. A huge debt of gratitude to the U.S. Marshal’s Service for their leadership of this operation and to all of the brave women and men of law enforcement who are responsible for saving these children.”
“There is no greater mission for law enforcement than rescuing an endangered child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia. “I applaud the U.S. Marshals in the Western and Eastern Districts of Virginia for their leadership and willingness to leverage their expertise and partner with sister agencies to bring missing children home. We stand ready to investigate and prosecute any leads that come from this important operation.”
“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was pleased to support the U.S. Marshals Service and the many support organizations that helped find and rescue these children,” said John F. Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “Missing children are extremely vulnerable to being trafficked for sex and are at risk of further emotional and physical harm. Because of this operation, 27 children have been found and are now safe.”
“Virginia Department of Social Services prioritizes and supports the safety and well-being of the children and families in Virginia, and prioritizes work with partners in achieving these goals, including this collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service and through partnership with the local departments of social services, (LDSS) including those that directly supported the operation,” said Director of the Division of Family Services, Kristin Zagar.
Significant assistance for Operation Find Our Children was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, along with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General, Metro Transit Police Department, Virginia State Police, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield County Police Department, Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton Police Department, Henrico County Police Department, Norfolk Police Department, Prince William County Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Richmond City Police Department, Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, and Virginia Department of Corrections.
U.S. Marshals Operation Results in Recovery of 27 Missing Children in VirginiaRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the completion of a five-day law enforcement effort, dubbed “Operation Find Our Children,” throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia that resulted in the recovery of 27 previously missing children. The operation also confirmed the location of six additional children previously reported as missing but subsequently discovered by the U.S. Marshals Service as being in the custody of their legal guardian.
Led by deputy U.S. Marshals from the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and special agents, police officers and detectives from numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, more than 60 law enforcement investigators formed the primary team in Operation Find Our Children. They were joined by more than 50 employees from the Virginia Department of Social Services and a team of medical professionals and experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The U.S. Marshals Service is leading the way in a nationwide effort to rescue and recover missing and exploited children, and aid in the prevention of human trafficking. Since 2005, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered more than 2,000 missing children. Over the past five years, the agency has recovered missing children in 75 percent of the cases it has received. Of those recovered, 72 percent were recovered within seven days.
“The Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable children in our society and ‘Operation Find Our Children’ does just that,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “While this Virginia operation is the most recent recovery of endangered and missing children led by the U.S. Marshals Service this year, we have also recovered more than 440 kids in Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana and other states. Because of this initiative, the recovered children are now out of harm’s way.”
“I can think of no more critical or satisfying mission for a law enforcement officer, than rescuing an endangered child,” said Nick E. Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This operation brought together a formidable team that was, and is, determined to come to the aid of our youth and bring to justice those among us that choose to prey on these vulnerable children. I am proud of the Deputy Marshals in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and their partners for the work they accomplished this week – and the results speak for themselves; these 27 children are safe once again. I am deeply humbled and highly honored that our team in Eastern Virginia is a continuing part of this critical Marshals Service mission. We want the missing children across this great nation to know the U.S. Marshals Service will never stop looking for you, we will find you.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service has a legendary history of finding fugitives and bringing them to justice,” said Thomas L. Foster, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Virginia. “Because of this specialized skill set, finding missing children is a natural extension of the Marshal’s mission. Although many of the 27 recoveries occurred in Virginia’s larger population centers, seven occurred in the Western District of Virginia to include Roanoke and Abingdon. This operation brought missing and exploited children to a place of safety and those who made the decision to prey upon them to justice.”
“What a tremendous testament to the power of cooperation and the mission of federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia. “There is no greater mission than that of protecting and rescuing the most vulnerable. A huge debt of gratitude to the U.S. Marshal’s Service for their leadership of this operation and to all of the brave women and men of law enforcement who are responsible for saving these children.”
“There is no greater mission for law enforcement than rescuing an endangered child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia. “I applaud the U.S. Marshals in the Western and Eastern Districts of Virginia for their leadership and willingness to leverage their expertise and partner with sister agencies to bring missing children home. We stand ready to investigate and prosecute any leads that come from this important operation.”
“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was pleased to support the U.S. Marshals Service and the many support organizations that helped find and rescue these children,” said John F. Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “Missing children are extremely vulnerable to being trafficked for sex and are at risk of further emotional and physical harm. Because of this operation, 27 children have been found and are now safe.”
“Virginia Department of Social Services prioritizes and supports the safety and well-being of the children and families in Virginia, and prioritizes work with partners in achieving these goals, including this collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service and through partnership with the local departments of social services, (LDSS) including those that directly supported the operation,” said Director of the Division of Family Services, Kristin Zagar.
Significant assistance for Operation Find Our Children was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, along with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General, Metro Transit Police Department, Virginia State Police, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield County Police Department, Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton Police Department, Henrico County Police Department, Norfolk Police Department, Prince William County Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Richmond City Police Department, Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, and Virginia Department of Corrections.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement Under the False Claims Act over Illegal International Trade PracticesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On October 20, 2020, Days and Towers, LLC. agreed to pay the United States of America the sum of $817,927.58, to settle claims under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §3729, and unpaid customs duties, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, and Ivan J. Arvelo, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The investigation leading to this settlement agreement revealed that from in or about August 2015, to in or about August 2019, Days and Towers submitted approximately 51 import product entries to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) containing false tariff schedules intending to reduce its customs obligations.
The settlement is the result of coordinated efforts between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and the Global Trade Investigations (GTI) Task Force. The GTI is an integrated Task Force of ICE HSI and CBP personnel working together under the Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Alliance (CMLA).
“This case underscores the collaborative efforts employed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination law enforcement partners of HSI and CBP under the CMLA to hold individuals and corporate entities accountable for fraudulent conduct that disrupts our nation’s international trade,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “Our office will continue to investigate illegal trade practices and will aggressively pursue civil and criminal actions against those who attempt to defraud the United States.”
“Violations under the federal False Claims Act can result in significant fines and penalties as this case clearly demonstrates,” said Iván J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “HSI, along with our partners in the Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Alliance, will continue working together against local and international money laundering and other serious financial crimes,” added Arvelo.
“CBP’s trade enforcement efforts seek to better identify, detect, and interdict shipments at risk of duty evasion,” indicated Gregory Álvarez, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “CBP advances these efforts through partnerships with the private sector, advanced technology, and integrated enforcement.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge L. Matos from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division, in conjunction with HSI Special Agents Rafael O. González and Ivan Serpa with the support of CBP.
###
U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain Announces DOJ Statement of Interest Filed in Lawsuit Challenging Philadelphia’s Public Event MoratoriumRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a Statement of Interest (“SOI”) today in a case pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that challenges the City of Philadelphia’s “Event Moratorium” that prohibits issuing permits for expressive gatherings of 150 or more people on public property. The lawsuit claims that the Moratorium violates the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly guaranteed by the First Amendment.
The SOI was filed in support of the plaintiff, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society (“PVV”), an organization that seeks to promote, honor, and dignify the memory of military veterans who served in Vietnam. PVV does so by sponsoring honor guards and rifle teams to attend veteran burial details and by participating in parades and other public events. PVV contends that it and other groups are adversely impacted by the City’s blanket ban on issuing permits for public gatherings.
On July 14, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Philadelphia instituted the Event Moratorium, imposing a blanket ban on issuing permits for any public gatherings through February 2021. While the City claims that the Event Moratorium does not apply to First Amendment protected activity, nevertheless it will not issue permits for any such activity – and it simultaneously cancelled all festivals, parades, and public gatherings on City property initially involving 50 (but now 150) people.
At the same time that it has imposed the Event Moratorium, the City has explicitly allowed a group of any size to take to the streets without a permit if their stated purpose is to protest -- even if that group ignores social distancing, masking, or any other CDC guidelines. This is true even though concerns about virus transmission obviously apply with equal force to groups protesting without a permit and those parading with one. As set forth in the SOI, this disparate treatment (and double standard) is illogical, not narrowly tailored to serve a legitimate public health purpose, and unconstitutional.
“This is a case about more speech, not less,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The City’s double standard – whereby is treats protests one way and any other First Amendment gathering a completely different way -- is illogical, favors particular messages, does not serve public health purposes, and is unconstitutional. The solution is not to limit protests. Rather, the solution is to eliminate the Event Moratorium and allow all speakers to express themselves in accordance with their constitutional rights.”
“The First Amendment to United States Constitution makes illegal any attempt by government to abridge the rights of the people to speak and assemble peacefully. Our Founders established these rights to enshrine in our law a very simple ideal: tyranny has no place in this free country. At a small town west of Philadelphia, at Gettysburg in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln observed that this United States of America was ‘conceived in liberty,’ and he challenged all of us ‘to be dedicated’ to a ‘new birth of freedom.’ We must and do accept President Lincoln’s challenge,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society honors those brave patriots, living and dead, who fought, suffered, and died for our freedom and for the freedom of all humanity. The United States Department of Justice stands with them, and we will continue to fight for their liberty and the liberty of all people.”
The case is docketed as Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society v. Kenney, et al., Civil Action No. 20-cv-05418.
U.S. Attorney Presents Law Enforcement “Awards of Excellence”Read the Press Release
Last week, U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox presented the 2020 United States Attorney’s Awards of Excellence, honoring law enforcement officers and agents who exceed the call of duty to keep their communities safe.
“Collectively, this room has thwarted terrorists, taken aim at white supremacists, apprehended violent criminals, brought to justice corrupt medical professionals, and exposed greedy public servants. This room is the very definition of excellence,” U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox said during a socially-distanced ceremony at the Belo in Dallas on Thursday. “We are proud to stand behind you and beside you.”
Awardees worked the following cases:
U.S. v Michael Kyle Sewell
Federal Bureau of Investigation with Arlington Police Department
This undercover investigation resulted in the prosecution of an 18-year-old who conspired to recruit individuals to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani-based foreign terrorist organization. More here.Operation Diamond Blaster
Federal Bureau of Investigation with Dallas Police Department
This multi-year investigation resulted in the prosecution of 15 members of a violent transnational criminal enterprise who routinely robbed traveling diamond salesman. More here.U.S. v Jose Garcia-Lizanaga et al
Drug Enforcement Administration
This investigation led to the prosecution of high-level cocaine dealers in Lubbock and the seizure of more than 60 kg of cocaine, 8 firearms, and more than $500,000 cash.Operation Vanilla Ice
Texas Department of Public Safety and Dallas Police Department
This multi-year investigation led to the nation’s largest prosecution of individuals connected to white supremacist gangs. More than 150 gang members, most with violent criminal records, were sentenced to a combined 2,000+ years in federal prison. More here.U.S. v Donnie Ferrell
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
This investigation into the murder of U.S. Postal worker Tony Mosby relied on tips from two individuals inside the car with the defendant, who shot Mr. Mosby in a fit of road rage. More here.U.S. v Nelson Pabon et al
Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS- Criminal Investigation Division with Dallas Police Department
This multi-year OCEDTF investigation revealed that several DFW Airport baggage handlers were using their positions to circumvent security in order to ship drugs and other contraband across the nation. More here.Dallas County Schools Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation Division
This public corruption investigation uncovered a bribery scheme at Dallas City Hall, in which the owner of school bus stop arm camera company funneled nearly half a million dollars in bribes to former Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, who resigned after charges were filed. More here.U.S. v Michael Webb
Homeland Security Investigations, Fort Worth Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigations
Following the abduction of an 8-year-old girl off the streets of Fort Worth, agents sprang into action to find her. The following morning, they recovered the child – alive – in a Forest Hills hotel room. The investigation led to the prosecution of the kidnapper, who received a life sentence. More here.U.S. v Darius Fields et al
Federal Bureau of Investigation
This investigation focused on those involved in the murder of an innocent 13-year-old kidnapped during a drug dispute and resulted in firearms charges against two defendants, both of whom were convicted at trial. More here.Operation Bruised Thumb
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives with Dallas Police Department
This investigation led to the prosecution of 17 members of the “Bruised Thumb” gang on gun and drug charges, all while safeguarding the safety of a confidential informant.U.S. v Carlos Vengas et al
Drug Enforcement Administration with Commerce Police Department
This investigation revealed a network of sham clinics, fake patients, and complicit pharmacies working together to facilitate the illegal distribution of opiates like hydrocodone. The leader of the pill mill, who was convicted at trial, oversaw the unlawful prescription of nearly a million units of narcotics with no medical purpose. More here.U.S. v Said Rahim
Federal Bureau of Investigation and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
This investigation revealed that a U.S. citizen was using a push-to-talk application to promote violence in the name of ISIS. The defendant was arrested at DFW Airport, where he was attempting to board a flight to Amman, Jordan, and later convicted at trial. More here.U.S. v Terrence Smith et al
Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General
This investigation led to charges against three former executives of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, who submitted more than 100 fraudulent expense reports for personal travel they falsely claimed was business-related, submitted cash-out requests for dozens of used vacation days, and sought reimbursement for personal holiday gifts. More here.The U.S. Attorney and Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynna also presented the “Administration of Justice” award, recognizing a staff member who consistently provides outstanding support, to Fort Worth Supervisory Legal Assistant Liuva Ruiz, and the “Barefoot Sanders Prosecutor of the Year” award to Amarillo-based Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto.
Photos from the Awards Ceremony can be found here. The staff of the United States Attorney’s Office is grateful for law enforcement officers’ sacrifices, dedication, and skill.
U.S. Attorney Hyslop Appoints Election Officer for the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ian Garriques will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Garriques has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Washington, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Voting is a fundamental right of every citizen of this Nation and is one of the foundations of our democracy. Every citizen entitled to vote must be able to do so without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process. We will work to ensure those who seek to corrupt the right to vote are brought to justice.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
Yesterday, the Department of Justice released additional information on Election Day efforts to protect the right to vote and the prosecution of ballot fraud. A copy is attached.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Hyslop stated that AUSA/DEO Garriques will be on duty in the Eastern District of Washington. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number during regular business hours: (509) 454-4425. Alternatively, after regular hours, complaints can be called to (509) 249-3726 or (509) 998-7637.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (206) 622-0460 or https://tips.fbi.gov.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
doj_press_release.pdfU.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer Appoints Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Devlin as Election Officer for the Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Matthew B. Devlin will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer. In that capacity, AUSA Devlin is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Sofer said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Sofer said that AUSA/DEO Devlin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (512) 916-5858 or (512) 673-2979.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The San Antonio FBI field office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741; the El Paso FBI field office, (915) 832-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, that in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation in the vicinity of a polling place, members of the public should call 911 immediately, before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Sofer said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
#####
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.
U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan Announces DEA and Partner’s Results for National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
The final tally is in from the 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2020. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division and its partners, over the course of four hours, collected 115,944.24 pounds or over 57 tons of expired, unused, unwanted prescription drugs, electronic vaping devices and cartridges at 586 collection sites throughout New England. This is in comparison to the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in September 2010, when the division collected 25,810 pounds of unwanted drugs.
U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan praised the DEA for spearheading the take back initiative, and thanked state, local, and county Vermont law enforcement partners for participation and assistance with the program. She stated: “It goes without saying that we cannot charge our way out of the drug crisis. As we continue to vigorously pursue reduction of drug supply in Vermont through investigation and prosecution, we must work with equal vigor to reduce demand and prevent first time drug use. I commend our partners at DEA for recognizing the importance of prevention and for doing so much to remove excess pharmaceutical drug supply from homes throughout Vermont. Every pill taken back on Saturday contributes to a reduction in risk that a Vermonter will try opiates or other drugs for the first time. Accordingly, we should all celebrate this initiative.”
“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.”
The following is a breakdown of collected weights in pounds for the six New England States:
MA – 40,284.81 lbs.
ME – 40,100 lbs.
NH – 16,840 lbs.
CT – 8,002.5 lbs.
RI – 6,218.70 lbs.
VT – 4,498.23 lbs.
Total- 115,944.24 lbs.
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 Sallisaw Residents Sentenced to Conspiracy and Possession of Counterfeit Obligation, Misprision of A FelonyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the sentencing of Sallisaw residents, Christopher Don Jackson, age 44, to 38 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release for Conspiracy & Possession of Counterfeit Obligation of the United States; and Judith Gay Jackson, age 70, to 5 years’ probation for Misprision of a Felony. Christopher Jackson was charged via Indictment and Judith Jackson was charged via Information. The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department and the United States Secret Service.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2018, and continuing until on or about the 7th day of January, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, Christopher Don Jackson knowingly and intentionally conspired, confederated and agreed with others known and unknown to the grand jury, to commit offenses against the United States. The Indictment also alleged that Jackson knowingly had in his possession and custody, with intent to sell or otherwise use, a falsely made and counterfeited fifty-dollar Federal Reserve Note, made after the similitude of obligations issued under the authority of the United States.
The Information alleged that between on or about October 9, 2018 and January 7, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Judith Gay Jackson, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, concealed the same by destroying a packet of counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes, and did not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Those using counterfeit currency can very quickly do a lot of harm to a community by injecting worthless currency into unsuspecting local businesses. Fortunately for the City of Sallisaw and the surrounding areas, a prompt and thorough investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department and the United States Secret Service, Christopher Jackson’s scheme was abruptly ended and Judith Jackson’s efforts to subvert justice failed.”
“The United States Secret Service works in partnership with state and local law enforcement to aggressively investigate crimes involving the counterfeiting of U.S. Federal Reserve Notes,” said Glenn Dennis, Special Agent in Charge of the Oklahoma City U.S. Secret Service Field Office. ”The Oklahoma City Office of the Secret Service and the Sallisaw Police Department collaborated to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion. Defendants such as these hurt both business and the public by introducing counterfeit notes to the commercial market which could result in significant financial loss to a victim especially during hard times such as the current COVID-19 global pandemic.”
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States at the respective sentencing hearings.
Two Individuals Charged with Trafficking Large Amounts of Meth in Eastern OregonRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that an Ontario, Oregon resident, and a Weiser, Idaho resident have been charged with interstate trafficking of methamphetamines and other drugs.
Alma Lorena Pacheco Ortiz, 52, and Victor Gomez Casa 26, have been charged by criminal complaint with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and Pacheco was also charged with possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States.
“Rural communities across Oregon have been ravaged by the effects of methamphetamine addiction” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams “We cannot succeed in breaking the cycle of addiction and affliction in these communities when individuals like the defendants, motivated by greed, continue to provide a steady supply of poison. We are proud of the collaborative efforts to disrupt this long term drug trafficking enterprise”
“Communities are struggling to reduce or eliminate the physical and mental damage caused to individuals and communities by illicit drug addiction,” said Steven Romero, Ontario, Oregon Chief of Police. “Area law enforcement continue to use a ‘force multiplier’ approach for disrupting or dismantling international, multi-state and local drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. We’re proud work together with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”
“I applaud the work of Federal, state, and local law enforcement in this effort,” said Malheur County, Oregon Sheriff Brian Wolfe. “People are being held accountable for serious illegal activity which in turn makes our communities safer.”
“Oregon State Police Troopers work diligently to observe signs of criminal activity during every traffic stop,” said Captain Tim Fox. “As part of this coordinated effort, our OSP Troopers engaged these observation skills which proved fruitful in pulling a significant amount of drugs off the streets.”
According to court documents, on October 25, 2020, law enforcement conducted a coordinated traffic stop on a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe with Idaho plates. The driver of the car was Pacheco, and the passenger was the registered owner Victor Gomez Casa.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a mechanically actuated trap located under the rear seat of the vehicle. Law enforcement was able to activate the trap, opening the storage compartment which revealed approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine and a kilo of heroin. (PHOTO)
Pacheco admitted traveling to California to obtain drugs, which she had been transporting and distributing in Eastern Oregon for several years.
On the same day, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Pacheco’s residence located in Ontario, Oregon. During the search, law enforcement located approximately $75,000 in United States currency, a firearm and additional suspected methamphetamines.
Law enforcement records indicate Pacheco was deported in 2013 to Mexico, Pacheco’s country of origin.
Pacheco and Casa are expected to make initial appearance in federal court in the near future.
The Oregon State Police, ATF, Malheur County Sheriff’s office, and Ontario Police Department investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Marco Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Stacked packages of MethamphetamineTraffickers, One from South Carolina, Charged with Buying and Selling a 19-Year-Old "Sex Slave"Read the Press Release
The men who bought and sold a 19-year-old woman as a “sex slave” have been charged with human trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Following an intensive investigation, Alfonso Orozco Juarez, 35, and Robert Hubert, 66, were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Mr. Juarez was arrested at his home in Dallas and made his initial appearance in court in Dallas on Wednesday; Mr. Hubert was arrested at his home in Roebuck, SC, and made his initial appearance in court in Greenville, SC last week.
“This victim endured horrific abuse at the hands of these defendants. It’s unthinkable and frankly, difficult to learn that this type of thing is happening in our District,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “I am grateful that our North Texas Human Trafficking Task Force was able to act swiftly and aggressively. The Northern District of Texas and its partners in the District of New Mexico are committed to ending the scourge of human trafficking, one brutal case at a time.”
“Anyone that is involved in human trafficking activities – either as a member of a transnational criminal organization, a business owner exploiting his/her employees, or a street level pimp – should be viewed as a vicious predator. These despicable people who enrich themselves by exploiting the innocent have no place amongst law-abiding citizens and HSI will always combat it with every resource at our disposal. We will continue to collaborate with any law enforcement agency at any level of government in our shared efforts to bring human traffickers to justice,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Dallas.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed yesterday afternoon, Mr. Juarez contacted the Santa Fe-based victim via a dating app in 2019. In September 2019, they met in person inside a Dallas motel room, where Mr. Juarez pistol whipped the victim, bruising her hand and jaw. He later gave her a “slave name” and threatened to kill her and her family if she did not consent to being sold for sex. At one point, Mr. Juarez pointed an unloaded gun at her head and pulled the trigger.
After repeatedly selling the victim for commercial sex, Mr. Juarez advertised her as a “slave” on a fetishism website, where he offered to sell her to the highest bidder. Mr. Hubert, screen name “The Darkest Lord,” offered $5,000.
In text messages with Mr. Hubert, Mr. Juarez referred to the victim as “the property” and bragged that she “submitted fully” after he “pistol whip[ped]” her.
“She’s totally dependent on me,” he wrote.
“SWEET,” Mr. Hubert responded. “I will take the slave.”
The men met up at a gas station in Dallas, where Mr. Hubert put the victim in his car to drive her to his home in South Carolina. After Mr. Hubert clamped a metal collar around her neck, threatened to brand her, and provided her with a list of “fetishes he likes,” the victim texted Mr. Juarez, pleading for help:
“I’m afraid if I don’t do something, he’s going to hurt me,” she said.
“Endure what you have to,” he responded. “He’ll punish you whip you . . . but not kill you.”
When they reached Mr. Hubert’s residence — where there was a room he described as a “dungeon”—Mr. Hubert required the victim to remove her clothes and “be naked all the time.” Terrified, the victim persuaded Mr. Hubert to let her call her parents.
The victim’s father begged Mr. Hubert to let his daughter go, but Mr. Hubert informed him that he had purchased the victim for $5,000 and demanded $5,000 back in exchange for her safe return. He even sent the victim’s father a “contract,” signed by both Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert, as proof of the “sale.” Eventually, Mr. Hubert relented, and the victim was able to escape by bus.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, both face up to life in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with substantial support from the Crime Strategies Unit with the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, NM. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Briggs and Rebekah Ricketts of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia Simms of the District of New Mexico.
#####
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.
Three admit to firearms feloniesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Following the guilty pleas of three today, four local residents have now been convicted for knowingly making false statements in connection with firearms purchases from a local federally licensed dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mario Fierro, 40, Pharr, admitted to recruiting Juan Angel Hernandez, Becky Lynn Villasenor and Felipe Tudon Jr. to purchase firearms from Rio Grande Valley firearms dealers. The weapons would then be smuggled into Mexico.
Hernandez, 35, San Juan, and Villasenor, 32, Harlingen, admitted in court today to making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms. Tudon 35, also of San Juan, previously pleaded guilty Sept. 4.
Villasenor acknowledged the purchase of a Beretta 9mm pistol and a 5.7x28mm caliber pistol at Fierro’s direction. She made materially false statements to the firearms dealer to secure the sale.
As part of his plea, Hernandez admitted Fierro hired him to recruit others. He then had Tudon make a materially false statement while purchasing a 5.7x28mm caliber firearm from a federally licensed dealer.
The investigation began in June 2019.
Tudon is set for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Randy Crane Nov. 17, while the three who pleaded today will be sentenced Jan. 13, 2021. Each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Tudon was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. Fierro, Hernandez and Villasenor have been and will remain in custody pending their hearings.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Blake Land and Kristina Pekkala are prosecuting the case.
Three Defendants Tried and Four Defendants Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – With the trial of three defendants last week and the sentencing of four defendants yesterday, federal prosecutors are close to finishing their work in bringing to justice dozens of current and former federal, state, and local officials and prominent business people all connected in a scheme to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the outcomes of the recent trial and sentencing hearings.
In November 2019, a federal grand jury returned a far-reaching indictment charging a County Executive Director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency with orchestrating a broad-based conspiracy to steal government drought assistance funds and hide the actions through identify theft, tax evasion, and other federal crimes. As a result of this crackdown by U.S. Attorney Keefe’s enhanced Public Trust Unit, 29 individuals were indicted; alleged to have defrauded the federal government, and taxpayers, of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Duane Edward Crawson, 43, of Bonifay, Florida, led the conspiracy that included a former Holmes County Clerk of Court and numerous other individuals who had served in positions of public trust. Between May and December of 2017, while employed as a County Executive Director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency for Bay, Holmes, and Washington counties, Crawson devised a kickback scheme in which he and his co-conspirators unlawfully obtained approximately $400,534 in taxpayer funds by submitting fraudulent drought assistance claims.
Crawson submitted fraudulent claims for livestock and farmland parcels that were not actually owned or leased by the conspirators, resulting in drought assistance funds being deposited into the conspirators’ bank accounts. The co-conspirators paid Crawson a portion of the fraud proceeds in the form of cash kickbacks.
On October 23, 2020, a federal trial jury found Danyel Witt guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. The same jury returned a not-guilty verdict as to Jeremiah Rolling and Justin Chopelas on charges of conspiracy and theft of government funds. Witt’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2021.
Each of the remaining 26 defendants pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft of government funds. Sentencing hearings were conducted yesterday for Crawson along with co-conspirators James Stacey Paul, Davey Eugene Mancill, and Ronald Ryan Roof. Sentences for all 26 are:
- Duane Edward Crawson, of Bonifay, Florida, 36 months in federal prison;
- Davey Eugene Mancill, of Westville, Florida, 24 months in federal prison;
- James Stacey Paul, of Bonifay, Florida, 18 months in federal prison;
- Jordan Ryan Hicks, of Ponce De Leon, Florida, 15 months in federal prison;
- Kyle Martin Hudson, of Westville, Florida, 12 months and 1day in federal prison;
- Dwayne Frazier White, of Bonifay, Florida, 12 days in federal prison, 4 years of probation;
- Ronald Ryan Roof, X, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Christopher Marion Ammons, of Ponce De Leon, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Sheryl Day Gillman, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Shyloe Rose Sachse, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Tillman Douglas Mears, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Dawn Marie Crutchfield, of Bonifay Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Megan Leann Roof, of Westville, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Billy Coal Bradshaw, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- James Erwin Mancill, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Joseph Matthew Crowder, of Caryville, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Audrey Lynn Smith, of Caryville, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Brian Anthony Ammons, of Ponce De Leon, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Taylor Ward Stripling, of Westville, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Dawn Marie Roof, of Chipley, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Daniel Olajuwon Boston, of Chipley, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Chassity Lynn Lee, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Jennifer Marie McCabe, of Bonifay, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Justina Rae Williams, of Caryville, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Joseph Bailey Alexander, of Chipley, Florida, 4 years of probation;
- Douglas Edward Mixon, of Westville, Florida, 2 years of probation
In addition to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft of government funds, Crawson, Davey Mancill, and Paul pled guilty to aggravated identity theft. Crawson also pled guilty to tax evasion, as well as obstruction of the internal revenue laws.
As a part of their sentence, each defendant has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of their fraudulent claims. To date the government has received in excess of $120,000 of the $400,534 fraudulently obtained as a part of the kickback scheme.
This case resulted from a 20-month investigation conducted by a partnership of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors at all levels of government, including the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - USDA Farm Agency FraudThe Justice Department Announces Statement of Interest Filed in Lawsuit Challenging Philadelphia's Moratorium that Cancelled the Veterans Day ParadeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that a Statement of Interest (SOI) was filed today in a case pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that challenges the City of Philadelphia’s “Event Moratorium” that prohibits issuing permits for gatherings of 150 or more people on public property.
The lawsuit claims that the Moratorium violates the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly guaranteed by the First Amendment. The City of Philadelphia imposed a ban on permits for public gatherings, which led to the cancellation of its Veterans Day parade while at the same time allowing groups of any size to take to the streets without a permit to protest.
“The First Amendment to U.S. Constitution makes illegal any attempt by government to abridge the rights of the people to speak and assemble peacefully,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Our Founders established these rights to enshrine in our law a very simple ideal: tyranny has no place in this free country. At a small town west of Philadelphia, at Gettysburg in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln observed that the United States of America was ‘conceived in liberty,’ and he challenged all of us ‘to be dedicated’ to a ‘new birth of freedom.’ We must and do accept President Lincoln’s challenge. The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society honors those brave patriots, living and dead, who fought, suffered, and died for our freedom and for the freedom of all humanity. The U.S. Department of Justice stands with them, and we will continue to fight for their liberty and the liberty of all people.”
“This is a case about more speech, not less,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “The city’s double standard – whereby is treats protests one way and any other First Amendment gathering a completely different way – is illogical, favors particular speakers and issues, does not serve public health purposes, and is unconstitutional. The solution is not to limit protests. Rather, the solution is to eliminate the Event Moratorium and allow all speakers to express themselves in accordance with their constitutional rights.”
The SOI was filed in support of the plaintiff, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society (Vietnam Veterans), an organization that seeks to promote, honor, and dignify the memory of military veterans who served in Vietnam. Vietnam Veterans does so by sponsoring honor guards and rifle teams to attend veteran burial details and by participating in parades and other public events. Vietnam Veterans contends that it and other groups are adversely impacted by the city’s blanket ban on issuing permits for public gatherings.
On July 14, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Philadelphia instituted the Event Moratorium, which it revised on Sept. 21. In its current form, it bans the issuing of permits for any public gathering of 150 or more people through February 2021, thus cancelling all festivals, parades, and public gatherings on city property involving 150 or more people.
At the same time, the mayor has praised those protesting social justice issues without permits and the city has waived code violations for protesters. As set forth in the SOI, this disparate treatment (and double standard) may be “viewpoint discrimination” triggering strict scrutiny under the First Amendment. In any event, the SOI concludes, under First Amendment rules on restrictions on the time, place, and manner of speech, the moratorium on permits is an improper speech restriction, since it is not narrowly tailored and does not leave open ample alternative avenues for speech.
Tewksbury Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury man was charged today in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.
Nicholas O’Neil, 37, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery. O’Neil was arrested in Tewksbury on Sept. 22, 2020, has been in custody since. O’Neil was detained following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.
According to charging documents, on Sept. 22, 2020, O’Neil, entered a branch of the Santander Bank in Tewksbury, handed the teller a demand note and a red cloth bag. The teller placed $5,689 into the red bag back and handed it to the robber, who exited the bank. The robber allegedly sped away from the bank in a white pickup truck, which was reported to police. A short time later, the pickup truck was located and “boxed-in” in heavy traffic. Police officers removed and arrested the passenger, later determined to be O’Neil, without incident. Inside the vehicle, officers located the red bag with the bank’s money and the demand note.
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 Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus 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.
Tennessee Resident Charged with Video VoyeurismRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Federal prosecutors on Monday charged a Tennessee resident with video voyeurism, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Tennessee Valley Authority Police and Emergency Management.
A one-count Information filed in U.S. District Court charges Lance W. Woods, 56, of Cypress Inn, TN, with violating a voyeurism statute that prohibits capturing an image of a private area of an individual without their consent. The incident occurred on April 29, 2019, at a Tennessee Valley Authority facility located in Colbert County, Alabama.
The maximum penalty for video voyeurism is one year in prison.
The Tennessee Valley Authority Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Pillsbury is prosecuting the case.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
##
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.
Stockton Woman Indicted for Mail and Bank Fraud Schemes that Targeted California EDD Benefits and Identity-Theft VictimsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment Thursday against Hopelyn Rhiannon Ausk, 24, of Stockton, charging her with mail fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen U.S. mail, unlawful possession of U.S. Postal Service keys, and obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Ausk engaged in two separate fraud schemes that caused significant harm to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance program and identity-theft victims throughout Northern California. First, in 2020, she perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that targeted the Unemployment Insurance benefit program that California administers through its Employment Development Department (EDD). Under the 2020 CARES Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, EDD is responsible for administering unemployment insurance benefits for qualifying residents who can no longer find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ausk obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of at least 20 individuals and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims under their identities. EDD approved many of these applications and mailed benefits in the form of prepaid debit cards to addresses under Ausk’s control. Once received in the mail, she activated the cards and spent the benefits on herself.
“The EDD is committed to doing everything possible to protect the unemployment insurance program and the essential benefits it provides to Californians in need,” said EDD Director Sharon Hilliard. “We are grateful for the partnership with law enforcement and other agencies at the federal, state and local level to expose, charge, and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
Second, in 2019 and 2020, Ausk perpetrated a bank fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and fraudulent use of stolen bank cards. Ausk manufactured counterfeit U.S. Postal Service keys to break into cluster mailboxes and steal mail containing victim PII, financial information, and bank cards. She then used the bank cards and victim accounts to obtain cash and purchase merchandise for herself. Some of the stolen mail also included U.S. Economic Impact Payment checks (i.e., stimulus checks) mailed to California residents.
Ausk is also charged with obstruction of justice because, as alleged in the indictment, she corruptly obstructed, influenced, and impeded an official proceeding, and attempted to do so, by warning criminal associates about the existence and course of a criminal investigation and prosecution and directing those criminal associates to destroy evidence.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Stockton Police Department with assistance from the California Employment Development Department, Investigation Division. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ausk faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud, 30 years in prison for bank fraud, and 20 years in prison for obstruction of justice. Ausk also faces a mandatory additional sentence of two years in prison if convicted of aggravated identity theft. She also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stephan Man Indicted for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Stephan, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Robbery, and Brandishing, Carrying, or Possession a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Robert Johnson, a/k/a Pitbull, age 42, was indicted on October 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of years, up to life, in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 20, 2020, in Lower Brule, Johnson assaulted an individual with a shotgun, which resulted in serious bodily injury. The Indictment further alleges he took a duffle bag, and its contents, from the victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Johnson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Statement of U.S. Attorney McSwain Regarding the Protection of Philadelphia Residents’ First Amendment Rights and the Filing of a Statement of Interest in "Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society v. James Kenney"Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain convened a press conference today to announce the filing of a Statement of Interest in a civil lawsuit filed against Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney and his Managing Director, challenging the City’s “Event Moratorium.” U.S. Attorney McSwain addressed the Moratorium’s unconstitutional double standard and the important role that the federal government has in safeguarding all citizens’ First Amendment rights, regardless of the content of the speech at issue.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Earlier today, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society (“PVV”) filed suit in federal court in Philadelphia against Mayor Kenney and his Managing Director, alleging a violation of the organization’s and others’ First Amendment rights, based on the City’s refusal to grant any permits for parades or other expressive gatherings on public property. Also today, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a “Statement of Interest” in the case in support of the PVV. One of our important responsibilities at the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to safeguard civil rights, including First Amendment rights. The purpose of my remarks is to explain how this Statement of Interest does exactly that.
This is a case about more speech, not less. It is also a case about Philadelphia’s double standard whereby it treats some types of speech (protests) much more favorably than others (parades and other expressive gatherings that require a permit). There is no possible public health justification for this double standard. The City’s policy of banning parades and other expressive gatherings fails as a matter of constitutional law and basic common sense. Critically, the solution to eliminating this double standard is not to discourage or limit protests – two wrongs do not make a right. Instead, the solution is to allow all speakers to express themselves in accordance with their constitutional rights. The City’s illogical and unconstitutional ban on parades and other expressive gatherings should be eliminated. Again, more speech is the answer, not less.
The United States is committed to protecting the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, which lie at the heart of a free society and are, in the words of James Madison, the “effectual guardian of every other right.” In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has a strong interest in the development and maintenance of public health policies that protect citizens from harm while still respecting their First Amendment rights, including the peaceful exercise of freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, and freedom to petition the government on matters of public importance in a traditional public forum.
The City of Philadelphia has announced an “Event Moratorium,” imposing a blanket ban on issuing permits for any large public gathering – initially of more than 50 people, subsequently increased to 150 people. While the City has allowed unpermitted demonstrations to occur, it has banned certain types of public gatherings, such as parades, which are unquestionably protected by the First Amendment. Parades come in many shapes and sizes, with myriad messages. Some are groups not much larger than 150 people and seek to express solemn messages. And, by their nature, parades almost always necessitate street closures and other safety measures, therefore requiring coordination and planning with the City through a permitting process. To hold a parade without coordination with the City is to invite disruption, or even disaster.
The demonstrations that ensued in Philadelphia since late May have shown the enduring importance of the First Amendment and the rights to free speech and free assembly. But those rights apply to all forms of speech and assembly; it is unconstitutional for the Philadelphia municipal government to shut down certain types of speech, while allowing other types of speech to proceed unchecked. More to the point, the City allows (and even encourages) large protests, but not parades or other expressive gatherings. This raises the specter of viewpoint discrimination – that the City is favoring certain kinds of speech because of its message.
Thus, while Philadelphia officials continue to bless unpermitted protests, the City has stated that it will deny a permit to groups seeking to engage in other forms of First Amendment-protected activity. The supposed reason for the blanket permitting ban is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating large outdoor gatherings. By contrast, for those willing to take to the streets without a permit, a group of any size can do so – even if that group ignores social distancing, masking, or any other CDC guideline. This is true even though the same concerns about virus transmission would obviously apply with equal force to both situations. The City’s disparate treatment (and double standard) is illogical, favors particular speakers and issues, does not serve public health purposes, and is unconstitutional.
Indeed, the Supreme Court has often struck down ordinances where the distinction between two types of speech or expression is unrelated (or only tangentially related) to the government’s asserted interest. This is especially so where a less blunt approach could achieve the same ends. In short, if the City’s concern is that a large parade could cause an increase in transmission of COVID-19, a blanket ban for groups over 150 is not narrowly tailored to serve that interest, especially while also allowing other large gatherings to take place without permits. Moreover, when contrasted with the City’s recent decision to allow gatherings of up to 7,500 people in certain outdoor venues (including for Eagles games), the Event Moratorium is all the more unjustified. Rather than a blanket ban, the Constitution requires a narrowly tailored approach that might, for example, allow event organizers an opportunity to demonstrate appropriate safety measures.
At this time, I am happy to take any questions you have.
Sioux City Man on Robbery Spree Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who robbed a Sioux City business on September 11, 2019, was sentenced October 27, 2020, to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Noah Pineda, 21, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and brandishing a short-barreled rifle during and in relation to the robbery, and possession of a firearm by a domestic abuse misdemeanant.
Evidence presented by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed on September 11, 2019, Pineda entered Sarg’s Mini Mart convenience store wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a white mask. Pineda displayed a shortened rifle, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash registers and clerk’s purse. Pineda grabbed the money out of both registers, took money from the clerk’s purse, and ran from the store. With the assistant of a police K9, Pineda was found hiding in nearby bushes and was arrested. Pineda admitted to the robbery. Pineda told officers he hid the gun, a loaded .22 caliber rifle, under a shed in the area where he was found hiding. Pineda admitted the September 11, 2019, robbery was just one of a number of armed robberies he had committed. Pineda has a long history of violence that started when he was 12 and includes convictions for domestic assault and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury.
Pineda was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Pineda was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4085. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun was sentenced October 29, 2020, to six years in federal prison.
Cordaro Whitsel, age 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 19, 2020, guilty plea to being a felon, drug user, and domestic abuse misdemeanant in possession of a firearm.
Evidenced produced by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on November 16, 2019, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a person contacted the Sioux City Police Department and requested officers to come to her residence on Main Street in Sioux City right away because Cordaro Whitsel was there, on parole, unwelcome, and “irate.” At the time, Whitsel had prior convictions for Forgery, Theft, Burglary, and Domestic Abuse Assault. Officers arrived and found Whitsel outside the residence wearing a large camouflage backpack. Whitsel removed the backpack and set it next to him on the porch. Officers spoke with the 911 caller, who explained that she was assaulted by Whitsel during an argument while her children (ages 4 years, 2 years, and 4 months) were present in the residence. The 911 caller had visible injuries that were consistent with her statements. Whitsel was arrested. A small baggie of methamphetamine was found lying on the porch where Whitsel was seated. Inside the backpack, law enforcement found a loaded shotgun (one round in the chamber and 3 rounds in the magazine tube). Officers subsequently located a ballistic vest in the basement where Whitsel had been prior to the assault.
Whitsel was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Whitsel was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Whitsel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from our Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4009.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Shoshone Dairy Farm and Its Owner Plead Guilty to Clean Water Act ViolationRead the Press Release
BOISE – 4 Brothers Dairy, Inc. (4 Bros.) and its owner, Andrew Fitzgerald, 60, of Shoshone, Idaho, pleaded guilty to unlawful discharge of pollutant into a water of the United States, a misdemeanor violation of the Clean Water Act, announced U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis today.
According to court records, 4 Bros. is a dairy and concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) operating in Shoshone with at least 1,000 head of cattle. It maintains waste-water lagoons that are adjacent to the Milner-Gooding Canal, which flows to the Malad River and on to the Snake and Columbia Rivers. In the winter season of 2017, record precipitation, record snowpack, and flooding occurred, leading to extreme runoff at the 4 Bros. property. In February 2017, during this period of flooding, 4 Bros. and Fitzgerald negligently caused discharges of manure laden water into the Milner Gooding Canal at three locations.
“My office takes very seriously the responsibility of protecting Idaho’s precious natural resources,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “We will not hesitate to hold accountable any company or individual that pollutes United States waterways located in Idaho. This prosecution reflects what can be accomplished by working collaboratively with the EPA and our partner agencies in the State of Idaho.”
For the violation, 4 Bros., faces up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $25,000 per day of violation. Fitzgerald faces up to one year in prison and up to one year of supervised release or up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $25,000 per day of violation.
As part of the plea agreements, the parties have jointly recommended that 4 Bros. pay a fine of $95,000 and that Fitzgerald pay a fine of $35,000. In addition, 4 Bros. has agreed to submit a Notice of Intent to seek coverage under the Environmental Protection Agency’s CAFO National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit program for Idaho.
“We are all responsible for keeping our communities safe and protecting our natural resources. 4 Brothers’ Dairy and its owner, Andrew Fitzgerald, failed in this regard when they allowed hundreds of thousands of gallons of manure to enter the Milner-Gooding Canal, a tributary to some of Idaho’s most treasured waterways,” said Scot Adair, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in the Northwest. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that we will hold violators accountable for breaking our environmental laws.”
Sentencing for both 4 Bros. and Fitzgerald has been set for January 14, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale. The Court has taken under advisement the terms of the parties’ plea agreements.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Agriculture, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
# # #
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.
Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP FROST, 30, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of receipt of child pornography.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, Frost was convicted in state court of possessing child pornography in the second degree. On October 1, 2019, while Frost was on special parole and residing in a halfway house, a staff member at the halfway house discovered Frost was in possession of a smartphone, which was a violation of Frost’s parole conditions. The staff member secured the phone and contacted Frost’s parole officer. That evening, before the parole officer arrived the next morning, Frost used another resident’s phone to delete the history of his various online messaging accounts.
Subsequent analysis of Frost’s smartphone revealed images of child pornography, including images depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Frost had received the images on his smartphone after searching for them on the internet.
The investigation further revealed that, between July 31, 2019 and October 1, 2019, Frost engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old victim. Frost provided a cellphone to the minor victim so that they could communicate, and he enticed the minor victim to send him images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Frost also received these images on his smartphone.
Frost was on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry at the time this criminal conduct.
Frost is scheduled be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 28, 2021, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
The minimum and maximum penalties in this case are enhanced based on Frost’s criminal history.
Frost has been detained since October 2, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Seven Defendants Arrested, Charged with Narcotics Conspiracy Operating in the Jamestown, NY AreaRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned a 34-count superseding indictment charging seven defendants for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy. Defendants Rocco A. Beardsley, Tyler N. Tedesco, Miller Hagga, a/k/a Kido, Kylie M. Reeves, Garland Beardsley, a/k/a Charlie Beardsley, and Austin Gordon, are charged with narcotics conspiracy. Rocco Beardsley is also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. All six defendants faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between December 2018 and October 27, 2020, the defendants participated in a drug trafficking ring led by defendant Rocco Beardsley. The ring sold methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and hydrocodone in the Jamestown area. The defendants are accused of selling the illegal substances to, among others, a person under 21 years old and a pregnant woman. The conspiracy utilized residences at 12 Bishop Street, 631 Newland, 711 Newland, 158 Sampson Street, and 20 W. Cowden Place, all in Jamestown, to manufacture and distribute drugs.
In addition, a seventh defendant, Giselle Bennett is charged with obstruction of justice. The indictment states that in October 2019, in testimony before the grand jury, Bennett concealed information regarding the drug use of an individual identified as J.A., the circumstances of J.A. and defendant Bennett’s acquisition of narcotics, and the circumstances surrounding a visit by defendant Rocco Beardsley to J.A.’s residence shared with defendant Bennett. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Defendants Rocco Beardsley, Tedesco, Hagga, Reeves, Gordon, and Bennett were detained. Defendant Garland Beardsley was released on conditions.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; 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.
# # # #
Self-Proclaimed Boogaloo Bois Member Residing in San Antonio Arrested and Charged Federally with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A self-proclaimed Boogaloo Bois member residing in San Antonio faces a federal firearms charge, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
A federal criminal complaint filed yesterday in San Antonio charges 21–year-old Cameron Emerson Casey Rankin with one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm as a result of previously being committed to a mental institution. FBI agents arrested Rankin Wednesday and recovered a black semi-automatic rifle during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. He remains in federal custody at this time.
According to the criminal complaint, Rankin was in unlawful possession of a firearm, with the capability and means to affect violence in furtherance of his beliefs and has expressed a desire to overthrow the government, specifically, the “three letter agencies” such as ATF, FBI and IRS.
“Firearms in the hands of prohibited persons present a real danger to the law abiding residents of our community. When illegal firearms possession is combined with mental illness and violent, extremist ideologies, we have a prescription for disaster. Thanks to the efforts of the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies assigned to the San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the ATF, our community is safer today. We will use the full breadth of federal firearms laws to ensure that prohibited persons do not possess or use guns in our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.
The complaint states that Rankin attempted to purchase two long guns from a San Antonio retail outlet on March 23, 2018, but was denied the firearms transactions under the “Prohibited Category” for previously being committed to a mental institution.
After being warned by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that he was a prohibited person, Rankin posted pictures of himself with a firearm on social media. On May 30, 2020, Rankin and others, carrying long guns and pistols, appeared at the Alamo in downtown San Antonio to attend a protest in reaction to the death of George Floyd. The next day, Rankin posted on his Facebook account photos of himself and others carrying a firearm at the protest as well as comments about his disdain for police including, “…hope they burn the precinct down” and “I’m BOOGALOO we hate police.”
The complaint further alleges that on August 4, 2020, Rankin posted a “selfie” photo on his Facebook timeline showing him holding a black, semi-automatic rifle in a vertical position against his shoulder with his finger on the trigger. Rankin posted other photos which included a quote, stating, “Diligently Plotting to Take Over the World in order to Leave You Alone”.
On August 11, 2020, Rankin arrived at the airport in Manchester, New Hampshire. He flew out of San Antonio International Airport the previous day. Rankin checked a semiautomatic handgun in his luggage while at the ticket counter, but missed a connecting flight in Philadelphia, PA. Upon his arrival in Manchester, Rankin was met inside the terminal by ATF agents who served Rankin written notice that he is prohibited from possessing firearms. The agents also provided him with copies of his mental health records. Agents seized the handgun and ammunition from inside Rankin’s luggage. Rankin threw the notice letter and mental health records in the trash receptacle before leaving the airport terminal.
“San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and each of the member agencies, are committed to working hard every day to keep our communities safe from violent extremists,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs. “We encourage members of the public to help us with this important and challenging effort by continuing to report suspicious activity or suspected acts of violence.”
Upon conviction, Rankin faces up to ten years in federal prison. Rankin is scheduled for a detention hearing at 10:00am on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard B. Farrer in San Antonio.
The San Antonio FBI’s JTTF is conducting this investigation with assistance from the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William R. Harris and Mark Roomberg are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case falls with the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.
This case is also a part of Project Guardian, which is the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and, ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
#####
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.
Scranton Man Sentenced for Making False Statements in Public Corruption CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edward Weidow, Sr., age 67, of Scranton, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 29, 2020, to serve two years’ probation followed by 100 hours of community service by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for making false statements to federal law enforcement officers.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Weidow pled guilty to making false statements to federal investigators in a public corruption investigation involving former Mayor of Scranton, William Courtright. Weidow took cash from vendors and then transferred the cash to former Mayor of Scranton William Courtright. When Weidow was interviewed on January 9, 2019 by the FBI, he denied giving cash to Courtright, when in fact on numerous occasions, he had done so.
On October 2, 2020, Courtright was sentenced to seven years’ incarceration after pleading guilty to multiple public corruption crimes. Courtright was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to begin his sentence on October 30, 2020.
Courtright’s corrupt activities came to light during a multi-year undercover investigation headed by the FBI. The undercover investigation revealed that the former mayor accepted cash payments from vendors doing business with the city in a pay-to-play scheme.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.
# # #
Salem County Man Charged with Being Felon in Possession of WeaponRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Salem County, New Jersey, man made his initial appearance today after being charged with illegally possessing a handgun, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Donyell M. Stewart, 48, of Salem, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio and was detained pending a bail hearing next week.
According to documents filed in this case:
On Aug. 31, 2020, an officer with the Salem County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a stop of Stewart’s car after a 911 caller reported that Stewart’s car fled from a car accident. Stewart disregarded the officer’s signals to stop and proceeded to drive multiple blocks before pulling into the parking lot of a laundromat. Stewart exited his car with a brown handbag, from which officers later recovered a Springfield Armory XD .40 caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, as well as 5.5 ounces of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Stewart has at least five prior New Jersey felony convictions for controlled substance offenses, including a New Jersey conviction for being the leader of a narcotics trafficking network.
The charge of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, Newark Field Division, Camden Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s charge. He also thanked the Salem City Police Department, under the direction of Chief John A. Pelura, III; the Salem County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Charles M. Miller; and the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John T. Lenahan, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Tax ViolationRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert Fitzgerald, of Rochester, NY pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to failing to collect and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was the principal corporate officer of Fitzgerald Coaching Inc., a Western New York real estate listings referral company. Fitzgerald was required to collect and pay over Social Security and Medicare taxes to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of the company. During the years 2010 through 2017, Fitzgerald Coaching Inc. failed to report wages that were subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes totaling $55,487.65. The employer portion of the Social Security and Medicare taxes not paid to the IRS was $66,720.11. The total due to the IRS for both employee and employer Social Security and Medicare taxes is $122,207.16.
The plea was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
# # # #
Rhode Island Man Charged with Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Woonsocket, R.I. man has been charged with trafficking victims to engage in prostitution.
Ronald Hall, 48, was indicted on Oct. 28, 2020 on five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution.
According to the indictment, from at least January 2012 to December 2019, Hall trafficked five victims between Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Las Vegas, Nev., with the intent that each victim would engage in prostitution, and used force and threats of force to coerce them to do so. Hall also transported these women between Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Connecticut with the intent they engage in prostitution.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of sex trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentence 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; David Magdycz Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Record 57 Tons of Prescription Drugs, Electronic Vaping Devices and Cartridges Collected Around New England During 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank joined the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing the results from the 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which occurred on October 26, 2020.
Over the course of four hours, DEA New England and its partners collected 115,944.24 pounds—or over 57 tons—of expired, unused, unwanted prescription drugs, electronic vaping devices and cartridges at 586 collection sites throughout New England. This is in comparison to the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in September 2010, when the division collected 25,810 pounds of unwanted drugs.
Maine had the second highest total in all of New England, with 40,100 pounds of prescription drugs and vaping devices collected.
“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.”
The following is a breakdown of collected weights in pounds for the six New England states:
Massachusetts
40,284.81
Maine
40,100.00
New Hampshire
16,840.00
Connecticut
8,002.50
Rhode Island
6,218.70
Vermont
4,498.23
Total
115,944.24
Recently Released Federal Felon Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging David Levon Massey (31, Cape Coral) with possession with the intent to distribute heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. If convicted, Massey faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Massey has two prior convictions for federal drug offenses.
According to court documents, in February 2020 Massey was released from federal prison and told his probation officer that he would be living at a house in northwest Cape Coral. However, law enforcement determined that Massey was secretly living in an apartment off Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, and he was dealing drugs again. On October 7, 2020, law enforcement officers arrested Massey as he was leaving his apartment. A subsequent search of the residence revealed approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, 36 grams of heroin, a cutting agent, scales, and nearly $8,000 in cash.
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 was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cape Coral Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michel V. Leeman.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jose Padilla, age 52, was indicted on September 9, 2020. Padilla appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Padilla was convicted of Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child in January 2000. As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for life. The Indictment alleges between November 23, 2014, and continuing through the date of Indictment, Padilla failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration. The charge is merely an accusation and Padilla is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Padilla was released on bond. A trial date has not been set.
R.I. Slaughterhouse, Owners Indicted for Placing USDA Stamps on Uninspected ProductsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence today returned a three-count indictment charging a Johnston, Rhode Island, beef slaughterhouse and its owners with affixing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection stamps on beef products without authorization of the USDA.
It is alleged in the indictment that Rhode Island Beef and Veal, Inc., and its owners, Michael A. Quattrucci and Joel Quattrucci, intended to defraud its customers by using an official mark of inspection, a USDA stamp, on beef, falsely representing that the beef had been inspected and passed by the USDA when, in fact, it had not.
It is also alleged in the indictment that the defendants prepared beef for use as food at establishments preparing such beef for commerce, without complying with the requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case, announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
The matter was investigated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
###