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Wednesday 9 September 2020
Indictment: Winfield Woman Embezzled more than $599,000Read the Press Release
UPDATE
A federal judge dismissed the indictment against the defendant, Jean Trummel, in the case described in the press release below.
WICHITA, KAN. – Audrey Elkins, 42, Winfield, Kan., is charged with one count of embezzlement. The crime is alleged to have occurred November 2010 to November 2017 in Cowley County, Kan.
The indictment alleges that while she was an employee of William Newton Memorial Hospital Credit Union she stole more than $599,000. The indictment alleges she created fictitious loans and converted the money to her own use.
If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Gina Hutson, 58, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of bank fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 2011 to May 2018. She is alleged to have used to her company-issued credit card to make payments for personal expenses.
If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Kathy De La Torre, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and August 2020 in Wichita.
If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug counts, and not less than five years and a fine up to $250, 000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Hernan Romero, 25, Goodland, Kan., is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number. The indictment alleges that from 2016 to 2020 Romero used another person’s Social Security number.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.
John Canada, 41, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 22, 2020, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.
Carey Hall, 43, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 31, 2020, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.
Jean Trummel, 62, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of Social Security fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2012 to 2017 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
The indictment alleges she received more than $104,000 in benefits to which she was not entitled.
If convicted, she could face a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.
Fidel Gonzalez Hernandez, 44, Sublette, Kan., is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 3.5 pounds of pure methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 29, 2020, in Haskell County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Liberal Police Department and the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.
Kenneth Butler, 31, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August 2020 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Immigration impostor convictedRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 51-year-old Laredoan has admitted to wire fraud and extortion under color of official right, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Rito Salomon Palacios, 51, masqueraded at varying times as an officer or employee of Customs and Border Protection, an immigration officer or another federal officer or employee. At the plea today, the court also heard he delivered receipts in a document bearing the seal of the Department of Transportation.
Palacios defrauded and extorted members of the public who were not citizens or nationals of the United States. He took money or property by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises to deliver immigration visas, permits or residency in the United States. As part of the scheme, Palacios utilized the internet to set appointments for his victims.
Palacios has admitted as part of the plea that he demanded and obtained more than $72,000 from the fraud and extortion scheme.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a date to be set at a later time. At that time, Palacios faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man has pled guilty to three drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Martel DaAngelo Brown, also known as “Marty,” 33, pled guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
”Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge is saving lives,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We prosecute every case involving the distribution of fentanyl, regardless of quantity.”
Brown admitted that on February 5, 2020 and February 7, 2020, at 911 9th Street West in Huntington, he distributed approximately 1 gram and 0.67 grams of fentanyl during controlled buys. On February 10, 2020, a search warrant was executed at his residence where approximately 3.46 grams of fentanyl, digital scales and ledgers were located.
Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 14, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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. 3:20-cr-00039.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man has pled guilty to drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Maurice D. Grigsby, also known as “Ty,” 35, pled guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine.
“Many people think ‘crack’ is a thing of the past. It’s not. It’s still here and still a problem. We continue to prosecute crack dealers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Grigsby faces up to 20 years when sentenced. Great work by the FBI, the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime West Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police.”
Grigsby admitted that on March 28, 2019, at The Lighthouse Bar in Guyandotte, he distributed approximately 1.1 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant. Grigsby also admitted that on April 24, 2019, he distributed approximately 1.08 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant in a controlled buy near 2575 5th Ave. in Huntington.
Grigsby faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 14, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00257.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Harvey Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LAMONT REED, age 26, a resident of Harvey, was charged in an indictment with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
REED was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on September 4, 2020 in a one count indictment for possessing rifle ammunition after having been convicted of two different felony offenses. REED faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Covington Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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Hartford Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON GINEYARD, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service into a drug trafficking organization that was receiving shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico and California, and distributing the drug in and around Hartford. The investigation revealed that a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier was facilitating the shipment of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine through the USPS to addresses that were on his delivery route in Hartford. The letter carrier distributed cocaine to his own drug customers, and also delivered parcels to other large-scale cocaine traffickers in the Hartford area.
Gineyard regularly purchased ounce-quantities from another member of the organization and sold the drug in smaller quantities to his own customers.
Gineyard was arrested on May 22, 2019. On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Gineyard and 18 co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses.
Gineyard has been detained since his arrest. On November 26, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 61 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Duluth City, Georgia, man was sentenced today to 61 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to hijack the credit card accounts of multiple victims in order to fraudulently purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars in gift cards and high-end products, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Akintunde Adeyemi, 35, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiring to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 2016 through May 2017, Adeyemi and others participated in a “credit card takeover” conspiracy to obtain control of credit card accounts by using stolen personal information to apply for compromised credit cards. Upon credit approval, Adeyemi provided his conspirators with fake government identifications and the account information to retrieve the credit cards associated with the compromised accounts. Adeyemi directed conspirators to use the compromised credit card accounts to purchase gift cards and high-value items, such computer tablets, cell phones, and other electronic devices, throughout New Jersey and Georgia. The scheme caused over $600,000 in losses to financial institutions who issued the credit cards. Two of Adeyemi’s co-conspirators, Oluwaseun Jato and Funmilola Adekanmi, have also pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme and are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 7, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Adeyemi to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution to be determined at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Mateo of the Criminal Division in Trenton, and Nicholas Grippo, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to be with Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has received reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The office strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly. The office also encourages family members to alert their elderly relatives about this scam.
The scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.
“These scammers are preying on the elderly by exploiting their trust in the Department of Justice and the United States Government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to fighting elder fraud. We will investigate and prosecute phone scams and other schemes targeting the elderly to the fullest extent of our capabilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon. Elder Justice Coordinator Shira Hoffman added, “Phone scams are pervasive and increasingly sophisticated. The best way to protect yourself is not to share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls.”
Those who receive these calls are encouraged to report them to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime also runs a National Elder Fraud Hotline, for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first two to three days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to be with DOJ, Preying on ElderlyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The Department strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not provide personal information during these calls, which appear to be targeting the elderly.
Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the Department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.
“It is unconscionable that anyone would seek to prey upon elderly victims. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners to make sure we prevent and limit the damage done by this fraud scheme, and hold anyone who has participated accountable,” First Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said today. “Please watch out for this scam, and do not be fooled by scammers seeking your personal information – whether they are calling while posing as a DOJ employee or otherwise.”
Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information and to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
For local information from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva
Former USPS Employee Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $40K in Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEITH SANFORD, 33, of Litchfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to five years of probation for embezzling nearly $40,000 in postal money orders while working for the U.S. Postal Service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2017 and December 2018, Sanford was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and worked on a rotating basis at the Granby, West Granby and East Hartland Post Offices. Between April and December 2018, Sanford issued 139 postal money orders totaling $39,937.02 to himself and, in certain instances, his associates, without remitting payment for them. Sanford received all of the proceeds from this scheme.
Judge Bryant ordered Sanford to pay full restitution.
On June 2, 2020, Sanford pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Former Texas Correctional Officer Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Violating Civil Rights of InmateRead the Press Release
A former Senior Correctional Officer at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Beaumont, Texas, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for assaulting an inmate housed at the facility.
“The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting correctional officers who use their position of authority to harm others, as opposed to upholding the duties of their job and protecting the individuals in their care,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.
“Correctional officers work hard every day to enforce the rules and ensure order within our prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox for the Eastern District of Texas. “When one officer decides to violate those rules and disrupt that order, it undermines the important work of all correctional officers.”
Tavoris Bottley, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield to 18 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Bottley previously pleaded guilty on December 5, 2019, to one count of violating the civil rights of an inmate in his custody.
According to plea documents and information presented in court, on June 8, 2017, while on duty as a federal correctional officer at FCC Beaumont, Bottley punched A.A, an inmate, in the face and head multiple times without justification. Bottley admitted that he and his supervisor, Khristal Ford, intentionally unlocked and entered the secured cell where A.A. was being held with the intention of assaulting the inmate for being disrespectful and throwing a food tray. Bottley admitted that he then punched A.A., even though A.A. did not pose any threat at the time.
BOP Lieutenant Khristal Ford previously pleaded guilty on May 29, 2019, to aiding and abetting in the assault of A.A., and admitted to submitting written reports that omitted any reference to the assault in an effort to cover up the incident and make it appear justified. Ford was sentenced on January 8, 2020, to 24 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson of the Eastern District of Texas.
Former Obstetrician/Gynecologist Robert Hadden Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Sexually Abusing PatientsRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that ROBERT HADDEN was arrested this morning and charged with enticing and inducing six victims to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity. The indictment unsealed today alleges that from at least in or about 1993, up to and including at least in or about 2012, HADDEN enticed and induced dozens of victims, including minors, to travel to his medical offices in New York, New York, at least in part for the purpose of subjecting them to unlawful sexual abuse. HADDEN is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger this afternoon. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, between 1993 and 2012, Robert Hadden sexually abused dozens of women and girls during Ob/Gyn examinations at his medical offices in Manhattan. Hadden allegedly used the examinations of his victims for his own sexual gratification, abusing dozens of victims over a nearly 20-year period, including multiple minor girls, one of whom Hadden had himself delivered. The allegations show that Hadden acted as a predator in a white coat. He allegedly used the cover of conducting medical examinations to engage in sexual abuse that he passed off as normal and medically necessary, when it was neither normal nor necessary – it was criminal. I want to thank and commend the brave women who were willing to come forward to tell us what happened to them, without whom these charges could not have been brought.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The abusive behavior alleged here took place over the course of nearly two decades, which means there could be many victims out there we have not heard from. We are asking anyone seeing this information to reach out to us. We want you to know FBI special agents, NYPD detectives, analysts, victim specialists, and prosecutors investigating this case are here for each and every one of you, and we are your advocates. It is important to remember nothing Dr. Hadden has done was, or ever will be, your fault. We see time and time again that voices matter, and those who have stepped forward have empowered others to do the same. If you have been victimized by Robert Hadden in any way, or have any additional information about his alleged illegal behavior, please call us at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or reach out to us at www.tips.fbi.gov.”
If you believe you are a victim of the sexual abuse perpetrated by Robert Hadden, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI, and reference this case.
According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Over more than a decade, ROBERT HADDEN sexually abused dozens of female patients, including multiple minors, under the guise of conducting purported gynecological and obstetric examinations at HADDEN’s medical offices and at hospitals in New York, New York.
From at least 1993 through at least 2012, HADDEN enticed and induced multiple victims to travel to his medical offices in New York, at least in part for the purpose of subjecting them to unlawful sexual abuse. HADDEN used his position as a medical doctor at Columbia University to make or to attempt to make his victims believe that the sexual abuse he inflicted on them was appropriate and medically necessary. HADDEN encouraged his victims to return to see him and often directed his victims to schedule follow-up visits on timelines he set. As a result, some of his victims attended many appointments with HADDEN over the course of multiple years, at which HADDEN repeatedly abused them. HADDEN caused multiple victims to return to appointments with him to be further sexually abused, knowing that in order to do so many of his victims would travel to HADDEN’s offices in Manhattan from or through other states.
As alleged, HADDEN abused dozens of patients through a process that entailed developing a relationship with his victims and causing them to trust him, before engaging in a course of increasingly abusive conduct, which HADDEN attempted to mask under the guise of legitimate medical care. HADDEN frequently created opportunities to be alone with his victims. Among other things, HADDEN invited his victims to meet with him alone in his office, sent nurses and medical assistants out of the examination room for periods of time, and/or intentionally failed to tell nurses and medical assistants when he was going into examination rooms, so that he could be alone with his victims.
After developing or attempting to develop a rapport with his victims, HADDEN then began to engage in a course of physical sexual abuse of his victims. In the case of many victims, HADDEN’s conduct became increasingly abusive over time. The abusive sexual conduct included, among other things, HADDEN conducting excessively long and sexualized breast exams that involved caressing or groping a victim’s breasts, and pinching, twisting, or otherwise manipulating a victim’s nipples; conducting two breast exams per appointment; conducting pelvic exams during which HADDEN used his hands to touch a victim’s clitoris, labia, vagina, and/or anus without a valid medical purpose; and conducting pelvic exams during which HADDEN licked a victim’s vagina. HADDEN also frequently brought up inappropriate and medically irrelevant sexual topics without prompting from his patients.
As alleged, HADDEN enticed and coerced six particular victims, including a minor victim, to travel to New York, New York, from or through another state to engage in illegal sexual activity.
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ROBERT HADDEN, 62, of Englewood, New Jersey, is charged with six counts of enticing and inducing individuals to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maurene Comey, Jessica Lonergan, and Lara Pomerantz are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Charged with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Today an Information was filed in federal court charging former elected Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith with obstruction of justice for attempting to get a friend and two of his assistant prosecutors to make false statements to federal law enforcement officers and a federal grand jury in a federal criminal investigation of Smith’s own criminal conduct, United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.
Former Prosecutor Eric Smith, 53, of Macomb Township, was charged with obstruction of justice, a felony that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The charge was based on an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that revealed that between 2012 and 2020, Smith conducted two fraud schemes to steal approximately $75,000 in cash from his political campaign fund to use for personal expenses. Then, when he became aware of a federal grand jury investigation in 2019, Smith began a campaign of a different sort, imploring witnesses to lie and commit perjury on his behalf to federal authorities and a federal grand jury.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Steven D’Antuono, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Schneider stated, “Our office has worked tirelessly over the years, in partnership with our federal investigative agencies, to put an end to corruption in Eastern Michigan. And we have brought to justice many corrupt public officials, including corrupt police officers, pension board members, council members, trustees and even mayors of major cities. But this case is even more troubling. It involves the head law enforcement official for the third largest county in our state with a population closing in on one million. That Prosecutor Smith was responsible for enforcing our state laws and bringing criminals to justice, only to devolve into a criminal himself by interfering with our system of justice, raises his corrupt acts to an entirely new level. But today, thankfully, Prosecutor Smith is himself a defendant who will now meet the justice he so richly deserves.”
“The supporters of Eric Smith's campaign had an expectation that he would use their money to fund his election and to provide excellent and honest service to the citizens of Macomb County. Instead he broke that trust and used their money to pay for his own personal expenses,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “And when he found out he was being investigated for that crime, he used his personal and political influence to try to obstruct the investigation. The FBI is unwavering in its pursuit of corruption at all levels of the government. Because of his self-interest and greed, Smith has thrown away a long career and has become one of those criminals he promised to protect the citizens of Macomb from.”
This case was investigated by FBI Special Agent Brent Nida of the FBI's Macomb County Resident Agency and Special Agent Robert Beeckman of the Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Michael Bullotta and Robert Moran and David Gardey.
To hear prepared remarks from United States Attorney Matthew Schneider, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgN-b5voHeA&feature=youtu.be
Former Lunenburg Woman Indicted for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Lunenburg woman was arrested today in Wisconsin for stealing Social Security benefits.
Sue E. Delaney, 68, was charged by indictment on one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. Delaney made an initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin today and was released on conditions.
As alleged in the indictment, Delaney’s mother-in-law, who was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, died in 1999. Delaney failed to inform Social Security of the death, and Social Security continued to deposit monthly benefits into a bank account held by Delaney’s mother-in-law. From November 1999 through March 2017, Delaney stole approximately $221,656 in Social Security benefits from her dead mother-in-law’s account.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former IRS Service Center Employee Pleads Guilty to Filing Hundreds of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former employee of the IRS Service Center in Andover pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting the preparation and filing of at least 70 false tax returns for herself and other individuals.
Jennifer Beth True, 44, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return and four counts of filing a fraudulent tax return by an employee of the United States. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2021. In January 2020, True was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.
True was employed by the Internal Revenue Service for over 22 years. In her position as a Lead Contact Representative, she assisted team members in responding to difficult and complex taxpayer inquiries. Throughout her employment, True was trained in tax law, ethics, information protection and disclosure, privacy, identity theft and identity protection.
True electronically filed over 500 tax returns for herself and other taxpayers between 2012 and 2018, in violation of IRS rules prohibiting employees from “Engaging in the preparation of tax returns for compensation, gift, or favor.” True admitted that between approximately February 2012 and April 2018, she prepared or assisted in preparing and filing of at least 70 IRS Forms 1040 – U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns – for herself and other taxpayers that True knew contained materially false items such as false individual retirement account deductions, false medical expenses, false and inflated unreimbursed business expenses and/or false tax preparation fees. Some returns also included false child and dependent care credits. As a result of the false deductions claimed on the returns, the tax obligations of True and those individuals whose false returns she prepared was reduced.
The charge of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. The charge of filing a fraudulent tax return by an employee of the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; William Kalb, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, New York Field; and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Florida man admits trafficking drugs after 78 pounds of meth seized in traffic stopRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Florida man today admitted a drug trafficking crime after the Montana Highway Patrol seized 78 pounds of nearly pure methamphetamine, which is more than a quarter of a million doses, during a traffic stop near Columbus, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nichols James Imhoff, 30, of Cape Coral, FL, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Imhoff faces a minimum mandatory 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Imhoff was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing will be set by U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Feb. 11, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper stopped an eastbound Dodge Caravan for speeding on Interstate 90 near Columbus. Imhoff, the driver, provided a Florida driver's license, a rental contract for the vehicle from Las Vegas, NV, and told the trooper he was headed back to work in the oilfields in North Dakota. Imhoff's explanations and other observations led the trooper to suspect Imhoff was transporting drugs.
The trooper deployed his canine on the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs. Imhoff's vehicle was impounded in Columbus, and the officer obtained a Montana search warrant. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized about 78 pound of meth, which is the equivalent of 282,672 doses. The meth was located under a floor storage compartment in the second seat area and was in white plastic garbage bags. Some of the meth was packaged in vacuum sealed plastic bags and some was wrapped in gray duct tape. An analysis by a Drug Enforcement Administration lab determined the meth was 98 percent pure.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Highway Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Florida Woman Sentenced for Trafficking Drugs Through Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 41-year-old Ft. Lauderdale, Florida woman has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Shenita Denise Peterson pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale.
According to information provided in court, on Aug. 23, 2019, Peterson was stopped by Beaumont Police for a traffic violation on Interstate Highway 10 in Beaumont, Texas. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 45 individual kilograms of cocaine, which were concealed in the door panels of the vehicle. Peterson was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 4, 2019 and charged with drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Men for Carjacking and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, September 4, 2020 that RICHARD JONES, age 22, and KAHLIQ WILLIAMS, age 20, residents of New Orleans, LA, are charged in a six-count indictment. Counts 1 and 3 of the indictment charges JONES and WILLIAMS for their alleged participation in the carjacking of a man on Eastern Street in New Orleans, LA on April 16, 2020, and the burglary of C&S Gun Parlor in Covington, LA on April 17, 2020. In Count 4, WILLIAMS is charged with an additional carjacking, which took place on May 19, 2020, in the 7600 block of Trapier Avenue in New Orleans, LA. Count 6 charges JONES with being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 22, 2020, the date of his arrest. Finally, in Counts 2 and 5, both JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.
In Counts 1 and 4 of the indictment, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 2119. If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. In Counts 2 and 5, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 924(c)(1). If convicted, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years to life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. In Count 3, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with burglary of a federal firearm licensee in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(u). If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Finally, in Count 6, JONES is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(g)(1) and 18 United States Code Section 924(a)(2). If convicted, JONES faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Farmington man charged with making threats against presidential candidates on FacebookRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Steve Wayne Barton, 63, of Farmington, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque on Sept. 4 on charges of making repeated threats against President Donald Trump and presidential candidate Joe Biden.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Barton allegedly posted several threatening messages on Facebook from April 19 through Aug. 19. These messages threatened the two major presidential candidates and other elected officials.
Barton is charged with one count each of threatening the president and threatening a major candidate for the office of president. He is currently out of custody awaiting trial. If convicted, Barton faces up to five years in prison for each count.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.
Former Texas Correctional Officer Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Violating Civil Rights of InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former Senior Correctional Officer at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Beaumont, Texas, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for assaulting an inmate housed at the facility.
“The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting correctional officers who use their position of authority to harm others, as opposed to upholding the duties of their job and protecting the individuals in their care,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.
“Correctional officers work hard every day to enforce the rules and ensure order within our prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox Eastern District of Texas. “When an officer acts like a schoolyard bully, it undermines the important work of all correctional officers and disrupts the very law and order they have sworn to protect.”
Tavoris Bottley, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield to 18 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Bottley previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 5, 2019, to one count of violating the civil rights of an inmate in his custody.
According to plea documents and information presented in court, on June 8, 2017, while on duty as a federal correctional officer at FCC Beaumont, Bottley punched A.A, an inmate, in the face and head multiple times without justification. Bottley admitted that he and his supervisor, Khristal Ford, intentionally unlocked and entered the secured cell where A.A. was being held with the intention of assaulting the inmate for being disrespectful and throwing a food tray. Bottley admitted that he then punched A.A., even though A.A. did not pose any threat at the time.
BOP Lieutenant Khristal Ford previously pleaded guilty on May 29, 2019, to aiding and abetting in the assault of A.A., and admitted to submitting written reports that omitted any reference to the assault in an effort to cover up the incident and make it appear justified. Ford was sentenced on Jan. 8, 2020, to 24 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson of the Eastern District of Texas.
Eufaula Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm He Used to Commit a Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Thursday, September 3, 2020, Steven Denard Paige, a 28-year-old from Eufaula, Alabama, was sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal firearms charge, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Paige was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and statements made in open court, on October 28, 2018, the Eufaula Police Department responded to a disturbance call at a residence. When officers arrived, they learned that Paige was having an argument with a female and, at some point during the argument, he made threats against her life and used a .22 caliber rifle to sexually assault her. Paige has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Paige was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was brought into federal custody on November 7, 2019 and has remained there since that date. Paige pleaded guilty to the charge on March 12, 2020. Based on the details surrounding the October 2018 offense and his criminal history, the prosecutor argued for the maximum sentence available under the felon-in-possession statute, which was ordered by the judge.
The Eufaula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brett Talley and Curtis Ivy prosecuted the case.
Edmonds, Washington, man charged with arson and unlawful possession of a destructive device in connection with May 30 protestRead the Press Release
Seattle - A 20-year-old Edmonds, Washington, man was charged today in U.S. District Court in Seattle with two counts of arson and two counts of unlawful possession of a destructive device for his activities at a protest that turned violent in downtown Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. KELLY THOMAS JACKSON was arrested this morning and will appear in U.S. District Court at 2:00 today.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with state, local and federal law enforcement to prosecute those who turn protected speech into violent criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Brian Moran. “Not every criminal act will implicate a federal interest, but where there is federal jurisdiction we will use our tools to hold law-breakers accountable.”
“These individuals are hijacking legitimate First Amendment protected activity. By investigating this violent activity, the messages of peaceful protests have a better chance of being heard,” said Raymond Duda, Special Agent in Charge FBI Seattle.
According to records filed in the case, following a May 30, 2020, demonstration in downtown Seattle, law enforcement was investigating a number of criminal acts, including the arson of a number of Seattle Police vehicles. Law enforcement has various videos of a white male suspect in distinctive clothing using glass containers with a flammable material and a wick to burn or attempt to burn two police vehicles. JACKSON was identified as a potential suspect in the case after an anonymous tip to law enforcement. A detailed review of videos from the scene confirmed the suspect resembled JACKSON. Further, a court-authorized analysis of cell phone records placed JACKSON in the area at the time of the fires. JACKSON was observed wearing the same distinctive clothing as in the videos. Finally, additional evidence obtained by law enforcement includes a video of the suspect (JACKSON) throwing one Molotov cocktail into a police vehicle, another video of a glass bottle with a wick, and information that JACKSON accessed web-based information on how to construct Molotov cocktails. The second Molotov cocktail was thrown at the windshield of a police vehicle, bounced off, and exploded in flames on the sidewalk outside the Nordstrom store.
Arson is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of a destructive device is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Seattle Police Department, the Edmonds Police Department and the Mountlake Terrace Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
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Dominican National Sentenced for Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in connection with using the identity of a U.S. citizen.
Roberto Melo Guerrero, 39, a Dominican national who formerly resided in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Melo Guerrero was also ordered to pay restitution of $18,505 to MassHealth and to forfeit the same amount. He will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In July 2020, Melo Guerrero pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to a health care benefit program. Melo Guerrero was arrested in December 2019 and has been detained since that time.
Melo Guerrero used the name and identifiers of a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years, including to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and to apply for MassHealth benefits. MassHealth then provided benefits valued at $18,505 to Melo Guerrero. In addition, on multiple occasions, Melo Guerrero was arrested and charged in Massachusetts with drug trafficking offenses under the name of this U.S. citizen.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprised of personnel from various state, local and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Office; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Massachusetts State Police; HSI Attaché in the Dominican Republic; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Department of Justice announces funding to promote law enforcement mental health and wellnessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) this week announced $4.5 million in grants for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program. The Montana Department of Justice will receive $84,342 for its Peer Support Project.
These program funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, implementation of promising practices related to peer mentoring mental health and wellness, and suicide prevention programs.
"Every day, our law enforcement officers put themselves at risk to keep us safe. Now, the job is even more challenging with officers facing potential exposure to COVID-19 while dealing with increasing violent crime. I want to thank our law enforcement officers, deputies, agents and troopers for their hard work, and I am pleased Montana will receive this funding to help keep them healthy and well," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said today.
“Good mental and psychological health is just as essential as good physical health for law enforcement officers to be effective in keeping our communities safe from crime and violence,” Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said. “This grant will enable Montana’s law enforcement agencies to provide a safe environment for officers to talk about mental health challenges they may be facing and receive immediate assistance thanks to the Peer Support Project.”
"As a law enforcement professional with over 50 years of experience, I know firsthand the pressures that accompany this most noble profession,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “This Department of Justice is committed to protecting the health and wellness of a police department’s most valuable asset – the men and women that leave their homes every day with a mission to protect and serve. The grants announced today will provide departments with key mental health and wellness services.”
As part of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, Congress authorized the COPS Office to establish peer mentoring mental health and wellness pilot programs within state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. The 41 awards announced today meet the goals of the 2017 Act and support the Department of Justice and the Administration’s commitment to law enforcement. The full list of awards is available here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/lemhwa/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the grants announced today, the COPS Office recently published two reports regarding officer mental health and wellness. Those reports are available here:
- Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Report to Congress
- Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For more information, please visit: https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
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Department of Justice Awards Sojourner House $550,000 for Transitional Housing AssistanceRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman today announced the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women has awarded Sojourner House $550,000 to fund a Transitional Housing Program.
The Transitional Housing Program provides aid to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, as a result of their victimization, and for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient.
In August, the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, awarded a $499,998 grant to Sojourner House to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.
“I am pleased the Department of Justice continues to recognize the critical support Sojourner House provides to our community by providing much needed financial support,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “Sadly, incidents of domestic violence and other forms of violence, particularly against women, have spiked during these unprecedented times. The Transitional Housing Program, and other support services provided by Sojourner House and by agencies across the state, are providing much needed support and resources, often times a lifeline, to victims at a time when they are most vulnerable.”
According to Sojourner House’s grant application, the funds will be used to provide housing and supportive services to move survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless to permanent housing. The project will assist clients for between 6 and 24 months.
Services offered will focus on empowering victims towards self-sufficiency as well as meeting the needs of the underserved Hispanic, Spanish-speaking, immigrant, Deaf, rural, LGBTQIA+, men, and human trafficking survivor population in the region. The range of optional services will include: rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, limited legal assistance, and housing advocacy.
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Department of Justice Awards $16 Million in Grants to Advance Community Policing Efforts and Provide Active Shooter Training to First Responders Across the CountryRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $8 million in funding to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement. Community Policing Development (CPD) program funds are used to develop the capacity of law enforcement to implement community policing by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.
The COPS Office also announced a new $8.5 million award under the Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) program to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University to provide multi-disciplinary, scenario-based active shooter training to first responders.
“One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is to keep communities safe from violent crime,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “The two grant programs announced today will promote promising best practices to advance community policing, which is a proven public safety approach, and provide much-needed training against active shooters, which remain a constant threat to the citizens of this great country.”
Highlights of today’s 24 CPD awards include $500,000 to the International Association of Chiefs of Police to document and advance victim support services; $1.3 million to the University of Tennessee to establish a rural law enforcement training center; and $500,000 to Movement Forward, which is a national law enforcement and faith-based partnership program. Additionally, $1.3 million is being awarded in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to expand training opportunities for officers and create updated resource guides for law enforcement on safe and effective vehicular pursuits. The full list of awards is available on the COPS Office website at: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/cpd/Award_List.pdf
Since 2017, COPS Office funding through the PASS program has provided active shooter training for approximately 53,000 first responders across the nation. The additional $8.5 million announced today will fund training for roughly 20,000 additional first responders. Additional information about the PASS program can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/pass/Award_List.pdf.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance. For more information, please visit: https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
Department of Justice Awards $16 Million in Grants to Advance Community Policing Efforts and Provide Active Shooter Training to First Responders Across the CountryRead the Press Release
COPS Office Public Affairs (202) 514-9079; [email protected]
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 9, 2020
SAN DIEGO – The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $8 million in funding to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement, including $40,000 to the La Mesa Police Department.
Community Policing Development (CPD) program funds are used to develop the capacity of law enforcement to implement community policing by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities. The COPS Office also announced a new $8.5 million award under the Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) program to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University to provide multi-disciplinary, scenario-based active shooter training to first responders.
“One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is to keep communities safe from violent crime,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “The two grant programs announced today will promote promising best practices to advance community policing, which is a proven public safety approach, and provide much-needed training against active shooters, which remain a constant threat to the citizens of this great country.”
“This funding will provide crucial training for the La Mesa Police Department and many other law enforcement agencies across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “It is our top priority to keep our communities safe.”
Highlights of today’s 24 CPD awards include $500,000 to the International Association of Chiefs of Police to document and advance victim support services; $1.3 million to the University of Tennessee to establish a rural law enforcement training center; and $500,000 to Movement Forward, which is a national law enforcement and faith-based partnership program. Additionally, $1.3 million is being awarded in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to expand training opportunities for officers and create updated resource guides for law enforcement on safe and effective vehicular pursuits. The full list of awards is available on the COPS Office website at: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/cpd/Award_List.pdf
Since 2017, COPS Office funding through the PASS program has provided active shooter training for approximately 53,000 first responders across the nation. The additional $8.5 million announced today will fund training for roughly 20,000 additional first responders. Additional information about the PASS program can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/pass/Award_List.pdf. The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Announces Funding to Promote Law Enforcement Mental Health and WellnessRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) this week announced $4.5 million in grants for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program. These program funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, implementation of promising practices related to peer mentoring mental health and wellness, and suicide prevention programs.
In the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was awarded $125,000 for their peer support project.
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police are an important public safety partner for all of us living in northeastern Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This funding from the Justice Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services will help the Lighthorse fulfill their mission to serve and protect. I’m proud to see the Department continuing to support tribal law enforcement.”
“As a law enforcement professional with over 50 years of experience, I know firsthand the pressures that accompany this most noble profession,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “This Department of Justice is committed to protecting the health and wellness of a police department’s most valuable asset – the men and women that leave their homes every day with a mission to protect and serve. The grants announced today will provide departments with key mental health and wellness services.”
Two other Oklahoma entities also received funding for peer support projects. In the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Muskogee Police Department received $121, 299, and in the Western District of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City received $111,724.
Good mental and psychological health is just as essential as good physical health for law enforcement officers to be effective in keeping our communities safe from crime and violence. As part of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, Congress authorized the COPS Office to establish peer mentoring mental health and wellness pilot programs within state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. The 41 awards announced today meet the goals of the 2017 Act and support the Department of Justice and the Administration’s commitment to law enforcement. The full list of awards is available here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/lemhwa/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the grants announced today, the COPS Office recently published two reports regarding officer mental health and wellness. Those reports are available here:
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Report to Congress
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
Denton Man Convicted of Trafficking 17-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
A Denton man has been convicted of child sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Following a day-long trial, a federal jury last night returned a guilty verdict against William Adam Jonathan Smith, convicting him of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
According to evidence presented at court, Mr. Smith met and befriended the 17 year-old victim in the summer of 2019. He introduced her to Charity Cantu, his longtime girlfriend, who worked for him as a prostitute. Mr. Smith told Ms. Cantu that she was to groom and train the victim too make money for him providing commercial sex services.
From August thru October 2019, the victim accompanied Ms. Cantu to hotels in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas and engaged in commercial sex acts. All of the proceeds from the commercial sex acts performed by the victim were given to Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith, 31, now faces up to life in federal prison. His sentencing is set for Jan. 8, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Fort Worth.
Ms. Cantu, 25, pleaded guilty in March to a racketeering charge. In court documents, she admitted that although she knew the victim was a minor, Ms. Cantu groomed the girl for commercial sex and posted ads for her sexual services online. Ms. Cantu testified at Mr. Smith’s trial and is slated to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman on Sept. 24, 2019.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Denton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Doug Allen and Brandie Wade tried the case.
Decatur Man to Serve 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid yesterday ordered Daniel A. Betty, 28, of Decatur, Ill., to serve 22 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting and enticing a 14-year-old girl in September and October 2019. In imposing sentence, Judge Shadid described Betty as a predator who manipulated the minor victim.
Betty admitted that he posed as a teenaged boy in a social application known as ‘Spotafriend’ to target minors and meet for sexual activity and to send him sexually explicit images. ‘Spotafriend’ advertises itself as a “swiping app for teens ages 13-19,” that uses internet and cellular data to connect individuals.
Betty entered his formal pleas of guilty yesterday to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of enticement of a minor, and one count of receipt of child pornography as charged in the indictment returned by the grand jury in January 2020.
Betty has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on Dec. 16, 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution. The charges were investigated by the Champaign Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Decatur Police Department, in cooperation with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Cuban national indicted for assaulting officer during smuggling attemptRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 32-year-old man who resided in Austin for assaulting, resisting or impeding officers and unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Brenli Lescaille-Durand is charged with two counts of unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens by means of a motor vehicle and two counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.
On Aug. 18, Lescaille-Durand allegedly drove to an area along U.S. Highway 281 and picked up multiple individuals from Mexico and Honduras illegally present in the United States. The charges allege he then drove just north of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Law enforcement attempted to pull him over but he, along with five occupants, fled the vehicle into the brush, according to the charges.
Authorities were able to ultimately apprehend Lescaille-Durand, but he had allegedly assaulted two of them while resisting arrest. The charges allege he punched, kicked and struck them with an object while attempting to flee.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for alien transporting and up to eight years for the alleged. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 fine.
BP and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Council Bluffs Man Charged with Being in Possession of Molotov Cocktail During Recent Omaha ProtestsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today the Indictment of Steven M. Fitch, age 25, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, charging him in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska for being in unlawful possession of a destructive device. Fitch faces a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. An indictment is merely a charging document and is not a finding of guilt as defendants are presumed innocent until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
On May 31, 2020, Fitch, while in Omaha, Nebraska, is alleged to have possessed a destructive device, also known as a Molotov Cocktail, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Fitch was arrested on May 31, 2020 during protests in downtown Omaha.
Fitch appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson on August 26, 2020, where he pleaded not guilty. Judge Nelson ordered Fitch detained until trial.
This case is being investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen GunRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ronald Johnson, 30, has pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, on March 11, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers observed a grey BMW on Yale Road near Ramill with a missing headlight and conducted a traffic stop. Officers could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked both the driver and the passenger to step out of the vehicle. Law enforcement searched Johnson, and found a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. Johnson was detained.
After searching the vehicle, officers found in the glovebox, a black Sig Sauer P938 9mm handgun loaded with one live round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine. Further investigation revealed the weapon had been reported stolen out of West Memphis, Arkansas. The driver, Johnson's girlfriend, advised she recently purchased the vehicle, but was out of town the previous weekend and that Johnson had been driving the vehicle.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, Johnson is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On September 9, 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing this gun after having previously been convicted of felony offenses. Sentencing is set before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker on December 10, 2020, where the defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "A stolen firearm in the hands of a violent felon threatens everyone. There is a good reason that federal law prohibits and punishes such illegal gun possession, and this conviction resulting in prison with no parole will help to reduce violent crime in Memphis."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Chinese National Facing Federal Indictment for Bribery of a Public OfficialRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today indicted Zhiyang Yang, age 60, formerly of Silver Spring, Maryland, on federal charges for bribing an immigration official. Yang will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, but no date has been set. Yang remains detained on a federal criminal complaint previously filed in this case.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Moreland of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR); and Special Agent in Charge Ray Villanueva of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.
According to the criminal complaint, on three occasions between September 27 and October 25, 2019, Yang, a Chinese national who is illegally present in the United States, made bribe payments of $100, $200, and $700 in order to secure more favorable conditions of required reporting to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The indictment alleges that on February 14, 2020, Yang provided $5,000 to an undercover HSI agent as a down payment in order to obtain an illegal Permanent Resident Card, which would reflect that Yang had legal status in the United States.
If convicted, Yang faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for bribery of a public official. 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.
Neither an indictment nor a criminal complaint is a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment or criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended ICE OPR and HSI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright, who is prosecuting the case.
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Chicago Street Gang Member Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison on Murder and Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A member of a violent Chicago street gang has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity that included murder.
ALONZO G. HORTA, 23, of Hammond, Ind., pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year. U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall imposed the sentence Sept. 4, 2020, after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
Horta admitted in a plea agreement that he conspired with leadership of the Latin Kings street gang to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity that included using violence and intimidation to protect the gang’s purported territory in Chicago. Horta admitted murdering Alfonso Calderon on the Southeast Side of the city on April 9, 2017, because Horta suspected that Calderon was a member of a rival gang. Horta was joined by two fellow members of the Latin Kings when they confronted him, and he fatally shot Calderon in order to advance the activities of the Latin Kings.
Horta was indicted in 2018 along with more than 30 other alleged members of the Latin Kings. The indictment charged numerous acts of violence allegedly committed by the gang’s members, including murder, attempted murder, and arson. Law enforcement uncovered the criminal activity through an investigation led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hammond, Ind., Police Department.
“Acting through the gang’s manifesto and constitution, members of the Latin Kings have infested the Southeast Side of Chicago and elsewhere with violence, drug-dealing, and witness intimidation,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys John D. Cooke, Ashley A. Chung, Brian J. Kerwin, and Grayson S. Walker argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “It is vital to communicate to the Southeast Side of Chicago and the rest of the district that carrying and using a gun can land you in federal prison for a long time, and that shooting a person to death will keep you in prison for decades.”
Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Mail TheftRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pled guilty today to bank fraud and possession of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Samantha Miller, 36, traveled to various banks in Kanawha County and presented stolen checks that had been altered in an attempt to cash them.
Miller admitted that on January 28, 2018, she successfully cashed an $800 check to obtain money that did not belong to her, and on February 9, 2018, she was caught with a number of stolen checks that had been taken from the United States mail. Miller knew that she possessed stolen mail and was in the process of altering the checks to attempt to cash them. She received several thousand dollars that did not belong to her through manipulating checks that had been stolen from the mail.
“This may not sound like a big deal but turn on the TV anywhere and you’ll understand the critical importance of the mail,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Miller’s actions tied up the investigative resources of state and federal agencies, undermined faith in the postal system for those who had checks stolen, and was a logistical nightmare for the victims to remedy the fraud.”
Miller faces up to 35 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine when she is sentenced on January 21, 2021. She also will be required to pay restitution to the victim banks.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Dunbar Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00114.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Carmel Attorney Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Tax Evasion and Failure to Pay over Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that FRANCIS J. O’REILLY, a Carmel attorney, was sentenced in White Plains federal court to 18 months in prison for committing tax evasion and failing to pay over payroll taxes for the tax year 2015 as part of a long-running tax fraud scheme that cost the U.S. Treasury over $800,000, including penalties and interests. O’REILLY previously pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Margaret Smith. U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, who accepted O’REILLY’s guilty plea, imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Francis O’Reilly, an attorney for three decades, knew his obligations under the law to pay over payroll taxes and to report and pay income tax when due. Having admitted his crimes, O’Reilly will now pay the consequences in jail time.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information to which O’REILLY pled guilty, court filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:
In or about 1989, O’REILLY was admitted to practice law in New York State. At all relevant times, O’REILLY was a self-employed attorney who maintained a law practice in Putnam County, New York, that specialized in, among other things, bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and criminal defense.
O’REILLY operated his law practice as a sole proprietorship and exercised control over its financial affairs. In particular, O’REILLY was responsible under federal law for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for his employees. Instead of fulfilling this responsibility, O’REILLY engaged in a decades-long scheme to defraud the IRS of the payroll taxes that were due and owing for his law practice. Between 1997 and 2018, O’REILLY failed to pay over a total of approximately $155,771 in payroll taxes, resulting in a liability of approximately $232,283 after interest and penalties.
In addition to failing to pay over payroll taxes, O’REILLY also engaged in substantial personal tax evasion. Between 2013 and 2017, O’REILLY withdrew a total of approximately $481,673 in untaxed funds from his attorney trust account for personal use, none of which he reported on his tax returns for those years. In addition to substantially underreporting his income and tax liabilities, O’REILLY failed to pay even those taxes that he did report, accruing large unpaid liabilities. In total, during the tax years 2007 through 2018, O’Reilly evaded approximately $566,027 in personal federal income taxes, including interest and penalties.
In or about late 2016, in an effort to settle with the IRS, O’REILLY submitted an offer in compromise to the IRS proposing to settle at least approximately $691,561 in outstanding tax liabilities for merely $12,400. In the 2016 offer in compromise, which O’REILLY signed under penalty of perjury, O’REILLY made several material misstatements and omissions regarding his income and assets. Among other things, O’REILLY’s offer in compromise: (a) failed to disclose the existence of O’REILLY’s attorney trust account, from which, as described above, O’REILLY drew substantial income; (b) failed to disclose real property and land that O’REILLY owned in Socorro County, New Mexico; and (c) failed to disclose a 2010 Lincoln vehicle that O’REILLY had recently purchased for approximately $16,000.
In all, O’REILLY caused the IRS to incur losses of over $800,000, including penalties and interest.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Karas ordered O’REILLY, 62, of Danbury, Connecticut, to serve two years of supervised release, and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $801,969, which represents O’REILLY’s unpaid tax liabilities, as well as certain penalties and interest, relating to his personal income taxes for the calendar years 2007 through 2018, payroll taxes for the calendar years 1997 through 2018, and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes for the calendar years 1998 through 2017.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of IRS Criminal Investigation in this case.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich is in charge of the prosecution.
Canton man enters guilty plea to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Matthew Paul Slatzer, 36, of Canton has entered a plea of guilty to one charge of possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence conviction.
“This guilty plea will serve as an important reminder of the serious consequences of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do everything possible to prohibit firearms possession by those, like this defendant, who are prohibited under federal law due to a prior domestic violence conviction.”
According to the indictment filed in this matter, On February 2, 2020, the Canton Police Department responded to a call at a bar for an intoxicated male with a gun inside the establishment. The indictment alleges that Slatzer knowingly possessed a .38 caliber revolver. Slatzer is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction on October 29, 2010.
Slatzer is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2020 before Judge Donald C. Nugent.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
California Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Credit Card Payment Processing Scheme and ObstructionRead the Press Release
A Glendale, California lawyer pleaded guilty today in connection with a conspiracy to defraud a bank into processing more than $5 million in credit and debit card payments for a student loan debit relief merchant that had previously been terminated by the bank’s risk department and his attempt to obstruct a federal grand jury proceeding and a civil investigation conducted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, both of which were investigating this scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of the District of Massachusetts made the announcement.
Rudy Dekermenjian, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss of the District of Columbia to an information filed in the District of Massachusetts charging one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and bank fraud and one count of alteration and falsification of records. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Dekermenjian admitted at the plea hearing that, from 2017 to 2018, while working as the General Counsel at a payment processing company based in Los Angeles, California (Company A), he conspired to fraudulently obtain payment processing services on behalf of a merchant providing student loan debt relief services. As alleged in the information, Company A had obtained payment card processing for the merchant from Fifth Third Bank beginning in 2016, but the bank’s risk department terminated the merchant in May 2017. Following the termination, executives at Company A counseled the merchant to re-apply for processing in the names of “sham merchants.”
The sham merchants’ applications, backstopped by fake websites that purported to sell housewares, jewelry, leather goods and other retail items made it appear to Fifth Third Bank that there was significanlty less risk associated with the business. In fact, the “sham merchants” were fronts for transactions that involved student-loan debt-relief and not retail goods. Dekermenjian learned of the scheme shortly after it commenced, joined the conspiracy, and subsequently earned commission payments of approximately $20,292 on the fraudulently obtained processing.
This scheme was the subject of two separate federal investigations. As described in the Information, in approximately November 2018, a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Massachusetts issued a subpoena to Company A for records relating to processing for merchants involved in loans and debt collection and records relating to the creation of merchant websites. In approximately May 2019, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) separately issued a civil investigative demand to Company A seeking documents relating to the “sham merchants” that Company A used to obtain payment processing for the student loan debt relief merchant. Dekermenjian admitted in the plea hearing held today to falsifying and altering the sham merchant applications in June 2019 with the intent to obstruct these investigations. Company A subsequently produced Dekermenjian’s altered and falsified documents to the CFPB.
The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Rhode Island Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Randall Warden of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), Bank Integrity Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth B. Kosto and David J. D’Addio of the District of Massachusetts’s Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
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.
California Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Credit Card Payment Processing Scheme and ObstructionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California lawyer pleaded guilty today in connection with a conspiracy to defraud a bank into processing more than $5 million in credit and debit card payments for a student loan debit relief merchant that had been terminated by the bank’s risk department.
Rudy Dekermenjian, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss of the District of Columbia to an Information filed in the District of Massachusetts charging one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and bank fraud and one count of alteration and falsification of records. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Dekermenjian admitted at the plea hearing that, from 2017 to 2018, while working as the General Counsel at a payment processing company based in Los Angeles, California (Company A), he conspired to fraudulently obtain payment processing services on behalf of a merchant providing student loan debt relief services. Company A had obtained payment card processing for the merchant from Fifth Third Bank beginning in 2016, but the bank’s risk department terminated the merchant in May 2017. Following the termination, executives at Company A counseled the merchant to re-apply for processing in the names of “sham merchants”. The sham merchants’ applications, backstopped by fake websites that purported to sell housewares, jewelry and leather goods, disguised the student loan debt relief company as a relatively low fraud and compliance risk. Dekermenjian learned of the scheme shortly after it commenced, joined the conspiracy, and subsequently earned commission payments of approximately $20,292 on the fraudulently obtained processing.
The scheme was the subject of two separate federal investigations. In approximately November 2018, a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Massachusetts issued a subpoena to Company A for records relating to processing for merchants involved in loans and debt collection and records relating to the creation of merchant websites. In approximately May 2019, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a civil investigative demand to Company A seeking documents relating to the “sham merchants” that Company A used to obtain payment processing for the student loan debt relief merchant. Dekermenjian admitted in the plea hearing to falsifying and altering the sham merchant applications in June 2019 to conceal the existence of the scheme and his knowledge of it. Company A subsequently produced Dekermenjian’s falsified documents to the CFPB.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of the District of Massachusetts and Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Rhode Island Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth B. Kosto and David J. D’Addio of the District of Massachusetts’s of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Trial Attorney Randall Warden of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
California Attorney Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar Conduit Campaign Contribution Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
A Glendale, California attorney pleaded guilty today for conspiring to make and conceal conduit and excessive campaign contributions during the U.S. presidential election in 2016 and thereafter.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Assistant Director in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
Rudy Dekermenjian, 42, of Glendale, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make conduit contributions, make excessive contributions, cause false statements, and cause false entries in records before the Honorable Randolph D. Moss of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, between March 2016 and June 2018, Dekermenjian conspired with Ahmad “Andy” Khawaja and others to make unlawful contributions to political committees, thereby circumventing contribution limits and causing the political committees to unwittingly submit false reports to the Federal Election Commission. Specifically, Dekermenjian admitted that in October 2016, Khawaja gave him $50,000 to contribute in Dekermenjian’s name to a political committee supporting a candidate running for U.S. president in the 2016 election cycle. The purpose of making the contribution in Dekermenjian’s name was to allow Khawaja to exceed contribution limits set by federal law with respect to the political committee at issue. The contribution was made in connection with a political event hosted by Khawaja in October 2016.
Additionally, Dekermenjian admitted that in January 2018, Khawaja gave him approximately $50,000 to contribute in Dekermenjian’s name to another political committee. Again, the purpose of making the contribution in Dekermenjian’s name was to allow Khawaja to exceed contribution limits with respect to the political committee at issue. The contribution was made in connection with another political event hosted by Khawaja in March 2018.
Charges remain pending against Khawaja, who is a fugitive, and others in the indictment. 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 is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James C. Mann and Michael J. Romano 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.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Large-Scale Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RANDY MARCHI, 39, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a large-scale heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Ivan Rosario, also known as “Ghost,” headed a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico to Bridgeport hidden inside motorcycles equipped with secret compartments. The organization then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area.
Marchi served as the “table manager” for Rosario’s organization, overseeing the processing and packaging of the organization’s heroin for street sale.
On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rosario, Marchi and five other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses.
Marchi has been detained since his arrest on April 1, 2017. On March 15, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin.
On April 24, 2018, a jury found Rosario guilty of one count of causing or inducing any person to destroy evidence. The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and found Rosario not guilty of one count of witness tampering and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On July 18, 2019, Judge Bryant sentenced Rosario to 210 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Bookkeeper to Plead Guilty to Embezzling $749,000; Fraudulently Collecting TDIRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former bookkeeper/office manager for a Rhode Island law firm, accused of embezzling more than $740,000 from her employer and fraudulently collecting nearly $20,000 in temporary disability insurance payments, will plead guilty to bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges, according to signed documents filed today in federal court in Providence.
According to an information and plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court, Sarah Gaulin, 39, a former employee of the law firm of Hamel, Waxler, Allen and Collins (HWAC), allegedly devised and executed schemes to obtain law firm funds by preparing and cashing HWAC checks made payable to herself, which included the signature of a law firm partner which Gaulin signed without authorization; preparing HWAC checks payable to her own creditors; and preparing HWAC checks payable to law firm credit card companies for personal purchases she made.
It is alleged that from at least January 2012 to May 2019, Gaulin defrauded HWAC of approximately $740,953.
It is alleged in court documents that, in a separate scheme, Gaulin submitted fraudulent bank statements to a Rhode Island bank as part of a mortgage application she filed with the bank. It is alleged her submitted personal bank statements reflected a positive balance when in fact her actual account was routinely overdrawn. Additionally, it is alleged that she reflected her rent was among her monthly expenses she paid when in fact she had been using funds she illegally obtained from HWAC to make the payments.
In a third scheme, as detailed in court documents, it is alleged that from March 26, 2016, to July, 23, 2016, and from May 5, 2018, to August 11, 2018, Gaulin fraudulently collected approximately $19,588 in temporary disability insurance payments from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training by claiming she was unable to work due to injury or illness. Gaulin, in fact, remained employed during the time she was collecting the benefits.
According to a plea agreement filed with the court, Gaulin will plead guilty to an information charging her with two counts of bank fraud, and one count each of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
An information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by Rhode Island State Police and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
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Bogalusa Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on September 8, 2020, United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced ADAM LUMPKIN, age 35, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, to 78 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty on October 22, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on December 14, 2018, agents and officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that LUMPKIN was traveling to a motel in Hammond, Louisiana with a quantity of methamphetamine. After LUMPKIN arrived at the motel, agents approached LUMPKIN’S vehicle and observed him throw a bag containing methamphetamine on to the floor of his vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a box of sandwich bags, and two digital scales. In a post-arrest interview, LUMPKIN acknowledged that he was preparing to distribute the methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Hammond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Paige O’Hale and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.
Beaverton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Willfully Failing to Collect or Pay over Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Jeffrey Fitch, 49, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced today to twelve months and one day in federal prison for willfully failing to collect or pay over employment taxes to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon also ordered Fitch to pay more than $453,000 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents, since 2002, Jeffrey Fitch, an engineer, owned and operated SFA Engineering LLC and SFA Design Group LLC. Between March 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, Fitch collected federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from his employees’ paychecks and gave them paystubs reflecting the taxes withheld. However, during this time period, Fitch never paid the IRS the amount of tax withheld from his employees nor did he file the appropriate employer tax returns. In addition, Fitch also failed to pay his employer’s share of payroll taxes due to the IRS.
Fitch used a large portion of the withheld funds to pay for his and his family’s personal expenses. In total, Fitch owed the IRS $453,879.40, which he paid just prior to sentencing.
On January 15, 2020, Fitch was charged by criminal information with one count of failing to collect or pay over employment taxes. On February 26, 2020, he pleaded guilty to the same charge.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Baltimore Man Facing Federal Indictment for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Marcus Street, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, with federal charges for production of child pornography.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
The two count indictment alleges that on or about November 14, 2019, Street used the camera on his cellular phone to create videos documenting his sexual abuse of a 14-year-old minor.
If convicted, Street faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison on each of the two counts of production of child pornography. 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. Street will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date. He is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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 Attorney’s 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel A. Loveland, Jr. and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Attorney GeneralWilliamP. Barr Announces Updates on Operation LeGend at Press Conference in ChicagoRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – At a press conference in Chicago today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 588 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the United States Marshals Service have recovered 169 firearms and made 1810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.
In Chicago, there has been a 49% decrease in homicides in the first four weeks of the operation, when compared to the four weeks prior to the operation’s launch. In fact, between April 2020 and the end of July 2020, Chicago was experiencing a steady and distressing increase in fatal shootings, which precipitously declined in August.
The Attorney General launched Operation LeGend on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 68 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 11 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
120 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 31 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 17 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 41 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
58 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 29 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 2 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 12 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 2 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
123 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 53 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 16 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
16 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 4 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 9 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
31 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 17 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announce update on Operation Legend during press conferenceRead the Press Release
At a press conference in Chicago today, Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced updates on Operation Legend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests in Legend cities, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 592 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the United States Marshals Service has recovered 169 firearms and made 1810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.
In Cleveland, 66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes, including 41 defendants charged with narcotics-related offenses, 22 charged with firearms-related offenses and 3 with other violent crimes. U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman released the following statement:
“We have made significant progress in Cleveland since the launch of Operation Legend. This progress includes arresting and charging drug traffickers, removing illegal firearms off our streets and putting repeat violent crime offenders behind bars. Additionally, thanks to a strong law enforcement partnership, police were able to arrest an individual suspected in the homicide of Eric Hakizamana. This investigation was the focus of law enforcement in Cleveland when Operation Legend was announced on July 29th.
The success we have had in this initiative is thanks, in large part, to law enforcement officers like Detective James Skernivitz, who was killed in the line of duty. Detective Skernivitz was a sworn Operation Legend task force officer assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The work he and his unit have done to help reduce violent crime in our community is invaluable and will have long-lasting effects. Operation Legend will not be the same without Detective Skernivitz, but the good work he has done will live on."
The Attorney General launched Operation Legend on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
Launched in Kansas City, MO. on July 8, 2020, the operation expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district can be found here.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates on Operation Legend at Press Conference in ChicagoRead the Press Release
Today, at a press conference in Chicago, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates to Operation Legend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 592 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered 169 firearms and made 1,810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.
In Chicago, there has been a 50 percent decrease in homicides in the first seven weeks of the operation, when compared to the five weeks prior to the operation’s launch. In fact, between April 2020 and the end of July 2020, Chicago was experiencing a steady and distressing increase in fatal shootings, which precipitously declined in August.
The Attorney General launched Operation Legend on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic, and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 68 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 11 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, IL.
124 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 30 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 90 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 17 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 41 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
58 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 29 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 2 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 12 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 2 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
123 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 53 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 16 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, TN.
16 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 4 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 9 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, IN.
31 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 17 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates on Operation Legend at Press Conference in ChicagoRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – At a press conference in Chicago today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation Legend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 592 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the United States Marshals Service have recovered 169 firearms and made 1810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.
In Chicago, there has been a 50% decrease in homicides in the first seven weeks of the operation, when compared to the five weeks prior to the operation’s launch. In fact, between April 2020 and the end of July 2020, Chicago was experiencing a steady and distressing increase in fatal shootings, which precipitously declined in August.
The Attorney General launched Operation Legend on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 68 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 11 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
124 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 30 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 90 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 17 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 41 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
58 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 29 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 2 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 12 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 2 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
123 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 53 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 16 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
16 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 4 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 9 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
31 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcoticsrelated offenses;
- 17 defendants have been charged with firearmsrelated offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.