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21 October 2020
Alleged Drug Traffickers Charged with Murder-for-Hire in NorfolkRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Six members of a North Carolina-based drug-trafficking organization were arrested today on charges of the murder-for-hire of Norfolk resident Lillian Bond, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and narcotics conspiracy, murder while engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise, murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense, use of a firearm resulting in death, and distribution of cocaine, among other charges.
According to the indictment unsealed today, the defendants were charged for their roles in a long-running drug conspiracy allegedly led by Jaquate Simpson and based in the Greensboro, North Carolina, area. The indictment alleges that during the conspiracy, a Norfolk-based drug dealer who had been buying cocaine from the conspiracy failed to pay for a multi-kilogram delivery. The indictment alleges that, as payback, Simpson and his right-hand man, Landis Jackson, hired Kalub Shipman and Nelson Evans to murder someone associated with the Norfolk drug dealer, and that on April 19, 2016, Shipman and Evans shot Lillian Bond to death outside her residence on Trice Terrace in Norfolk.
Six of the defendants were arrested in the Greensboro and Charlotte areas today. The remaining two defendants, Jaquate Simpson and Kalub Shipman, are in state custody and will make their initial appearances in federal court at a later date.
The defendants and charges are listed below:
Name
Age
Charges
Jaquate Simpson, aka
“Quay,” “J,” “Stacks,” “Predator”36
Continuing criminal enterprise; murder while engaged in continuing criminal enterprise; narcotics conspiracy; murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; distribution of cocaine; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire
Landis Jackson, aka “Juve,” “Juvie”
36
Continuing criminal enterprise; murder while engaged in continuing criminal enterprise; narcotics conspiracy; murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; distribution of cocaine; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire
Kalub Shipman, aka “Kato,” “Baydo”
32
Murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire; felon in possession of a firearm
Nelson Evans
30
Use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire; felon in possession of a firearm
Patrice Farland, aka “Treece”
41
Narcotics conspiracy; distribution of cocaine
Brian Tate, aka
“B. Tate”35
Narcotics conspiracy
Mario Love, aka “O”
36
Narcotics conspiracy
Shafter Manuel, aka “Pete”
37
Narcotics conspiracy
If convicted, the charged defendants face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 10 years in prison to life. 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.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation CARDINAL SIN. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed.
The Greensboro (NC) Police Department and DEA provided assistance with this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph DePadilla, Andrew Bosse, and John F. Butler, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Bird, are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-90.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
5th Annual Building Bridges of Understanding in Our Community Event Invites Hundreds of Community and Law Enforcement LeadersRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Hundreds of law enforcement officials and community members from throughout the tri-county area are coming together for the fifth-annual Building Bridges of Understanding in Our Communities event on October 22, 2020, via ZOOM hosted by the Muslim Educational Trust (MET) in Tigard, Oregon.
A video of last year’s event is available here.
This year’s theme is “Redefining Community and Public Safety Relationships”. Criminal justice and community leaders share perspectives in moderated panel discussions and engage with community members with comments and questions.
A panel of diverse community and law enforcement perspectives will delve into the topic of “Defunding Police and Reimaging Public Safety”. Public Safety leaders will lay out their goals for accountability, transparency and community engagement to build community trust. The audience will be provided the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to all panelists.
Presenters include community leaders from Word is Bond, Coalition of Communities of Color, Reimagine Oregon, Latino Network, Muslim Educational Trust, and public safety leaders from the tri-county area including Chiefs, Sheriffs, District Attorneys, the U.S. Attorney and the FBI’s Special Agent in Charge.
For the last five years, leaders from public safety and civil society organizations have come together to build and strengthen trust with one another and to cultivate that trust within the communities served. The annual event has been held at MET since its inception in the fall of 2016.
The Building Bridges event series is sponsored by Washington County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices, Washington County Administration, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, City of Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Respond to Racism, Concerned Citizens of West Linn, Latino Network, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, IRCO, Muslim Community Center of Portland, Tigard Police Department, Portland Office of Civic Life, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Police Bureau, New Portlanders Foundation, Portland’s New Portlanders Policy Commission, Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center of Corvallis, Multnomah County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices, Urban League of Portland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
If you have media inquiries or would like to book interviews with steering committee members, please contact Stephen Mayer of the Washington County District Attorney’s Office: [email protected], 971-708-8219.
Media outlets are also welcome to contact the following steering committee members:
- Wajdi Said; Muslim Educational Trust; [email protected]
- J.W. Matt Hennessee; Pastor Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church; [email protected]
- Jack Hanna; New Portlanders Foundation; [email protected]
- Linda Castillo; Commissioner for Hispanic Affairs and DEI Manager at IRCO; [email protected]
- Kezia Wanner; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office; [email protected]
- Kevin Barton; Washington County DA; [email protected]
36 Members, Associates and Co-Conspirators of the Bully Gang Charged with Narcotics Conspiracy, Firearms Offenses and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A 21-count superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging 36 defendants—including members, associates and co-conspirators of the New York City-based street gang known as the “Bully Gang”—with conspiring to distribute drugs, firearms trafficking and money laundering, among other crimes. Twelve defendants were arrested today in the New York area and will be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom. Four defendants will be arraigned this afternoon in the District of Maine, and one each in the Northern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia. Three defendants were in custody in Maine and will be arraigned at a later date. Several members of the conspiracy were previously arrested and charged in June 2020. Two defendants are expected to report to Brooklyn for arraignment next week, and three additional defendants remain at large.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York (ATF), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“This violent drug organization endangered communities across the northeast, trafficking crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl into towns in Maine and guns from Maine onto the streets of New York City,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “The superseding indictment and today’s arrests are the result of our continuing efforts alongside our great partners in the ATF and NYPD to dismantle and disarm violent gangs.”
“These defendants, as alleged, not only poisoned communities throughout the east coast with dangerous narcotics, but trafficked firearms from Maine to New York City, fueling gang violence on our streets. Today’s arrests reaffirm ATF’s commitment to public safety and end the reign of a violent, multi-state, criminal organization,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito.
“These alleged gang members, as outlined in the federal indictment, left a trail of crimes from Brooklyn to Maine. But working closely, our NYPD investigators and federal partners were relentless in making sure they would be brought to justice,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.
As set for in the superseding indictment and other court filings, the defendants were members of a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine base (“crack”), heroin and fentanyl through New York to Maine and elsewhere. Multiple Bully Gang members and associates from Brooklyn were sent from New York to Maine to operate “stash” houses that were used to store and sell narcotics. The organization’s drug proceeds were collected on a regular basis by runners who used vehicles with hidden “trap” compartments to conceal narcotics and drug proceeds. The proceeds were then laundered through direct cash deposits and wire transfers to co-conspirators, through intermediary bank accounts and the purchase of luxury vehicles.
Several co-conspirators allegedly purchased illegal firearms to protect the organization and its members. Facebook communications reveal that in August 2017, defendant Nicolette Tompkins purchased a Ruger firearm for co-conspirator Bermon Clarke, which was later seized by law enforcement in Brooklyn. Defendants Clarke, Keon Grant, Nadine Heath and Joanne Lydem participated in the August 2019 purchase of an illegal firearm. As part of that transaction, Grant informed Clarke that Lydem would “get the grip”—meaning purchase the firearm. Subsequently, when asked whether Lydem brought “the case the grip was in,” Grant sent Clarke a photograph of a gun box for a Glock pistol, confirming the purchase.
During the government’s investigation, stash houses and vehicles used by the defendants were searched in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maine. Law enforcement seized more than $380,000 in cash, more than 15 illegal firearms, six kilograms of cocaine, 600 grams of fentanyl, four vehicles with concealed “trap” compartments and luxury watches.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle, Nicholas J. Moscow and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JESSICA ALMEIDA
Age: 33
Detroit, MaineTYRONE BANKS (also known as “Ty Hitta”)
Age: 23
Brooklyn, New YorkJANET BLOOD
Age: 47
Troy, MaineDAYVON BOSTICK-SAMUELS (also known as “Daytoe”)
Age: 22
Brooklyn, New YorkMIKE GUSTAVO CONNOR (also known as “Gus”)
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkRASHAAD CRAIG (also known as “Skeeno”)
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkQUENTIN DELVALLE (also known as “Q”)
Age: 24
Brooklyn, New YorkELIZABETH DUECASTER
Age: 35
Searsport, MaineCHRISTINA ESTEVEZ
Age: 31
Queens, New YorkERICA FAGGIOLE
Age: 44
MaineANTONIO FULTON (also known as “Tone”)
Age: 23
Staten Island, New YorkROMEO GONZALES
Age: 22
Brooklyn, New YorkKEON GRANT (also known as “Keys”)
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkNADINE HEATH
Age: 54
Troy, MaineTYQUAWN LANE (also known as “Bicks” and “Tah Tah”)
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New YorkJOANNE LYDEM
Age: 49
Garland, MaineTANEJIA MOORE
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkCHRISHAWN PENN (also known as “Prince”)
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkMICHAEL PEREZ (also known as “White Mike”)
Age: 29
Brooklyn, New YorkJOELLE POCHE (also known as “Rico”)
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkMICHAEL REID (also known as “Half”)
Age: 39
Brooklyn, New YorkISAIAH TERRY SANDIFORD
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkCHINASA STRACHAN
Age: 33
Brooklyn, New YorkNICOLETTE TOMPKINS
Age: 22
Westfield, MaineDANIELLE WHITE
Age: 47
Swanville, MaineDEVIN-JOHN JASON WILLIAMS (also known as “Pun” and “Fat Boy”)
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Previously Indicted:
DERRICK AYERS (also known as “Dee” and “Mel”)
Age: 34
Rahway, New JerseyBERMON CLARKE (also known as “G” and “Blue”)
Age: 28
Rahway, New JerseyFRANKLIN GILLESPIE (also known as “Spazz” and “Frankie Gino”)
Age: 30
Newark, New JerseyNIA GOVAN (also known as “Cam” and “V”)
Age: 29
Boston, MassachusettsAMANDA HUARD
Age: 38
Raymond, MaineANTHONY KENNEDY (also known as “Biggie”)
Age: 34
Queens, New YorkJESSICA PELKEY
Age: 26
Presque Isle, MaineAMY SONNENBLICK
Age: 48
Brooklyn, New YorkAMANDA WALTON (also known as “A”)
Age: 32
Portland, MaineDEMETTRIUS WRIGHT (also known as “Clean” and “Meexhi Brim”)
Age: 23
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-239 (S-2) (BMC)
19th Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 at locations in Rhode Island and across the country. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
“Our take-back events highlight the problems associated to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.”
“An important component in our collective effort to eliminate the scourge of substance abuse and addiction is the elimination, from our homes, of unneeded prescription medications,” noted United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “ I commend the DEA for their continued “take-back” events and promotions, and urge all Rhode Islanders to participate in this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.
DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com.
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20 October 2020
Wetzel County woman admits to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tina Rose Yoho, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Yoho, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Yoho admitted to selling heroin in June 2019 in Wetzel County.
Yoho faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
West Virginia and Virginia residents indicted for a drug trafficking operation in Berkeley and Jefferson CountiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven people are facing charges in drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Those named in the 16-count indictment are facing charges of distributing controlled substances in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from October 2019 to April 2020. Those charged are:
Michael Pierre Christian, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Misty Rose Jackson, 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Stephon Robert Christian, 26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Charles Jackson, 52, of Winchester, Virginia
Jaime Renee Coddington, 34, of Falling Waters, West Virginia
Justin Clinton, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Shane Lee Dirting, 54, of Martinsburg, West VirginiaAssistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated.
These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Washington Man Sentenced for Assaulting Secret Service AgentsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Joshua Wills, 31, of Bremerton, Washington, was sentenced to 23 months already served for assaulting two special agents with the United States Secret Service. Wills has remained in custody since his arrest on November 19, 2018.
“I am proud to be a champion of our law enforcement heroes. They are brave, courageous warriors for our citizens. Federal, state and local law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way to protect each and every one of us,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Assaults on our Guardians of Justice will always be prosecuted by this U.S. Attorney.”
Wills previously pled guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers. He admitted that he intended to drive from the state of Washington to Washington, D.C. to meet the President of the United States. The U.S. Secret Service began investigating Wills after they had received reports that Wills was traveling to see the President while possessing a dangerous weapon. Two special agents with the U.S. Secret Service located Wills in a campground in St. Albans and approached him for questioning. Officers with the St. Albans Police Department arrived at the campground for assistance. Wills admitted that he became agitated by the presence of the law enforcement officers and a standoff ensued for approximately 20 minutes. When Wills was told that he was going to be taken into custody for disorderly conduct, he unsheathed and raised a three-foot long Katana sword as a show of force. After further resisting law enforcement commands, Wills was disabled by a non-lethal beanbag gun possessed by a St. Albans police officer and taken into custody.
The U.S. Secret Service and the St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Tessman handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-00289.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona September 2020 Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
318 individuals were charged in September with illegal reentry
A. 194 of those 318 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.
Of the 194 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:
1. 32 had violent crime convictions, including:
0 individuals had homicide convictions
3 individuals had sex offense convictions
12 individuals had domestic violence convictions2. 7 had property crime convictions
3. 38 had DUI convictions
4. 102 had drug crime convictions
B. 146 of those 318 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
25 individuals were charged in September with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
0 individuals were charged in September with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information is based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in late March of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-089_September Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney and FBI prepare for election dayRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Stephen D. Warner will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Warner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of West Virginia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
Powell said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Powell stated that AUSA/DEO Warner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 304-907-3525.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Powell said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent in Charge Announce Election Day Program for Southern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Miami, Fl. – Today, United States Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida and FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro jointly announced their District’s 2020 Election Day Program, including the appointment of a District Election Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said United States Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
“As Americans get ready to vote, the FBI is asking each citizen to remain vigilant and report any suspected criminal scheme targeting voters to the FBI immediately,” said Special Agent in Charge Piro.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
Contact Information
The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Fajardo Orshan stated that Counselor to the U.S. Attorney and District Elections Officer Harry Wallace will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 786-439-3288.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at Miami.fbi.gov or (754) 703-2000.
To learn more about the FBI’s role investigating election crime, visit https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-voters-about-election-crimes-ahead-of-the-november-2020-election
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Fajardo Orshan said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces $3.7 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction Crisis in OklahomaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced awards of nearly $3.7 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in Oklahoma. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.
“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”
Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”
“Drug addiction fuels criminal behavior and often devastates families, particularly affecting children whose parents abuse illicit and prescription drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Intervention programs are crucial to those struggling, whether in the criminal justice system or in our communities. The nearly $3.7 million in Justice Department grants will help fund important drug intervention programs that are a lifeline to Oklahomans suffering from addiction.”
Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
The following organizations in Oklahoma received funding:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Grants
- Tulsa County District Court, Fourteenth Judicial District: $431,618
- Oklahoma Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: $731,740
- Oklahoma Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: $547,533
Mentoring Opportunities For Youth Initiative
-Rogers County Volunteers for Youth, Inc.: $598,792 (previously announced in a press release on Oct. 9, 2020)
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program
-Oklahoma District Attorneys Council: $563,665
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
-Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences: $587,219
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
-Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma: $200,000
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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 Thomas L. Kirsch II Appoints Jacky Jacobs as A District Election Officer for the Northern District of IndianaRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today that Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jacky Jacobs will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. Supervisory AUSA Jacobs has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Kirsch stated that AUSA/DEO Jacky Jacobs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: main line 219-937-5500 or direct 219-937-5634.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Kirsch said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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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.
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U.S. Attorney Pak appoints Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Gray District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Brent Gray will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Gray has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Georgia and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every American citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination. And as they cast their votes, Americans need to feel confident that their votes will be counted without any threat of being fraudulently stolen,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “It is imperative that anyone who has specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Pak stated that AUSA/DEO Gray will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (404) 581-6001.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (770) 216-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart Appoints Election Officer for the Southern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Erik Goes will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general election on November 3, 2020. AUSA Goes has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia (SDWV), and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Stuart said, “Every legitimate vote should be counted and every counted vote should be legitimate. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen. The Department of Justice will act to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Stuart stated that AUSA/DEO Goes will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 1-800-659-8726 (800-659-USAO) or 304-345-2200, ext. 12395.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Stuart said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces over $3 Million to Advance Forensic Science in ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced over $3 million in Department of Justice grants to Arizona to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations in Arizona received funding:
- City of Tucson - $252,900
- City of Mesa - $250,025
- Arizona Department of Public Safety - $754,606
- City of Phoenix Police Department (2 awards) - $576,697; $74,413
- Scottsdale Police Department Crime Laboratory - $250,025
- Arizona Criminal Justice Commission - $392,583
- Mayo Clinic Arizona - $462,240
- Arizona State University - $150,000
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-090_Forensic Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney McCoy Appoints Election Officers for the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) John Potterfield and Robert Sneed will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
AUSAs Potterfield and Sneed have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of South Carolina and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. stated that AUSAs/DEOs Potterfield and Sneed will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: for AUSA Potterfield, (803) 929-3092 or (803) 569-7238; and for AUSA Sneed, (864) 282-2100 or (803) 331-2678.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (803) 551-4200.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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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.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider Appoints Dawn Ison as District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Dawn Ison will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
AUSA Ison has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
Ison will work alongside Assistant United States Attorney Michael Martin, who serves as Chief of the office’s National Security Unit, and Susan DeClercq, the Chief of the office’s Civil Rights Division.
United States Attorney Schneider said, “For over a year, our office has significantly increased our focus on making sure the election is safe and secure. We are on the lookout for both local intimidation of voters and foreign interference in our election. Every Michigan citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and Michiganders have the right to have their votes counted and not stolen.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Schneider stated that AUSA/DEO Ison will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313) 226-9567.
In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313) 965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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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.
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U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox Announces Northern District of Texas’ 2020 Election OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erin Nealy Cox announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Damien Diggs will lead the Northern District of Texas’ Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020 general election. AUSA Diggs is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Free and fair elections are vital to our American democracy. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination. The Department of Justice will always act to protect the integrity of the election process. If you have specific information about discrimination or election fraud, I urge you to report it to my Office, the Civil Rights Division, or the FBI,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Erin Nealy Cox stated that AUSA/DEO Diggs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public can reach him at 214-659-8600.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The public can reach the local FBI field office at 972-559-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran appoints Election Officer for the Western District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Seattle – United States Attorney Brian T. Moran announced today that once again Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Arlen Storm will lead the efforts of our Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Storm is a veteran prosecutor who has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Washington for more than 10 years. In that capacity he is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“It is a cornerstone of our democracy that citizens be able to vote without interference or discrimination,” said United States Attorney Moran. “It is equally important that our results not be tainted by fraud. The Department of Justice remains vigilant and will act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Arlen Storm can be reached by the public at 253-428-3807.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses during the election period. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 206-622-0460.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800‑253‑3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
U.S. Attorney Appoints Elections Officer for UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – United States Attorney John W. Huber announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Clark will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. Clark will coordinate with election officials in Utah and at the Department of Justice to ensure that all qualified voters in Utah have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or fraud in the election process.
“Although Utah has a history of conducting problem-free elections, we want to make sure residents of Utah know that reports of fraud or abuse will be taken seriously,” Huber said today. “Election fraud and voting rights abuses dilute the worth of votes honestly cast. They also corrupt the essence of our representative form of government. Whether a Utah voter is mailing in a ballot or voting in person, anyone who has specific information about election fraud or discrimination should pass that information on to my office or to the FBI,” Huber said.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations during the election process.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The administration of the election process is primarily a state rather than a federal function. States have the power to establish the place, time, and manner for holding elections.
Concerns about election fraud or voting rights abuses in Utah should be referred to Clark. He can be reached at 801-325-1405. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Utah FBI office can be reached at 801-579-1400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
“Voting rights are core to who we are as Americans, and we expect free and fair elections. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division,” Huber said
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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.
U.S. Attorney Announces $14M in DOJ Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger today announced awards of $14,330,170 in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”
The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.
“During my time as U.S. Attorney, we have been laser-focused on the goal of reducing deaths involving opioids and the addiction crisis through coordinated, community-wide solutions targeting both the supply of and demand for opioids,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We have enacted a robust enforcement policy, investigating and prosecuting drug traffickers whose poison causes death and other non-fatal overdoses. We have also developed key community partnerships for an all-hands-on-deck approach. And we have invested valuable resources in prevention efforts through community outreach, increasing education and raising awareness of the dangers of addiction through our Silent No More program. While I am proud of this work and our accomplishments, I recognize that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this crisis. With this commitment, I am confident that the work we do will account for the number of lives saved in the coming months and years.”
Awardee
Program
Amount
Virginia Arlington County Government
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
$899,887
Virginia County of Augusta
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
$600,000
Virginia Chesterfield County
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
$1,192,430
Virginia Isle of Wight County
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
$330,500
Virginia Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
$499,112
Virginia National Association of Drug Court Professionals
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Planning, Training and Technical Assistance, and Resource Center Initiative
$1,450,000
Virginia National Association of Drug Court Professionals
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Planning, Training and Technical Assistance, and Resource Center Initiative
$2,700,000
Virginia National Association of Drug Court Professionals
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Planning, Training and Technical Assistance, and Resource Center Initiative
$1,500,000
Virginia National Association of Drug Court Professionals
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Planning, Training and Technical Assistance, and Resource Center Initiative
$2,200,000
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program
$727,336
National Recreation and Park Association
Mentoring Opportunities For Youth Initiative
$1,249,999
Child Family Services of Eastern Virginia, Inc., dba ‘The Up Center’
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
$690,553
Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in
Publically Funded Forensics Laboratory
$290,353
Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”
Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge Appoints Donald Daniels as Election Officer for the Western District of MichiganRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that First Assistant United States Attorney (FAUSA) Donald Daniels will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. FAUSA Daniels has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Birge said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Birge stated that FAUSA/DEO Daniels will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (616) 808-2014.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313) 965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at (800) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Birge said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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Two indicted for multiple counts of child exploitationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a South Texas man and woman for production, receipt and distribution of child pornography as well as coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Initially charged by criminal complaint, Reid Etheridge, 41, McAllen, and Alicia Cronkhite, 28, Edinburg, have remained in custody since a detention hearing earlier this month. They will appear for their arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
According to the charges, the investigation began after authorities discovered videos and images of minor victims uploaded to an email account. Etheridge was the alleged owner of that account.
The charges allege Etheridge had filmed his sexual abuse of a minor victim and uploaded the videos to that email account.
The investigation also led to a location in Edinburg where Cronkhite resided. According to the charges, Etheridge had encouraged Cronkhite to produce child pornography of another minor victim. Cronkhite then allegedly took photographs of herself abusing a minor victim and texted the photographs to Etheridge.
If convicted, both individuals potentially face up to life in federal prison.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Truck driver sentenced for deadly smuggling attemptRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old San Antonio man is now headed to federal prison for knowingly conspiring to transport an undocumented alien resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Andres Jonathan Yeverino pleaded guilty March 3.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a 48-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
On Oct. 21, 2019, law enforcement stopped a pickup truck in Webb County just north of Laredo. Yeverino was driving. Authorities conducted a search and discovered several people hidden underneath a blanket in the backseat and in the bed of the truck. All were determined to be aliens illegally present in the United States.
One of the individuals in the backseat ran from the vehicle onto Interstate Highway 35. Soon after, a passing vehicle struck and killed him.
Yeverino has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez prosecuted the case.
The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security Publish Final Rule to Restrict Certain Criminal Aliens’ Eligibility for AsylumRead the Press Release
Update: This rule was enjoined in its entirety on November 19, 2020. See Pangea Legal Servs., et al., v. U.S. Dep’t of Homeland Sec., et al., No. 3:20-cv-07721 (N.D. Cal.) (“Pangea I”)
Today, the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of a Final Rule amending their respective regulations to prevent certain categories of criminal aliens from obtaining asylum in the United States. The rule takes effect 30 days after publication of the Final Rule in the Federal Register, which is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Asylum is a discretionary immigration benefit that generally can be sought by eligible aliens who are physically present or arriving in the United States, irrespective of their status, as provided in section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1158. However, in the INA, Congress barred certain categories of aliens from receiving asylum. In addition to the statutory bars, Congress delegated to the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to establish by regulation additional bars on asylum eligibility to the extent they are consistent with the asylum statute, as well as to establish “any other conditions or limitations on the consideration of an application for asylum” that are consistent with the INA.
To ensure that criminal aliens cannot obtain this discretionary benefit, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security have exercised their regulatory authority to limit eligibility for asylum for aliens who have engaged in specified categories of criminal behavior.
The new bars apply to aliens who are convicted of:
(1) A felony under federal or state law;
(2) An offense under 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A) or § 1324(a)(1)(2) (Alien Smuggling or Harboring);
(3) An offense under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 (Illegal Reentry);
(4) A federal, state, tribal, or local crime involving criminal street gang activity;
(5) Certain federal, state, tribal, or local offenses concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant;
(6) A federal, state, tribal, or local domestic violence offense, or who are found by an adjudicator to have engaged in acts of battery or extreme cruelty in a domestic context, even if no conviction resulted; and
(7) Certain misdemeanors under federal or state law for offenses related to false identification; the unlawful receipt of public benefits from a federal, state, tribal, or local entity; or the possession or trafficking of a controlled substance or controlled-substance paraphernalia.
Aliens who have committed certain domestic violence offenses, even if not convicted, will also be barred from asylum.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud SNAP ProgramRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Ahmad Al Saleh (57, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and to make false statements to the USDA. Al Saleh faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , Al Saleh and others engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the USDA by falsely representing that Al Saleh was the new owner of the Express Family Food Market (“EFFM”) in St. Petersburg, Florida. The USDA had approved EFFM to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) payments from customers. SNAP allows low income individuals to purchase eligible food items with federal funds through the use of a SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer card, which works like a debit card. Al Saleh falsely represented himself as the new owner of the EFFM so that the prior owner, who had been permanently disqualified from SNAP participation due to earlier SNAP fraud activity at the store location, could continue to operate and manage the store and continue to unlawfully redeem SNAP cards for cash. Al Saleh was also involved in the preparation and signature of numerous documents that falsely and fraudulently represented the terms of the alleged “sale” of EFFM to Al Saleh. In actuality, Al Saleh had no role in the management or operation of the store and had never paid to “purchase” the store.This case was investigated by the USDA - Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Staten Island Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jen Wong, age 28, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute 109 pounds of marijuana in Clinton County.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division
As part of his guilty plea, Wong admitted that on July 23, 2019, he transported three hockey bags containing 109 pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute the drugs in the Northern District of New York. Wong admitted that he was heading south on Interstate 87 near Plattsburgh, New York, when he was pulled over by police. Wong admitted that he had the hockey bags in the vehicle’s rear seat; the bags were full of multiple vacuum-sealed plastic bags of marijuana, totaling 109 pounds.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2021.
Wong faces up to 5 years in prison and will be subject to at least 2 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. 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 DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Anderson.
Statement of the Attorney General on the Announcement of Civil Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against GoogleRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr released the following statement:
“This morning the Department of Justice, along with eleven states, filed a civil lawsuit against Google for unlawfully maintaining a monopoly in general search services and search advertising in violation of the U.S. antitrust laws. This is a monumental case for the Department of Justice and, more importantly, for the American consumer.
Today, millions of Americans rely on the Internet and online platforms for their daily lives. For years, there have been broad, bipartisan concerns about business practices leading to massive concentrations of economic power in our digital economy. Hearing those concerns, I have made it a primary commitment of my tenure as Attorney General for the Department of Justice to examine whether technology markets have been deprived of free, fair, and open competition.
To that end, the Department of Justice formally opened a review of online market-leading platforms in July 2019. One part of this review is the Antitrust Division’s investigation of Google. Over the course of the last 16 months, the Antitrust Division collected convincing evidence that Google no longer competes only on the merits but instead uses its monopoly power – and billions in monopoly profits – to lock up key pathways to search on mobile phones, browsers, and next generation devices, depriving rivals of distribution and scale. The end result is that no one can feasibly challenge Google’s dominance in search and search advertising.
This lack of competition harms users, advertisers, and small businesses in the form of fewer choices, reduced quality (including on metrics like privacy), higher advertising prices, and less innovation.
The complaint filed today against Google is based on violations of the U.S. antitrust laws and is separate and distinct from concerns raised about content moderation and political censorship by online platforms. As part of the Department’s broader review of market-leading online platforms, we listened to myriad public concerns about how online platforms fail their users. While many of the concerns we heard were competition-related, others were not – like online child exploitation, public safety, and censorship. Outside the Antitrust Division, the Department has considered these issues separately, including by advocating for Section 230 legislative reforms. Our antitrust investigation of Google, by contrast, is based solely on traditional antitrust principles and is aimed at promoting consumer welfare through robust competition.
Twenty-five years ago, the Department of Justice sued Microsoft, paving the way for a new wave of innovative tech companies – including Google. The increased competition following the Microsoft case enabled Google to grow from a small start-up to an Internet behemoth. Unfortunately, once Google itself gained dominance, it resorted to the same anticompetitive playbook. If we let Google continue its anticompetitive ways, we will lose the next wave of innovators and Americans may never get to benefit from the “next Google.” The time has come to restore competition to this vital industry.
Today’s challenge against Google – the monopoly gatekeeper of the Internet – shows the tremendous efforts of the Department, in particular the hardworking men and women of the Antitrust Division, and our state partners to restore competition in markets beholden to an unlawful monopolist. This is an important milestone, but not the end of our review of market-leading online platforms. The Department will continue to vigorously investigate and enforce the antitrust laws where appropriate to protect and promote competition in the digital economy for the benefit of the American consumer.”
Southport Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Southport man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for six counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack), one count of Distribution of Cocaine, and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
According to court documents, Terrance Leon Washington, 36, pleaded guilty to the charges on August 7, 2018.
In early 2017, investigators with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office received information that Washington was selling controlled substances from Washington’s home in Southport, North Carolina.
On February 2, 2017, investigators conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that was leaving Washington’s home, and cocaine was found in the car.
Agents obtained a search warrant, and at Washington’s residence, agents seized 15.02 grams of cocaine, 3.87 grams of cocaine base (crack), marijuana, plastic bags, digital scales, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 7.62 assault rifle with a 30-round magazine, a .40 caliber handgun, and ammunition of various calibers.
A few months later, agents learned that Washington was continuing to sell controlled substances, and investigators used a confidential informant to purchase cocaine and cocaine base (crack) from Washington on seven dates from June 22, 2017 to December 15, 2017.
On August 26, 2017, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Washington. He was found with a white substance around and inside his mouth, and he admitted he had ingested cocaine base (crack) prior to the traffic stop, a tactic that is often used to prevent investigators from finding the drugs.
On December 15, 2017, investigators obtained a second search warrant for Washington’s residence, and investigators seized 9.4 grams of cocaine base (crack), 3.8 grams of cocaine, marijuana, a marijuana grinder, and digital scales.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:18-CR-0039-D-1.
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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.
Six Defendants Charged in Scheme to Defraud Student Loan ProgramsRead the Press Release
Six former administrators from the Columbus, Georgia, campus of the Apex School of Theology were charged in an indictment unsealed Monday for their alleged participation in a scheme to defraud student loan programs.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia, Special Agent in Charge J.C. Hacker of the FBI’s Atlanta Division, Special Agent in Charge Neil Sanchez of the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Atlanta Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Erica Montgomery, 47, of Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Sandra Anderson, 61, of Columbus, Georgia, Leo Frank Thomas, 54, of Columbus, Georgia, Yolanda Thomas, 50, of Columbus, Georgia, Dorothy Webb, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kristina Parker, 33, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, were charged by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia with one count of conspiracy, five counts of mail fraud, and five counts of financial aid fraud. Anderson and Montgomery were also charged with money laundering.
The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to operate an off-site learning center in Columbus, Georgia, on behalf of Apex, a now-defunct school offering programs in theology and other subjects. As part of the scheme, the defendants allegedly recruited individuals with offers of “free money” to act as fake “students” and fraudulently apply for federal financial aid. The indictment alleges that these “students” were told that they did not have to do any work or attend classes, but they would have to split their financial aid with the defendants, who used federal financial aid funds to personally enrich themselves.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants submitted plagiarized work for the “students,” took their tests, and logged on to the school’s web site as if they were the “students” to deceive the DOE into believing they were real students making adequate academic progress. The defendants falsified admission packets and applied for federal financial aid in the names of the students, falsely certifying that they were the student and that the financial aid would be used for educational purposes. Instead, the financial aid was used to enrich the recruited “students” and the defendants.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI’s Atlanta Division, DOE-OIG, and IRS-CI’s Atlanta Division investigated this matter. Senior Litigation Counsel David A. Bybee of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals of the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Schenectady Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jody Lyons, age 53, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to stealing the Social Security benefits of her deceased mother for several years after her mother’s death in January 2015.
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 (SSA), Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her guilty plea, Lyons admitted that beginning the month of her mother’s death, she withdrew and spent Social Security benefits that continued to be deposited into her mother’s bank account until August 2018, when the SSA learned of the death and benefit payments ceased. Lyons also admitted that she withdrew and spent her mother’s Social Security benefits despite knowing what the benefits were, that the benefits were intended for her mother, and that Lyons was not entitled to the money.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2021 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Lyons faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, Lyons has agreed to pay $95,961.00 in restitution to the SSA. 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 SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Savannah man admits attempting to hire a hit man in murder plotRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Chatham County man has admitted that he attempted to hire someone to commit murder on his behalf.
Mark Davis, 60, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Murder for Hire, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, in addition to substantial possible fines and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Protecting the life and safety of people in the community is among the most important duties of law enforcement personnel,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Detecting and stopping Mark Davis’ heinous murder plot demonstrates our law enforcement partners’ commitment to that effort.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Davis admitted that he attempted to hire someone in May 2020 to kill another person. An undercover agent, posing as a hit man, met with Davis to discuss a price for the would-be murder. Law enforcement officers arrested Davis after he paid the undercover agent an agreed-upon installment in cash.
“This case is another example of the lengths the FBI will go to protect the citizens of this country,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will always work together with our citizens to hold criminals accountable and prevent violence from happening in our communities.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Port Wentworth Police Department and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, and is being prosecuted for the United States by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
San Rafael Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Timothy Melchior was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Alsup, U.S. District Judge.
Melchior, 33, of San Rafael, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on January 28, 2020. In pleading guilty, Melchior admitted he possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. According to the United States’ sentencing memorandum, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Melchior’s residence on October 30, 2018. Inside the residence, agents found almost 200 grams of pure methamphetamine, along with distribution amounts of heroin and marijuana; multiple cell phones and laptops; a digital scale and drug packaging materials; approximately $12,000 in cash; and bank records showing that, despite being unemployed, the defendant possessed approximately $85,000 in his bank account.
A federal grand jury indicted Melchior on December 20, 2018, charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii). Melchior pleaded guilty to the sole count in the indictment.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release. Melchior’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 26, 2021, to set a date to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and David Ward are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Margoth Turcios. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
San Diego Man Charged with Aiming a Laser Pointer at Police Helicopter During a ProtestRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 20, 2020
SAN DIEGO – An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging San Diego resident Stephen Glenn McLeod with knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft on August 28, 2020.
McLeod was arraigned in federal court today. At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shapiro told U.S. Magistrate Allison Goddard that McLeod is alleged to have pointed a laser pointer at a San Diego Police Department helicopter multiple times while participating in a protest on August 28, 2020.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Goddard set a personal appearance bond of $35,000, guaranteed by two financial responsible adults. The next hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Janis Sammartino.
“We support everyone’s right to peacefully assemble and protest. Aiming a laser pointer at a police helicopter, however, is highly dangerous and a serious violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.
“When aimed at an aircraft, a beam of light from a handheld laser can illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding the pilots,” said Suzanne Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Diego. “It's a federal felony that the FBI and our law enforcement partners take very seriously.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 20CR3106JLS
Stephen Glenn McLeod Age: 38 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft – Title 18, United States Code, Section 39A
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCY
San Diego Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Joint Terrorism Task Force
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
San Antonio Return Preparer Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A San Antonio, Texas, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer of the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2013 and 2017, in San Antonio, Copperas Cove, and Killeen, Texas, Telesa Hall, 44, operated Precision Efile Tax Services, a tax preparation business. During the course of the scheme, Hall prepared at least 51 fraudulent tax returns, which sought to generate inflated refunds for her clients. Among other things, Hall falsely claimed on some of the returns substantial business losses, which artificially lowered her clients’ reported taxable income.
Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Court Jeffrey C. Manske. Hall faces a statutory maximum of three years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Sofer commended special agents or IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys William B. Guappone and Francesca L. Bartolomey, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Prison Official Charged with Accepting Bribes and Smuggling Contraband into Correctional InstitutionRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned an indictment on Oct. 14 charging a North Carolina Department of Public Safety official with a bribery and smuggling scheme that funneled drugs and other contraband into Caledonia Correctional Institution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.
Ollie Rose III, 61, of Pleasant Hill, North Carolina, was charged with one count of conspiring to use a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of unlawful activity, five counts of extortion under color of official right, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and four counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank.
According to the indictment, Rose, a case manager at Caledonia Correctional Institution, used his position as a public official to smuggle contraband, including marijuana, tobacco, and synthetic cannabinoids, into the prison for inmates. The indictment alleges that in exchange for smuggling illegal drugs and other contraband, Rose received payments ranging from $500 to $1,200 in cash or via a mobile application. Rose is alleged to have engaged in the smuggling scheme from at least November 2018 through October 2020.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman and Lauren E. Britsch of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
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.
Postal Service Employee Admits Stealing MailRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County, New Jersey, man today admitted to stealing gift cards and cash from mail that passed through post offices where he was employed, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Daniel Talorico, 40, of Sewell, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference today before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an information charging him with one count of theft of mail by a postal employee.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Talorico was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a laborer custodian in post offices in Burlington County and Camden County, New Jersey. Between May 2019 and October 2019, Talorico stole gift cards and cash from greeting cards and other mail that passed through the post offices where he worked.
The theft of mail by a postal employee charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 1, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Eastern Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Portland Man Accused of Illegal Possession of Body ArmorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland Oregon man with a previous felony conviction has been charged with possessing body armor during protest activity in Portland.
Maurice Lonnie Monson, 30, is charged by indictment with one count of Felon in Possession of Body Armor in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 931.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 4, 2020, a group of protestors were blocking traffic along North Lombard Street in Portland, Oregon, near the vicinity of the Portland Police Association (PPA) office. The PPA office has been targeted by violent protest activity numerous times throughout the summer.
At approximately 11:35 p.m., Portland Police declared an unlawful assembly after some within the protest hurled rocks, water bottles and cans at officers. As part of the unlawful assembly declaration, protestors were ordered to clear the roadway. Monson was arrested when he failed to comply with the order to disperse. When arrested, it was discovered that Monson was wearing a ballistic “bullet proof” vest. Additional investigation revealed that Monson has a previous felony conviction in Multnomah County, Oregon in 2009. As such, it is illegal for Monson to possess ballistic body armor.
Monson made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Six Years for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six years’ (72 months’) imprisonment and seven years’ supervised release on his conviction of Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Michael Riley, age 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from January 2, 2020 through March 3, 2020, Riley used a computer issued to him by his employer to knowingly receive and attempt to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, namely videos.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Riley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pennsylvania Biofuel Company and Owners Sentenced on Environmental and Tax Crime Convictions Arising out of Renewable Fuels FraudRead the Press Release
Two biofuel company owners were sentenced to prison for conspiracy and making false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and conspiracy to defraud the IRS and preparing a false tax claim.
U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III sentenced Ben Wootton, 55 of Savannah, Georgia, to 70 months and Race Miner, 51, of Marco Island, Florida, to 66 months, after a jury convicted both defendants and their company, Keystone Biofuels Inc. (Keystone), in April 2019. The company was originally located in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, and later in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Miner was the founder and chief executive officer of Keystone. Wootton was president of Keystone, and a former member of the National Biodiesel Board. The court ordered both men to pay restitution of $4,149,383.41 to the IRS and restitution of $5,076,376.07 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Wootton and Miner will also have to serve a three-year term of supervised release after their term of imprisonment. Keystone was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $4,149,383.41 to the IRS and restitution of $5,076,376.07 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection criminal fine.
“The EPA and IRS renewable fuels incentive programs are important components of the Congressional program to increase the use of biofuels to benefit the environment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentences are a strong reminder that the federal government will not allow supposed “green” conmen to illegally take advantage of federal and state programs that are meant to offer financial incentives to enhance the environment and energy sustainability.”
“The complex fraud perpetrated by the defendants in this case struck directly at the heart of a government program that was specifically created to benefit the environment, business owners and the community at large,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Encouraging companies to develop and provide for sale clean renewable fuels is truly a win-win proposition for everyone. Unfortunately, the defendants used this program to benefit only themselves. Today’s sentences send a clear message that my office, our federal partners and the United States Department of Justice will not tolerate renewable fuels fraud and related offenses.”
“The defendants defrauded the IRS and sought to profit from a system intended to protect the environment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “The Tax Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute with our partners such tax crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates there are real penalties for those defrauding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program,” said Jessica Taylor, Director of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program. “With this action EPA and its enforcement partners are continuing to protect both the integrity of the RINs program and the American taxpayer.”
“Wootton and Miner actively engaged in a multimillion-dollar scheme designed to rob the government and line their own pockets. Today, they learned there is a steep price to be paid for such greed,” said Jim Lee, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “It is the partnerships between IRS-CI and other federal agencies like the EPA that allow cases like this to come to fruition, holding accountable those who seek to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.”
“The only green resource these two cared about was money, and they told lie after lie to perpetuate their fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office. “Fair warning to anyone else seeking to scam the U.S. government and taxpayers like this: the FBI and our partners stand ready to investigate and hold you accountable as well.”
Wootton, Miner, and Keystone falsely represented that they were able to produce a fuel meeting the requirements set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for biodiesel (a renewable fuel) and adopted by the EPA, and as such were entitled to create renewable fuel credits, known as RINs, based on each gallon of renewable fuel produced. The fuel and the RINs have financial value and could be sold and purchased by participants within the federal renewable fuels commercial system.
Wootton and Miner were also convicted of fraudulently claiming federal tax refunds based on IRS’s Biofuel Mixture Credit. The Biodiesel Mixture Credit is a type of “blender’s credit” for persons or businesses who mix biodiesel with diesel fuel and use or sell the mixture as a fuel. Wootton and Miner caused Keystone to fraudulently claim tax refunds based on non-qualifying fuel and, in at least some instances, non-existent or non-mixed fuel. In an attempt to hide their fraud scheme, the men created false corporate books and records and sham financial transactions to account for the nonexistent and non-qualifying fuel, and to create the appearance of legitimacy.
The prosecution of Wootton, Miner and Keystone is the first prosecution of a case under the federal renewable fuels program based on fuel that did not meet the program renewable fuel quality standards.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lastra, and Trial Attorneys Mark Kotila and Michael C. Vasiliadis of the Tax Division. EPA Region III Criminal Investigation Division, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI Philadelphia’s Harrisburg Resident Agency investigated the matter.
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 by Mark a. Klaassen, United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Relating to the November 2020 General ElectionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Timothy W. Gist will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Gist has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Wyoming, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.” stated United States Attorney Klaassen.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Klaassen stated that AUSA/DEO Gist will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA/DEO Gist can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (307) 332-8195.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (307) 335-7559.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Klaassen said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Owner of Queens Acupuncture Business Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Assisting the Preparation of a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
The co-owner of a New York acupuncture business pleaded guilty yesterday to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Nikki B. Yu of Queens, New York, co-owned and operated Wellife Physical Therapy and Acupuncture PLLC (Wellife), and was also involved in the operation of Welling Physical Therapy and Acupuncture PLLC (Welling), both of which had locations throughout New York City. Yu used a series of management companies in order to receive untaxed income from the businesses. She and others transferred funds from Welling and Wellife to the management companies, but did not report those funds to the IRS. Rather, Yu and others cashed approximately $3 million in checks payable to the management companies at a check cashing business, and then provided false and incomplete information to her tax return preparers by failing to disclose this check cashing activity. As part of her plea agreement, Yu admitted that she caused six false income tax returns to be filed on behalf of the management companies, understating their gross receipts.
U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly set sentencing for April 21, 2021. Yu faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Anahi Cortada and Thomas Koelbl of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their assistance in this matter.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Newark City Council Member Charged with Scheming to Obtain Bribes and Kickbacks; Co-Schemer Admits Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Newark Municipal Council and Board of Directors of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) was charged today with scheming to obtain bribes and kickbacks, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Joseph A. McCallum Jr., 65, of Newark, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud for allegedly devising a scheme, using interstate wire communications, to defraud Newark and the NCEDC of the right to McCallum’s honest services. McCallum is scheduled to appear on a date that will be determined by the court.
Malik Frederick, 60, of Newark, a participant in the scheme, pleaded guilty today by videoconference before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to Count 1 of a four-count information, charging conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Count 3, charging him with subscribing to a false personal federal tax return for 2017 for intentionally not reporting over $100,000 in income.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
As a member of the Newark city council, representing the West Ward, and of the NCEDC (now known as Invest Newark!), from 2017 through February 2020, McCallum schemed to receive concealed bribes and kickbacks from Frederick, funded by developers, contracting companies, and other businesses seeking contracts and approvals principally related to development, construction, and real estate projects and deals in Newark. These developers and others were solicited by Frederick to hire his consulting company for “access,” and were introduced to McCallum as the councilman behind the particular project or deal of interest to them. McCallum then received and planned to receive concealed bribes and kickbacks derived from the fees that Frederick obtained from those who retained his company.
In exchange, McCallum used his official positions to provide assistance to those who retained Frederick’s company. For those who refused or hesitated to pay, McCallum and Frederick intended to prevent them from obtaining contracts and work from the NCEDC and the City of Newark. McCallum and Frederick used interstate emails and phone calls to further this scheme and took significant steps to conceal these bribes and kickbacks.
The bribes and kickbacks received and sought by McCallum through Frederick included the following:
- A $16,000 bribe funded by a payment from a contracting company;
- a $25,000 bribe and kickback funded by a payment from a developer’s company;
- $500 in cash to cover travel expenses for an out-of-country trip and an attempt to receive part of a $50,000 payment from a second developer;
- and an attempt to obtain payments from a seller of property in the West Ward and a developer who was seeking to buy and develop the property.
Frederick also sought to have a modular home company that was in negotiations with the NCEDC on a development project in Newark retain Frederick’s company and obtain a $40,000 payment from the company. Frederick intended to share the $40,000 payment with an NCEDC official (Co-Conspirator 2) who referred Frederick to the modular home company and expected a portion of whatever Frederick would be paid. After the modular home company refused to retain Frederick’s company, it did not receive a contract from the NCEDC.
The honest services wire fraud charge alleged in the criminal complaint against McCallum and the wire fraud conspiracy charged in Count 1 of the information to which Frederick pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greater. The false tax return charge to which Frederick pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim, whichever is greater. Sentencing for Frederick is scheduled for March 2, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge in Newark George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, with the investigation leading to today’s charges against McCallum and guilty plea by Frederick.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jihee G. Suh, Jeffrey Manis, and Elaine K. Lou of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint against McCallum are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to File False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A resident of Newburgh, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, Jose Andreu filed false tax returns with the assistance of a return preparer. From 2011 through 2019, Andreu and others prepared and filed false returns through two tax preparation firms that reported significant tax withholdings based on fictitious Forms 1099-OID, in an effort to fraudulently obtain refunds from the IRS. The Forms 1099-OID falsely reported that financial institutions, creditors, and other entities had withheld federal income tax, when in reality no such taxes had been withheld. Andreu also filed false returns for himself and others, claiming more than $2,125,872 in refunds from the IRS.
U.S. District Judge Eric R. Komitee scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2021. Andreu faces up to five years in prison, as well as monetary penalties. As part of his plea agreement, Andreu has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Ann Marie Cherry and Mark Kotila of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to 87 Months on Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Critten, age 30, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute crack cocaine in St. Lawrence County.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks J. Bigwarfe.
As part of his guilty plea, Critten admitted that on December 20, 2018, he brought 104 grams of grams of crack cocaine to Massena, New York, with the intent of distributing it. Critten admitted he had hidden two bags of crack cocaine in his underwear, and that police discovered it during a search for an unrelated arrest. Critten admitted that he was to deliver the crack to a house in Masenna, and was to be paid $1,000 for the delivery.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, to begin after Critten’s release from prison.
This case was investigated by the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Anderson.
Navajo man charged in stabbing in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jamieson C. Mason, 28, of Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, waived his preliminary hearing in federal court today on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Mason will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 8, Mason allegedly was present at a residence for a birthday party, remaining mostly outside while others were inside preparing food. Mason allegedly entered the residence, approached the victim, who was sitting on a couch, pushed her torso forward and stabbed her in the back multiple times. Mason then reportedly fled the home.
The assault took place on the Navajo Nation. The victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, required treatment for her wounds at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The Farmington Office of the FBI and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shawn Goodine, 44, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 25, 2019, members of the Nashua Police Department were called to a residence for a report of domestic violence. When Goodine saw the police arrive at the residence, he went inside the first floor apartment and refused to leave. For the next 11 hours, he made several calls to friends and family, claiming that he had a firearm and that he would “not come out alive.” Several people reported these calls to the police. Officers also heard the defendant yelling, “This isn’t going to end well,” and “If they come in my house, I’m gonna light it up.” Eventually, the police threw chemical munitions in the basement window which resulted in Goodine coming out. Goodine later admitted that he possessed a firearm during the stand-off and the Nashua police recovered the firearm and ammunition in the basement of the residence. Goodine is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Goodine is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2021.
“In order to keep our communities safe from violence, it is imperative to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Each day, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who endanger our citizens by unlawfully possessing firearms. I am grateful to the Nashua Police Department and ATF for their work in protecting our citizens from potential violence.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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NDTX Round-Up: October 9-15Read the Press Release
GUILTY PLEA – JOHN ADRIAN GARCIA
On October 13, John Adrian Garcia, 19, plead guilty to carjacking. In June 2019, Garcia took a black Lexus RX from another individual by intimidation and force. Garcia faces up to 15 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department as part of the Dallas Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana.
SENTENCING – DESMOND WELLS
On October 15, Desmond Wells, 26, was sentenced to 210 months and ordered to pay $110,860.05 in restitution for attempted bank robbery. Upon entering Veritex Community Bank in Fort Worth, Wells and a coconspirator demanded “hundreds, fifties, and twenties” from bank employees. Seconds later, the coconspirator fired gunshots at bank employees striking two tellers behind the counter and one employee seated at the center island. Both Wells and the coconspirator fled the bank only to be arrested by law enforcement later the same day. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and the Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cole prosecuted this case.
GUILTY PLEA – GERSON GAMALIEL ROJO GUZMAN
On October 15, Gerson Gamaliel Rojo Guzman, 30, plead guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rojo Guzman’s residence. Officers recovered cocaine, two firearms, ammunition, and $11,550 in cash. Rojo Guzman faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Desoto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is prosecuting this case.
GUILTY PLEA – CARLOS DANIEL MARTINEZ-MARIN
On October 15, Carlos Daniel Martinez-Marin, 22, plead guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. DEA agents located a house used as a meth conversion lab in the Northern District that was used by Martinez-Marin and other co-conspirators. As Martinez-Marin exited the house he was arrested, and agents executed a search warrant on the house. Law enforcement recovered a meth conversion lab; large quantities of liquid methamphetamine in 18 containers; 21,332 grams of crystal methamphetamine; 3,013 grams of heroin; $3,252 in drug proceeds. Martinez-Marin faces up to 40 years in federal prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kull is prosecuting this case.
Muskogee Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Solomon Lamont Horsechief, a/k/a Soloman Lamont Horsechief, age 35, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Sexual Abuse In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2242(2) and 2246(2)(A), punishable by imprisonment of any term of years up to life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Information alleged on or about March 27, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246, with A.R., who was, as the defendant well knew, at that time physically incapable of declining participation in the aforementioned sexual act and who was physically incapable of communicating unwillingness to engage in the aforementioned sexual act.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan represented the United States.
Morris Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cameron Austin Burgess, age 22, of Morris, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault Resulting In Substantial Bodily Injury To A Spouse, Intimate Partner, Or Dating Partner In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 113(a)(7), 1151, and 1153, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about March 4, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, Cameron Austin Burgess, an Indian, did assault a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner, resulting in substantial bodily injury.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department, Okmulgee Police Department, District 25 Violent Crime Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Reeves represented the United States at the plea hearing.