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Monday 14 September 2020
Baltimore Felon Facing Federal Indictment for an Armed Carjacking, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Related Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today has indicted Charles Couser, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, on the federal charges of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to the five-count indictment, on January 31, 2020, Couser carjacked an individual at gunpoint. The next day, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug. Further, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 .40-caliber jacketed flat point cartridges in furtherance of his drug distribution. Finally, the indictment alleges that Couser knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.
If convicted, Couser faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking; a mandatory seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; a mandatory five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Couser is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in the near future. He is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of an Aggravated FelonRead the Press Release
Raleigh, N.C. – Manuel Rodriguez-Mendoza, 41, of Mexico, illegally present in the United States and residing in Wake County, North Carolina, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and an additional 18 months in federal prison for violating his supervised release.
On May 20, 2020, Rodriguez-Mendoza pled guilty to one count of illegal reentry of an aggravated felon. Rodriguez-Mendoza, was deported from the United States on April 28, 2006, at Brownsville, Texas, after having been convicted of illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony, on March 3, 2006, in the Middle District of North Carolina.
While on federal supervised release, on February 15, 2009, Rodriguez-Mendoza was arrested by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a deadly weapon. Rodriguez-Mendoza posted a $3,000 bond, was released and failed to appear in state court. Rodriguez-Mendoza remained a fugitive until he was arrested on July 1, 2016, by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and charged with trafficking in cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to sell controlled substances and possession of a stolen firearm.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Diaz prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00198-FL.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
4 sent to prison for multiple area robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – With the sentencing of three Houston men today, all four convicted for their roles in the robberies/attempted robberies of six local banks are now headed to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gregory Babers, 30, Julien Francis, 29, and Jarrick Hoskins, 31, had previously pleaded guilty. A federal jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly, 31, Feb. 26, following a less than two-day trial. He was convicted of five counts of aiding and abetting the robbery of local banks and aiding and abetting the attempted robbery of another as well as six counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
Today, U.S. District Lynn N. Hughes imposed total sentences of 84, 51 and 100 months for Babers, Francis and Hoskins, respectively, representing terms for the underlying robberies and additional penalties for the respective firearms convictions. Last week, the court ordered Beverly to serve 42 years for the firearms charges in addition to five years for the robberies and attempted robberies. The sentences are all to be served consecutively. The total 47-year-sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At Beverly’s hearing, the court heard additional evidence that he was a leader/organizer of the armed robbery crew. In handing down the sentences, the court noted teach member of the robbery crew was responsible for the actions of the others.
“For almost a year, these individuals endangered Houston citizens by committing over 20 bank robberies in our area,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. “Their arrests are a testament to the teamwork displayed by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. As we continue protecting our citizens, the FBI hopes these sentencings will bring closure for the victims, as well as an opportunity for the defendants to pay their debt to the community.”
During trial, the jury heard Beverly and other members of his crew committed six armed bank robberies and had robbed three of the banks more than once. The take-over style robberies occurred between Aug. 25, 2014, and May 2, 2015. During the crimes, two or more men wore masks and entered the banks while at least one of them brandished a firearm and put people’s lives in jeopardy. While in the banks, one or more of the men demanded money from employees at gunpoint, jumped over teller counters and grabbed money from teller drawers.
Jurors also heard testimony that Beverly participated in an attempted robbery. He did not get any money due to the bank’s bullet-proof bandit barriers.
At trial, the jury saw videos and photos from each of the robberies and heard testimony from five bank tellers explaining how the armed robbers wore masks and gloves. The jury also considered phone records showing how the robbers used their cell phones to communicate with each other.
At the time of their pleas, Babers, Francis and Hoskins admitted to their respective roles as lookouts, drivers and inside-men.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
Saturday 12 September 2020
Request Denied for Preliminary Injunction on the Administration’s Landmark New Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy ActRead the Press Release
On Friday, Sept. 11, Judge James T. Jones of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia denied a request for a preliminary injunction against the Administration’s landmark new regulations implementing under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will modernize environmental review, enhance the information-gathering process, and facilitate more meaningful public participation in the protection of our environment. These regulations had not been subject to a major revision since 1978, when they were first promulgated, and they were in need of modernization to improve the infrastructure permitting process.
“We are gratified that the Court rejected plaintiff’s injunction request, and the Department will continue to defend these vital rules,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “The modernization of the NEPA process advances both environmental protection and economic development.”
“I am pleased to have argued this case for the President’s Council of Environmental Quality and that Judge Jones agreed to deny the nationwide preliminary injunction,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Montrose Resident Sentenced to More Than Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Joseph Davis of Montrose, Colorado was sentenced to serve 151 months (over 12 years) in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello earlier this week. The Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration joined in today’s announcement.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, as well as facts presented at sentencing, Davis was a mid-level dealer of methamphetamine in Montrose, Colorado, receiving and distributing pounds of methamphetamine for profit. He began this criminal activity shortly after being released on parole in May 2019, after serving a portion of a 10 year state prison sentence for previous drug distribution. Soon after being released on parole in 2019, Davis began distributing methamphetamine from his Montrose residence, along with his wife and co-defendant, Naomi Vaughn. Vaughn is separately scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2020. Cases against eleven additional alleged co-conspirators are pending.
“Significant drug prosecutions like this are a high priority for our office, particularly when it involves a smaller community,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “The length of this sentence - more than twelve years - demonstrates just how seriously we take this criminal activity. We commend our law enforcement partners, including the DEA, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montrose County Police Department for their excellent work.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who seek to sell this poison in our community will be caught and dealt with severely,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners across the state are committed to eradicating the illegal sale and distribution of methamphetamine and other hard drugs plaguing our communities.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 19-cr-535. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Phillips.
Related press releases can be found here and here.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Friday 11 September 2020
Woman Charged for Throwing Lit Device at Metropolitan Police OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alanna Rogers, 26, of Baltimore, MD, was arraigned yesterday in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on a criminal complaint charging her with felony assault on a police officer while armed and misdemeanor rioting based on her throwing a firework at police officers, burning the trousers of one police official, during a declared riot that took place on August 30 and carried over to August 31, 2020, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin. Although Rogers was not charged when initially arrested on August 31, today’s charges are based on additional investigative work by the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
At today’s arraignment, the Honorable Judge Sean C. Staples found probable cause for the charges and agreed with the government that a presumption in favor of detention applied in this case. The court released Rogers, however, after finding that the presumption was rebutted by her lack of criminal history. The court ordered Rogers to stay away from the 800 and 900 blocks of Sixteenth Street, N.W., and not to possess fireworks.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
In addition to the Rogers case, last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed charges against two other individuals for rioting. One defendant was charged with misdemeanor rioting, in United States v. Wu, Crim. No. 2020-CMD-006839, for his conduct on August 30-31. The other was charged with misdemeanor destruction of property, defacing property, and misdemeanor rioting, in United States v. Powell, Crim. No. 2020-CMD-006862, for his conduct on August 14. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to review additional evidence presented by MPD and will bring additional charges as warranted by the evidence.
Wilson Man Arrested, Charged with Marijuana Possession and Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead 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 Kevin S. Wise, Jr., 30, of Wilson, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the afternoon of September 2, 2020, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic incident complaint at the defendant’s residence on Youngstown Road in Wilson. Law enforcement interviewed the subjects, both of whom agreed to separate and no charges were filed at that time. During the course of an investigation, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office learned that Wise used methamphetamine and marijuana. Investigators also determined that the defendant grew marijuana behind his house. On September 6, 2020, Wise was arrested on a domestic complaint for two counts of Aggravated Harassment.
The following day, on September 7, 2020, investigators executed search warrants at the defendant’s residence, property, and vehicles. At the locations, they recovered several firearms, a bin of gun parts and magazines, approximately 126 grams of suspected marijuana, approximately 2.6 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two digital scales with brown residue, packaging materials, a large quantity of ammunition, and $2,717.00 in U.S. currency. Behind the garage, investigators discovered a pathway leading to 11 suspected marijuana plants and observed multiple trail cameras positioned throughout the back yard, woods, and location of the marijuana plants.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on September 15, 2020.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Wife sentenced to prison in chop shop conspiracy involving the theft of more than 35 vehiclesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today for conspiring with her husband and others to steal at least 35 vehicles, earning more than half a million dollars by selling their parts.
Tina Imes, 41, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. In July 2019, her husband James A. Imes, 51, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.
According to court documents, from January 2013 until April 2014, defendants stole at least 35 vehicles to dismantle them and sell their parts throughout the Midwest, earning $10,000 to $15,000 per week. Co-conspirators operated chop shops in three locations on the West side of Columbus to traffic the car parts.
For example, one vehicle – a truck stolen from Buckeye Ford in London, Ohio – was registered in the name of the couple’s minor son and had a fraudulent VIN and title assigned to it after the theft.
Most of the vehicles were sold as parts or scrap to salvage yards. More valuable parts were sold on Craigslist through posts advertised in cities across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.
During the destruction of the vehicles, HCFC refrigerant chemicals were released into the atmosphere when vehicle air conditioning tubes were cut.
As part of this investigation, agents spoke with Imes in October and November 2018 about a felony arrest warrant for her husband. Imes told U.S. Marshals that the couple planned to divorce, and that her husband had fled to Kentucky. In reality, Imes was delivering food and other supplies to her husband at an apartment on Plumway Drive in Columbus.
Imes pleaded guilty in February 2019.
Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Laurie A. Stevenson announced the sentence handed down today by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan J.C. Grey and J. Michael Marous are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Ohio EPA Special Investigations Unit, as well as the assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police Auto Theft Unit and Ohio State Highway Patrol Theft and Fraud Unit.
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Vidor Women Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking Resulting in Multiple DeathsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Vidor, Texas women have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Catherine Ardis, 62, and Michelle Lea Harrington, 51, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely hydromorphone, before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, Harrington lived at a home located on FM 105 North in Vidor, Texas, in which several other persons, including Ardis, also resided. Federal agents began their investigation of Harrington and Ardis in June of 2019 after three persons died as a result of opiates purchased from Ardis at this home. Medical examination of the deceased persons determined that the victims died from poly-drug toxicity resulting from the use of hydromorphone pills, also referred to as Dilaudid. As part of the factual basis for the plea, Ardis admitted to selling the hydromorphone pills that resulted in the death of the three victims.
“Trafficking of drugs ordinarily only available by prescription places the public at great risk,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “The United States is committed to punishing those that seek to profit by distributing such drugs outside the watchful care of a doctor.”
“The drug trafficker who provides the drug that causes or contributes to the overdose death of a person will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple of the DEA Houston Division. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to commit significant resources to the identification and investigation of those who cause the death of another human, whether by violence or overdose.”
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the defendants with federal drug trafficking crimes on March 4, 2020. Under federal statutes, Ardis and Harrington face up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Vidor Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Beaumont Police Department, Port Arthur Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson.
VA Hospital Nurse Charged with Using her Position to Obtain PainkillersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The Indictment, returned on August 19, 2020, named Ann Makepeace, age 30, of 519 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about February 24, 2020, continuing through on or about March 20, 2020, Makepeace used her position as a registered nurse at the VA Hospital to obtain vials of Dilaudid, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than four years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Veterans Affairs Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Files Complaint to Forfeit Nearly $1 Million from Companies Accused of Enabling North Korean Sanctions EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The United States has filed a complaint to forfeit $955,880.85 associated with two companies, announced Michael R. Sherwin, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office; and Steven Cagen, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Denver Field Office.
The complaint alleges the Ryer International Trading Limited and Rensy International Trading Co., Limited acted as intermediaries for North Korea’s purchase and acquisition of telecommunications equipment from ZTE, which included US-origin components.
ZTE exported millions of U.S.-origin parts to North Korea between 2010 and 2016, receiving payments in U.S. dollars through China-based shell companies, Ryer and Rensy. Ryer and Rensy were intermediaries to negotiate purchase contracts, request payments, and receive the U.S.-origin goods on behalf of ZTE’s North Korean customers.
Ryer’s proprietors attempted to invest the proceeds of their activity in the EB-5 immigrant investor program, which provides eligibility for permanent residence in the United States.
“This complaint illuminates how procurement networks coordinate with front companies to move North Korean money through the United States to obtain U.S.-origin technology in violation of sanctions and money laundering laws,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin. “This case demonstrates that we will use all tools in our Threat Finance Unit’s portfolio to disrupt activity by the North Korean regime that harms U.S. national security, regardless of where they are doing business.”
"The evasion of U.S. financial sanctions by foreign actors will not be tolerated, and the FBI will continue to work with federal law enforcement partners to ensure that there are consequences for those seeking to profit through illegal money laundering activities,” said Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office.
“This seizure demonstrates how seriously we take our commitment to safeguarding the interests of the United States against criminal elements aiding North Korea,” said Steven Cagen, special-agent-in-charge, HSI Denver. “This case underscores the resolve of Homeland Security Investigations to use its investigative authority to disrupt this threat.”
The complaint was filed on September 11, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to the complaint, Ryer and Rensy also acted as a conduit for North Korean money laundering through sanctioned North Korean financial institutions.
The United Nations Panel of Experts reported as to how North Korean banks have been able to evade sanctions and continue to access the international banking system. Specifically, despite strengthened financial sanctions, North Korean networks are accessing formal banking channels by maintaining correspondent bank accounts and representative offices abroad that are staffed by foreign nationals making use of front companies. These broad interwoven networks allow North Korean banks to conduct illicit procurement and banking activity.
The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office and HSI’s Colorado Springs Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui, Michael Grady, and Brian P. Hudak, and National Security Division Deputy Chief Liz Cannon are litigating the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers, Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick, and Records Examiner Angela De Falco.
United States Attorney William D. Hyslop Announces $657,699 in Awards to Improve School Safety in the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane -- William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announces that a total of $657,699 in school safety grant funding is being awarded to the Mattawa Police Department, East Valley School District and Consolidated School District #116 in Prosser, Washington. The funding was awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. The amounts awarded in Eastern Washington are:
Mattawa Police Department - $372,750
East Valley School District - $187,500
Consolidated School District #116 - $97,449
United States Attorney Hyslop said “Students should not fear going to school. These awards reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to safe and secure learning environments for our students. The grant funding will assist our partners in enhancing the physical safety of our children while they are in school.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe Announces Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that the Washington County, Florida, School District received $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“We are pleased that so many children within our District will benefit from the Justice Department’s School Violence Prevention Program,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Even here in Northern Florida, we are not free from the threat of school violence. I’m confident Washington County will use these funds to take impactful steps to improve safety for our children, and the teachers and others who work every day to educate them in a safe, nourishing environment.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The $500,000 award announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here:
https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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.
Press Release - School Safety Award Washington CountyUnited States Attorney Expresses Commitment to Prosecuting Those Who Defraud the Paycheck Protection PlanRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced at a press conference yesterday that charges have now been filed against the 50th defendant, nation-wide, accused of defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP consists of loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Tiara Walker of Miami, Florida, was arrested on September 9, 2020, on charges of Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud. The complaint alleges that from May to July, 2020, Walker and her co-conspirators prepared at least 90 fraudulent PPP loan applications worth more than $24 million dollars. Forty-two of those loans were approved and funded for a total of approximately $17.4 million dollars. In Columbia, South Carolina, seven individuals were indicted yesterday for laundering over $750,000 of fraudulently obtained funds including over $390,000 from a PPP loan. The South Carolina indictment marks the 50th PPP-fraud case to date across the country. Prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida are also committed to cracking down on those who would steal money meant for those who have been among the hardest-hit during the COVID-19 crisis.
“For the past few months, our prosecutors have been working tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners, including the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigations, FBI, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, to detect and investigate fraudulent PPP loans,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Though many of these investigations are ongoing and the details of them are not yet publically known, the Northern District of Florida is devoting significant resources to prosecute offenders who divert the limited COVID-19 relief funds away from legitimate small business owners.”
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The CARES Act also authorizes the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan toward payroll expenses.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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.
Press Release - 50th Paycheck Protection Plan Defendant ChargedU.S. DOJ Office of Violence Against Women Awards $363,223 to Pauma Band of Mission Indians to support Criminal Justice Response to Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Kim Thoa Hoang (619) 546-9397
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 11, 2020
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women has awarded $363,223 to the Pauma Band of Mission Indians to support the tribe’s criminal justice response to domestic violence.
“This grant will enable the Pauma Band’s criminal justice system to ensure both victim safety and offender accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “All parties must receive the full measure of rights guaranteed by the criminal justice system when violence occurs, and importantly the tribes can provide this in a culturally competent way.”The Office of Violence Against Women currently administers 19 grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and subsequent legislation. These grant programs are designed to develop the nation’s capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable.
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) included a provision recognizing the authority of participating tribes to exercise “special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction” (SDVCJ) over certain defendants, regardless of their Indian or non-Indian status, who commit crimes of domestic violence or dating violence or violate certain protection orders in Indian country. The Act also specified the rights that a participating tribe must provide to defendants in SDVCJ cases. The Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction (Tribal Jurisdiction) Program is designed to assist Indian tribes in exercising SDVCJ.
Through this grant program, Indian tribes receive support to exercise SDVCJ and technical assistance for planning and implementing changes in their criminal justice systems necessary to exercise the jurisdiction. The program encourages collaborations among tribal leadership, tribal courts, tribal prosecutors, tribal attorneys, tribal defenders, law enforcement, probation, service providers, and other partners to incorporate systemic change that ensures victim safety and offender accountability.
The Pauma Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Tribal Government. The Pauma-Yuima reservation is located in Pauma Valley in northeastern San Diego County, California. The tribe, and its internal and external partners, are committed to developing, implementing, and exercising SDVCJ. Through this project, the Pauma Tribe will dedicate a Domestic Violence Court Program Manager to lead the effort with the partnership of the Pauma Tribal Council, Tribal Administration, Tribal Attorney, the Pauma Police Department, the Domestic Violence Program, and the Sexual Assault Response Team.
Through the Pauma Domestic Violence Court Project the partners will engage in activities focused on: strengthening the tribal criminal justice system in order to implement and exercise SDVCJ; providing indigent criminal defendants, in SDVCJ proceedings, with effective assistance of licensed defense counsel; ensuring jurors are summoned, selected, and instructed appropriately; and affording victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protection orders crime victim rights. Specific activities include, but are not limited to: completing the required planning period to engage all required and key partners in a planning process and MOU development; participating in the Inter-Tribal Technical Assistance Working Group (ITWG) on SDVCJ; participating in on-site and other training and technical assistance opportunities; and submitting the SDVCJ supporting certifications for OVW review and approval.
U.S. Attorney W. Scott Announces $1.6M in Awards to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. - U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California announced that $1,596,426 was awarded across the district from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to improve school safety. The Fort Sage Unified School District received $335,426; the Lodi Unified School District received $301,242; the Madera Unified School District received $408,053; the Woodlake United School District received $126,001; and the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department received $425,704. Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“Ensuring the safety of our children when they are at school is critical,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “These grants will help schools across the district improve their safety, and begin to make these improvements during distance learning.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The awards announced can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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 Prim F. Escalona Announces $374,883.00 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that the Alabaster City Schools’ Board of Education received $374,883.00 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“I am pleased to announce that the COPS Office has awarded this grant to the Alabaster City Schools’ Board of Education this year,” Escalona said. “The safety of our students is a top priority and this grant will enhance school safety for these students. While there have been some unique challenges to this school year, our commitment to ensuring students are safe when attending school is the same.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The award announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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 Mike Hurst Announces Almost $1.5 Million in Awards to Improve School Safety in the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced today that the Holmes County Consolidated School District, the Pearl River County School District, and the Covington County School District received awards totaling $1,475,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“Protecting the most vulnerable among us is one of the most sacred and solemn responsibilities that we have. Personally, as a father, I am excited to see these awards to our school districts, as it demonstrates our continuing commitment in the Department of Justice to invest in the protection of our schools and the safety of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
Holmes County Consolidated School District and the Pearl River County School District each received $500,000, while the Covington County School District received $475,805. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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 Matthew Schneider Announces $502,349 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Wayne/Westland Community Schools and the City of Grand Blanc received $478,836 and $23,513, respectively, from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“While most Michigan students are starting off the school year in a remote learning setting, safety remains a top priority,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “The money awarded will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our children.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The two awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson Announces $500,000 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson from the District of New Mexico announced that Lovington Municipal Schools received $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“We are excited by the news of these much needed funds coming to New Mexico to help provide a more secure environment for students when they return to classes,” said, U.S. Attorney Anderson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office congratulates the schools receiving these grants to enhance one of our most important priorities: student safety.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The 160 awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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 Jeff Jensen Announces $532,265 Award to Improve School Safety in the Eastern District of MissouriRead the Press Release
St. Louis– U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen announced that Bayless Consolidated School District, Maries County R-1 School District and Schuyler County R-1 received $532,265 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. The amounts awarded in Eastern Missouri are:
Bayless Consolidated School District - $416,746
Maries County R-1 School District - $88,568
Schuyler County R-1 - $26,951
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
Two Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately on September 9, 2020, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including York, and Lackawanna.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Saldivar Tapia was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2013. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after June 2013 and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Marin Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2017. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2017 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Troy Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jessica Pascale, age 35, of Troy, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one-year of probation for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) by diverting and stealing the benefit payments of two individuals with disabilities while she was employed as a Social Security claims representative.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her earlier guilty plea, Pascale admitted that in July and September 2019, she used the SSA computer system to divert two separate Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments intended for two SSI beneficiaries with disabilities into her personal bank account. Neither of the beneficiaries were aware of the thefts, which were discovered through internal controls at SSA. Pascale pled guilty to four felony charges: two charges of theft of government property and two charges of fraud in connection with identification information.
The court also ordered Pascale to pay full restitution to SSA, as well as a fine of $1,000.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Three Philadelphia Men Detained on Charges of Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that three men, Andre Michael Felts, 32, Kevin Michael Francis, 60, and Ryan Keel, 39, all of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Indictment for their roles in a sex trafficking operation that exploited numerous minor children from 2016 through 2017. Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. All three defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor, while Felts and Francis were also each charged with four counts of sex trafficking a minor.
The Indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young girls, including one who was only fifteen years old, to engage in commercial sex acts; harbored the victims at various residences for that purpose; transported and provided the victims to males who purchased the commercial sex acts; and collected a portion of the proceeds. Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. At least one of the victims was also a victim of physical violence during the operation of the trafficking ring: according to public filings, Felts pulled her from a vehicle and repeatedly stomped on her.
“The allegations against these three men are vile and disturbing. I am gratified that the defendants are all now off the streets and in custody pending trial on these charges,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Working with our federal partners, we will do all that we can to keep criminals who sell the bodies of children for their own profit securely behind bars so they can do no more harm.”
“To advertise underage girls for sex, to willfully pimp them out for profit, is heinous,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Those who so victimize vulnerable kids do untold physical and emotional harm. Make no mistake, the Philadelphia Child Exploitation Task Force is working each and every day to lock up sex traffickers and other predators preying on innocent children.”
This investigation is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Solow and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Third Defendant Charged with Civil Disorder for Attacking Police Officers with A Laser During Violent Protests in the City of RochesterRead 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 Kyle Bradley Davis, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with civil disorder for his role in violent protests in the City of Rochester. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, there were nights of violent protests in Rochester following the public disclosure on September 2, 2020, of Daniel Prude’s death on March 30, 2020. Those violent protests resulted in property damage and physical injury to several law enforcement officers.
On the evening of September 8, 2020, a group of approximately 400 protesters gathered in front of Rochester Police Department (RPD) headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on Exchange Boulevard between Court Street and the Interstate 490 overpass. RPD officers and NYSP Troopers staffed metal barricades, which were positioned in the driveway area of RPD headquarters. At approximately 10:00 p.m., surveillance cameras captured the defendant pointing green lasers at three uniformed RPD officers and four uniformed New York State Police Troopers, who were positioned in the area to control the crowd and prevent a breach of the barricades. The victim officers experienced a temporary loss of sight as a result of being hit with the laser, which impeded and interfered with their ability to carry out their assigned duties.
Police officers posted in the area of South Fitzhugh Street and South Plymouth Avenue observed an individual - later identified as Davis - who matched the description of the individual who had been pointing lasers at the victim officers. As officers began to approach the defendant and an officer told him to stop in order to detain him, Davis yelled loudly that he did not trust the police officer one bit and then ran south on South Fitzhugh Street. An officer gave chase and tackled the defendant in area of 218 South Fitzhugh Street. Davis pushed himself up, stood up, and attempted to pull away, but was taken into custody. After the arrest, a black laser was recovered from the defendant's front sweatshirt pocket.
As a result of the arrest, the arresting officer sustained a fractured orbital bone and a laceration under his left eye, and continues to suffer from blurry vision in his left eye. The arresting officer was taken to the hospital where he received medical treatment, including seven stitches.
“Simply put, those individuals who seek to injure law enforcement officers with dangerous devices such as lasers, explosives, projectiles, or anything else will face federal prosecution,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “While free speech is protected, a violent free-for-all aimed at law enforcement—or anyone else—is not.”
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Major Barry Chase; Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy; the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi; the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Dansville Police Department, under the direction of Sergeant Shannon Griese; and the United States Marshal’s Service, under the direction of United States Marshal Charles Salina.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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The Scripps Research Institute to Pay $10 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Mischarging NIH-Sponsored Research GrantsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has agreed to pay the United States $10 million to settle claims that it improperly charged NIH-funded research grants for time spent by researchers on non-grant related activities such as developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications, teaching, and engaging in other administrative activities.
The settlement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Assistant Attorney General Ethan P. Davis for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division; and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Federal grant recipients must use the grant funds they receive on tasks that specifically relate to the funded project. Those that improperly charge the government for costs unrelated to the project must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice have a duty to protect government resources and ensure they are used appropriately.”
“The NIH has finite resources to support important research across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect those resources by ensuring that NIH grants funds are used for the purposes for which they were intended.”
“Taxpayers funds for medical research are finite and the need for scientific advances is great; therefore, it’s critical that these resources are used as intended,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our investigators will continue to protect these resources so that they are spent appropriately.”
TSRI is a non-profit biomedical research institute with campuses located in Jupiter, Florida and La Jolla, California. TSRI receives millions of dollars in funding from NIH through hundreds of grants each year. The settlement resolves allegations that between 2008 and 2016, TSRI failed to have a system in place for its faculty to properly account for time spent on activities that cannot be charged directly to NIH-funded projects or are unrelated to the research activities of the NIH-funded project. Consequently, the United States contended that TSRI improperly charged time spent by faculty on developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications directly to existing NIH-funded projects, rather than allocating such charges as indirect costs. The United States also alleged that TSRI improperly charged NIH-funded projects for time spent by its faculty on other activities unrelated to the funded projects, such as teaching, TSRI committee work, and other administrative tasks.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Thomas Burris, Ph.D, a former TSRI employee. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. Dr. Burris will receive $1.75 million.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Burris v. The Scripps Research Institute, Case No. 1:15-CV-01443 (D. Md.). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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The Scripps Research Institute to Pay $10 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Mischarging NIH-Sponsored Research GrantsRead the Press Release
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has agreed to pay the U.S. $10 million to settle claims that it improperly charged NIH-funded research grants for time spent by researchers on non-grant related activities such as developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications, teaching, and engaging in other administrative activities, the Department of Justice announced today.
“The NIH has finite resources to support important research across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect those resources by ensuring that NIH grants funds are used for the purposes for which they were intended."
“Federal grant recipients must use the grant funds they receive on tasks that specifically relate to the funded project. Those that improperly charge the government for costs unrelated to the project must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice have a duty to protect government resources and ensure they are used appropriately.”
“Taxpayers funds for medical research are finite and the need for scientific advances is great; therefore, it’s critical that these resources are used as intended,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our investigators will continue to protect these resources so that they are spent appropriately.”
TSRI is a non-profit biomedical research institute with campuses located in Jupiter, Florida and La Jolla, California. TSRI receives millions of dollars in funding from NIH through hundreds of grants each year. The settlement resolves allegations that between 2008 and 2016, TSRI failed to have a system in place for its faculty to properly account for time spent on activities that cannot be charged directly to NIH-funded projects or are unrelated to the research activities of the NIH-funded project. Consequently, the U.S. contended that TSRI improperly charged time spent by faculty on developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications directly to existing NIH-funded projects, rather than allocating such charges as indirect costs. The U.S. also alleged that TSRI improperly charged NIH-funded projects for time spent by its faculty on other activities unrelated to the funded projects, such as teaching, TSRI committee work, and other administrative tasks.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Thomas Burris, Ph.D, a former TSRI employee. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. Dr. Burris will receive $1.75 million.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Burris v. The Scripps Research Institute, Case No. 1:15-CV-01443 (D. Md.). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a U.S. Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel J. Trammell, 58, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty yesterday to assaulting a United States Postal Service employee, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
As part of his guilty plea, Trammell admitted that on April 21, 2020, in Syracuse, he assaulted a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier who was delivering mail, causing a wound to the victim’s neck. Trammell faces up to 8 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release when he is sentenced by United States District Judge David N. Hurd on January 13, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Syracuse Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the 19th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist AttacksRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr has released the following statement:
“Nineteen years ago this morning, our nation was subjected to a horrific, unprovoked terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 Americans in New York City, the Pentagon, and aboard United Flight 93 — which was downed by heroic passengers who saved untold numbers of lives. On behalf of the Department of Justice, I convey my sympathy to the families of the victims of all who were lost that tragic day. Although nearly two decades have passed, we will never forgot those who were murdered. Nor will we forget who murdered them. This department’s resolve to protect the people of the United States — and to bring to justice those who would harm them — is as strong as it was on September 12, 2001.
On this anniversary, I extend particular gratitude to the law enforcement personnel and others who responded courageously to the attacks, many of whom gave the last full measure of devotion to save others that day and many of whom have later suffered from illness related to the attacks. The deadliest day in the history of American law enforcement was also its finest hour. In the images of police officers and firefighters charging into the burning towers and carrying to safety victims from all walks of life, we see the true character of those who volunteer to protect and serve. All Americans owe them their gratitude and steadfast support. The Department of Justice is proud to stand with the law enforcement heroes of September 11, 2001, and we strongly support the permanent September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — signed into law last year by President Trump — that has awarded more than $7 billion to them and others still suffering the costs of the attacks. The Department of Justice honors the courage and sacrifice of all who saved lives on September 11, 2001, and we will be forever grateful to all who selflessly serve in American law enforcement.”
St. Louis Man Charged with Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Louquincy Carr, 35, of St. Louis, Missouri, was charged by a federal complaint for robbery in connection with an armed robbery at a T-Mobile Store. Carr will be presented in court today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker for his initial appearance.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 24, 2020, Carr entered a T-Mobile store located on South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis. Carr looked at some display phones before approaching the counter. At the counter, an employee showed Carr what appeared to be an iPhone in its box. Then, Carr pointed a silver semi-automatic handgun at the employee and demanded money from the register while also placing the boxed phone into his pants pocket. The employee complied and handed over United States currency. Thereafter, Carr forced the employee into the back office at gunpoint. Carr then fled the store on foot. Forensic evidence led to the identification of Carr.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2020, the Carr was taken into custody by law enforcement and search warrants were executed at two different residences at which the Carr is known to stay. Located during the execution of the search warrant was a silver handgun that appeared to be consistent with the gun the Carr used during the charged robbery.
This investigation is part of Operation LeGend which is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in St. Louis in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Richfield Man Charged with Arson of Target HeadquartersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24, with arson. JACKSON was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. JACKSON was detained pending a formal detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for September 16, 2020, at 10:30 am before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.
According to the criminal complaint and documents filed with the court, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting, following the suicide of a suspect in a homicide, and in response to false rumors surrounding the man’s death. At approximately 10:55 p.m., Target surveillance video showed a man, later identified as JACKSON by law enforcement, use a “Sidewalk Closed” construction sign to break through one of the glass doors into the Target Headquarters building, located at 1000 Nicollet Mall. Target surveillance video, taken from inside the store, then showed JACKSON igniting a fire on a desktop inside the mailroom. JACKSON poured liquid from a bottle prior to or immediately after starting the fire. Surveillance video then showed JACKSON run out of the building. Later that night, JACKSON was stopped by the Richfield Police and found in possession of stolen items of merchandise.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Docherty and Chelsea Walcker.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24,
Richfield, Minn.
Charges:
- Arson, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury today found Vince Edward Lasane (48, Orlando) guilty of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing the offense while required to register as a sex offender under Florida law. Lasane faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2020.
Lasane was indicted on November 13, 2019.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in 2007, Lasane was convicted of attempted sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. As part of his sentence, the court designated Lasane a sexual predator and ordered him to register as a sex offender in the State of Florida for life.
In September 2019, Lasane met a 14 year-old girl on a social networking website. During the next five weeks, Lasane enticed and persuaded the girl to engage in sexual activity, communicating with her through text messages and phone calls. In late October, Lasane arranged to meet the girl at a restaurant in Orlando, which was within walking distance of the apartment where she had been staying. Lasane assured the girl that he would wear a condom so that she would not get pregnant. After attending his court-ordered sexual offender treatment meeting, Lasane traveled to the location to meet the child. When Lasane arrived, law enforcement officers arrested him. The officers found a condom and the cellphone Lasane had used to communicate with the child in his pocket. The 14 year-old girl was actually a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Raleigh Credit Repair Orchestrator and Ring of 11 Participants Charged with Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated ID Theft, Conspiracy and PerjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced the unsealing of a Second Superseding Indictment charging the following: Michael Anthony Griffin, Sr. (“MGriffin”) 52, of Knightdale, North Carolina; Regina Griffin (MGriffin’s sister), 48, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Angela Griffin (MGriffin’s wife), 52, of Knightdale, North Carolina; Creshun Alexandria Griffin (MGriffin’s daughter), 26, of Knightdale, North Carolina; Sharon Annita Edmond (MGriffin’s sister), 51, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Katina Griffin Perry (MGriffin’s sister), 47, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Harvey Griffin (MGriffin’s brother) 46, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Melvin Griffin (MGriffin’s brother), 44, of Knightdale, North Carolina; Shawn Allen Farmer, 51, of Cary, North Carolina; Jasmine Mariah Davis, 28, of Lakeland, Florida; Tyrone Edmonds, 46, of Weldon, North Carolina; Conscina Marie Brooks, 27, of Knightdale, North Carolina; and Jasper Deonta Goodman, 46, of Raleigh, North Carolina. The charge includes 50 counts, consisting of Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Making False Statements to a Bank on Loan, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Perjury.
The United States Attorney stated, “After months of continuing investigation we are finally bringing to justice many of those who participated in this expansive fraud upon banks, merchants, and the credit market as a whole. The ongoing pandemic has not slowed our efforts to hold accountable all of those who would engage in the frauds charged in this case.”
The indictment charges that MGriffin, operating from his business location in Raleigh and home in Knightdale, accepted fees from clients for alleged credit repair services. The indictment alleges that, in reality, Griffin was creating fictitious credit profiles and fraudulently altering client credit data through the use of fictitious police reports.
The indictment further charges that various defendants conspired with MGriffin to defraud Synchrony Bank, a Lowe’s credit card provider, by opening credit accounts in the name of fraudulent identities, cashing out the accounts through prepaid card purchases, and then defaulting on the credit accounts. The indictment also charges various defendants with similar frauds against other banks, including Capital One and Discover.
The indictment further charges various defendants with using fraudulent identities, bank statements, pay stubs, and other documents, for use in defrauding banks, lenders, merchants, and landlords. In one such charge, MGriffin is charged with presenting a fraudulent social security card and number to Johnson Automotive to purchase a Hyundai Genesis, a vehicle with a purchase price of more than $72,000.
The indictment further charges the defendants with aggravated identity theft, in that many of the fraudulent identities utilized in the scheme involved the use of a stolen social security number.
Lastly, certain defendants are further charged with committing perjury for lying to a federal grand jury.
The charges were unsealed today following the arrest of several of the defendants.
If convicted, the maximum punishment for committing Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349, is not more than 30 years in prison. The maximum punishment for Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, is not more than 20 years imprisonment. The maximum punishment for Making a False Statement to a Bank on a Loan is not more than 30 years in prison. The maximum penalty for committing Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), is not less than two years imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed.
The investigation of this case continues, and is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Previously convicted felons sentenced to federal prison for crimes including illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: Two men will serve federal prison terms after being sentenced as convicted felons for crimes including illegal possession of firearms.
Shakur Wafi Abdullah, a/k/a Antonio Griffin, 37, of Augusta, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Jesse Daniel Roberts, 51, of Augusta, was sentenced to 57 months in prison by Chief Judge Hall after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of their prison terms, each defendant will be required to serve three years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our streets are safer when repeat offenders with illegally possessed firearms are taken off our streets, and our office will continue to make them a high priority for prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “In accordance with the U.S. Attorney General’s priorities announced as part of Project Guardian, our law enforcement partners likewise are committed to protecting our citizens from gun criminals.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Abdullah was arrested in February 2019 after being involved in a vehicle crash on Peach Orchard Road in Augusta. Witnesses saw him hide items from his vehicle behind a nearby business, and Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies later found a bundle containing packages of cocaine and a pistol that Abdullah admitted belonged to him. Abdullah was on probation after serving 11 years of an 18-year sentence on a state charge of aggravated assault.
Roberts, who had recently been released on parole from state prison, was arrested in August 2019 when agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers from the Georgia Department of Supervision (DCS) conducted a probation visit to Roberts’ motel room and found an AR-15 rifle and ammunition.
“These defendants have no business carrying firearms, given their previous criminal conduct,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “These sentences have made the Augusta area safer.”
The cases were investigated by the ATF, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the DCS and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Edwin Caban and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hank Syms.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man was indicted today on charges of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Kenswick Austin, 45, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. Austin was previously charged by complaint on March 31, 2020.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between March 13, 2020, and March 28, 2020, Austin participated in multiple meetings and telephone calls to arrange the shipment to New Jersey of a package containing controlled substances. On March 30, 2020, the package arrived at an agreed-upon location, and Austin accompanied several other individuals to take possession of it. After a trained narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics, law enforcement searched the package pursuant to a federal search warrant and found it to contain approximately one kilogram each of substances confirmed by laboratory testing to be fentanyl and cocaine.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl carries a minimum punishment of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a minimum punishment of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Bound Brook, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Vito Bet, and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s Crime Suppression Unit, under the direction of Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Cybercrime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on James Givner, 27.
According to information presented to the Court, in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.
Intercepted communications demonstrated that Givner sold heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base to customers, as well as facilitated drug transactions for co-defendant Christopher Highsmith. The court was further informed that during a traffic stop on January 14, 2019, the Allegheny County Police, Givner possessed more than 180 stamp bags of heroin, and a baggie containing cocaine base. In connection with his guilty plea, Mr. Givner accepted responsibility for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute 220 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and six grams of cocaine base. He also admitted to possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activity.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Oswego County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Christopher Hoyt, age 34, of Pulaski, New York, pled guilty yesterday to one count each of transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.
As part of his guilty plea, Hoyt admitted that he uploaded an image of child pornography to the social media platform Tumblr, making it available for others to view. He also admitted using the social media platform Wickr Me to chat with another user from whom he received images and videos of child pornography, and to whom he distributed a link allowing the user to access a collection of over 1,900 images and 122 videos of child pornography. Additionally, Hoyt admitted that at the time law enforcement officers recovered his cellular telephone, he possessed on it 1,445 images and 32 videos depicting child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 5, 2021, before Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Hoyt faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, with a maximum of up to 20 years in prison on each count, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Hoyt will also be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Operation Legend: Case of the DayRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Operation Legend launched in Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.
United States vs. Jeffrey R. Jones
“The defendant is alleged to have maintained an arsenal of firearms to facilitate his drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “By bringing federal agents to work side-by-side with state and local investigators, Operation Legend is leading to prosecutions that will make Milwaukee a safer place to live.”
Jeffrey R. Jones was charged on Aug. 25, 2020, with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to the indictment, Jones is charged with seven drug-related offenses, including distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and possessing with the intent to distribute more than half a kilo of methamphetamine.
The indictment also alleges that Jones possessed firearms in furtherance of the aforementioned drug trafficking crimes. In addition, Jones is charged with being a felon in possession of the following firearms:
- a Sig Sauer P226 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol;
- an FN Herstal FS2000 5.56 x 45 semi-automatic Carbine rifle;
- an Action Arms Uzi Model 45 semi-automatic Carbine rifle;
- a Glock 23 Gen 4. 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol;
- an American Tactical M1911 GI semi-automatic pistol;
- a Ruger LCP II 380 semi-automatic pistol;
- a Glock 23 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and
- a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver.
Because of a previous felony conviction punishable by more than one year in prison, Jones is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Background on Operation Legend
President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2000 local, state, and federal arrests, with approximately 592 defendants charged with federal crimes.
Omaha Man Sentenced for New Years’ Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Ervin L. Smith, Jr., 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., following his convictions for robbery and firearms charges. In addition to his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution of $280.00 to Buck’s Inc., $151.55 to Kwik Shop, and $1,000 to Phillip’s 66.
On January 1, 2019, at approximately 5:58 a.m., Christopher Collins, Marcus Evans and Ervin Smith, Jr., while wearing masks and gloves, robbed the Bucky’s at 2901 North 72nd Street, Omaha. Smith brandished a gun but Collins and Evans knew it was there and being used. Collins was shouting orders and ordered the employee to the ground. They left the store with cash, cigarettes and Nebraska lottery tickets.
On January 1, 2019, at approximately 6:16 a.m., Collins, Evans and Smith went into the Kwik Shop at 5929 North 72nd Street. A gun was threatened but never shown. The clerk was ordered to lay on the ground. They left the store with cigarettes, cigars, and Nebraska Lottery tickets.
On January 1, 2019, at approximately 6:31 a.m., Collins, Evans and Smith robbed the Phillip’s 66 at 5920 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha. Smith was carrying a firearm that Collins and Evans knew was there. As they were entering the store, a customer, who saw them enter with faces covered, laying a stick in the doorway, had a hunch the store was going to be robbed. He went to his car and retrieved a firearm, which he was licensed to carry, and re-entered the store. He demanded Collins, Evans and Smith not to move. Smith passed Collins his gun and Collins fired several shots in the direction of the customer, before Collins, Evans and Smith left the store taking store money with them.
They were all caught within 24 hours. Evans was recognized by a former school employee at a location Evans attended. Smith was recognized by an Omaha Police Gang Unit officer. The officer also located a 2013 Facebook picture showing Evans and Smith together. On January 2, 2019, a traffic stop was done of a vehicle Smith was driving. Collins was a passenger. Collins had attempted to cash in one of the stolen lottery tickets and the clerk of that store recognized and was able to identify him.
Evans was sentenced to 16 ½ years’ imprisonment for his involvement and Collins was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Great Plains Violent Crime Task Force, comprised of FBI agents, Omaha Police Department detectives, Nebraska State Patrol Investigators and Papillion Police Department Detectives
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Seven Years in Federal Prison After Attempting to Broker Guns to Mexican Transnational Drug-Trafficking GangRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JAHMOND CAVELL HARLEY, 26, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for possession of multiple firearms after having been previously convicted of a felony, announced Timothy J. Downing, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to an Indictment returned on December 4, 2019, Mr. Harley possessed an AR-15 style assault rifle and three semi-automatic handguns on August 15, 2019, after he had been previously convicted of a felony. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms. On February 11, 2020, Harley pleaded guilty and, pursuant to a plea agreement, agreed to forfeit the seized firearms.
On September 9, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Harley to serve 84 months in prison and three years on supervised release after he completes his prison term. Judge Palk also ordered Harley to forfeit the firearms. In announcing Harley’s sentence, Judge Palk emphasized Harley’s prior criminal history. Public records reflect Harley has felony convictions for Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, Embezzlement, and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.
According to evidence presented at sentencing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Harley on August 15, 2019, after learning that Harley was attempting to obtain and coordinate the delivery of the aforementioned firearms for leaders of the Sureño’s, a Mexican street gang engaged in transnational drug-trafficking organization, to ultimately transport to Mexico.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Harley and David McCrary prosecuted the case. The case is also part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF"), which coordinates the investigation and federal prosecution of the highest priority drug trafficking organizations.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
North Liberty Woman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding the Iowa City Area Development GroupRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On September 11, 2020, Sheri Lynn Jelinek, age 48, of North Liberty, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 27 months in prison for wire fraud announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
Jelinek was an employee at the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) from 2003 until January of 2017. After leaving her employment, ICAD employees discovered Jelinek had made more than $460,000 in improper or personal charges on ICAD credit cards over a period of several years.
Jelinek pleaded guilty to an Information charging her with seven counts of wire fraud. At sentencing, Jelinek was ordered to make full restitution to ICAD and its insurance company. She was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay $700 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. After sentencing, Jelinek was released and will be allowed to self- report to a designated facility within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Auditor for the State of Iowa and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Niagara Falls Man Arrested, Facing Drug and Gun ChargesRead 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 Andrew Medina, 29, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with attempting to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 1, 2020, a United States Postal Inspector executed a federal search warrant on a parcel, which contained approximately 1.14 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. On September 4, 2020, a controlled delivery of the parcel was conducted to a residence on South Avenue in Niagara Falls. Shortly after it was dropped off on the porch of the South Avenue address, an individual, later identified as the defendant, retrieved the package, got into a vehicle, and departed the residence with a small child.
After Medina returned to the residence a short time later, a monitoring device, which had been placed in the parcel, sent an alert that the parcel was opened inside of the residence. A member of the investigative team then observed the defendant, on a rear second floor balcony, throw the parcel box. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at the residence. Investigators recovered a pistol with a loaded magazine and approximately $15,000 of U.S. currency. Medina was arrested at that time.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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New York Man Guilty of Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Enrique Reyes, age 20, of Bronx, New York pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft on September 8, 2020 before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on January 4, 2020, in the borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Reyes along with Josue Peguero, age 21, of Bronx, New York and Marlon Valoy De La Rosa, age 21, of Bronx, New York tampered with a U.S. Mail collection box using a rope with an object attached to it to “fish” into the mailbox’s opening. Reyes, De La Rosa, and Peguero also made several fraudulent ATM transactions using stolen checks and debit cards in other persons’ names that were obtained elsewhere. De La Rosa and Peguero were previously charged separately and are awaiting trial.
At the time of their arrest, Reyes, De La Rosa, and Peguero also were allegedly in possession of several debit cards in different names, a stolen license plate that is believed to have been used for mail fishing, and what appeared to be a “washed” check—a check from which the writing had been visibly removed.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Steelton Borough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence. The charge may also carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a one-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.
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Nearly $2.4 Million Awarded to Address Domestic Violence in ColoradoRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded four separate grants totaling $2,390,925 to address domestic violence issues across Colorado.
“This money will help women who are badly in need of housing and related domestic violence related services at a critical time in their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “It will also provide critical resources to law enforcement so that they can continue to focus on domestic violence cases and ensure that abusers are caught and prosecuted fully. I applaud these entities for their commitment to domestic violence issues.”
The following grants were awarded this week:
- The City of Colorado Springs and its non-governmental partner, TESSA (Trust, Education, Safety, Support, Action), will receive $998,760 to support two civilian investigators in the Colorado Springs Police Department, provide overtime funding for law enforcement agencies investigating intimate partner violence cases; support one prosecutor in the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office; and two hospital-based confidential advocates.
- Red Wind Consulting, a Colorado Springs nonprofit, will receive $500,000 as part of the OVW’s Transitional Housing Assistance Program. Red Wind provides consulting services to domestic violence service providers within the Native American community, including housing and supportive services to move survivors of domestic violence to permanent housing. Red Wind will collaborate with its partner, the Denver Indian Center, to provide holistic supportive services, and Red Wind will fund scattered-site residences for 21 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units.
- Advocates of Lake County, in Leadville, Colorado, along with 13 partners, will receive $487,637 to develop a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Response Team and implement a prevention campaign in Lake County, Colorado. This includes support for a full time Violence Prevention Coordinator who will provide victim advocacy services and coordinate the activities of the response team.
- Project Hope of Gunnison Valley and the City of Gunnison Police Department will receive $404,528 to increase advocacy services and raise awareness of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. Grant funds will be used to support a 24/7 crisis line, among other services.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
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.
NDTX Round-Up: September 4-10Read the Press Release
SENTENCING – SAMUEL DE LA CRUZ-MEDINA
On September 4, Samuel De La Cruz-Media was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. Mr. De La Cruz-Media utilized a room at the Han Gil Hotel Town to distribute quantities of heroine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs to numerous customers on a daily basis. Mr. De La Cruz-Media is the seventeenth defendant convicted in association with the Han Gil Hotel Town. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Calvert prosecuted this case.
SENTENCING – CESAR ORTIZ
On September 8, Cesar Ortiz was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiring to launder money. Mr. Ortiz conspired with codefendants to pick up and distribute 12 kilograms of cocaine. He and a codefendant discuss splitting the profits for the cocaine as well as sending drug proceeds from three kilograms of cocaine to Mexico. Mr. Ortiz was illegally in the United States at the time of the offense. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas County Sheriff's Office, Dallas Police Department, Irving Police Department, Richardson Police Department and Carrollton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted this case.
GUILTY PLEA – JAWED AHMAD
On September 8, Jawed Ahmad, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Mr. Ahmad and other coconspirators used a scheme to unlawfully enrich themselves by causing victims throughout the United States to send money to him by mail. Mr. Ahmad would call victims posing as a government authority and request money to clear up arrest warrants, settle the victims IRS’s tax bill, and by purchase federal bonds to safeguard the victims’ accounts. During Mr. Ahmad’s arrest, U.S. Secret Service Investigators found in his possession over $105,000 in U.S. currency, more than 75 counterfeit driver’s licenses bearing defendant’s photos, multiple credit cards with names of other individuals, and $4,185 in blank money orders. Mr. Ahmed faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Damien Diggs is prosecuting this case.
GUILTY PLEA – ANTHONY CARDELL HENDERSON
On September 10, Anthony Cardell Henderson, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mr. Henderson, a known convicted felon, conspired with other individuals to distribute and possess methamphetamine. On multiple occasions in August 2019, Mr. Henderson and two co-conspirators obtained methamphetamine and sold it for a profit. When officers took Mr. Henderson into custody they searched the minivan he had been driving and found a firearm. Mr. Henderson faces up to 30 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Magliolo is prosecuting this case.
GUILTY PLEA – EDDIE LEE BUSBY
On September 10, Eddie Lee Busby, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. During August 2019, Mr. Busby and two co-conspirators obtained and sold methamphetamine for profit. Mr. Busby faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Magliolo is prosecuting this case.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sandra Riggleman, of Granville, West Virginia was sentenced today to 33 months of incarceration for her involvement in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Riggleman pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base” in April 2019. Riggleman, age 60, admitted to selling cocaine base in Monongalia County in April 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child EnticementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Eric Bland, 37, of Laredo, Missouri was sentenced Friday, September 11, 2020, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bland to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Bland will serve a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In early 2019, a woman working as a prostitute in Nebraska provided law enforcement with a screenshot of a conversation with a potential client. The client, later identified as Bland, asked the woman if she knew any “young skinny little black girls” wanting to make money and offered to pay the woman $50 per year under age 18 if the woman would find him an underage girl to have sex with, or $100 per year under age 18 if the underage girl would have unprotected sex. Law enforcement provided the woman with a phone number to give to Bland. In March 2019, Bland contacted the phone number by text message and engaged in a conversation with an FBI Task Force Officer posing as a fifteen-year-old female. Bland made arrangements to travel from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Omaha for the purposes of engaging in oral sex with the fifteen-year-old girl. Bland arrived in Omaha as scheduled and was arrested by officers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Michigan Bank Robber Involved in Multistate Crime Spree Sentenced to 235 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge announced today that U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney sentenced Jermaine DeShawn Clark to 235 months in prison following his conviction on two counts of bank robbery.
Clark, age 30, was a resident of Ingham County, Michigan on June 29, 2019, when he robbed a Lansing branch of Chase Bank and fled with $2,900. On July 13, 2019, he struck a Kalamazoo branch of PNC bank, robbing it of $2,040. He used a stolen Dodge Charger as a getaway car in both robberies, and shortly after left the State in that vehicle. Acting on tips and other information from the robberies, Michigan law enforcement officers quickly identified Clark as the robber and obtained a federal arrest warrant for him.
At the time of the two Michigan robberies, Clark was on parole for a 2017 bank robbery conviction in Ohio. On July 24, after fleeing Michigan, Clark stopped in Mason, Ohio to have the tires checked on the getaway car. After learning that he would need $300 to repair the vehicle, he robbed a PNC bank branch in Mason and obtained $2,508. He then continued travelling south.
Later that same day, police located Clark in Florence, Kentucky in the stolen Dodge Charger. A high speed chase on Interstate 75 followed, with Clark driving his vehicle in excess of 140 miles per hour. The chase ended when Clark lost control of his vehicle, crashing it into another vehicle and severely injuring a nurse on her way home from work.
Clark pled guilty to both Michigan robberies on December 20, 2019. He also took responsibility for the Mason, Ohio bank robbery. After considering the facts surrounding the robberies and Clark’s background, Judge Maloney declared him an ongoing threat to the community and chose the prison term of 235 months.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Mason, Ohio Police Department and the Lansing Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy P. VerHey prosecuted the case.
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Medford Felon Sentenced to 49 Months for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Michael Alexander, 54, Medford, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 49 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Alexander was convicted in 2016 in Taylor County, Wisconsin, of felony possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to six years confinement in prison to be followed by eight years of extended supervision. Alexander was released from prison in May 2019 – approximately three years early – after completing the earned release program.
On December 29, 2019, Alexander was driving a car in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, and was stopped by a Marathon County sheriff’s deputy. Alexander was wearing an empty holster. The deputy later found a .45 caliber handgun with a loaded magazine in a tool bag in the back seat. Alexander admitted that the gun was his and said that he used it for shooting feral cats on his property. Alexander also admitted that marijuana and methamphetamine found in the trunk were his, and described himself as a small-time dealer.
In sentencing Alexander, Judge Peterson commented on the violation of trust that was placed in him by the early prison release and noted the danger that came along with guns being involved with drug transactions. Alexander was sentenced to 37 months in state prison after his supervision was revoked; the 49-month federal sentence imposed by Judge Peterson will be served concurrently with the time remaining on the state sentence.
The charge against Alexander was the result of an investigation conducted by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and violent crimes and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Man admits guilt after marijuana smuggling attempt leads to high-speed chase at checkpointRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old Houston man has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 132 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Christopher Sedrick Brown admitted that on April 20 he arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo. He was driving a tan-colored semi-tractor. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics or hidden persons inside the vehicle.
Authorities sent him to secondary inspection, but Brown ignored their instruction. Instead, he accelerated and absconded from the checkpoint at a high rate of speed.
Law enforcement pursued the vehicle as Brown drove erratically at speeds reaching 94 mph. Brown made his way into La Salle County along mile marker 59, but eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed into thick brush.
He attempted to flee on foot. However, authorities apprehended him on the Interstate Highway 35 frontage road.
Authorities conducted a search of the abandoned trailer and discovered eight bundles of marijuana wrapped in cellophane. The drugs weighed 132 kilograms (291.6 pounds) with an estimated street value of approximately $90,000.
Brown has been and will remain in in custody pending his sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Brown faces between a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.